Best dog treats: healthy and tasty rewards recommended by pet owners

Most pups are food-motivated, and using positive reinforcement by offering a treat for good behaviour is an effective way to train even the naughtiest dog. A yummy snack can inspire your pet to come as soon as called, understand that it’s time for bed and walk beautifully on a lead.

Each dog has their own unique quirks, and we know from experience that what one pup would love to munch on, another will ignore. So we’ve done the hard work for you and extensively researched recommendations from vets, the Mumsnet forums and trusted specialists in pet nutrition to find the treats that all dogs will enjoy. Analysing different textures, flavours and health benefits, we’ve scrutinised recipes to ensure they will be loved by pet owners and their hounds too.

Here are the best dog treats to buy.

1. Best overall dog treats: J R Pet Products 100% Meat Training Treats

Price: £14.99 for three 85g packs | Buy now from Amazon

“J R Pet Products are fantastic - all natural meat products and everything is responsibly sourced in Europe. No rawhide either.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user TeacupRex)

J R Pet Products Meaty Training Treats are made from 100% natural meat, and there are no chemicals or preservatives, so dogs with even the most sensitive of stomachs can enjoy them.

These fantastic, high-protein treats are available in a range of irresistible rich flavours from traditional chicken and beef to kangaroo, sea bass and goat so your pup will never get bored.

They are suitable for all breeds and sizes and can be given to your dog from four weeks of age. The meat is responsibly sourced, and the environmentally-friendly packaging can be resealed easily so that freshness and flavour are locked in.

Pros

• Easy to cut up into small pieces

• Good for dogs with a sensitive tummy

• Simple and natural recipe

Cons

• A little pricey

Key specs

• Pack size: Three x 85g packs

• Pet life stage: From four weeks

• Flavour: Chicken, duck, rabbit included in the pack

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits: Training; healthy snacks

2. Best budget dog treats: Pet Munchies Wild Salmon Training Treats

Price: £12.72 for eight 50g packs | Buy now from Amazon 

“We do have some lovely treats called ‘Pet Munchies Training Treats’ which were recommended to us by our vet. They come in all different flavours, from duck to sushi and are around £12 for eight packets on Amazon. They’re the perfect size for training, although we halve them, meaning they last even longer.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user SomeoneBeatMeToMyUsername)

Pet Munchies Training Treats are excellent value, especially when bought in a bundle. They are made from 100% natural, single source meat or fish that has been cooked slowly to preserve nutrients, juiciness and flavour.

Reviewers commented that dogs adore this Wild Salmon variety and owners will love the nutritional benefits of the omega-3, vitamin D and other essential vitamins, making them healthy as well as tasty.

Munchies have no nasty chemicals, colourings or artificial flavours hiding inside so are perfect for pooches with sensitive tummies and certain allergies too.

Pros

• Excellent value bulk pack

• Natural ingredients

• A range of tasty flavours

Cons

• A bit small for bigger breeds

Key specs

• Pack size: 8 x 50g

• Pet life stage: ‎All life stages

• Flavour: Salmon

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits: Heart, skin and coat, eyes

3. Best natural dog treats: Pets Purest Natural Dog Treat Chews

Price: £7.99 for 200g | Buy now from Amazon

Pet’s Purest is a small business dedicated to providing our beloved pets with delicious and healthy food and treats. These raw pork and beef sausages are 100% natural, organic and junk-free.

Each sausage has only two ingredients, no preservatives, additives, grain or sugar, and is innovatively dried slowly using air rather than chemicals. As a result, they are flavourful and aromatic, making them irresistible to all dogs.

These simple, high-protein treats are ideal for pets who eat a raw food diet or have allergies, problems with digestion or are just getting a little bit chunky!

Pros

• Great treat for a raw food diet

• 100% natural

• Slow air drying locks in nutrition

Cons

• Not soft enough for sensitive mouths

Key specs

• Pack size: 200g

• Pet life stage: From 12 months

• Flavour: Pork and beef

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits: Training treats, healthy snacks

4. Best dog treats for puppies who chew: Green and Wild’s Antler Tip Puppy Chew

Price: £6.39 | Buy now from Amazon

Green and Wild’s Original Antler Chews last for ages, even between the sharp teeth of teething puppies. They are sustainably sourced from the natural shedding of deer antlers to provide a natural and unprocessed chew.

Unlike some animal by-products for dogs, these antlers don’t smell and won’t make a mess. They also taste great and have lots of nutrition in the central marrow.

As puppy-sized antlers are quite small, you should always check the size is safe for your dog before giving it to them. If you have a larger breed of pup, a bigger antler might be more suitable for your pet.

