Nothing beats the look on a dog’s face when they realize it’s treat-o’clock—until you glance at your bank account and wonder if you accidentally bought filet mignon in biscuit form. The good news: 2025 has ushered in a wave of ultra-affordable, high-quality dog snacks that let you reward good behavior (or just survive the daily zoomies) without draining your wallet. In this ultimate value guide, we’ll unpack exactly what “cheap” really means in the treat aisle, how to read between the ingredient lines, and the sneaky cost-cutting tricks manufacturers don’t want you to know. By the end, you’ll shop with the confidence of a seasoned canine nutritionist—minus the student-loan debt.
Top 10 Cheapest Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Canine Carry Outs Dog Treats, Beef Flavor, 47 Ounce
Canine Carry Outs Dog Treats, Beef Flavor, 47 Ounce
Overview: Canine Carry Outs are soft, chewy dog treats designed to mimic real beef in both appearance and flavor. These treats come in playful shapes and are manufactured in Topeka, Kansas, offering a substantial 47-ounce quantity for multi-dog households or frequent treat-givers.
What Makes It Stand Out: The soft, pliable texture sets these treats apart from traditional crunchy biscuits, making them ideal for senior dogs or those with dental issues. The beef flavoring is particularly appealing to picky eaters, and the fun shapes add an element of play to treat time.
Value for Money: At $3.40 per pound, these treats offer exceptional value. The 47-ounce bag provides approximately 150 treats, making this one of the most economical options on the market. For budget-conscious pet owners who don’t want to compromise on quantity, this is a standout choice.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The soft texture is perfect for training sessions and won’t crumble in pockets. However, the ingredient list includes artificial flavors and preservatives that health-conscious owners might want to avoid. The treats can become hard if not properly sealed after opening.
Bottom Line: These treats deliver excellent value for everyday use, especially for training or rewarding good behavior. While not the healthiest option available, their palatability and affordability make them a practical choice for most dog owners.
2. Pork Chomps Dog Chews, 5-inch Munchy Sticks, Assorted Flavors, 50 Count (Pack of 1)
Pork Chomps Dog Chews, 5-inch Munchy Sticks, Assorted Flavors, 50 Count
Overview: Pork Chomps offers a healthier alternative to traditional rawhide chews with these 5-inch munchy sticks made from oven-baked pork skin. The 50-count package includes three flavors: roasted pork, chicken, and bacon, catering to various canine preferences.
What Makes It Stand Out: The patented fat-reduction process removes 70% of pork fat, creating a low-fat, easily digestible chew. Unlike rawhide, these treats soften as dogs chew, reducing choking risks. The three-flavor variety keeps dogs interested and prevents flavor fatigue.
Value for Money: At under $4 for 50 sticks, these chews cost approximately 8 cents each. Considering they provide extended chewing time compared to regular treats, the entertainment value alone justifies the price. The health benefits over rawhide make this an excellent investment.
Strengths and Weaknesses: These chews satisfy natural chewing instincts while being gentler on stomachs than rawhide. They’re suitable for all dog sizes when properly supervised. However, aggressive chewers may consume them quickly, and they can leave residue on carpets if not given in a designated area.
Bottom Line: Pork Chomps offer a safer, healthier chewing alternative that provides excellent value. Perfect for keeping dogs occupied and supporting dental health, these treats are a smart choice for conscientious pet owners.
3. Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow, 40 Ounce Container
Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow, 40 Ounce
Overview: Milk-Bone MaroSnacks combine a crunchy biscuit exterior with a real bone marrow center, creating a unique dual-texture experience. These treats are baked in Buffalo, New York, and contain calcium for added nutritional benefits.
What Makes It Stand Out: The innovative marrow-filled center differentiates these from typical dog biscuits. The combination of textures satisfies both dogs who enjoy crunching and those who prefer softer centers. Natural coloring agents appeal to health-conscious owners.
Value for Money: At $4.59 per pound, MaroSnacks sit in the mid-range price category. The 40-ounce container holds approximately 75 treats, making each treat about 15 cents. The added nutritional value of real bone marrow and calcium justifies the slight price premium.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs consistently love the marrow center, making these excellent high-value training treats. The crunchy shell helps clean teeth while the soft center provides satisfaction. However, the treats can crumble if roughly handled, and some dogs eat only the center, leaving biscuit remnants.
Bottom Line: MaroSnacks successfully bridge the gap between biscuit and soft treats. Their unique texture combination and palatability make them worth the slightly higher price point for dogs who deserve special rewards.
4. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce
Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce
Overview: Milk-Bone Mini’s offer tiny, crunchy biscuits in three flavors (beef, chicken, and bacon) specifically sized for frequent treating. At only 5 calories each, these mini treats come fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals in a convenient 36-ounce canister.
