If your dog has kidney disease, food allergies, or simply turns up their nose at anything that once had feathers or fur, you already know that “meat-free” doesn’t have to mean “fun-free.” Non-protein dog treats—especially those built around whole produce and plant-based fibers—are quietly becoming the fastest-growing segment of the 2025 pet-snack market, and for good reason: they can slash phosphorus, calm itchy skin, and still deliver the satisfying crunch dogs crave.
Below, you’ll learn how to separate genuinely nutritious veggie and fruit chews from the pretty packaging, what safety standards to demand, and how to match each botanical ingredient to your individual dog’s health goals. Consider this your no-hype, vet-approved field guide to navigating the next wave of plant-powered rewards.
Top 10 Non Protein Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks Golden Years Blueberry & Carrot Recipe Dog Treats, Enriched with Omega 3s & Postbiotics, 8oz
Overview: Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks Golden Years treats target senior dogs with a plant-based, allergy-friendly formula that marries blueberries, carrots, and broccoli with marine microalgae oil and postbiotics.
What Makes It Stand Out: The senior-specific blend is rare in a crowded treat aisle; combining antioxidant-rich produce with sustainable omega-3s and gut-supporting yeast culture gives aging immune systems a triple boost without any animal protein.
Value for Money: At $23.98/lb you’re paying boutique prices, but the functional extras (microalgae DHA, postbiotics) and USA sourcing go a long way toward justifying the premium if your senior pup has poultry allergies or itchy skin.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—100 % plant-based, no fillers, soft baked for delicate teeth, generous 50-count bag. Weaknesses—costly per pound, some dogs find the veggie scent less enticing than meat, and the 8 oz bag empties fast with large breeds.
Bottom Line: A worthwhile splurge for eco-minded owners of seniors or allergy-prone dogs; just keep a meatier high-value reward on hand for super picky pups.
2. Fruitables Baked Dog Treats, Healthy Pumpkin Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious, No Wheat, Corn or Soy, Made in the USA, Pumpkin and Banana Flavor, 7oz
Overview: Fruitables Baked Dog Treats deliver a crunchy, pumpkin-banana bite that clocks in at only 8 calories, making them ideal for repetitive training without expanding the waistline.
What Makes It Stand Out: The CalorieSmart formulation packs fragrant pumpkin and banana into a seriously crunchy texture most dogs adore, while staying free of wheat, corn, and soy—an unusual trifecta at this price.
Value for Money: $10.26/lb lands these in the budget-friendly zone; you get about 90 treats per 7 oz pouch, so each reward costs roughly a nickel—perfect for high-frequency training.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—irresistible aroma, low calorie, allergy-friendly, made in USA, breaks easily for small mouths. Weaknesses—pumpkin is fourth on ingredient list (after oats/rice), so health impact is moderate; crunch can be too hard for senior dogs with dental issues.
Bottom Line: An affordable, waistline-safe staple for puppy class or agility practice—keep a pouch in your pocket and you’ll have attentive, motivated dogs without the guilt.
3. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Oven-Baked With Natural Ingredients, Pumpkin & Cinnamon, 16-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Health Bars bake pumpkin, oatmeal, and cinnamon into a classic biscuit format, delivering crunch and fiber while avoiding poultry by-products, corn, wheat, and soy.
What Makes It Stand Out: Blue’s brand trust plus a simple, vitamin-fortified recipe gives owners confidence; the cinnamon twist adds a bakery note that masks veggie flavors many dogs usually snub.
Value for Money: At $4.98/lb this is the cheapest option per ounce here, and the 16 oz bag lasts multi-dog households a respectable length of time.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—wallet-friendly, widely available, crunchy texture cleans teeth, no artificial preservatives. Weaknesses—bar shape is big for toy breeds (requires breaking), oatmeal places it higher in carbs, and some batches arrive overly browned, yielding extra hardness.
Bottom Line: A solid, everyday crunchy biscuit for cost-conscious families; break into pieces for small pups and you’ve got a dependable, low-risk reward.
4. 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 Company crafts human-grade, grain-free pumpkin cookies using only seven recognizable ingredients, double-baked for a light, snap-able crunch suitable for all life stages.
What Makes It Stand Out: The human-grade certification and organic pumpkin puree headline a clean label that skips grains, dairy, and preservatives—great for dogs with itchy ears or upset tummies.
