Big Lots has quietly become a goldmine for pet parents who refuse to pay boutique-store mark-ups yet still want tail-wags worthy of TikTok. Aisles that once only held generic kibble now overflow with grain-free biscuits, single-ingredient jerkies, and even functional chews that promise shinier coats and calmer afternoons. If you’ve ever cruised the pet section with a cart full of throw pillows and wondered whether those colorful pouches are any good, you’re in the right place. Below, we’re diving deep into what separates a genuinely nutritious bargain treat from the “just-colored corn syrup” imposters—so you can leave the store with both your wallet and your pup feeling fuller.
Before we sniff out the details, a quick reality check: “budget-friendly” doesn’t have to mean “junk food.” Price tags are shrinking because supply chains are smarter, not because ingredients are scarier. The trick is knowing which labels, textures, and sourcing stories actually matter. Ready to become the Sherlock Holmes of low-cost dog snacks? Let’s unleash the knowledge.
Top 10 Big Lots Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Pet Toy, Large, Yellow/Green/Purple
Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Pet Toy, Large, Yellow/Green/Purple
Overview: The Starmark Bob-A-Lot is a kinetic, meal-dispensing wobble toy that turns breakfast into a brain game. Fill the 3-cup chamber, twist the openings to your chosen difficulty, and watch your dog push, paw, and chase every last kibble out.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike static puzzle feeders, the weighted, anti-slip bottom creates erratic, 360-degree motion that keeps even herding breeds guessing. Dual adjustable ports let you serve anything from tiny training kibble to large dental biscuits in the same toy.
Value for Money: At just over twenty dollars you get a durable, dishwasher-safe alternative to battery-powered treat cameras or flimsy stuffable rubber—cheap insurance against scarf-and-barf eating and couch-cushion boredom.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: holds an entire meal, accommodates multiple kibble sizes, smooth interior rinses clean in seconds, survives countless bashes across tile. Weaknesses: hard plastic clatters on hardwood, determined chewers can gnaw the threaded lid if left unattended, and very small dogs may find the large size daunting.
Bottom Line: If your dog inhales food faster than you can pour it, the Bob-A-Lot stretches supper into a 15-minute mental workout for the price of a pizza—highly recommended under supervision.
2. Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs, 10 Pounds (Packaging May Vary)
Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs, 10 Pounds
Overview: Milk-Bone’s flagship biscuit is the nostalgic, crunchy rectangle most Americans picture when they hear “dog treat.” This 10-lb warehouse box doles out hearty, oven-baked rewards for multi-dog households or anyone who likes to keep a cookie jar full.
What Makes It Stand Out: The rigid, porous texture works like edible dental floss, scraping plaque as dogs crunch. The recipe is fortified with 12+ vitamins and minerals, giving guilt-free permission to treat “just because.”
Value for Money: At $1.50 per pound you pay grocery-store prices for a bulk supply that won’t spoil; break biscuits in half and one box lasts months even for giants.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: universally accepted flavor, sturdy enough to stuff into toys, long shelf-life, clearly scored for easy portioning. Weaknesses: contains wheat and BHA preservative (sensitive tummies beware), crumbs collect in couch cushions, and the jumbo box needs storage space.
Bottom Line: A pantry staple that tastes like childhood to your dog and costs pennies per serving—just store in an airtight bin and you’re set for half a year of good-boy moments.
3. Good ‘n’ Fun Triple Flavor Kabobs Chews for All Dogs, 24 Ounces, Treat Your Dog to Chews Made from Beef Hide, Real Chicken, Pork Hide, Duck and Chicken Liver
Good ’n’ Fun Triple Flavor Kabobs Chews, 24 Ounces
Overview: These knotted kabobs thread beef-hide, pork-hide, and real chicken, duck, and chicken-liver strips onto one chewy skewer, delivering surf-and-turf flavor in every bite. Each 24-oz resealable bag holds roughly 20 chews suited for medium-to-large power chewers.
What Makes It Stand Out: Five proteins on a single chew keeps picky dogs engaged, while the natural gnawing action polishes back molars better than many dental sticks.