What Makes It Stand Out: The miniature size allows guilt-free treating without worrying about weight gain. The variety pack prevents boredom, while the classic bone shape maintains Milk-Bone’s traditional appeal. The resealable canister ensures freshness.
Value for Money: At $5.10 per pound, these treats command a premium price. However, with over 500 treats per container, the cost per treat is approximately 2 cents. For training purposes or multi-dog households, the small size actually provides better value than larger treats.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The tiny size is perfect for training sessions and won’t spoil appetites. The crunchy texture helps reduce tartar while the multiple flavors keep dogs engaged. However, large dogs might swallow them whole, missing the dental benefits, and the strong scent can be off-putting to humans.
Bottom Line: Milk-Bone Mini’s excel as training treats or for small dogs. Despite the higher per-pound cost, their functionality and low-calorie content make them a worthwhile investment for responsible pet owners.
5. Amazon Basics Peanut Butter Flavor Biscuits Dog Treats 5 lb. Box
Amazon Basics Peanut Butter Flavor Biscuits Dog Treats 5 lb. Box
Overview: Amazon Basics offers a no-frills approach to dog treats with these peanut butter-flavored biscuits. The substantial 5-pound box contains oven-baked treats fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals, manufactured in the USA for dogs of all sizes.
What Makes It Stand Out: The incredible value proposition is the primary selling point. These treats deliver essential nutrients at a fraction of brand-name prices. The peanut butter flavor has universal canine appeal, and the crunchy texture supports dental health.
Value for Money: At $1.50 per pound, this represents exceptional value in the dog treat market. The 5-pound box contains approximately 200 medium-sized biscuits, costing less than 4 cents each. This is the most economical option for budget-conscious pet owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The treats effectively clean teeth and freshen breath while providing nutritional supplementation. They’re appropriately sized for most dogs and maintain consistency throughout the box. However, some dogs may find them less palatable than premium brands, and the packaging isn’t resealable, requiring transfer to an airtight container.
Bottom Line: For owners prioritizing value without sacrificing basic quality, Amazon Basics delivers. While they lack premium ingredients, these treats fulfill their purpose admirably at an unbeatable price point.
6. Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, Small Biscuits, 24 Ounce Crunchy Texture Helps Reduce Tartar
Overview: Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks deliver a 24-ounce variety box of mini crunchy biscuits in five meaty flavors—beef, turkey, chicken, bacon and sausage—designed for small-mouthed dogs or training rewards.
What Makes It Stand Out: Instead of choosing one flavor, you rotate through five in every box; the biscuits are naturally colored and shaped like tiny bones, adding visual fun to treat time while still offering the classic Milk-Bone dental crunch.
Value for Money: Without a listed price, the value hinges on local retail, but the large 24-oz count, vitamin fortification and multi-flavor variety typically position these as one of the most economical “premium” training biscuits per piece.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include high palatability across flavors, small size ideal for repetitive rewards, added vitamins/minerals and tartar-scrubbing texture. Cons: wheat-based recipe isn’t grain-free, some bags arrive with more dust than whole biscuits, and strong-smelling flavors may be off-putting to humans.
Bottom Line: A pantry staple for small-dog households or anyone who trains frequently; keep a handful in your pocket and you’ll have instant attention-getters that also help keep teeth cleaner between brushings.
7. Good ‘n’ Fun Triple Flavor Crunchy Spirals, Long-Lasting Dog Chews, 3 Chews
8. Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Medium Dogs, 24 Ounces (Packaging May Vary)
9. 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
10. Good ‘n’ Fun Triple Flavor Wings Chews for All Dogs, Treat Your Dog to Long-Lasting Chews Made with Chicken, Pork Hide and Beef Hide, , 4 Ounces
What “Budget-Friendly” Actually Means in 2025’s Pet Market
Price tags have changed dramatically since inflation peaked, so a bag that cost $3.99 in 2021 might now retail for $6.49. Budget-friendly no longer equals bottom-shelf mystery meat. Instead, it’s about cost-per-treat, nutrient density, and how far a single bag stretches during training sessions. Think pennies per reward, not just the sticker on the shelf.
Cost-per-Treat Math: Why the Cheapest Bag Isn’t Always the Best Deal
A $12 pouch with 300 mini bites beats a $5 pouch with 50 large biscuits if you break rewards into pea-sized pieces. Learn to divide package price by usable servings, adjust for calorie content, and factor in resealability (because stale equals wasted).
Hidden Costs That Inflate “Cheap” Treats Over Time
Added sugars can spike vet dental bills. Low protein means you feed more to feel full, burning through the bag faster. Even excess packaging—those individually wrapped bars—adds cents to every serving. Calculate true ownership cost, not just checkout cost.
