Humans remember their favorite childhood snack with the same intensity some dogs remember the rustle of a treat bag. That instant ear-perk and tail-wag is more than cute—it’s a clue to how powerfully the right reward influences learning, health, and the bond you share with your canine companion. As the treat aisle swells with everything from freeze-dried liver clouds to krunch-coated yak cheese, knowing what each style offers—and why it matters—is the single fastest way to level-up your training, protect sensitive stomachs, and keep tails happily wagging through 2025 and beyond.
Below you’ll find an expert-level roadmap that unpacks the ten most influential treat categories releasing over the next year. We dig beneath the sizzle words (“gourmet,” “ancestral,” “clean-label”) and into the science, sourcing, and smart-shopping filters that separate genuine value from marketing fluff. Ready to decode labels like a nutritionist and buy treats like a pro? Let’s dive in.
Top 10 Different Types Of Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats, More Crunch Large, Assorted Flavors, 18oz Box, 1 Box
Overview: Blue Dog Bakery’s 18 oz box of crispy, assorted-flavor biscuits positions itself as a healthy, dental-friendly reward baked from American whole grains, eggs, and non-fat milk since 1998.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand pioneered nationally distributed all-natural, low-fat treats, delivers conscious ingredient sourcing (human-grade, non-GMO, no artificial anything), and finishes each bone with intense crunch for mechanical plaque removal.
Value for Money: At roughly $4.98, that’s 18 oz—three times the quantity of boutique treats—for about 28¢ per ounce, making this the cheapest guilt-free daily biscuit on most shelves.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: big box, great crunch, zero questionable additives, universally appealing flavors. Cons: wheat-based (not grain-free), calorie count still matters if you free-pour, and extra large dogs will devour the bag fast.
Bottom Line: Ideal for multi-dog households or budget-minded owners who still want clean labels; keep the box sealed to preserve crunch and portion to fit feeding plan.
2. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free, Human-Grade, All Natural Cookies, Snacks & Puppy Training Treats – Made in The USA – 5 oz
Overview: Portland Pet Food’s 5 oz pumpkin-grain-free bites are artisanal, vegan cookies blended from organic pumpkin, garbanzo flour, and peanut butter, pulled straight from a human-grade kitchen.
What Makes It Stand Out: Only 7 “pronounceable” ingredients (+ zero grains, BHT/BHA, or common allergens), double-baked for crispness, and wrapped in BPA-free bags by a small Pacific Northwest family business.
Value for Money: $7.99 for 5 oz equals the highest per-pound price here ($25.57/lb), clearly trading quantity for premium, ultra-allergen-friendly formulation.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: perfect for sensitive tummies, snap-easily training size, aromatic flavor dogs crave. Cons: small bag disappears quickly, not budget-friendly for frequent reward sessions, limited pumpkin versus recipe rotation flavor.
Bottom Line: Splurge-worthy for allergy-prone or picky pups; order multiple bags for regular use, and gift a pack to any dog-parent that obsessively reads ingredient lists.
3. Amazon Brand – Wag Chicken Flavor Hip & Joint Training Treats for Dogs, 1 lb. Bag (16 oz)
Overview: Amazon’s house-brand Wag Training Treats deliver tiny, chicken-forward morsels fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health—1 lb of motivation in every resealable pouch.
What Makes It Stand Out: Functional joint supplements rarely appear in low-calorie training bites at under 3 kcal each; chicken tops the list, omitting corn/soy/wheat or artificial colors.
Value for Money: $9.59 for 16 oz places these solidly mid-tier—cheaper per use than single-ingredient freeze-dried meats, but pricier than big-box crunchy biscuits.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: soft, quick-release texture ideal for agility drills; targeted joint support great for mature athletes. Cons: strong chicken aroma (owners sensitive to smell beware), small pieces crumble in deep pockets, limited flavor variety.
Bottom Line: Pick this bag when you want health benefits baked into each click and treat—whether raising a puppy or keeping an older companion limber.
4. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Training Bitz Assorted Mix Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Three Flavors, Small Size, (8 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard’s Training Bitz 8 oz assorted bag packs three classic flavors—chicken, liver, vegetable—into 2-calorie crunchies suitable for repetitive rewards.