Value for Money: $31.97/lb is steep, but you’re paying for small-batch, USA-sourced, bakery-level quality; the 5 oz bag is more artisan snack than bulk training fuel.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—limited ingredients, snap-easily texture, enticing peanut-butter note, eco-friendly BPA-free bag. Weaknesses—premium price per ounce, bag size feels tiny for large breeds, and the molasses coating can get sticky in humid pantries.
Bottom Line: Splurge-worthy for allergy sufferers or as a special “cookie jar” treat; buy larger quantities or subscribe if you want to make these a daily habit without breaking the bank.
5. Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Chews 100% All-Natural Single Ingredient Dog Treats, 16 oz
Overview: Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Chews offer nothing but dehydrated sweet potatoes—skins on—for a vegan, single-ingredient chew that doubles as a natural dental scrub.
What Makes It Stand Out: Extreme simplicity meets sustainability: the company rescues cosmetically imperfect spuds, turning them into fiber-rich chews free of grains, gluten, and every additive imaginable.
Value for Money: $16.99/lb sits mid-range; because each chew is dense and slow to finish, one 16 oz bag provides more occupied minutes than softer biscuits, stretching entertainment value.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—single ingredient perfect for elimination diets, high fiber aids anal glands, chewy texture reduces tartar, generous 1 lb fill. Weaknesses—pieces vary wildly in size and hardness (some rock-hard, some leathery), orange residue on carpets, and calorie count climbs if your dog gnaws several.
Bottom Line: A stellar, allergy-safe chew for moderate to power chewers; just sort the bag by firmness and supervise to prevent gulping of the tougher chunks.
6. Bocce’s Bakery Pumpk’n Spice Treats for Dogs, Wheat-Free Everyday Dog Treats, Made with Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Soft & Chewy Cookies, Pumpkin, Peanut Butter, & Cinnamon, 6 oz
Overview: Bocce’s Bakery Pumpk’n Spice Treats deliver autumn flavor to four-legged friends through soft-baked cookies that echo human coffee-shop goodies while staying dog-safe. Each 6-oz pouch contains wheat-free hearts flavored with pumpkin, peanut butter, and a whisper of cinnamon—no nutmeg or other dog-unfriendly spices sneak in.
What Makes It Stand Out: The texture is deliberately delicate; senior dogs, teething puppies, and power-chewers who usually swallow biscuits whole can actually gum these without risk. Limited-ingredient transparency (just ten items you can pronounce) plus 13-calorie count means guilt-free repetition during training or daily spoiling.
Value for Money: At $20/lb you’re paying boutique-bakery prices, yet the USA sourcing, small-batch oven baking, and allergen-free formula justify the premium—especially if your pup has wheat sensitivities or you’re trying to avoid mysterious “meat meal.”
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Soft enough for tiny mouths; resealable pouch keeps cookies pliable for weeks; smell good enough that toddlers may try to steal one.
Cons: Pricey per pound; softness makes them crumble in pockets; cinnamon scent may tempt counter-surfers.
Bottom Line: A seasonal splurge that doubles as an everyday gentle reward—buy if your dog needs soft, clean-label treats and your budget allows boutique snacking.
7. A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats, Organic, Single Ingredient | Natural, Healthy, Diabetic Friendly | Made in The USA
Overview: A Better Treat turns pure organic pumpkin into airy, chalk-white cubes via freeze-drying, creating a single-ingredient powerhouse that works for dogs, cats, and health-conscious pet parents. The 1.5-oz pouch holds hundreds of pea-sized pieces that rehydrate in seconds if you add water.
What Makes It Stand Out: Zero additives, 0.2 calories per morsel, and proven tummy-regulating fiber make these the rare treat you can sprinkle by the handful during obedience drills without breaking calorie banks or risking GI revolt. Organic certification also means no pesticide residue—important for immune-compromised animals.
Value for Money: $14.98 feels steep until you realize one pouch lasts through weeks of clicker sessions; you’re essentially buying functional medicine that moonlights as candy.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Diabetic-safe, raw-diet approved, doubles as diarrhea aid; virtually odor-free for human noses yet irresistible to pets.
Cons: Crumbs at bottom turn to powder; freeze-dried texture can feel sharp on human fingers; bag is small for multi-dog households.
