Nothing melts a dog-lover’s heart faster than a wagging tail and a biscuit shaped like Cupid’s calling card. Heart shaped dog treats are more than Instagram-worthy novelties—they’re edible love letters that let you manage portion size, cater to allergies, and sneak in functional ingredients while you’re at it. As we trot into 2025, the trend is only growing sharper: think superfood glazes, planet-friendly proteins, and pastel natural colorings that would make a pastry chef jealous. Whether you’re new to baking for your best friend or you’ve already traded your cookie jar for a treat jar, mastering the art of heart shaped goodies is the sweetest way to say “I ruff you” all year long.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to whip up bakery-level snacks without the boutique price tag—no rankings, no fluff, just expert guidance on ingredients, techniques, storage, and styling so you can create your own top-ten list at home.
Top 10 Heart Shaped Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Wholesome Indulgences Dog Biscuits, Natural, Dog Treats, Bacon, Oats, & Maple Flavor, (10 Ounce Bag)
Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Wholesome Indulgences Dog Biscuits
Overview: Heart-shaped, soft-baked cookies flavored with real bacon, oats and maple syrup; 10-oz bag, made in USA.
What Makes It Stand Out: The nostalgic “homemade” heart cutter shape and moist (not crunchy) texture appeals to dogs that dislike hard biscuits; maple aroma is irresistible to most pups.
Value for Money: $7.97 (~$0.80/oz) lands mid-pack for premium treats; you get 10-oz of USA-baked, preservative-free cookies—reasonable for occasional spoiling.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Soft enough for seniors/puppies; natural ingredients; re-sealable bag keeps moisture in. Weaknesses: 26% moisture means shorter shelf-life once opened; heart shape crumbles in pockets; 3.5 kcal per piece adds up fast for big dogs.
Bottom Line: Great “love you” cookie for gentle mouths; keep quantity modest and bag sealed.
2. Shameless Pets Soft-Baked Dog Treats, Blueberried Treasure – Natural & Healthy Dog Chews with Mint for Immune Support – Made in USA, Free from Grain, Corn & Soy – 1-Pack
Shameless Pets Blueberried Treasure Soft-Baked Biscuits
Overview: 6-oz, grain-free chews starring blueberry, chia and mint, baked in the USA from up-cycled produce.
What Makes It Stand Out: Each treat delivers antioxidant-rich “misfit” berries diverted from food waste—eco-friendly bonus plus breath-freshening mint baked right in.
Value for Money: $5.79 works out to ~96¢/oz—cheapest per ounce in this lineup while still sporting a functional health claim.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Stays pliable for training; limited ingredient list ideal for allergy-prone dogs; compact 6-oz bag prevents staleness. Weaknesses: Mint scent can deter picky eaters; 8 kcal per 1″ square is high for tiny breeds; darker color may stain light fur if drooled.
Bottom Line: Planet-minded owners get guilt-free, functional rewards—buy if your dog likes fruity flavors.
3. Bocce’s Bakery Berry Smoothie Wellness Treats for Dogs, Wheat-Free Everyday Dog Treats, Made with Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Soft & Chewy Cookies, 6 oz
Bocce’s Bakery Berry Smoothie Wellness Treats
Overview: Wheat-free, 6-oz pouch of soft “B” cookies blended with real strawberries, blueberries and Greek yogurt, slow-baked in small USA batches.
What Makes It Stand Out: Short, readable recipe (six whole-food ingredients) delivers smoothie-shop flavor without wheat, corn, soy or artificial anything—ideal for allergy watches.
Value for Money: $7.49 (~$1.25/oz) sits on the premium side; you’re paying for hand-small-batch baking and USA sourcing.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pillow-soft for seniors; naturally vibrant color from fruit; resealable pouch. Weaknesses: Limited protein (only 8%)—less satisfying for power chewers; 12 kcal per B adds up quickly; scent is mild, not “meaty,” lowering excitement for some hounds.
Bottom Line: A clean-label fruit snack for sensitive pups; worth the splurge if wheat is off the menu.
