Few things brighten a dog’s day like the crinkle of a treat pouch. But walk down any pet aisle today and the sheer volume of brightly colored packaging makes treating your dog feel more like decoding a puzzle than rewarding a best friend. Wholehearted, as a house brand exclusive to Petco stores, has quietly positioned itself as a dependable, vet-informed line for everyday rewards and training staples. If you’re shopping in 2025, the choices are even broader—new functional chews, limited-ingredient strips, and single-protein bites now carry the unmistakable Wholehearted logo.
The goal of this guide isn’t to parrot marketing claims or rattle off a generic “top ten” list. Instead, we’re digging deep into what truly makes a Wholehearted creation worthy of your puppy’s palate and your veterinarian’s nod of approval. From sourcing transparency to treat-to-meal calorie math, here’s everything you need to read (and re-read) before dropping those biscuits—or jerkies, or training nibbles—into your cart.
Top 10 Wholehearted Dog Treats Review
Detailed Product Reviews
1. WholeHearted Grain Free Soft and Chewy Dog Stick Treats (Chicken & Beef & Bacon, 3-6 OZ)
Overview: WholeHearted Grain Free Soft and Chewy Dog Stick Treats merge chicken, beef, and bacon into a stick-style snack aimed at adult dogs who love variety in texture and taste.
What Makes It Stand Out: Triple-protein profile in a chewy stick encourages extended chewing, and the grain-free formula suits dogs with sensitive digestion; the slender shape also doubles as an instant occupier during walks or travel.
Value for Money: At roughly $1.94 per ounce or $27.45/lb, the price sits in the premium band for soft treats, so casual reward programs feel pricey; bulk-buyers may qualify for shipping discounts that soften the blow.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs relish the layered meat scent and pliable texture (no crumbs on the couch), while owners appreciate resealable packaging. On the flip side, the treat’s softness can smear in warm pockets, serving size is poorly defined, and high protein drives a calorie count best scheduled into daily intake.
Bottom Line: Best for picky dogs or high-value training moments when only a meaty chew will do—just budget accordingly.
2. WholeHearted Puppy Treats with DHA – Lamb & Salmon Recipe, 3 Ounce – Natural Low Calorie Treats for Puppies
Overview: WholeHearted Puppy Treats with DHA deliver lamb and salmon in miniature nibbles specifically sized for puppies up to 12 months, touting cognitive-development support from the added omega-rich DHA.
What Makes It Stand Out: A true puppy-centric grinder—tiny 2-calorie bites, softness for baby teeth, and a lamb/salmon combo not commonly found in low-calorie training snacks.
Value for Money: At $12 per 3-oz bag ($64/lb), the sticker shock is real—only the most committed early-training parents will absorb the cost; the bag empties fast once “sit” practice ramps up.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Success: goodies disappear fast, bad breath stays neutral, and the reseal keeps treats fresh. Gripes: bag supplies ~120 bites (roughly two good training sessions for a food-motivated pup), and price per treat rivals gourmet human jerky.
Bottom Line: Reserve for housebreaking and socialization classes; rotate to cheaper treats once your pup’s attention span solidifies.
3. WholeHearted Grain-Free Tender Tidbits Beef Recipe Dog Training Treats 16 oz.
Overview: These tender beef morsels cut into half-inch chunks are deliberately engineered as low-calorie training incentives for dogs of all ages.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real beef leads the ingredient list, followed by protein-rich chickpeas—together yielding less than 3 calories per bite, letting handlers rack up dozens of rewards without ballooning waistlines.
Value for Money: At $15.99/lb (16 oz resealable bag), the cost lands at roughly five cents per treat—competitive inside the natural-ingredient training category.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: grain-free, small size ideal for clicker work, minimal grease on hands. Cons: humidity can turn soft bits sticky in humid regions, and some dogs bored by plain beef may need flavored rotation.
Bottom Line: An economical daily driver for obedience practice—dispense generously without budget anxiety.
4. WholeHearted Grain Free Peanut Butter Biscuit Dog Treats 20 oz.
Overview: WholeHearted Grain-Free Peanut Butter Biscuits deliver crunchy baked goodness—minus wheat, corn, or soy—in a 20 oz carton perfect for countertop jars.
What Makes It Stand Out: Peanut-butter punch in a biscuit sturdy enough to curb mild chewing instincts; grain-free baking also invites allergy-prone pups to the snacking table.