Ingredient Red Flags to Avoid Even on a Tight Budget
If the first three ingredients include “meat meal” with no species named, sugar derivatives (corn syrup, molasses), or artificial dyes like Red 40, leave it on the shelf. These fillers provide zero nutritional ROI and can trigger allergies that cost hundreds to diagnose.
Nutritional Must-Haves That Still Fit the Bargain Bin
Look for single-source proteins (chicken, salmon, whitefish), natural preservatives (tocopherols, rosemary), and functional add-ins like turmeric or pumpkin. A 12% minimum crude protein and 6% crude fat strikes a healthy balance for average adult dogs.
Grain vs. Grain-Free: Does It Really Matter for Your Wallet?
Unless your vet has diagnosed a grain allergy, oats and brown rice keep costs down and add fiber. Grain-free often swaps in tapioca or lentils—pricier carbs that don’t necessarily improve health but do inflate price. Let science, not marketing, guide you.
Soft, Crunchy, or Semi-Moist: Texture Choices That Affect Price Points
Soft treats usually cost more per ounce because of extra moisture management and shorter shelf life. Crunchy biscuits bake out water weight, giving you more pieces per dollar. Semi-moist options ride the middle but can contain humectants like propylene glycol—questionable for some owners.
Calorie Density: How to Prevent Over-Feeding While Saving Money
A 3-calorie mini works better for repetitive training than a 47-calorie bone. Check kcal per treat on the label, then budget into your dog’s daily caloric allotment (roughly 25–30 per pound of body weight for a typical adult). That prevents both obesity and the need to buy “weight management” kibble later.
Packaging Hacks: Bigger Bags, Bulk Bins, and Subscription Perks
Manufacturers price 30-oz sacks 20–40% lower per ounce than 6-oz pouches. Some pet stores sell bulk-bin biscuits for under $3 a pound—bring your own jar to shave another 10%. Subscriptions knock 5–15% off and lock in pre-inflation pricing for six months.
DIY Shortcut: Turning Cheap Whole Foods Into Training Gold
Plain boiled chicken breast sliced into fingernail-sized cubes freezes beautifully. A $5 supermarket tray yields 400+ one-calorie nibbles—about 1.2¢ each. Add a dusting of parsley for breath control and you’ve outsmarted every boutique brand.
Allergen Management on a Shoestring
Limited-ingredient strips with three components max (e.g., salmon, sweet potato, rosemary) minimize trial-and-error spending. Rotate proteins monthly to prevent new sensitivities, and log each batch in a free spreadsheet to isolate triggers without pricey blood panels.
Sustainability Without the Premium Price
Upcycled ingredients—think brewery spent grains or rescued ugly produce—lower carbon paw-prints and retail cost. Look for the Upcycled Food Association logo; it certifies safety and keeps dollars out of the landfill.
Storage Tricks to Extend Shelf Life & Stop Waste
Oxygen is the enemy. Portion bulk bags into freezer-safe jars, squeeze out air, and freeze half the stock. Add a food-grade silica packet to the pantry jar and you’ll buy 50% less often. Stale treats lose palatability, leading owners to toss cash in the trash.
Where to Shop: Big-Box, Online Marketplaces, & Local Co-ops
Warehouse clubs rotate coupons that stack with instant rebates. Online giants run flash “deal of the day” promos at 3 a.m.—set price trackers. Local co-ops sometimes split 50-lb cases among members, netting artisan-quality snacks at wholesale cost.
Reading Reviews Like a Pro: Filtering Fake Bargain Buzzwords
Ignore five-star bursts posted within days of launch; they’re often incentivized. Sort by “most recent,” look for photos of the actual product, and scan for repeated complaints about mold, bugs, or crumbled dust—true quality tells.
Couponing & Cash-Back Apps That Actually Work in 2025
Browser plug-ins auto-apply codes at checkout, while receipt-scan apps refund 2–10% in gift cards. Stack a manufacturer coupon with a store loyalty discount and a cash-back credit card to triple-dip savings on the same bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How low can I realistically go on cost per treat without compromising safety?
- Are generic store brands inspected as rigorously as national labels?
- Can I use cat treats as a cheaper alternative for my small dog?
- What’s the best way to introduce a bargain treat without upsetting my dog’s stomach?
- How long do homemade chicken bites last in the freezer before flavor degrades?
- Do subscription services let you pause months when you still have inventory?
- Is it okay to train with kibble instead of treats to save even more money?
- Why do some budget treats smell like chemicals, and does that mean they’re unsafe?
- Are there breed-specific considerations when buying low-calorie bargain snacks?
- How can I tell if my dog’s itchy paws are linked to a new “cheap” treat?