4. Bocce’s Bakery Pizza Our Heart Treats for Dogs, Wheat-Free Everyday Dog Treats, Made with Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Soft & Chewy Cookies, Cheese & Bacon, 6 oz
Bocce’s Bakery Pizza Our Heart Treats
Overview: Same soft “B” format as above but packed with cheese, bacon and tomato—basically a wheat-free pizza pocket for dogs, 6-oz bag.
What Makes It Stand Out: Delivers big pizzeria aroma from human-grade parmesan and火炉-style USA baking while still avoiding wheat, corn and soy—rare in “pizza” treats.
Value for Money: Identical $7.49 price; pricier per pound than mainstream biscuits, but cheaper than most limited-ingredient jerky.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strong scent equals high-value training reward; soft enough to tear into tiny pieces. Weaknesses: Cheese drives fat to 10%—not for pancreatitis-prone dogs; bacon powder can stain carpet if pocketed; only 6-oz disappears fast in multi-dog homes.
Bottom Line: Aromatic, guilt-free pizza fix—perfect for picky eaters needing wheat-free motivation.
5. Bocce’s Bakery Bark Hearts Training Bites Dog Treats, 2 oz
Bocce’s Bakery Bark Hearts Training Bites
Overview: 2-oz pouch of pea-size wheat-free hearts made with just five ingredients; intended for rapid-fire training.
What Makes It Stand Out: Ultra-low 1.5 kcal per heart lets you reward generously without blowing daily calorie budget; tiny shape fits even Yorkie mouths.
Value for Money: $4.52 sounds cheap, but converts to $36.16/lb—most expensive here; you’re buying convenience and calorie control, not bulk.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Hearts don’t crumble in pockets; resealable mini-bag is jacket-friendly; single-protein option avoids major allergens. Weaknesses: Only 80 treats per pouch empties fast in adolescent training marathons; limited flavor rotation; no added functional supplements.
Bottom Line: Pricey per pound, but unbeatable for low-cal, wheat-free shaping sessions—carry-on trainers should stock up during sales.
6. Blue Buffalo Valentine’s Day Edition Bits Dog Training Treats, Chicken Recipe, 4.5-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo’s Valentine’s Day Bits are festive, heart-shaped soft training treats that put real chicken first and skip the usual junk fillers. Each 4.5-oz bag delivers a limited-edition, love-themed snack designed for rewarding good behavior without derailing your dog’s diet.
What Makes It Stand Out: The seasonal twist—exclusive heart shapes and Valentine’s packaging—plus Blue’s “no-BHA, no-by-product” promise in a treat you can break into tiny, low-calorie pieces for repetitive training.
Value for Money: At roughly $25/lb you’re paying novelty-tax, but you’re also getting a U.S.-made, clean-label treat that’s soft enough for seniors, tiny enough for puppies, and photogenic enough for Instagram.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: real chicken first, no corn/wheat/soy, resealable bag stays fresh, dye-free.
Cons: small bag disappears fast, price-per-pound stings if you have multiple dogs, contains molasses so not ideal for diabetic pups.
Bottom Line: Buy one bag for the cute-factor and training convenience; skip if you burn through dozens of treats a day—your wallet will feel the heartbreak.
7. Finley’s Hearty Selects Dog Treats, Hearty Selects Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Flax Seed, Soft-Baked, Functional Ingredients, Made in USA, 12 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Overview: Finley’s Hearty Selects are soft-baked, salmon-first squares packed with superfoods like sweet potato and flax. Every 12-oz bag is baked in the USA and fuels both taste buds and a charitable mission—each purchase funds programs for people with disabilities.
What Makes It Stand Out: A limited-ingredient, wheat/corn/soy-free recipe that still feels indulgent, plus a social-impact bonus most brands can’t match.
Value for Money: $13 for 12 oz lands in the mid-premium tier; you’re paying for human-grade salmon, U.S. sourcing, and a donation baked in—reasonable if you value transparency and giving back.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: soft texture great for seniors, strong salmon aroma dogs crave, resealable bag, philanthropy angle.
Cons: aroma can be fishy for human noses, 25-calorie squares add up fast for small dogs, bag can crumble if shipped loosely.