Value for Money: At $10.99 for 20 oz ($0.55/oz), the price is mid-shelf yet feels generous because one biscuit can occupy a small dog for minutes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs flip for the roasted aroma and crisp snap; the width fits most puzzle toys. Caveats: hard texture can challenge seniors with dental issues, and the calorie budget per biscuit (~35–40 kcal) climbs steeply if doled out mindlessly.
Bottom Line: Stock it for everyday “good dog” rewards, but lower the dose for weight-managed pets.
5. WholeHearted Culinary Cuts Beef Recipe Jerky Dog Treats 16 oz.
Overview: WholeHearted Culinary Cuts Beef Jerky is a slow-cooked slab cut into hearty strips, sold as a versatile snack dogs can chew straight or break into high-value training reinforcements.
What Makes It Stand Out: Single-ingredient simplicity—real beef cooked in the U.S.—packs ~35% crude protein; the jerky’s flexibility lets owners tear pieces sized to the moment, from jackpot to breadcrumb.
Value for Money: $26.99 per 16 oz counts $1.69/oz, bordering boutique pricing; still under big-brand jerky per gram, especially when bought on recurring delivery plans that knock 5–10% off.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: clean label, definite beef aroma, stays fresh for months; shredded texture doesn’t splinter like rawhide. Cons: Can leave oily residue on furnishings, and sodium levels can spike for salt-sensitive dogs if portions aren’t moderated.
Bottom Line: Premium fuel for agility classes or athletic dogs needing protein on the go—portion out rather than free-pour.
6. WholeHearted Culinary Cuts Tenders Chicken Recipe Dog Treats 12 oz.
Overview: WholeHearted Culinary Cuts Tenders Chicken Recipe elevates treat time for discerning dogs. These 12 ounce strips feature real chicken and smoky bacon, proudly crafted in the USA without any artificial additives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The gourmet-grade presentation—thick, chewy “Culinary Cuts”—transforms training rewards or everyday snacks into something that feels straight off a butcher’s block.
Value for Money: At $1.67 per ounce this sits at the premium tier, but the generous strip size means treats can be halved or shredded for extended use, softening the per-use cost per pup.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: chicken-first formula, drool-worthy bacon aroma, no artificial dyes. Cons: high calorie density demands careful portioning; softer texture won’t satisfy power chewers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for dogs that deserve a “restaurant-level” reward and owners willing to splash a little extra for real meat indulgence.
7. WholeHearted Grain Free Blueberry/Yogurt Dog Treats 20 oz.
Overview: These 20 ounce WholeHearted Grain-Free Blueberry & Yogurt bites bring dessert-for-dogs chic to the treat jar, pairing antioxidant-rich fruit with probiotic creamy yogurt.
What Makes It Stand Out: A bakery-style soft biscuit square that smells like a muffin—rare among mass-market treats and an instant hit even with picky eaters or seniors wary of crunchy snacks.
Value for Money: At $0.55 per ounce it’s one of WholeHearted’s best bargains, delivering nearly double the weight of similarly priced bags.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: grain-free for sensitive stomachs, low fat, resalable bag keeps them fresh. Cons: soft enough to crumble in pockets; high natural sugar from blueberries means moderation for diabetic dogs.
Bottom Line: Health-forward, wallet-friendly nibbles that let owners feel good handing out “dessert” without guilt.
8. WholeHearted Smart Smiles Bacon Flavor Medium Dog Dental Treats 12 oz. Count of 13
Overview: WholeHearted Smart Smiles Bacon Flavor Dental Chews are 13 flexible, toothbrush-shaped sticks aimed at scrubbing plaque while delivering a smoky reward.
What Makes It Stand Out: The bendy ancient-grain matrix flexes around teeth better than rigid rawhide alternatives, removing debris without the choking risk.
Value for Money: Roughly $1.35 per chew; on par with leading dental brands, but slightly smaller—best for medium dogs or daily maintenance rather than heavy chewers.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: no artificial anything, low odor, visible tartar reduction in two to three weeks. Cons: not durable for aggressive chewers; single-bacon flavor versus competitors’ variety packs.
Bottom Line: A vet-aligned, simple-ingredient chew that freshens breath without synthetic fillers—great for middle-size pups on a routine dental program.
9. WholeHearted Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Dog Treats 9 oz.
Overview: WholeHearted Beef Liver Freeze-Dried treats turn 9 ounces of free-range, single-ingredient beef liver into protein-packed nuggets that crackle like kryptonite for canines.
What Makes It Stand Out: The signature freeze-drying process locks in raw nutrition while yielding a lightweight, crumb-free snack that’s shelf-stable—ideal for hiking or sport training.