What Makes It Stand Out: Bite-size calorie load lets you train freely without guilt; brand legacy dating to 1926 underpins trust, while slow oven baking locks in natural flavor without meat by-products or artificial preservatives.
Value for Money: $4.99 for 8 oz translates to about $9.98 per pound—economical for training pouches yet premium enough to reassure ingredient-conscious shoppers.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: low calorie, small dogs can chew whole without choking, mixed flavors break boredom. Cons: assorted bag can favor one flavor, occasional inconsistency in oven darkening, thin outer bags prone to crush if tossed.
Bottom Line: A dependable staple for puppy school bags; decant a handful into a silicone pouch and enjoy stress-free half-hour training blocks.
5. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Original Mix Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Four Flavors, Small Size, (6 Pound Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard’s six-pound bag of Original Mix delivers miniature biscuits in chicken, egg, cheddar, and natural flavor varieties for long-term, low-cost treating from puppyhood through senior years.
What Makes It Stand Out: With 6 lbs supplying weeks (or months) of rewards, this is the cost-per-calorie champion of natural biscuits, maintaining the same 96-year-old, North-American oven-baked recipe.
Value for Money: At $3.00 per pound you’re paying little more than mainstream grocery biscuits while still excluding by-products, colors, and preservatives—a remarkable intersection of bulk and quality.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: massive quantity, consistent crunch, resealable liner helps lock in freshness, honest ingredient panel. Cons: bag size intimidates small dogs or apartment dwellers with limited storage, wheat not excluded, caloric density demands careful tracking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for homes with multiple dogs or those who bake daily treats into kongs, puzzles, and training jars; freeze half the bag on opening to maintain peak crunch.
6. Pet ‘n Shape – Chik ‘n Mix Variety Pack – Natural Chicken Puppy Treat Mix, Dog Rewards and Snacks – 16 Ounces
Overview: Pet ‘n Shape Chik ‘n Mix Variety Pack is a 16-ounce treasure chest of four chicken-centric treats—rawhide twists, rice dumbbells, sweet-potato wraps, and rawhide sticks—designed to delight dogs of every age and size.
What Makes It Stand Out: The bag’s “choose-your-own-adventure” approach lets fussy eaters discover a favorite while giving owners a rotation of textures and flavors, all anchored by real, hormone-free chicken.
Value for Money: At $20.99 per pound, pricing sits in the premium tier, yet you’re receiving four distinct treat types; that variety offsets the cost if your dog enjoys switching textures daily.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include 100 % natural ingredient panel—no corn, wheat, soy or preservatives—plus an easy-seal pouch that keeps aromas locked away. Cons: The rawhide content can be difficult for sensitive stomachs, and calorie counts aren’t listed, making portion control guesswork.
Bottom Line: A strong pick for multi-dog households and choosy pups who crave novelty in every chew; skip it only if your vet nixes rawhide or you need ultra-low-calorie options.
7. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Savory Mix Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Mini Size, (20 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Savory Mix delivers 20 ounces of miniature oven-baked biscuits in assorted flavors—think chicken liver, bacon, cheddar—offering crunch without calorie overload.
What Makes It Stand Out: Nearly a century-old recipe baked in North America from globally sourced, whole-food ingredients gives these discs a nostalgic, bakery-fresh credibility many new brands lack.
Value for Money: At $4.38 per pound, it’s the lowest-priced treat on this list, letting budget-conscious owners dish out rewards guilt-free during marathon training sessions.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Mini size is perfect for precise portioning, and the crisp texture helps scrape plaque. Weak spots: whole-grain recipe may be too carb-heavy for grain-sensitive pups, and some bags arrive with excessive crumbs.
Bottom Line: A versatile, economical staple for everyday training that earns tail wags without draining wallets—simply check ingredient tolerance first.
8. Good ‘n’ Tasty Triple Flavor Snap ‘EMS Gourmet Treats Variety Pack for All Dogs, 15 Count, Reward or Training Treat Made with Real Chicken, Duck and Beef
Overview: Good ‘n’ Tasty Triple Flavor Snap ‘Ems bundle 15 soft sticks packed with chicken, duck, or beef into bite-sized snaps that can be divvied up as training tidbits or luxe rewards.