Pros

• Long lasting

• No smell

• Sustainably sourced and cruelty-free

Cons

• Best for small puppies and breeds - too small for larger breeds

Key specs

• Pack size: One

• Pet life stage: Puppy

• Flavour: Bone

• Breed recommendation: Small breed

• Specific benefits: Teething; boredom; dental health

5. Best gourmet dog treats: Lily’s Kitchen Mini Beef Burgers

Price: £3.90 for 70g | Buy now from Amazon

“For puppy classes or in the park when we really need him to pay attention to us, we go for chicken breast, hot dogs or Lily’s Kitchen do beef burgers, chicken jerky etc that we cut into little pieces.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Nojeansplease)

Lily's Kitchen’s The Best Ever Beef Mini Burgers Dog Treats are packed full of healthy ingredients which taste fantastic. They contain high-quality beef for protein, chia seeds for skin and fur-friendly omega-3 and kale, a superfood packed with antioxidants.

Dogs love the bite-sized pieces that can also be cut in half for small breeds and puppies. The recipe for these delicious burgers is grain-free and all natural so it shouldn't trigger allergies and sensitive stomachs.

Lily’s Kitchen foods and treats aren’t the cheapest, but we think the quality of the ingredients and the oven-baked taste mean that they are well worth the extra pennies.

Pros

• Sustainably sourced ingredients

• Good for bone health

• Environmentally friendly packaging

Cons

• Expensive

Key specs

• Pack size: 70g

• Pet life stage: Adult

• Flavour: Beef

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits: Good for skin, coat and bone health

6. Best dog treats for picky eaters: Barker and Barker Cranberry and Liver Dog Training Treats

Price: £6.75 for 330 treats | Buy now from Amazon

“I have one of the fussiest buggers on God's green earth, and the little pellets from Barker and Barker mostly work for her.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user Grumpyosaurus)

Barker and Barker’s Cranberry and Liver Training Treats are made from high-quality, nutritious ingredients that provide an impressive hit of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Cranberries are also perfect for older dogs who might have bladder issues.

These tiny treats are good individually for small dogs or in a handful of a few for bigger breeds. They are crumb-free so won’t make a mess and, despite containing richly flavoured liver, don’t smell unpleasant.

We love the handy tub the treats come in which can be used for storing dogs snacks and feel that the price is excellent for over 300 low-calorie treats.

Pros

• Lots of nutritious ingredients

• Good for teeth

• Good value

Cons

• The treats are small

Key specs

• Pack size: 120g (330 treats)

• Pet life stage: From eight weeks

• Flavour: Cranberry and liver

• Breed recommendation: Small to medium breeds

• Specific benefits: Training and healthy snacks

7. Best dog treats with fish: Hollings Sprats for Dogs

Price: £3.99 for 100g | Buy now from Pets At Home

Hollings Sprats are a delicious fishy treat that make a great alternative to meat-based treats. The fish are sustainably sourced, and it’s reassuring to offer a beloved pet a delicious snack that is made from just one natural ingredient.

Sprats are full of omega-3 and 6; these fatty acids boost skin and fur health, the immune system and overall cell renewal. They are also a great source of natural energy.

These treats are a little smelly and can be off-putting for vegetarians and vegans. However, dogs think they are a taste sensation and are a fab choice when using treats as motivation in training.

Pros

• Good value

• High in omega-3 and 6

• Resealable packaging

Cons

• Slightly smelly

Key specs

• Pack size: 100g

• Pet life stage: Adult

• Flavour: Fish

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits: Healthy treat, good for skin and coat

8. Best dog training treats: Arden Grange Tasty Liver Treats

Price: £2.30 for 75g | Buy now from Amazon

“For recall training, I want to make it super worthwhile for them to come back, so it’s liver paste (Arden Grange do one in a tube).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user CMOTDibbler)

Liver paste is a treat that few dogs can resist, and this one by Arden Grange is packed with irresistible aromas and rich flavours.

We love the convenience of the metal tube, pop it into your pocket before a walk and squeeze out a reward for perfect recall. It can be challenging to remove the paste from the bottom of the tube. However, it can be cut open, and the remaining paste can be formed into individual portions, which are useful for hiding worming tablets or drops of medicine.

Unlike some liver pastes, this one has a thick consistency and isn’t too messy. It’s excellent value too.

Pros

• Grain free

• Portion control

• Convenient

Cons

• Difficult to squeeze when straight out of the fridge

Key specs

• Pack size: 75g tube

• Pet life stage: From 12 months

• Flavour: Liver

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits: Training; snack; Kong toy filling

9. Best dental treats for dogs: Whimzees Natural Dental Treats

Price: £8.99 for 24 treats | Buy now from Amazon

“Whimzees have done amazing things for my whippet’s teeth, my vet was really surprised at his last check up, as the year before he'd noted down that he would probably need a dental appointment in the near future. A year of daily Whimzees and they are almost perfect. They are a bit pricey, but cheaper if you get the massive boxes from Amazon or other places online.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user GobblersKnob)

Whimzees are a brilliant way to improve your dog’s dental health. The unique alligator shape is designed to remove plaque and reduce tartar from all the teeth, even the tricky ones at the back.

These chews are made from a recipe of entirely natural ingredients and, even better, are low in both fat and calories. They are also hypoallergenic, so they shouldn’t upset delicate tummies or irritate allergies.