Value for Money: At $2.89 per ounce it’s eye-wateringly pricey, but liver’s nutrient density and break-ability stretch the bag’s 38-training-session potential.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: 100 % beef liver, high-value motivator for advanced obedience, resealable packaging. Cons: strong aroma—store outside kitchens; crumb-dust settles in bag corners, creating messy pockets if not handled carefully.
Bottom Line: Unbeatable for high-drive training moments; accept the price tag if you want crack-of-dawn recall perfection.
10. WholeHearted Smart Smiles Original Flavor Dog Treats 13 oz. Count of 42
Overview: WholeHearted Smart Smiles Original Flavor delivers 42 thin 0.3-ounce dental sticks in a 13 ounce pouch, offering daily plaque defense for small to medium dogs.
What Makes It Stand Out: The mini-stick format provides exact 25-calorie portions, eliminating guesswork common with larger chews.
Value for Money: Effectively $0.42 per stick—outstanding cost per day for dental health in multi-dog households or treat budgeting.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: soft enough for puppies, quiet chew without messy crumbs, no artificial colors. Cons: size may disappear in seconds for big mouths; “original” flavor is quite bland, prompting finicky eaters to walk away.
Bottom Line: A fuss-free, economical daily dental routine for smaller breeds—just ensure bulky jaws don’t swallow them whole.
How We Define a High-Quality Dog Treat in 2025
Today’s standards go way beyond “meat-first” labels and avoidance of artificial dyes. Digestibility studies, microbiological testing, and even planet-impact metrics all sway a veterinary nutritionist’s verdict. We look at ingredient integrity first (is the protein species-named?), follow it with guaranteed-analysis ratios (especially calorie density), and finally weigh in on manufacturing safeguards like HACCP certification or third-party audit frequency.
Why Wholehearted Has Stayed on Veterinary Radar
Since its 2016 launch, Wholehearted has contracted the same co-manufacturers that supply many prescription diets. That matters because it means the same raw-material traceability software, metal-detection thresholds, and post-cook pathogen hold-and-release programs apply to your training bites—not just to therapeutic kibble behind the pharmacy counter.
Grain-Free vs. Ancient Grain Formulas: What’s Actually Safer?
The FDA’s 2018–2023 dilated cardiomyopathy investigation left many dog parents wary of legume-heavy, grain-free diets. Wholehearted responded by rolling out ancient-grain formulas (think quinoa, sorghum, and buckwheat) that keep overall starch lower yet avoid the pulse-heavy recipes flagged in the study. Still unsure? Talk to your vet; in most healthy adult dogs, the exact macronutrient split matters more than the grain debate itself.
Ingredient Sourcing Transparency in 2025
New packaging QR codes now reveal the origin of every primary ingredient down to the poultry farm’s pen number. Pull up a bag of Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky and you’ll see GAP-certified Kentucky chickens that were deboned within 48 hours and gently air-dried at 165 °F before final blend.
Functional Add-Ins: When Treats Double as Nutriceuticals
From salmon-oil-infused skin-support bites to pumpkin-probiotic soft chews, Wholehearted now packages common veterinary supplements in treat form. The key is to recognize therapeutic dosing: one probiotic chew might contain a billion CFU, but addressing chronic enteritis usually calls for higher multi-strain doses—so treats complement, they don’t replace, veterinary regimens.
Texture Matters: Training Tidbits, Soft Chews, Biscuits, or Jerky Strips?
A puppy learning “sit” in a distracting puppy class needs pea-sized, quick-swallow morsels. An arthritic senior might prefer moist, easy-chew functional bites. Jerky strips split well for high-value rewards, whereas harder biscuits can double as dental abrasion. Choose texture based on intended use frequency to avoid jaw fatigue and overfeeding.
Calorie Budgeting: How Many Treats Can My Dog Actually Have?
Veterinary nutritionists recommend that treats supply no more than 10 % of daily calories, dropping to 5 % for weight-control cases. Consult the kcal/cup of your dog’s primary diet, then read every treat package’s caloric density (Wholehearted lists this per piece, not per ambiguous “serving”). A 30-lb spayed adult on 700 kcal/day, for example, cap out at 35–70 treat kcals, which could equal seven training tidbits or one large soft chew—eye-opening for many owners.
Decoding AAFCO Statements on Treat Packages
Treats are not required to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for “complete and balanced” nutrition, but they can. Look for labels claiming “intermittent or supplemental feeding only” versus ones that say “complete and balanced per AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.” The second statement means the treat can legally replace up to 25 % of daily caloric intake without risking deficiencies.