Bottom Line: An ethical, allergy-friendly pick for owners who want treats that do good and taste good—just budget the calories accordingly.
8. Benji & Louie Freeze Dried Pumpkin for Dogs and Cats, Heart Shaped – Natural Healthy Dog and Cat Treats, Single Ingredient, 2 oz
Overview: Benji & Louie freeze-dry cubes of pure USA-grown pumpkin into adorable hearts that both dogs and cats can crunch or rehydrate. Nothing but pumpkin—no additives, no fillers.
What Makes It Stand Out: Single-ingredient simplicity and freeze-dried versatility (training bite, meal topper, tummy-soother) in a heart shape that screams love without calories or allergens.
Value for Money: $6.12 per ounce feels steep for pumpkin until you realize a 2-oz pouch equals roughly 60 hearts; used sparingly, micro-dosing nutrition offsets the sticker shock.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: hypoallergenic, <1 cal per heart, high fiber supports digestion, melts in mouth for toothless pets, dual-species convenience.
Cons: ultra-light hearts fly out of bag easily, turns to dust if crushed, pricey compared to canned pumpkin.
Bottom Line: A pantry staple for sensitive tummies and training variety—keep a bag on hand even if you rely on cheaper day-to-day biscuits.
9. Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food – Crunchy Bites Dog Treats- Chicken, Peanut ButterSoy Free, Corn Free, Wheat Free | Dry Dog Food Made with Real Ingredients No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
Overview: Chicken Soup for the Soul Crunchy Bites channel nostalgia into a 12-oz pouch of peanut-buttery crunchers. Real peanut butter headlines, backed by bacon, oatmeal, and potato for an 8-calorie nugget that’s free of wheat, corn, soy, and artificial nonsense.
What Makes It Stand Out: Big peanut-butter flavor in a tiny, low-calorie format—perfect for repetitive training without guilt or digestive drama.
Value for Money: $8 translates to about 120 treats, or 7¢ each; that’s budget-friendly for a clean-label, U.S.-made biscuit.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: crave-worthy smell, satisfying crunch cleans teeth, resealable pouch, allergy-sensitive recipe.
Cons: can shatter into crumbs during shipping, not soft enough for seniors with dental issues, bacon is fairly far down the list.
Bottom Line: A win for households that reward often—stock up if your dog goes nuts for peanut butter and you like keeping calories low.
10. Raw Paws Grain-Free Biscuits for Dogs – Peanut Butter Recipe, 10-oz – Crunchy Dog Treats Made in USA – Corn, Wheat & Soy Free PB Dog Treats – Heart Shaped Puppy Biscuits – Peanut Butter Treats
Overview: Raw Paws serves up grain-free, heart-shaped biscuits starring real peanut butter plus quinoa and flaxseed for a vegetarian, omega-rich crunch. Baked in the USA and shelf-stable for 18 months, the 10-oz pouch targets training, teething, or everyday spoiling.
What Makes It Stand Out: A vegetarian, grain-free option that still delivers complete amino acids through quinoa and skin-supporting omegas via flax—rare in the peanut-butter category.
Value for Money: Price was not listed at review time; judging by ingredient quality and comparable U.S.-made biscuits, expect mid-premium pricing—justifiable if your dog needs grain-free and you appreciate ethically sourced plant proteins.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: 22-cal hearts break cleanly for portion control, no artificial anything, sturdy resealable bag, cruelty-free protein story.
Cons: harder texture unsuitable for senior mouths, calorie count higher than tiny training bits, quinoa can be rich for some tummies.
Bottom Line: Worth grabbing once MSRP appears—especially for eco-minded owners seeking a crunchy, grain-free biscuit that supports coat health while skipping common allergens.
Why Heart Shaped Dog Treats Still Rule in 2025
From Valentine’s drops to “just because” rewards, the heart silhouette carries instant emotional weight. Pet parents continue to gravitate toward it because it photographs beautifully, symbolizes the human-animal bond, and fits perfectly in a dog’s mouth when sized right. Add the fact that 2025’s decorating trends lean into minimalist icing and monochromatic sprinkles, and you’ve got a treat that looks as refined as it tastes.