Reviewers also love the powerful breath freshening properties of Whimzees. The firm texture removes food debris and polishes teeth so your hound will have an even more beautiful smile.

Pros

• Low sugar

• Natural ingredients

• Good for freshening breath

Cons

• Pricey

Key specs

• Pack size: 24

• Pet life stage: Adult

• Flavour: Vegetables

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits: Dental health, calorie controlled diet

10. Best treats for senior dogs: Hills Natural Soft Baked Dog Treats

Price: £15.99 for 227g | Buy now from Amazon

Hill’s Treats are baked slowly for a softer but still biscuity texture. They are ideal for adult dogs but as they are still slightly hard, they're not suitable for those who have severe dental issues. They are also grain-free, which means they are kind to the canine stomach.

The recipe contains lots of fresh, premium chicken and health-boosting carrots. These snacks are tasty, low-calorie and free from chemicals.

The treats are large enough to provide lots of flavour without needing to be cut in half for small dogs. The packaging is great too, soft enough to be squished into the treat cupboard and easy to reseal for freshness.

Pros

• Soft-baked

• Good for senior dogs

• Satisfaction guarantee

• All natural ingredients

Cons

• Pricey

• Some users found the texture was harder than expected

Key specs

• Pack size: 225g

• Pet life stage: Adults

• Flavour: Chicken and carrot

• Breed recommendation: All breeds

• Specific benefits/uses: Healthy treats; kind to sensitive teeth and tummies

How to choose the best dog treat

Every dog is different, and a treat that would send one crazy with joy would be looked upon with disgust by another. So have fun trying new tastes and textures with your pet, and then think about the following criteria too.

• Taste: Finding the flavours your dog loves will ensure their tails will wag with glee whenever they hear the food cupboard opening. The promise of a favourite treat will also motivate them to do as you ask. Strong tastes and aromas such as liver and fish might be unpleasant to human noses and taste buds, but canines relish them.

• Low-calorie: We love making our pets happy, which can lead to us indulging them with too many treats. Low-calorie options are a good idea, so your dog doesn’t put on an unhealthy amount of weight, especially when you’re training and using lots of treats.

• Grain-free: If your pup has a sensitive stomach or allergies, grain-free treats are the best option as they are easier on the canine digestive system.

• Naturally sourced ingredients: Treats made from high-quality ingredients without chemicals or cheap fillers will boost your pet’s health, energy and mood. Look for natural ingredients with recognisable names and whole foods such as meat, fruit and veg.

• Texture: Chewy treats will tackle boredom and keep a hyper pooch occupied. If your dog has strong jaws, choose a hard chew that can be gnawed on for many hours. Antlers are expensive but will last for ages. However, a chewy treat will be distracting and hard on new teeth when training a puppy, so soft and small treats would be a better choice.

How many dog treats are unhealthy?

Most dogs love food, and the sound of the treat cupboard or fridge opening is sure to bring them running. It’s easy to get into the habit of rewarding your pooch for simply being cute with a tasty morsel or two. However, too many can cause weight gain, dental issues and an annoying tendency to beg. Keep their treat consumption to under 10% of their daily diet and be mindful of the fat and calories in what they eat.

What are the healthiest dog treats?

Some of the healthiest snacks for dogs include fresh fruit and vegetables. Vitamin-packed apples, raw carrots, and broccoli are particularly popular treats and great for naturally cleaning canine teeth.

Small chunks of chicken and beef are also nutritious options to keep in the fridge, though that can prove expensive.

When you’re walking your dog and want to reward good recall or walking to heel, a packet of pre-prepared treats are much more convenient to grab and go. Look for recipes with just a few whole foods in the ingredients list to ensure you're not giving your pup chemical or sugar-loaded titbits.

What is the best dog treat?

JR Pet Products 100% Meat Dog Treats are our choice of overall best dog treats. They have lots of flavour to delight and motivate your pet pooches and are made from high-quality natural ingredients. The entire range of JR Pet Products dog treats is popular with members of the Mumsnet forums.

They aren’t cheap, but we believe the 100% meat guarantee and lack of nasties make them well worth the extra cash.

How we chose our recommendations

We know how much Mumsnet users love their precious dogs, so many hours have been spent extensively researching the best treats for your canine companions. We consulted independent pet nutrition websites, researched vet recommendations and analysed the products offered by specialist retailers such as Pets at Home. We also sought honest opinions from our trusted army of Mumsnet pet owners, thoroughly analysing the treats their furry friends enjoyed.

In addition, we combed through authentic customer reviews to get honest opinions on each product, noting what customers loved (and didn't) about the treats we've recommended. Finally, we pooled all of our research together, to bring you a definitive list of dog treats for your hound.

Why you should trust us

Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.

As the owner of two gorgeous dogs, a clever, lovable cockapoo and a Staffie X who thinks he’s human, our writer Gemma was determined to provide honest and independent advice on nutritious treats your dogs will love.

Our writers always spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find amazing products that real people love.

Transparency is vital to us, and that's why we're always honest about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their friends and family.