Allergen Considerations & Novel Proteins
Mid-2025 saw the release of Wholehearted’s single-protein crocodile and ostrich bite lines aimed at elimination-diet rotations. Always conduct a 6-to-8-week novel-protein trial under veterinary guidance; random daily swapping merely clouds rather than clarifies food-allergy triggers.
Storage & Shelf-Life: BHA, BHT, and Natural Preservatives
If you recoil at synthetic preservatives like BHA/BHT, Wholehearted’s 2025 formulas default to mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract. Still, know that fat oxidation accelerates once bags are opened. After you puncture that foil seal, standard shelf-life is three to six months—stash only one week of treats on the counter and freeze the rest.
Sustainability Angle: Upcycled & Regenerative Farming Inputs
A burgeoning partnership with breweries supplies spent brewers’ yeast and green barley for dog biscuits, minimizing food waste. Regenerative oat farms also supply emerging lines with carbon-negative farming footprints, a metric Wholehearted makes public in its biannual ESG reports.
Transitioning Treat Brands Without Causing GI Upset
Gut microbiomes require time to adjust to new fat levels or fiber types. Swap out 25 % of your daily treat allotment every three days. For finicky eaters, layer in the new treat inside a treat-dispensing toy during cued training only—positive association speeds up acceptance.
Special Diets & Vet Consultations: When Treats Aren’t Just Treats
Kidney-friendly treats must restrict phosphorus, while pancreatitis diets demand ultra-low fat. If your dog has a chronic condition, schedule a nutrition consult—Wholehearted technical services will whitelabel exact phosphorus and fat data (down to ppm and dry-matter %age) upon vet request, something few commercial brands disclose.
Price-Per-Calorie Confusion and Budgeting Tips
A $4 treat pouch that lasts a month isn’t cheaper than a $20 pouch if each chunk packs 25 kcal versus 5 kcal. Calculate price per kcal ($/100 kcal) rather than $/oz. Also, count broken pieces—training tidbits often shatter in transit, skewing actual servings per bag.
Red Flags to Watch Before Checkout
Severe discoloration, rancid odors, or visible mold top the list. Run your finger along the seal—if kibbles fall out, the barrier integrity is compromised, inviting humidity. Finally, cross-lot codes on Petco’s website to recall notices. Wholehearted posts lots under “voluntary withdrawals” even when stores haven’t yet received formal notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Wholehearted treats made in the USA?
Almost every recipe is cooked in USDA-inspected New York or Kansas facilities, with select novel-protein air-dried strips sourced from audited partners in Australia or New Zealand.
2. Can puppies eat Wholehearted treats, or are they formulated for adult dogs only?
Most lines are puppy-safe provided the kibble size is appropriate; many veterinary nutritionists prefer soft chews for babies under 16 weeks.
3. How do I know if a treat is grain-free or ancient grain when shopping online?
Product names indicate primary grain status (e.g., “Ancient Grain Chicken Recipe”), and Nutrient Profile tabs list carbohydrate sources; Sorghum, Quinoa, or Barley appear under ancient-grain formulas.
4. My dog is on a hydrolyzed prescription diet. Can I still use Wholehearted treats?
Consult your vet. Some hydrolyzed diets require 100 % hydrolyzed or elemental treats only, while limited trials may allow single, non-cross-reactive novel proteins.
5. What’s the protein percentage difference between Wholehearted biscuits and jerky strips?
As-fed protein ranges roughly 13–15 % in biscuits and 40–55 % in air-dried jerky, translating to 25–60 % on a dry-matter basis depending on the specific recipe.
6. Do Wholehearted soft chews with probiotics need refrigeration?
No refrigeration required under 75 °F ambient conditions, but potency drops after opening, so seal tightly and use within eight weeks.
7. Are there subscription discounts on Petco.com for Wholehearted treats?
Yes, Repeat Delivery offers tiered discounts (currently up to 35 %) and allows custom delivery intervals.
8. Is there soy or corn in any 2025 formulas?
All current recipes are soy- and corn-free; carbohydrates pivot on ancient grains, sweet potato, or chickpeas.
9. How do Wholehearted dental chews compare to Virbac CET VeggieDent FR3SH?
In vitro VOHC protocols show roughly similar mechanical abrasion, but Wholehearted chews add parsley and soluble-fiber prebiotics, creating a dual anti-bacterial approach.
10. My vet recommended weight-loss treats. What caloric limit should I look for?
Choose any treat ≤3 kcal per piece. Pair high-volume training kibble substitution (like Hill’s Metabolic) to maintain satiety while keeping reward frequency high.