Value for Money: At $10.65 per pound you’re paying slightly above basic rawhide, but far below boutique single-ingredient jerkies—reasonable for a multi-meat entrée.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: high flavor variety, individually wrapped strips stay fresh, slow to soften so sessions last 10-20 min. Weaknesses: rawhide can swell in tummies—monitor intake, grease can stain carpets, and aggressive chewers sometimes swallow the knot whole near the end.
Bottom Line: A crowd-pleasing chew for flavor hounds that doubles as dental floss—great for rewarding calm behavior, but ration portions and supervise closely.
4. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe, 25 Ounce
Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe, 25 Ounce
Overview: Milk-Bone trades its classic crunch for a tender, jerky-like bite in this steakhouse-inspired recipe. Real chuck roast headlines a soft square fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals.
What Makes It Stand Out: Seniors, puppies, and dental-case dogs finally get a Milk-Bone that doesn’t require strong jaws. The filet-mignon aroma punches far above mainstream grocery brands without staining hands.
Value for Money: At $9.27 per pound it undercuts boutique soft treats by 30-40%, yet still feels artisanal to the canine palate.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: break into micro-pieces for training without crumbling, resealable lid keeps texture moist for months, suitable for every breed size. Weaknesses: first ingredient is wheat flour (not grain-free), high calorie count means easy to overfeed, and the glossy glaze can stick inside pockets if overfilled.
Bottom Line: A wallet-friendly, tooth-friendly upgrade that turns basic obedience reps into high-value rewards—just adjust meal portions to balance the extra calories.
5. Canine Carry Outs Dog Treats, Beef Flavor, 47 Ounce
Canine Carry Outs Dog Treats, Beef Flavor, 47 Ounce
Overview: These soft, simulated-steak strips come in playful shapes—bones, shoes, fire hydrants—packaged in a whopping 47-oz sack that rivals a Costco cereal bag. A Topeka, Kansas factory has pumped them out since the 1980s.
What Makes It Stand Out: The pliable texture lets owners tear precise training morsels without crumbs, while the unmistakable “bouillon cube” smell hooks dogs from across the yard.
Value for Money: At $3.40 per pound you’re paying carnival–prize prices for an everyday treat; one bag can fuel six months of nightly teeth-brushing cooperation.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: low cost, fun shapes amuse kids, stays soft to the last strip, generous sizing accommodates multi-pet homes. Weaknesses: ingredient list leans on corn syrup and artificial dyes—nutrition purists will cringe; smell clings to fingers; zipper sometimes splits under the weight.
Bottom Line: Perfectly adequate for “cookie-jar” treating or stuffing pill pockets on a budget—just don’t mistake aroma for nutrition and you’ll keep wallets and tails equally happy.
6. Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks, 22 Ounce, 1.375 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: Full Moon’s Essential Beef Savory Sticks are 22 oz. of USDA-certified, human-grade jerky designed for discerning dog owners who want farm-to-bowl transparency.
What Makes It Stand Out: Every stick is made in USDA-inspected kitchens from free-range U.S. beef, cassava root, and celery—no glycerin, grains, or mystery “meat meal.” The short, clean label reads like a health-food pantry, not a pet aisle.
Value for Money: At $13/lb you’re paying human-snack prices, but you’re literally getting human-snack quality; compare to $18/lb boutique jerkies and the premium feels justified.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs go wild for the soft, tearable texture that doubles as a high-value training reward; owners love the resealable pouch and zero crumb mess. However, sticks dry out if the bag is left open, and the calorie count (50 kcal/stick) can add up fast for small breeds.
Bottom Line: If you want the cleanest, safest chew on the market and don’t mind paying artisanal prices, these sticks are worth every penny.
7. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness P-Nuttier Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Peanut Butter Flavor, Large Size, (6 Pound Box)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard’s 6-lb P-Nuttier box delivers oven-baked, peanut-butter-packed crunch that’s been a pantry staple since Prohibition.
