Treats are a brilliant training tool and a great way to show your dog some love — but not all dog treats are created equal. Some are packed with fillers, artificial colours and unnecessary sugar, while others are genuinely healthy and natural.
Here is what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose healthy dog treats your dog will love.
What to Look For in a Healthy Dog Treat
- High-quality protein first: Look for treats where a named meat or fish, such as chicken, beef, salmon or duck, is the first ingredient.
- Simple ingredient lists: Fewer ingredients usually means fewer fillers and additives.
- Natural and single-ingredient options: Dried liver, fish skin, sweet potato and air-dried meat make excellent healthy choices.
- Low calorie: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
What to Avoid
- Artificial colours and flavours: Unnecessary and offer no nutritional value.
- Excess sugar and salt: Linked to weight gain and dental problems.
- Unnamed by-products: Vague labels such as “meat derivatives” hide poor-quality ingredients.
- Toxic ingredients: Never give treats containing xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions or garlic.
- High salt chews: Some rawhide and bones are heavily salted — check the label.
How Many Treats Is Too Many?
Treats should be used in moderation and balanced against your dog’s daily food. Use small, low-calorie treats for training and save richer treats for special moments. If your dog is gaining weight, reduce portion sizes or swap to healthier alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Healthy dog treats are about quality, not quantity. Choose natural, protein-rich, low-additive options, check every label, and keep treats within 10% of daily calories. Your dog gets the reward, and you get the peace of mind.