What Makes It Stand Out: Clearly marked break lines and a pillowy texture mean even the smallest Chihuahua or most tenacious German-Shepherd jaw get appropriately sized pieces without kitchen shears.
Value for Money: At $23.76 per pound—second only to the chicken chips in cost per ounce—the price reflects real-meat dominance; still, the bag empties quickly with large breeds.
Strengths and Weaknesses: No artificial colors or preservatives, real meat as the first ingredient, and strong aroma promise sky-high motivation. Downside: Soft sticks crumble if left unattended in pockets or treat pouches.
Bottom Line: Perfect for high-value recall or agility training when you need instant focus and are willing to pay a bit more per reward.
9. Three Dog Bakery Bark’N Crunch! Chicken Chips, Cheese Flavor, Crunchy Treat for Dogs, Two Ingredients, High Protein Snacks, No Artificial Flavors or Colors, Made in The USA, 4 oz
Overview: Three Dog Bakery Bark’N Crunch! Chicken Chips are ultra-simplicity: air-dried chicken breast with natural cheese essence in a 4-ounce Mason-jar-style bag.
What Makes It Stand Out: Just two ingredients shouted proudly on the label—an artisanal transparency vibe accentuated by small-batch, U.S. sourcing and air-drying.
Value for Money: Hefty $75.80 per pound reflects boutique quality and minimal processing; for most guardians, this is a “special occasion splurge” rather than pantry staple.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Single-protein source is perfect for elimination diets, and the audible crunch cleans teeth naturally. Drawback: Limited cheese flavor differs batch to batch, and the tiny bag offers barely 35–40 chips.
Bottom Line: A high-protein, hypoallergenic craving quencher for sensitive pups or picky gourmands; use sparingly to stretch value.
10. Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Crunchy Dog Training Treats 8 oz. Bag, Chicken Liver Flavor, Low Calorie Behavior Aid with 450 treats
Overview: Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Crunchy Chicken-Liver Treats cram a staggering 450 disc-shaped bites into a lightweight 8-ounce pouch, each running only two calories.
What Makes It Stand Out: Trainer-approved formula combines irresistible liver aroma with ultra-low caloric density, making binge-training or weight-management programs sustainable.
Value for Money: At $15.28 per pound and a treat count that exceeds most 16-ounce bags, the price per reward is pennies—easily the best cost-to-reward ratio among the group.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Zero wheat, corn, dairy, or soy in a high-protein disc that breaks cleanly for toy breeds. Minor quibble: intense smell can permeate pockets, and crunch volume may not suit toothless seniors.
Bottom Line: The gold standard for lengthy training circuits, diet-controlled dogs, or anyone who hates restocking—buy two bags.
What Makes a Treat “Different” in 2025?
Snack segmentation has exploded. Functional ingredients, novel proteins, and precision cooking methods now blur the line between training tidbit and therapeutic supplement. What truly differentiates types today are sourcing ethics, processing temperatures, micronutrient targets, and sustainability indicators—not just shape or flavor.
Choosing for Life Stage, Not Just Lifestyle
Puppies need calcium-phosphorus balance and low-calorie bite sizes to protect erupting teeth. Senior dogs want hydration-softened textures rich in EPA/DHA yet low in sodium. Factor life stage first, then layer in lifestyle variables like agility schedules or apartment training routines.
Reading Labels Like a Vet Nutritionist
Ingredient panels now require “nutritional adequacy statements,” gram weights, and calorie counts per treat. Focus on the first five ingredients (they make up 80 % of the recipe), then verify that any vitamin mix is chelated for bioavailability. Avoid treats that list “animal digest” as a primary protein without declaring species.
Cost-Per-Calorie vs Cost-Per-Bag
A 5 oz bag at $15 may look identical to a 12 oz bag at $30, but the first clocks 6 kcal per treat while the second delivers 1 kcal per treat. Calculate cost-per-calorie for your dog’s daily energy budget, especially if you plan to keep 10 % or more of daily calories coming from snacks during marathon training sessions.
Evolution of Canine Palatability Science
Flavor houses have isolated volatile sulfur compounds that trigger a dog’s olfactory receptors more efficiently than meat itself. Understanding the science keeps you from falling for “spray-on” palatants that vanish after bag opening. Look instead for intrinsic palatability—real fat, real protein, slow-baked aromas.