What Makes It Stand Out: The nostalgic recipe combines peanut butter, apples, carrots, and molasses in a rock-hard biscuit that naturally scrapes tartar—basically a toothbrush disguised as a cookie.
Value for Money: Price was unavailable at review time, but historical data puts the large box around $22-$26, or < $0.25 per 1-oz biscuit; that’s pound-store pricing for bakery-level ingredients.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Giants like Labradors savor the hefty 4″ biscuit, while the crunch lasts long enough to curb boredom. Ingredients are globally sourced yet still free of artificial preservatives. On the flip side, wheat-heavy content makes them off-limits for grain-sensitive pups, and the carton’s sheer volume can go stale before small dogs finish it.
Bottom Line: A classic, budget-friendly dental chew best suited for multi-dog households or large breeds with strong jaws and no grain issues.
8. Pup-Peroni Dog Treats, Prime Rib Flavor, 22.5 Ounce, Made with Real Steak
Overview: Pup-Peroni Prime Rib Flavor packs 22.5 oz. of soft, steak-first strips that smell like backyard barbecue and fit neatly in a hoodie pocket.
What Makes It Stand Out: Slow-cooked, real beef delivers a supple texture even toothless seniors can gum, while the prime-rib aroma triggers instant recall in distracted dogs.
Value for Money: $8.16/lb positions it as the cheapest meat-first treat in the premium aisle—undercutting Blue Buffalo and Full Moon by 30-40 %.
Strengths and Weaknesses: affordability plus tender bite make it a go-to for medicating pills or stuffing treat toys; resealable zipper keeps strips pliable for months. Still, sugar and soy grits appear mid-label, so allergy-prone pups may itch. Odor is potent enough to linger on hands (and furniture).
Bottom Line: A grocery-aisle workhorse that balances real-meat indulgence and wallet friendliness—just scan the ingredient list if your dog is sensitive.
9. Starmark (2 Pack) Large Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toys
Overview: Starmark’s two-pack of Large Bob-A-Lots turns mealtime into a weight-management puzzle, dispensing kibble as dogs nudge the weighted, dual-chamber pod.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike static puzzles, the adjustable side openings and screw-on top accommodate everything from kibble to apple chunks, while the weighted base creates unpredictable bob-and-weave motion that keeps power-chewers guessing.
Value for Money: $44.99 for two rugged, dishwasher-safe units breaks down to $22.50 each—half the price of electronic treat cameras with comparable mental burn.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Heavy-duty polymer survives German Shepherds and bitter midwestern winters; non-slip bottom protects hardwood. Cleaning is tool-free, yet tiny kibble dust can clog the interior threads if not rinsed promptly. Very small breeds may find the 4″ height intimidating.
Bottom Line: For anyone battling scarf-and-barf, this two-pack offers gym-level enrichment that outlives most plush puzzle toys—buy once, feed smarter for years.
10. Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats with Real USA Beef, Made in the USA, Steak, 36-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers deliver 36 oz. of char-marked, USA-beaf strips modeled after backyard steak grill marks—minus the fatty table scraps.
What Makes It Stand Out: The first ingredient is real U.S. beef, followed by a clean grain-free recipe stamped by Blue’s “True BLUE Promise,” yet the texture stays soft enough to tear into training-sized bits without crumbling.
Value for Money: Price was not listed, but past MSRP hovers around $24 for the 36-oz bag—roughly $0.67/oz, squarely between bargain jerky and boutique air-dried.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs adore the smoky aroma and visual “grill lines,” while owners appreciate the resealable Velcro-style closure and the absence of poultry by-product meal or soy. Calorie-wise, each grillers clocks 45 kcal, so strict dieters need to budget. Pieces can stick together in humid climates, occasionally requiring a manual peel.
Bottom Line: A grain-free, USA-made steak indulgence that marries grill-night flavor with training-treat versatility; stock up when you spot a sale.