Key Health & Safety Fundamentals Before You Bake
Always avoid xylitol, chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, excess salt, and nutmeg—common kitchen staples that are toxic to dogs. Bake to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to kill pathogens, and cool treats completely to avoid mouth burns. If your dog has a medical condition, clear new recipes with your veterinarian, especially when introducing high-fiber or novel-protein ingredients.
Choosing Dog-Safe Ingredients for 2025 Trends
Functional foods are having a moment: think blueberries for cognition, pumpkin for digestion, cricket protein for sustainability, and turmeric for joint support. Purchase organic when possible, and favor whole-food dyes like beet powder, spirulina, and annatto over synthetic colors. Keep sodium under 10 mg per medium treat, and limit sweeteners to small amounts of honey, applesauce, or mashed banana.
Grain-Free vs. Ancient Grains vs. Light Grains
Grain-free still dominates allergy-centric kitchens, but 2025 projections show a surge in pseudo-cereals such as quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat for their amino acid profiles. Conversely, light grains like oats and barley provide soluble fiber that aids satiety—ideal for dogs on weight-management plans. Rotate grains to prevent new sensitivities and keep micronutrient diversity high.
Binding Agents That Actually Hold Their Shape
Eggs remain the gold standard, but flax “egg” (1 Tbsp milled flax + 3 Tbsp water), chia gel, or unsweetened applesauce work for vegan batches. A tablespoon of gelatin or collagen peptides adds flexibility, reducing cracks when you stamp out hearts. Balance hydration so dough feels like play-dough: too wet and edges blur; too dry and treats crumble.
Natural Coloring & Decorating Without Chemicals
For millennial-pink hearts, whisk ½ tsp beet powder into your wet ingredients. Blue spirulina yields a dreamy cyan, while matcha offers gentle green—just ensure caffeine-free culinary grade. After baking, brush on yogurt-based glazes thinned with a teaspoon of goat milk; set with a quick 175 °F (80 °C) dehydrating stint to seal color and shelf life.
Selecting the Best Heart Cookie Cutters for Precision
Stainless-steel cutters with a depth of at least 1 inch produce crisp edges and minimize dough drag. Look for welded seams to survive dishwasher cycles, and choose mini (1 in), standard (2.5 in), and giant (4 in) sets so you can tailor calories to everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Bonus: a plunger-style cutter imprints a darling “LOVE” message without extra effort.
Texture Profiles: Crunchy, Snappy, or Chewy?
Dental health drives the 2025 market toward crunchy biscuits fortified with charcoal or parsley. If you need a softer bite for seniors, add fat: replace 10% of total flour with coconut flour and bump up moisture by 5%. Conversely, remove moisture by swapping a quarter of your wet ingredients with banana flakes for an extra-crisp snap that survives hiking pouches.
Functional Add-Ins That Go Beyond Flavor
Joint care: ½ tsp green-lipped mussel powder per cup of flour. Skin & coat: 1 tsp cold-pressed salmon oil drizzled post-bake (never before, or you’ll oxidize omega-3s). Gut support: a pinch of prebiotic inulin or a teaspoon of kefir brushed on after cooling. Cognition: water-soluble CBD isolate (lab-verified 0% THC) baked below 325 °F to protect cannabinoids.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions That Actually Work
Replace chicken fat with coconut oil for poultry allergies. Trade wheat flour for chickpea flour at a 1:1 ratio, but drop liquid by 10% because chickpea is thirstier. For dairy-sensitive pups, coconut milk powder replicates the creamy tang of yogurt chips without lactose. Always introduce one new ingredient at a time and observe for 48 hours.
Step-by-Step Dough Preparation for Perfect Hearts
- Whisk dry ingredients first to distribute leavening evenly.
- Cream wet ingredients until homogenous, then fold into dry in thirds.
- Rest dough 15 minutes; hydration stabilizes, reducing shrinkage.
- Roll between parchment sheets to desired thickness (¼ in for crispy, ½ in for chewy).
