How do I choose the right dog treat?

Choose dog treats by checking the ingredient list for whole, recognizable proteins as the first ingredient, avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, and fillers. Consider your dog's size, age, dietary needs, and any allergies. Look for treats made in the USA with transparent sourcing.

What ingredients should I avoid in dog treats?

Avoid dog treats containing artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial colors and flavors, corn syrup, excessive salt or sugar, propylene glycol, and unnamed meat by-products. These ingredients offer no nutritional value and may pose health risks over time.

Are natural dog treats better than synthetic ones?

Natural dog treats made with whole-food ingredients are generally a better choice because they are easier to digest, less likely to cause allergic reactions, and provide more nutritional value. However, always read the label — 'natural' is not a regulated term and doesn't guarantee quality.

How many treats should I give my dog per day?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The exact number depends on your dog's size, weight, activity level, and the calorie content of the treat. Overfeeding treats can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances.

What are the healthiest types of dog treats?

The healthiest dog treats include single-ingredient options like freeze-dried liver or sweet potato, dehydrated meat chews, and treats with limited, whole-food ingredients. Look for treats that are grain-free if your dog has sensitivities, and always choose options free of artificial additives.

How to Choose the Right Dog Treat: What's Actually in Your Dog's Snacks

March 7, 2026

Dog waiting for a treat from owner's hand – Dog Treats & Chews | Doggo Dream Shop

Walk down any pet store aisle and you'll find hundreds of dog treats — all marketed as healthy, natural, or premium. But the reality is that many popular treats are loaded with artificial additives, low-quality fillers, and ingredients that offer no nutritional value. Knowing how to read a treat label is one of the most practical skills a dog owner can develop.

This guide covers what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose treats that are genuinely good for your dog. For a step-by-step label walkthrough, see our How to Read a Dog Treat Label guide. For a deeper dive into treat quality, see our Ultimate Guide to Healthy Dog Treats. For our full treat collection, visit our Treats & Nutrition Guides or browse Dog Treats & Chews directly.

How to Read a Dog Treat Label

The Ingredient List

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight — the first ingredient is the most abundant. For a quality treat, the first ingredient should be a named protein source: chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, duck. "Meat" or "poultry" without a species name is a red flag — it can mean any combination of low-quality animal parts. For a full label-reading walkthrough, see our How to Read a Dog Treat Label guide.

The Guaranteed Analysis

This section lists minimum protein and fat percentages and maximum fiber and moisture percentages. For treats, high protein and moderate fat from quality sources is ideal. Very high fat treats should be given sparingly, especially to dogs prone to pancreatitis.

Calorie Count

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Many owners dramatically underestimate treat calories — a single large biscuit can contain 100+ calories, which is significant for a small dog. Check the calorie count per treat and factor it into your dog's daily total.

Ingredients to Look For

Named protein first — chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, duck, lamb
Whole food ingredients — sweet potato, pumpkin, blueberries, oats, carrots
Natural preservatives — mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract
Short ingredient lists — fewer ingredients means fewer potential allergens and additives
Single-ingredient treats — freeze-dried meat, dehydrated sweet potato, or similar; the cleanest option available

For our top picks that meet these standards, see Best Natural Dog Treats.

Ingredients to Avoid

Artificial preservatives — BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are synthetic preservatives with questionable safety profiles; avoid when possible
Artificial colors — Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2; dogs don't see color the way humans do — artificial colors serve no purpose except marketing
Artificial flavors — a quality treat doesn't need artificial flavor enhancement
Corn syrup or added sugars — unnecessary and contribute to obesity and dental issues
Propylene glycol — used to maintain moisture in semi-moist treats; banned in cat food but still permitted in dog treats
Generic "meat" or "poultry" — unnamed protein sources indicate low-quality ingredients
Excessive fillers — corn, wheat, and soy as primary ingredients offer minimal nutritional value for dogs

For a full breakdown of natural vs. artificial ingredients, see our guide to Natural vs. Synthetic Dog Treats. According to the ASPCA, some common human food ingredients are toxic to dogs — always check for xylitol, onion, garlic, and grapes.

Treat Types: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

Soft Chews

Ideal for training — small, soft, and quickly consumed so they don't interrupt training flow. Also good for senior dogs or dogs with dental issues. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, soft chews with limited ingredients are the safest starting point — see our guide to Signs Your Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach for more.

Crunchy Biscuits

Good for everyday rewards and mild dental benefit from the chewing action. Watch calorie counts — biscuits tend to be calorie-dense. Choose biscuits with whole food ingredients and natural preservatives.

Freeze-Dried Treats

The cleanest treat format available — typically single-ingredient (freeze-dried chicken, beef liver, salmon) with no additives. Highly palatable and nutrient-dense. Slightly more expensive but worth it for dogs with sensitivities or owners who prioritize ingredient quality.

Dental Chews

Designed to reduce plaque and tartar through mechanical chewing action. The American Kennel Club recommends looking for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance as a marker of proven dental efficacy. Check ingredients carefully — many dental chews contain artificial additives.

Natural Chews

Bully sticks, tendons, ears, and similar single-ingredient chews provide extended chewing satisfaction and are generally high in protein. Supervise always — natural chews can become choking hazards as they get small. Our Lucy Loo Treats Collection includes a range of natural chews made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

The 10% Rule

Treats should never exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Overfeeding treats — even healthy ones — can lead to weight gain, nutritional imbalance, and reduced appetite for their regular food. Use small pieces for training, and factor treat calories into your dog's daily total. For the full nutrition picture, see our Complete Guide to Dog Nutrition and How to Choose the Best Dog Food.