Bottom Line: Stock it as a training staple and digestive insurance—higher upfront cost pays off in vet-bill prevention and guilt-free high-repetition rewards.
8. Bocce’s Bakery Oven Baked PB & Banana Recipe Treats for Dogs, Wheat-Free Everyday Dog Treats, Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Soft & Chewy Cookies, Peanut Butter & Banana, 6 oz
Overview: Bocce’s Bakery swaps spice for nostalgia in this PB & Banana recipe, soft-baking another 6-oz collection of wheat-free hearts that smell like kindergarten sandwiches. Nine simple ingredients and a scant 9 calories per treat keep portions liberal for waist-watching hounds.
What Makes It Stand Out: Banana acts as a natural binder, letting the bakery stay free of artificial humectants while achieving a chewy, almost muffin-like interior. The resealable bag preserves that softness for a month—no rock-hard hockey pucks by day 20.
Value for Money: $21.28/lb is identical to the Pumpk’n variety; you’re funding USA-grown oats, peanuts, and bananas baked in small batches, not economy-scale extruders.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Picky-eater magnet; safe for wheat-allergic dogs; breaks apart for tiny mouths without exploding into dust.
Cons: Banana scent can turn off humans after prolonged storage; protein drops versus meat-based rewards, so not ideal for high-drive working dogs.
Bottom Line: Another winning flavor from Bocce’s—rotate it into your treat jar when you want a soft, allergy-friendly cookie that smells like comfort food.
9. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Just Vegg’n Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Sweat Potato, Oats, Apples & Carrots Flavor, Mini Size, (20 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard’s Wellness Just Vegg’n biscuits shrink the brand’s 1926 recipe into mini crunchy coins packed with sweet potato, oats, apples, and carrots. The 20-oz value bag delivers over 300 treats, each shaped like a tiny bone and baked until golden.
What Makes It Stand Out: Crunchy texture doubles as dental scrubber, scraping plaque while dogs work through the vegetable-forward flavor. At $4.38/lb it’s among the cheapest clean-label biscuits sold in pet specialty stores—perfect for multi-dog households or generous shelter volunteers.
Value for Money: Exceptional; you’re paying grocery-store-cookie prices for an all-natural, North-American-made product with no artificial preservatives.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Bulk sizing; dental benefit; low fat for weight management; smell pleasantly like granola, not meat meal.
Cons: Contains gluten (oats/barley), so unsuitable for celiac-canines; mini size can be swallowed whole by large breeds, losing dental effect.
Bottom Line: A crunchy, veggie-packed workhorse—buy when you need volume, affordability, and teeth-cleaning action in one bag.
10. Fruitables Biggies Dog Biscuits, Healthy Treats for Dogs, Pumpkin Doggie Biscuits, Crunchy Treats, Made Without Wheat, Corn and Soy, Made in The USA, Crispy Apple and Bacon Flavor, 16oz
Overview: Fruitables Biggies marry crispy bacon with apple in a wheat-free, extra-large biscuit designed for big jaws and serious motivation. Each 16-oz carton contains about 30 substantial bones that snap cleanly into smaller portions without crumbling into oblivion.
What Makes It Stand Out: The aroma is legit—real pork bacon is baked in, not sprayed on, so even scent-fatigued dogs perk up during long training sessions. Despite the carnivorous scent, the recipe skips wheat, corn, and soy, catering to allergy-prone pups who still crave smoky richness.
Value for Money: Price was not listed at review time; historically Biggies retail around $8–$10, placing them mid-pack per pound while offering gourmet flavor.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Breakable for portion control; strong scent boosts focus outdoors; crunchy texture aids teeth cleaning.
Cons: Calorie load climbs when multiple pieces are used; bacon means higher fat—avoid for pancreatitis-prone dogs; scent can linger on hands.
Bottom Line: Grab these when you need a high-impact, wheat-free reward that commands attention without wrecking dietary restrictions—just budget calories accordingly.
Why Non-Protein Treats Are Surging in 2025
From sustainability mandates to the rise of prescription renal diets, pet parents are re-thinking every gram of protein that enters their dog’s bowl. Treats are the easiest place to trim excess amino acids without sacrificing the human-animal bond built on daily rewards. Add in the fact that plant-based supply chains are less vulnerable to avian-influenza-driven poultry shortages, and it’s clear why even conventional brands are releasing “zero-meat” SKUs ahead of schedule.