Why Big Lots Is an Underrated Destination for Dog Treats
Big Lots buys overstock, packaging-change leftovers, and high-volume closeouts from premium brands. Translation: identical formulas that sell for $14 at specialty chains can appear for $5.99 beside the patio cushions. The inventory flips fast, so every shopping trip feels like a treasure hunt—perfect for treat-jar variety without subscription-box pricing.
Understanding Price vs. Value in Discount Pet Snacks
A $2 bag isn’t a deal if half the pieces are crumbs and the first ingredient is “cereal by-product.” Value equals usable ounces + nutrient density + palatability. Calculate cost-per-treat by dividing the package price by the probable servings once you subtract dust and breakage. If the calorie count lets you feed half the amount you’d give of a pricier snack, your true savings just doubled.
Ingredient Quality Red Flags to Avoid
Skip anything listing “animal digest,” BHA, or artificial dyes like Red 40. Corn-and-soy cocktails rank low on bioavailability, meaning more poop and less nutrition. Salt or sugar should never appear in the top five slots—dogs don’t need nacho-level seasoning. Finally, vague terms such as “meat meal” without a species attached can mask 4-D tissues (dead, dying, diseased, disabled), a sourcing loophole you don’t want in your living room.
Nutritional Certifications Worth Scanning For
Look for the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy, even on treats. It’s rare, but when present it proves the brand ran feeding trials. USDA-inspected facilities and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certifications indicate human-grade sanitation. For freezer-aisle items, “IQF” (individually quick frozen) on the label locks in freshness without extra preservatives.
Grain-Free vs. Whole-Grain: Which Budget Pick Wins?
Grain-free went viral after the 2018 FDA dilated-cardiomyopathy scare, but the culprit turned out to be exotic legumes in place of balanced amino acids. Budget buyers can safely choose either style if the first two ingredients are named animal proteins. Oats, barley, and brown rice actually add soluble fiber that firms stools, so don’t pay a 30 % markup just to see “grain-free” in Comic Sans.
Limited-Ingredient Treats: Are They Necessary?
For the 10 % of dogs with true food allergies, yes. For the other 90 %, limited-ingredient labels still shine because they reduce the chance of mystery additives. At Big Lots, you’ll often spot 3-ingredient freeze-dried chicken breasts that cost less than a latte—stock up, because simple recipes age better in the pantry than complex stews.
Functional Chews: Joint, Skin, and Calming Claims Explained
Glucosamine levels need to hit 15–20 mg per pound of body weight daily to impact joints, so a treat with 50 mg isn’t therapeutic—unless you feed the whole bag. Omega-3s from fish skin improve coat shine at 25 mg EPA+DHA per pound, doable in a two-treat serving. Hemp or CBD treats stay legal under 0.3 % THC, but calming efficacy usually comes from L-theanine or chamomile at 10–15 mg per serving.
Texture Talk: Crunchy Biscuits vs. Soft Chews vs. Jerky
Crunchy biscuits scrape tartar only on the tip of the canine tooth—think floss for the crown, not the gum line. Soft chews excel for senior jaws and training rapid-fire reinforcement. Jerky satisfies chew drive without the calories of collagen bones but disappears fast in powerful jaws. Rotate textures to keep dental benefits and boredom at bay.
Calorie Counting: How to Avoid an Invisible Weight Gain
A 20-lb dog needs roughly 400 kcal daily; ten “mini” biscuits at 8 kcal each equal 20 % of intake. Use the 10 % rule: treats should never exceed 10 % of total daily calories. Measure dinner first, then back-calculate treat calories. Big Lots packages often list kcal per piece—grab your phone calculator and spare your pup the canine equivalent of secret doughnut runs.
Portion-Control Tactics for Multi-Dog Households
Pre-portion weekday rations into repurposed pill bottles or mason jars. Color-code lids so kids don’t double-reward the same sad eyes. Freeze a day’s allotment of soft chews; thawing slows tiny hands (and sneaky snouts). If you hit a jackpot buy—say, 36-oz salmon skins—vacuum-seal one-month supply bricks to prevent raid parties while you’re at work.