Soft Chews: Moist, Flexible, Medicinal-Grade Bites
Engineered with collagen matrices that keep them pliable without mold, soft chews are increasingly dual-purpose: treat + supplement. Gelatin or carrageenan holds the shape while active ingredients like glucosamine or CBD stay stable at room temperature. Store below 75 °F to prevent syneresis (weeping of moisture).
Target Demographic
Puppies under six months, seniors with compromised dentition, and dogs on long-term medication protocols.
Ideal Storage
Airtight, refrigeratable pouch inside a dark cabinet; discard if surface crystallizes or color dulls beyond 20 %.
Caloric Density
Typically 3–8 kcal per chew, but functional add-ons can raise it to 12 kcal; check manufacturer report.
Freeze-Dried Raw: Lightweight Gems with Maximum Flavor
By vaporizing moisture at –50 °C, manufacturers lock in amino acid profiles identical to raw prey. The result is a shelf-stable cube that rehydrates in minutes yet won’t pool salmonella-laden juice in your pockets. HPP (high-pressure processing) is now the gold-standard kill step, outperforming older irradiation methods in preserving heat-sensitive vitamins.
Texture & Rehydration Ratio
One gram freeze-dried equals three grams raw. Add warm water for dogs with dental issues, or crumble directly into kibble as a topper.
Packaging Must-Have
Oxygen absorber + opaque mylar bag. Transparent windows are marketing gimmicks—UV destroys riboflavin within weeks.
Single-Ingredient Meat Jerky: The Minimalists’ Gold Standard
Dehydrated sheets of lean muscle tissue carry zero fillers, dyes, or preservatives—unless hidden in the cure. Seek “number one” cuts (trimmed eye of round, breast filet) to dodge gristle bombs that spike calories without satiety. Check salt content: < 1 % is ideal. Anything above 3 % can prompt polydipsia in small breeds.
Safe Thickness
¼ inch or less minimizes choke hazard while retaining chew time. Avoid “slab” styles that dry like shoe leather.
Home Dehydrating Tips
Set dehydrator at 165 °F for least 6 hours, then freeze rolls for 48 hours to eliminate any parasite cysts.
Dental Chews: Mechanics + Chemistry in One Stick
Beyond scraping plaque, 2025 formulas embed ZnCl₂ and Erythritol, clinically shown to reduce halitosis in 28 days by starving anaerobic bacteria. Look for VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seals. These chews must have a minimum density to provide abrasion; if you can snap it with fingers, it’s too soft for efficacy.
Chewing Duration Benchmark
Aim for 3–5 minutes of continuous gnaw to reach the 110-150 N bite force range needed for plaque disruption.
Functional Training Bites: Tiny, Low-Calorie Motivators
Specks sized at < ½ inch deliver rapid reinforcement without satiety lag. Hydrolyzed chicken liver powder is a common low-fat aroma source. Most importantly, they’re extruded to be dry enough for pocket carry yet soft enough to break. Choose under 1 kcal if you’ll feed more than 20 pieces per session.
Reinforcement Timing
Give treat within 0.8 seconds of behavior to exploit peak dopamine surge.
Grain-Free vs Ancient-Grain Bases: The 2025 Science
The FDA’s 2018–2022 DCM investigation found weak correlation, not causation, with pulses. Nevertheless, ancient grains (spelt, teff, millet) are rising because they’re lower in lectins and richer in resistant starch, feeding gut microbiota without spiking insulin. Rotate sources rather than eliminating an entire macronutrient family.
Limited-Ingredient Treats for Derm & GI Sensitivities
These often hinge on a single novel protein—think green-lipped mussel or cricket—and two hypoallergenic carbs. Avoid treats labeled “limited” that still sneak in egg, beef fat, or chicken digest. Double-check that the facility runs zero-cross-contamination cleaning protocols validated by ELISA swabs.
Cold-Pressed Cold Bar: The Slow-Release Fat Bomb
A rapidly emerging niche shaped like a thick coin, it’s pressed under 80 °F to retain omegas without oxidation. Look for inclusion levels of marine-derived omega-3 over 2 % to offset pro-inflammatory heat-processed kibble diets. Shelf life is shorter—think 6 months—so buy small bags in winter months only.
