As pet owners, we are always on the lookout for the best ways to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. One way to do this is by choosing nutritious and delicious treats for them to enjoy. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect treat that meets your dog’s needs while also catering to their taste preferences.
To help you navigate the world of dog treats, we have compiled a list of the 10 best healthy dog treats, taking into consideration factors such as quality, flavor variety, nutritional benefits, and more. By exploring these top picks, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and find the ideal treat for your beloved canine companion.
Best Healthy Dog Treats for 2023
- Freshpet Dog Joy: Wholesome Goodness
Freshpet Dog Joy offers a range of refrigerated treats made from high-quality ingredients like real meat, vegetables, and fruits. These treats are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, ensuring your dog gets a nutritious and delicious snack. They come in various flavors and textures, so you can find the perfect treat for your pup’s taste buds and chewing preferences.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality, natural ingredients
- Free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
- Refrigerated to maintain freshness
- Variety of flavors and textures to suit different preferences
Cons:
- Requires refrigeration, making it less convenient for travel
- May have a shorter shelf life compared to other treats
In conclusion, Freshpet Dog Joy offers a range of wholesome and delicious refrigerated treats made from high-quality ingredients. While the need for refrigeration and a shorter shelf life might be considered drawbacks, the freshness and variety of flavors make these treats a fantastic option for pet owners seeking a nutritious and tasty treat for their dogs.
- Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews: A Sea of Flavor
Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews are made from wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish like Wolffish and Atlantic Catfish. These single-ingredient treats are dehydrated to preserve their natural flavor and nutrients while providing a satisfying, crunchy texture. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these treats help support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being.
Pros:
- Made from sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish
- Single-ingredient, limited allergen treat
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Dehydrated for a satisfying crunch
Cons:
- Fish smell may be off-putting for some pet owners
- Can be expensive compared to other treats
Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews stand out due to their sustainable sourcing and single-ingredient formula. While the fish smell might not be everyone’s cup of tea, these treats provide a crunchy, omega-3 rich snack that supports skin and coat health, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious pet owners.
- The Real Meat Company Dog Jerky Fish & Venison Treat: Protein-Rich Snack
The Real Meat Company Dog Jerky Fish & Venison Treat is a high-protein snack made from a combination of fish and venison. These air-dried jerky treats are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, ensuring a natural, wholesome treat for your furry friend. The mix of fish and venison provides a unique taste experience, making it a favorite among pups.
Pros:
- High-protein treat made from fish and venison
- Air-dried to preserve natural flavor and nutrients
- Free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
Cons:
- Limited flavor variety
- May not be suitable for dogs with fish or venison allergies
The Real Meat Company Dog Jerky Fish & Venison Treat combines two high-quality protein sources for a unique flavor experience. Although the flavor variety is limited, the air-dried process and lack of artificial additives make these treats an excellent option for pet owners seeking a natural, protein-rich treat for their furry friends.
- Purebites Mini Trainers: Perfect for Training
Purebites Mini Trainers are small, soft, and easily digestible treats designed to reward good behavior during training sessions. Made from limited, high-quality ingredients, these treats are perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Their small size ensures portion control, making them an excellent option for maintaining your dog’s weight while still offering a delicious reward.
Pros:
- Small, soft, and easily digestible for training purposes
- Limited, high-quality ingredients suitable for dogs with allergies
- Portion control for maintaining a healthy weight
Cons:
- May not be as appealing to dogs who prefer crunchy treats
- Could be too small for larger breeds
Purebites Mini Trainers are perfect for training sessions due to their small, soft, and easily digestible nature. While they may not be the best option for dogs who prefer crunchy treats or larger breeds, their limited, high-quality ingredients and focus on portion control make them an ideal choice for allergy-prone dogs or those watching their weight.
- Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Rabbit Bites Dog Treats: Exotic and Nutritious
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Rabbit Bites Dog Treats offer a novel protein source that’s perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef. These single-ingredient treats are made from 100% rabbit meat, providing a high-quality, protein-packed snack. The freeze-drying process ensures that the treats retain their natural flavor and nutrients.
Pros:
- Novel protein source suitable for dogs with common protein allergies
- Single-ingredient, 100% rabbit meat treat
- Freeze-drying process preserves flavor and nutrients
Cons:
- May be expensive compared to other treats
- Limited availability in some areas
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Rabbit Bites Dog Treats offer a novel protein source for dogs with common protein allergies. The single-ingredient formula and freeze-drying process make these treats a premium option. Despite their higher price and limited availability, these treats are a fantastic choice for pet owners seeking an exotic and nutritious treat for their dogs.
- Barkworthies Beef Trachea: A Tasty Chew
Barkworthies Beef Trachea is a long-lasting, all-natural chew that’s perfect for dogs who love to gnaw. Made from 100% beef trachea, these chews provide a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. They also help scrape away plaque and tartar, promoting your pup’s dental health.