Understanding Protein Sensitivities in Dogs
Adverse food reactions aren’t always dramatic anaphylaxis; many dogs present with low-grade otitis, pedal pruritus, or soft stools that linger for months. When elimination trials point to chicken, beef, or dairy, treats are often the last—and most overlooked—source of exposure. Removing animal protein from the reward stream can drop antigenic load by 15–20 %, enough for many veterinarians to finally get itch scores below the threshold that requires steroids or apoquel.
How Veggie and Fruit-Based Chews Support Renal Health
Phosphorus is the silent kidney killer. Animal-based chews can contain 120–180 mg of phosphorus per 100 kcal, while properly formulated sweet-potato or pumpkin wedges drop that number below 25 mg. Lower phosphorus means slower progression of IRIS stage 2–3 chronic kidney disease, translating to extra months—sometimes years—before sub-q fluids or therapeutic diets become unavoidable.
Fiber Physics: Why Crunchy Produce Cleans Teeth
Mechanical abrasion is still the gold standard for plaque control between professional cleanings. Dense, low-sugar vegetables such as dehydrated yam strips or jicama coins create a “natural floss” effect, scraping the buccal surface of the carnassial teeth while stimulating gingival blood flow. The key is porosity: treats with microscopic air pockets (think freeze-dried zucchini) shatter rather than splinter, scrubbing without risking enamel micro-fractures.
Calorie Density: Keeping Weight in Check
A single medium sweet-potato chew can replace 10 % of a small dog’s daily energy allowance if you’re not paying attention. Look for ≤ 8 kcal per inch of chew, and always subtract treat calories from mealtime—especially for spayed females and brachycephalic breeds that live on the edge of weight gain.
Glycemic Load and the Diabetic Dog
Carbohydrate-heavy produce isn’t off-limits to diabetics; it just needs to be portion-controlled and paired with soluble fiber that slows glucose absorption. Green-banana flour and chickpea peel fiber have shown a 30 % lower post-prandial glucose spike compared to-equivalent portions of rice or wheat, making them smart binder choices in molded veggie chews.
Antioxidant Powerhouses: Anthocyanins & Beta-Carotene
Blue-black hues from blueberry skins or purple sweet potato signal anthocyanins that scavenge free radicals implicated in cognitive decline. Orange tones indicate beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports night vision—handy for senior dogs that still hike at dusk. Aim for a visible rainbow in the ingredient panel; monochromatic treats usually mean a single phytonutrient profile.
Digestibility Factors: Soluble vs Insoluble Fiber Ratio
Too much soluble fiber (pectin, inulin) can turn stool into pudding, while excessive insoluble cellulose speeds transit to the point of malabsorption. The sweet spot for most dogs is 1:2 soluble-to-insoluble, a ratio that firms stools without diluting mineral uptake. Reputable brands publish in vitro organic-matter disappearance (OMD) values; anything above 85 % is considered highly digestible for plant matrices.
Allergen Cross-Reactivity: When Banana Might Mimic Ragweed
Pollen-food syndrome isn’t just a human nuisance. Dogs sensitized to environmental ragweed can react to chamomile, melon, or banana due to shared profilin proteins. If your pup’s seasonal allergies flare after a new fruit chew, cross-reactivity—not poor quality control—may be the culprit. Rotate botanical families every 4–6 weeks to minimize cumulative exposure.
Texture Profiles: Soft, Crunchy, or Jerky-Style
Senior dogs with dental disease need softer textures, but gummy treats can accelerate plaque formation. The compromise is a rehydratable jerky: air-dried strips that re-soften in warm water within 60 seconds, giving you two textures in one SKU. Conversely, power chewers benefit from “layered lamination”—multiple veggie sheets pressed under 2000 psi to create a crunch that lasts beyond the first bite.
Safety Standards to Demand in 2025
Third-party lab verification for pesticide residues is now non-negotiable; 2024 USDA data show that 34 % of imported sweet potatoes carry chlorpropham exceedances. Look for QR-code access to Certificates of Analysis (CoA) that include glyphosate, heavy metals, and mycotoxin panels. Bonus points if the brand posts batch-retain samples available for veterinarian audit.