Dehydrated Fish Skins: Collagen Snacks for Skin & Coat
Cod, salmon, and catfish skins are rolled and baked until they whistle when snapped. Rich in type I collagen and elastin—not glucosamine—benefits accrue to dermal and periodontal tissues alike. Pro tip: soak 30 seconds in warm water and twist for an “instant brush.”
Vegetable & Fruit Medleys: Plant-Based Antioxidant Power
Dried purple sweet-potato chews and upcycled apple-skin chips provide polyphenols that scavenge free radicals. Go organic wherever pesticide drift from conventional orchards is high; apples rank top-3 on EWG’s Dirty Dozen list. Dwell time matters—chews should retain 8–10 % moisture for tooth-safe chewability.
Culinary Meal Toppers: Taking Treats Beyond Rewards
The 2025 trend is shifting from reward-only thinking to functional toppers that rehydrate into a nutrient-dense gruel. Bone-broth jellies, powdered goat-milk bovine colostrum cubes, and freeze-dried green-lipped mussel sprinkles mesh the treat economy with functional feeding—perfect for picky eaters refusing prescription diets.
Sustainability Inside the Bag & the Box
New package-scan codes allow consumers to trace single-farm provenance down to GPS coordinates. Seek FSC-certified paper and mono-material plastics (#4 LDPE) to make curbside recycling feasible. Bonus points for brands funding carbon offsets equal to the treat’s lifecycle emissions.
Recipe for Rotational Variety Crafted at Home
A 7-day plan: 3 days lean single-protein jerky, 2 days plant-toppers, 1 day freeze-dried raw enrichment toy, 1 day dental chew. Maintain total treat calories at 10 % of MER (maintenance energy requirement) and adjust down on heavy training days or up on fasting blood-test days vet orders.
Storage & Shelf Stability for Maximum Potency
Rancidity of polyunsaturated fats is the biggest threat. Reheavy your freezer with vacuum-sealed date-coded batches. Reduce headspace in open jerky bags by squeezing or repacking into mason jars with oxygen absorbers. UV-protected glass containers beat plastic for long-term flavor integrity.
Detecting Spoilage: Smell, Visual, and Texture Tips
True spoilage odors resemble fish emulsion + vinegar (rancid fish oils) or crayon/waxy (lipid oxidation). White specks may be protein bloom (safe) vs mold fuzz. Discard any treat that feels tacky when it should be crisp, as moisture ingress creates bacterial breeding grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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At what age can puppies start receiving training treats?
As early as 6–7 weeks, but keep pieces under ½ inch and total calories below 5 % of daily intake to avoid growth plate issues. -
Can I freeze soft chews to extend shelf life?
Yes, freezing at 0 °F will preserve actives for up to 9 months; thaw single pieces in fridge overnight to avoid condensation spoilage. -
Are dental chews safe for aggressive chewers?
Choose VOHC-approved designs rated for the dog’s jaw strength. Supervise and discard any piece smaller than ½ inch. -
How do I transition between treat types without digestive upset?
Apply the same rule as kibble: a 7-day gradient—start 25 % new treat, increase 25 % every two days, while monitoring stool quality. -
Do freeze-dried raw treats pose salmonella risk in homes with toddlers?
The risk is minimal if products are HPP-treated. Always wash hands after handling and store in upper cabinets away from little hands. -
Is there a limit on fish-skin treats due to iodine or mercury?
Yes. Limit fish skins to < 2 per day for dogs under 30 lb and < 6 per week for giant breeds unless verified low in heavy metals. -
What’s the best storage temp for cold-pressed omega bars?
Refrigerate at 38–42 °F to keep polyunsaturated fats stable for a full 6-month window. -
Can limited-ingredient treats trigger allergies the same way kibble can?
Paradoxically yes—if the novel protein in treats mirrors the base diet protein. Rotate both diet and treats every 3–4 months. -
How accurate are package calorie claims?
Legally allowed ±15 % deviation is standard. Use the average feeding table and weigh your dog monthly to recalibrate. -
Why do some dog treats smell so strong to me but not to my dog?
Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors; sulfur compounds that offend human noses are precisely the molecules dogs find irresistible.