Healthy Dog Treats Every Dog Owner Should Try

Dog treats play a huge role in training, behavior shaping, and expressing love - but not all treats are good for your dog’s long-term health. The U.S. pet market is filled with options, and many contain fillers, artificial additives, or unnecessary calories.

This guide breaks down healthy, vet-approved dog treats that U.S. dog owners can confidently choose, plus what to look for according to American veterinary nutrition standards.

What Makes a Dog Treat “Healthy”? (Vet & AAFCO-Backed Criteria)

U.S. veterinarians generally recommend treats that meet these standards, commonly used in the American pet food industry:

• Limited & recognizable ingredients
  Short ingredient lists reduce allergens and digestive issues.
  

• No artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives
  Common additives banned or discouraged in Europe are still allowed in the U.S.—so it’s important to read labels.
  

• High-quality protein as the first ingredient
  Look for real meat: chicken, beef, salmon, turkey.
  

• AAFCO-aligned manufacturing standards
  While treats don’t have to be AAFCO-certified, responsible U.S. brands still follow AAFCO nutrient and safety guidelines.
  

• Made in the USA
  This is important for many American dog owners due to stricter production controls compared to overseas facilities.
  

• Appropriate calories per treat
  Especially for indoor dogs or breeds prone to weight gain.

These criteria guide every treat category in this article.

1. Best Healthy Crunchy Dog Treats (Everyday Snacking, U.S. Favorites)

Crunchy treats - also called dog biscuits - are perfect for daily rewards and light chewing. They help keep teeth cleaner and reduce tartar buildup.

Crunchy treats are ideal for:

• Dogs who enjoy chewing but don’t need long-lasting chews

• Owners who want low-mess snacks

• Everyday positive reinforcement (after walks, potty breaks, enrichment activities)

What to look for:

• Whole grains or grain-free options

• Real meat or peanut butter

• No corn, wheat, or soy

• Made in the USA when possible

Recommended Crunchy Treats (Made in the USA & Highly Rated on Amazon)

If you’re looking for healthy everyday dog biscuits, here are a few popular options U.S. dog owners love:

• Old Mother Hubbard Original Mix Dog Biscuits

• Wholesome Pride Nature´s Buscuit Dog Treats

• Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries

2. Best Soft & Chewy Dog Treats (Perfect for Training Sessions)

Soft treats - frequently labeled “training treats” - are the #1 tool for positive reinforcement training.

Why trainers and vets recommend them:

• Easy to chew for all ages

• Strong aroma keeps dogs engaged

• Can be broken into tiny pieces for long sessions

• Under 3 calories = ideal for puppies or overweight dogs

Best for:

• Obedience training

• Recall practice

• Indoor enrichment

• Senior dogs with dental issues

Make sure to choose U.S.-made soft treats when possible to ensure ingredient transparency.

Top-Rated Soft & Chewy Training Treats on Amazon

For effective training sessions, these U.S.-favorite soft treats work extremely well:

• Amazon Brand Wag Soft & Tender American Jerky Dog Treats - Duck Bites

• Finley's Turkey Training Bites

• Wellness Rewarding Life Dog Treats Soft Beef & Turkey

6. Healthy Treats for Puppies (Safe, Gentle & Perfect Sized)

Puppies require treats tailored to their developmental needs.

Puppy-safe treat must-haves:

• Soft texture (gentle on puppy teeth)

• Easy-to-digest ingredients

• DHA or omega-3 for brain development

• Small pieces suitable for tiny mouths

• Low calories for high-frequency training

Great for potty training, crate training, socialization, and early obedience work.

Highly Rated Puppy Treats Loved by U.S. Dog Owners

These options are gentle, nutritious, and perfect for early training:

• Wellness Puppy Treats Crunchy Chicken & Carrots

• Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies

• Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats

7. Easy, Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Treat Recipes (U.S.-Friendly Ingredients)

Homemade treats are perfect for dogs with allergies or owners who prefer full control over ingredients.

Recipe 1: Two-Ingredient Sweet Potato Treats

Ingredients:

• Cooked sweet potato

• Oat flour

Mix, shape, and bake at low heat until firm and slightly crispy.

Recipe 2: Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• Unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• Mashed banana

• Water as needed

Pour into silicone molds and freeze. Perfect for warm climates like the U.S. South and West Coast.

Note: Even homemade treats should follow the 10% calorie rule.