- Dust cutter with oat flour between cuts to prevent sticking.
- Transfer pressed shapes to a perforated tray for airflow.
Baking, Dehydrating & Cooling Techniques
Bake at 325 °F (163 °C) for 18-22 minutes, rotating halfway. For shelf-stable “crunch,” lower oven to 200 °F (93 °C) and dehydrate an additional 60 minutes post-bake. Use a wire rack immediately; trapped steam softens bases. If you live in a humid climate, aim a small fan at the cooling rack to wick away ambient moisture.
Proper Storage & Shelf-Life Guidelines
Room temp: 5 days in paper bags, then transfer to an airtight tin. Refrigerated: 3 weeks in a silicone-sealed jar with food-grade desiccant. Frozen: 6 months when vacuum-sealed; thaw unopened to prevent condensation. Label each batch with recipe code and date so you can track palatability tweaks or ingredient intolerances.
Packaging Ideas for Gifting & Selling
Compostable cellophane paired with kraft tags and soy-based ink screams eco-chic. Slip in a silica gel packet labeled “Do Not Eat” to reassure human recipients. For farmer’s market flair, heat-seal stacks of three in PLA bags, then tie with hemp twine and a paw-print wax seal. Include an ingredient card listing calorie count per heart to build trust with health-conscious buyers.
Eco-Friendly & Zero-Waste Kitchen Practices
Repurpose left-over dough trimmings: recombine, re-roll once only (more rolls toughen texture) and cut into tiny training bites. Compost eggshells and vegetable peels; reserve beet-water for next icing batch. Buy spices in bulk, store in reusable glass, and switch to silicone baking liners to eliminate parchment waste. Run the oven full-batch to reduce energy draw—invite a neighbor’s treats onto your sheet pan!
How to Photograph Your Heart Creations for Social Media
Natural side light at 45° accentuates texture; shoot on a matte slate board to prevent color cast. Keep a dog model busy with a lick-mat off-camera for alert ears and forward gaze. Use burst mode to catch mid-crunch crumbs—freeze motion at 1/1000s. Edit minimally; boost saturation only on natural hues so followers trust your ingredient integrity. Hashtags that trend in 2025 include #BarkeryLove and #HeartToTailTreats.
Troubleshooting Common Heart Treat Fails
Edges blur? Dough is too warm—chill 20 minutes prior to cutting. Biscuits puff and lose shape? Excess leavening; halve the baking powder. Center stays soft? Roll uniformly; thick middles need longer bake time. Surface cracks? Not enough fat or over-baked—lower dehydration phase by 15 minutes. Green mold in two days? Storage container trapped moisture; add desiccant and double-check cooling time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular whole-wheat flour, or do I need a special “dog” flour?
Standard whole-wheat works, but consider lower-gluten options like spelt for easier digestion.
2. Are heart shaped treats suitable for puppies?
Yes, just size them appropriately and avoid hard, crunchy textures until adult teeth erupt.
3. How many calories should each heart contain for a 40 lb dog?
Aim for 25–30 kcal per medium heart; adjust daily ration to keep total calories consistent.
4. What’s the best egg-free binder if my dog is allergic?
A flax or chia egg works well; banana or pumpkin purée add extra moisture and flavor.
5. Can I ice the treats with store-bought yogurt melts?
Only if they’re free from xylitol and added sugars; better yet, make a plain yogurt glaze yourself.
6. How do I mail homemade hearts without breakage?
Vacuum-seal, freeze first, add bubble wrap, and choose 2-day shipping to keep texture intact.
7. Is coconut oil safe for all dogs?
Generally, yes, but introduce slowly—too much can cause greasy stools.
8. Can cats sneak a nibble?
These recipes aren’t toxic to cats, but felines need taurine; stick to species-appropriate snacks.
9. How can I tell if a natural coloring will stain white fur?
Beet and turmeric can transfer; feed on a washable mat and wipe muzzle promptly after enjoying.
10. What’s the easiest way to calculate nutritional info?
Input each ingredient into free software like Cronometer, add totals, then divide by the number of hearts produced.