Allergen & Recall Safety Checks Before You Buy
Scan the lot code right in the aisle at AVMA’s pet-food recall site. Major brands sometimes dump recalled batches under new packaging; if the URL won’t load, photograph the code and check at the register before you leave. Common recall bacteria are Salmonella and Listeria—dangerous to humans scooping treats, not just pets.
Seasonal & Overstock Cycles: When to Shop for Lowest Prices
January clears holiday novelty shapes (gingerbread men become “cookies” year-round). After summer camping season, protein bars marketed for hikers get rebranded as dog jerky—same factory, half price. Pro tip: Tuesday deliveries are common; ask staff what came off the truck last night and you’ll beat the weekend stampede.
Storage Hacks to Keep Bargain Treats Fresh
Oxygen, light, and heat oxidize fats, turning salmon treats into fishy crayons. Drop a 300-cc oxygen absorber into resealable pouches, then stash in a 5-gallon icing bucket from the bakery aisle (free at many grocers). Keep a SilicaGel pack taped to the inside lid for humidity. Biscuits store fine at 60 °F for 6 months; jerkies survive 3 months after opening, 1 year vacuum-sealed frozen.
DIY Upcycling: Turning Cheap Biscuits into High-Value Training Bits
Place crunchy biscuits in a zip bag, whack once with a rolling pin, and you’ve got pea-sized crumbs perfect for clicker training. Dust the counter with crushed liver biscuit to coat homemade pill pockets—saves $8/month pill-masker purchases. Soak hard biscuits in sodium-free chicken broth, dehydrate at 200 °F for 45 min, and voilà: “new” chewy strips for tug-motivated beasts.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Trends in Discount Stores
Big Lots now stocks treats in #4 LDPE pouches—grocery-store drop-off recyclable. Look for the How2Recycle logo; if absent, check the side gusset for the chasing-arrows code. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is hitting 25 % in 2025, lighter than cans and 60 % less carbon to ship. Bring your empties home and batch them with Target or Walmart soft plastics—no need for landfill guilt.
Reading Between the Marketing Buzzwords
“Farm-raised” simply means the chicken wasn’t wild-caught (chickens aren’t exactly pigeons). “Natural” has no legal definition; ignore it. “Made with real beef” can mean 3 % beef and 97 % cereal. Flip the bag: if beef is seventh on the ingredient list after six grains, it’s seasoning, not sustenance. Trust percentages, poetry, and price tags—not the photo of a cowboy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Big Lots dog treats safe if they’re near expiration?
Yes—if stored sealed and you use them within four weeks of opening. Rancid fat smells like paint; trust your nose.
2. Can I return opened treats my dog dislikes?
Most locations accept returns with a receipt, even partially used. Call first; pet food is Store Manager discretion territory.
3. How do I know if a treat supports puppy growth?
Look for an AAFCO statement mentioning “growth” or “all life stages.” Pups need 22 % protein minimum—treats seldom qualify as complete, so don’t replace meals.
4. Is grain-free linked to heart disease in 2025?
Only when high-legume formulas displace taurine-rich meats. Rotate grain-inclusive batches to hedge your bet.
5. What’s the best treat size for a 5-lb Chihuahua?
Pea-sized. Anything larger poses a choking risk and overfeeds.
6. Are freeze-dried raw treats bacteria-safe?
Manufacturers use high-pressure processing (HPP) to knock out pathogens. Still wash hands after handling—same as with raw hamburger.
7. How can I calculate treat calories without a label?
Weigh one treat, apply 3–4 kcal per gram for biscuits and 4–5 kcal per gram for jerky. Close enough for budget math.
8. Do calming treats make dogs drowsy?
L-theanine produces relaxed alertness, not sedation. Avoid melatonin-laced versions before agility class.
9. Why do some treats smell like nail-polish remover?
Acetone notes indicate rancid polyunsaturated fats—return immediately and choose another bag.
10. Can I donate extra budget treats to shelters?
Absolutely. Shelters love sealed packages under 16 oz; call first because some require expiration six months out.