Helpful Tools for Making Homemade Dog Treats

These items make homemade treats easier to prepare and store:

• homEdge Puppy Dog Paw and Bone Silicone Molds

• OXO Good Grips 5-Piece POP Container Set

• Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mat

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3. Best Single-Ingredient Dog Treats (Vet Favorite for Allergies & Sensitive Stomachs)

Single-ingredient treats are the cleanest, simplest option you can give your dog.

Popular single-ingredient treats in the U.S. include:

• Freeze-dried chicken breast

• Freeze-dried beef liver

• Dehydrated salmon

• Sweet potato chews

• Minnows (excellent for omega-3)

Why they’re highly recommended:

• No fillers, binders, grains, or preservatives

• Excellent for dogs with food sensitivities

• High-value flavor dogs love

• Easy to digest

Popular Single-Ingredient Treats on Amazon (Vet-Approved)

These simple, clean treats are excellent for dogs with allergies or sensitive digestion:

• Three Dog Bakery Bark`N Crunch! Chicken Chips

• Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Liver Dog Treats

• Badlands Ranch by Katherine Heigl - Superfood Bite Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Liver Dog Treats

4. Healthy Long-Lasting Chews (Safe Rawhide Alternatives for U.S. Dogs)

Rawhide is widely available in American pet stores, but many vets discourage it due to choking risks and poor digestibility.

Safer long-lasting chew alternatives:

• Yak chews (hard, long-lasting, natural ingredients)

• Beef tendons (highly digestible)

• Collagen sticks (gentler than bully sticks, good for joint health)

• Sweet potato chews (vegetarian, low fat)

Benefits:

• Reduces anxiety and boredom

• Supports dental health

• Gives energetic dogs a productive outlet

• Provides calm time at home

Healthy Long-Lasting Chews (Safe Rawhide Alternatives)

These Amazon favorites offer safe chewing without the risks of rawhide:

• Whimzees Wellness Varietay Pack Dog Dental Treats

• Pawstruck Natural Braided Bully Sticks for Dogs

• Waggin' Train Duck Jerky Tenders for Sensitive Stomach for Dogs

• Nylabone Healthy Edibles Wild Natural Longer-Lasting Bison Flavor Bone Chew Treats for Dogs

5. Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats (Great for Weight Management)

With over 50% of U.S. dogs classified as overweight, choosing low-calorie treats is more important than ever.

Ideal low-calorie treat features:

• Fewer than 3 calories each

• Soft texture for training

• Lean, high-protein ingredients

• No sugar, maltodextrin, or artificial sweeteners

• Air-dried or freeze-dried options for higher nutrition density

These treats help you reward your dog frequently without contributing to weight gain - especially useful for indoor or less active dogs.

Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats on Amazon.com

Perfect for overweight dogs or frequent training sessions:

• The Honest Kichen Surf & Turf Meaty Littles Beef & Salmon

• Greenies Smartbites Immune Support Dog Treats

• Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Dog Treats

Final Tips for U.S. Owners Choosing Healthy Dog Treats

Choosing the right dog treat depends on your dog’s age, dietary needs, and activity level.

Best treats by category:

• Allergies: single-ingredient freeze-dried treats

• Training: soft, low-calorie bites

• Chewers: digestible long-lasting chews

• Sensitive stomachs: limited-ingredient treats

• Weight loss: under-3-calorie training treats

• Puppies: soft, tiny DHA-supplemented treats

Healthy treats help strengthen your bond, support training, and keep your dog happy - without compromising long-term wellness.

How Many Treats Can a Dog Have Per Day? (Vet Guidelines for U.S. Owners)

U.S. vets recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

General guidance:

• Small dogs: 5–10 tiny treats

• Medium dogs: 5–15 treats

• Large dogs: 5–20 treats

• Training-heavy days → choose low-calorie treats

Always adjust based on daily activity, weight management plans, age, and breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog treats do vets in the U.S. recommend?
Vets typically recommend limited-ingredient treats, freeze-dried single-protein treats, and low-calorie soft treats for training. Many also suggest U.S.-made treats for quality control.

Are grain-free dog treats healthier?
Not always. Some dogs do well with grains. What matters most is ingredient quality and digestibility. Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.

What treats are best for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried chicken, salmon, or sweet potato are easiest to digest.

Are rawhide treats safe?
Most vets advise avoiding rawhide due to choking and digestive risks. Safer alternatives include yak chews, tendons, and collagen sticks.

What treats are best for puppies?
Soft, small, low-calorie treats with DHA support brain development and early training.