Sustainability Metrics: Water Footprint & Carbon Paw-Print
A single kilogram of beef jerky requires 15 400 L of water versus 280 L for an equivalent kilogram of dehydrated pumpkin. Brands that publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) often offset remaining emissions through regenerative agriculture partnerships—look for the emerging “Paw-Print Neutral” label rolling out in North America this spring.
Ingredient Red Flags: Hidden Animal Digest and “Natural Flavor”
“Natural flavor” can legally contain hydrolyzed poultry liver, slipping animal protein back into an otherwise vegan chew. Similarly, “vegetable broth” may be spiked with whey solids. Insist on explicit statements such as “no animal-derived ingredients” or certified vegan logos from Vegan Action or The Vegan Society.
Transitioning Without Tummy Turmoil
Sudden fiber surges ferment into gas, leading to borborygmi and flatulence that can clear a couch. Introduce non-protein treats at 10 % of total daily calories for three days, then increase by 5 % every 48 hours provided stools remain < 3 on the Purina fecal chart. Probiotic strains such as Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016 can shorten adaptation from 14 to 7 days.
Cost-Effectiveness: Price per Chew vs Price per Nutrient
A $2 single-ingredient apple slice may look cheaper than a $4 functional chew that adds spirulina and turmeric. But if the latter delivers the ORAC (oxygen-radical absorbance capacity) of four apples in one 20 g strip, your cost per antioxidant unit plummets. Calculate value using nutrient density, not sticker price.
Vet-Approved Storage Tips to Prevent Mold
Plant-based treats hover at 8–10 % moisture—just enough for Aspergillus spores to party. Vacuum-seal portions you won’t use within 10 days and add a food-grade silica desiccant. Freezing is safe for most fruit leathers, but thaw only once; ice-crystal formation ruptures cell walls, turning a crisp chew into a soggy sponge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can puppies eat non-protein fruit chews, or is fiber too harsh for immature guts?
Yes, provided the treat is sized to prevent choking and total dietary fiber stays below 5 % of dry-matter intake. Start with micro-shreds of dehydrated carrot as early as 10 weeks.
2. Will plant-based chews meet my dog’s taurine requirements?
Taurine is irrelevant for treats; 90 % of canine taurine should come from balanced main meals. If your vet has prescribed a taurine supplement, continue it regardless of treat type.
3. How do I verify a “grain-free” claim when the ingredient list includes quinoa?
Quinoa is a pseudocereal, not a true grain, so the claim is technically valid. If you’re avoiding all starch sources, look for grain-AND-tuber-free SKUs based on coconut flakes and algae.
4. Are freeze-dried veggies safer than air-dried when it comes to pathogens?
Both methods reduce water activity below 0.85, inhibiting salmonella. Freeze-drying retains more heat-labile vitamins, but air-dried treats offer better crunch; choose based on nutrition versus dental goals.
5. My dog has pancreatitis; is fat content in sweet-potato chews a concern?
Plain sweet potato contains < 0.2 % fat, making it ideal. Watch for added coconut oil or peanut butter coatings that can push fat above 10 %—a pancreatitis trigger.
6. Do veggie chews expire faster once the bag is opened?
Oxidation of beta-carotene begins within 48 hours of exposure to oxygen. Reseal under vacuum or transfer to a UV-blocking amber jar to preserve carotenoid potency for up to 60 days.
7. Can I dehydrate homemade fruit and match commercial safety levels?
Home dehydrators rarely exceed 70 °C, insufficient to kill E. coli. Post-dry in a 95 °C oven for 20 minutes or freeze for 48 h at −18 °C to approach commercial microbial standards.
8. Why do some treats turn my dog’s poop orange?
Beta-carotene is a lipid-soluble pigment that can tint feces when intake exceeds intestinal conversion to vitamin A. It’s harmless; reduce portion size if the color bothers you.
9. Is organic produce always lower in heavy metals?
Not necessarily—organic certification governs pesticides, not soil composition. Request a CoA for lead and cadmium regardless of organic status, especially for treats sourced near legacy mining zones.
10. How long should I wait after a veggie chew before offering water?
Allow 15 minutes. Immediate gulping can swell dehydrated fiber in the stomach, triggering transient bloating. A short pause lets saliva begin rehydration before the water bowl tsunami hits.