Pros:
- Long-lasting, all-natural chew
- Provides natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Promotes dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar
Cons:
- Can be messy, leaving residue on carpets or furniture
- Not suitable for dogs with beef allergies
Barkworthies Beef Trachea provides a long-lasting chew that supports both joint and dental health. While they can be messy and are not suitable for dogs with beef allergies, these chews offer a natural source of essential nutrients, making them a popular choice for pet owners seeking a long-lasting, nutritious treat for their dogs.
- ZIWI Peak Good Dog Rewards Training Treats: Quality Training Rewards
ZIWI Peak Good Dog Rewards Training Treats are soft, bite-sized treats made from high-quality, air-dried meat sourced from free-range, grass-fed animals. These treats come in various flavors, like lamb, beef, and venison, providing a tasty and nutritious reward during training sessions. They’re free from grains, artificial preservatives, and fillers, ensuring a wholesome treat for your dog.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality, air-dried meat sourced from free-range, grass-fed animals
- Grain-free and free from artificial preservatives and fillers
- Variety of flavors for different preferences
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other training treats
- May not be suitable for dogs with specific meat allergies
ZIWI Peak Good Dog Rewards Training Treats offer a high-quality, air-dried meat treat sourced from free-range, grass-fed animals. Although they come at a higher price point, their grain-free formula and variety of flavors make them an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a premium training treat for their dogs.
- Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows: A Fishy Treat
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows are a unique and nutrient-dense treat option for your pup. Made from whole minnows, these treats are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and overall health. The freeze-drying process preserves the natural flavor and nutrients of the minnows, making them a highly palatable snack.
Pros:
- Unique and nutrient-dense treat option
- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Freeze-drying process preserves natural flavor and nutrients
Cons:
- Limited availability in some areas
- Fish smell may be off-putting for some pet owners
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows are a unique and nutrient-dense treat option. The freeze-drying process and focus on omega-3 fatty acids make these treats a fantastic choice for pet owners seeking a fish-based treat to support their dog’s skin and coat health. Despite their limited availability and fish smell, these treats are an excellent option for dogs who enjoy fish-flavored snacks.
- K9 Natural Lamb Green Tripe Booster: Nutrient Booster Treat
K9 Natural Lamb Green Tripe Booster is a nutritious, protein-rich treat made from 100% New Zealand grass-fed lamb green tripe. This single-ingredient treat is packed with essential nutrients like amino acids, enzymes, and probiotics, which support digestive health and overall well-being. The air-dried lamb green tripe can be fed as a treat or mixed with your dog’s regular food to provide a nutrient boost.
Pros:
- Nutrient-rich treat made from 100% New Zealand grass-fed lamb green tripe
- Supports digestive health with natural enzymes and probiotics
- Can be used as a treat or mixed with regular food for a nutrient boost
Cons:
- Strong odor that may be unappealing to some pet owners
- May not be suitable for dogs with lamb allergies
K9 Natural Lamb Green Tripe Booster offers a nutrient-rich treat made from grass-fed lamb green tripe. While the strong odor may be off-putting to some, the natural enzymes and probiotics support digestive health, making these treats a great option for pet owners looking to boost their dog’s overall well-being.
- Fruitables Whole Jerky: Flavorful and Wholesome
Fruitables Whole Jerky treats are made from premium cuts of meat, like turkey, chicken, or salmon, and contain no artificial additives or preservatives. These all-natural, grain-free treats are rich in protein and have a chewy texture that dogs love. They also come in various flavors, such as Pumpkin & Mango, Pumpkin & Apple, and Pumpkin & Banana, giving your pup a delicious and nutritious snack option.
Pros:
- Made from premium cuts of meat, like turkey, chicken, or salmon
- All-natural and grain-free
- Variety of flavors, such as Pumpkin & Mango, Pumpkin & Apple, and Pumpkin & Banana
Cons:
- Can be more expensive compared to other jerky treats
- May not be suitable for dogs with specific protein allergies
Fruitables Whole Jerky treats provide a premium option made from high-quality cuts of meat, like turkey, chicken, or salmon. Although they can be more expensive than other jerky treats, their all-natural, grain-free formula and variety of flavors make them a delicious and nutritious option for pet owners seeking a wholesome treat
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of healthy dog treats is vast and diverse, offering a wide range of options to cater to your dog’s individual needs and taste preferences. From training treats to novel protein sources, and long-lasting chews to nutrient-dense snacks, there is something for every dog and pet owner.
By considering factors such as ingredient quality, nutritional benefits, and sustainability, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best healthy dog treats to help you make the best choice for your furry friend.
Always remember to consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats or foods into your dog’s diet, and enjoy the process of discovering new, delicious, and nutritious ways to reward your loyal companion.