How to Choose Healthy Treats and Chews for Your Dog

Treats and chews are more than just snacks; they’re bonding tools, training rewards, and in some cases, dental health boosters. But with hundreds of products on the market, not all are created equal. Some are packed with fillers, excessive calories, or even harmful additives. Choosing the right ones takes a little label reading, some nutritional awareness, and an understanding of your dog’s specific needs.

This guide breaks down how to evaluate dog treats and chews for quality, safety, and nutrition, so your pup can enjoy them without compromising health.

1. Start With the Ingredient List: Quality Over Quantity

The best treats have short, recognizable ingredient lists. Look for:

Named protein first: chicken, beef, salmon, lamb, not “meat by-product” or “animal meal.”
Whole food additions: sweet potatoes, blueberries, pumpkin.
No mystery terms: Avoid “animal digest” or vague fat sources.

Filler ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy add calories without nutritional value and can trigger allergies in sensitive dogs. Minimal-ingredient treats, sometimes just one dehydrated protein, are easiest to assess and often healthiest.

2. Keep Treat Calories in Check

Even the healthiest treat can lead to weight gain if overused. The general veterinary guideline is that treats and chews should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

For example, a 20-pound dog may need around 500 calories a day. That means no more than 50 calories from treats. Chews, especially dense ones like bully sticks, can pack more calories than expected. Check labels and size appropriately.

For training sessions, use small, pea-sized pieces, or break larger treats into smaller chunks to spread out rewards without overfeeding.

3. Watch Out for Harmful Additives

Some treats contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. While these may improve appearance or shelf life, they add no nutritional benefit and can cause adverse reactions in some dogs.

Avoid the following:

Artificial dyes like Red 40 or Blue 2
Preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin
Added sugars, which can contribute to obesity and dental issues

Also, steer clear of rawhide chews. They’re often chemically treated, present a choking hazard, and can cause blockages if swallowed in large pieces.

4. Match Texture and Type to Your Dog’s Needs

Different dogs benefit from different treat types:

Soft treats – Ideal for training, puppies, or seniors with dental issues. They’re easy to chew but should be given in moderation due to higher moisture and potential calorie density.
Crunchy biscuits – Satisfying and mildly abrasive to help with tartar, but not suited for dogs with sensitive teeth.
Dental chews – Can help reduce plaque if used alongside regular brushing, but choose reputable, digestible options.
Long-lasting chews – Great for mental stimulation, but supervise use and select sizes that can’t be swallowed whole.

5. Choose Treats Based on Life Stage and Health

Dogs have different nutritional needs depending on their age and health:

Puppies – Need softer treats for developing teeth. Choose training treats rich in protein and DHA for brain development.
Adults – Focus on balanced nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.
Seniors – Softer textures, joint-supportive ingredients like glucosamine, and lower calories to match slower metabolism.

If your dog has allergies, look for limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic treats made with novel proteins (e.g., duck, venison) and no common allergens.

6. Check Brand Transparency and Quality Standards

A trustworthy brand will disclose sourcing, ingredient origins, and manufacturing standards. Look for:

Treats made in countries with strict pet food safety regulations (e.g., USA, Canada, EU, Australia).
USDA Organic, non-GMO, or human-grade certifications when possible.
Single-ingredient treats for maximum control over what your dog eats.

Avoid products with vague country-of-origin labeling or those that don’t list all ingredients.

7. Treats as a Complement, Not a Replacement

Treats should supplement, not replace, a balanced diet. They’re best used for:

Training rewards – High-value treats help reinforce positive behavior.
Enrichment – Stuffed toys or puzzle feeders can keep your dog engaged.
Bonding moments – Sharing a chew while relaxing together can strengthen your relationship.

Just remember to adjust main meal portions slightly if you’ve given extra treats that day.

8. Where to Find Healthy Options

If you want a head start on finding safe, high-quality snacks, explore curated collections from reputable companies. For example, you can browse a variety of nutritious treats and chews from https://puplabs.com . They focus on clean ingredients, digestibility, and flavor. This way, you can confidently reward your dog, knowing you’re choosing health-conscious products.

9. Introduce New Treats Slowly

Even high-quality treats can cause digestive upset if introduced too quickly. To avoid problems:

Offer a small portion first and monitor for any reactions.
Gradually increase frequency or portion size over several days.
Keep an eye out for symptoms like diarrhea, itching, or excessive licking.
Rotate treat types to keep your dog interested and vary nutrients.

10. Quick Reference Checklist

When evaluating a treat or chew, ask yourself:

Does it have named animal protein as the first ingredient?
Is the ingredient list short and understandable?
Are there any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives?
Is it appropriate for my dog’s age, size, and chewing style?
Does it fit within the 10% daily calorie rule?

If your answer is “yes” to the first two and “no” to the third, it’s likely a good choice.

Conclusion

Selecting healthy treats and chews is about balancing nutrition, enjoyment, and safety. By reading labels carefully, controlling calories, avoiding harmful additives, and matching treats to your dog’s specific needs, you can ensure every snack strengthens both their health and your bond.

A little extra effort in the treat aisle can lead to a happier, healthier dog, and more guilt-free moments when you say, “Want a treat?