The Best Healthy Treats for Dogs (and Which to Avoid)

July 24, 2026

Treats are a daily ritual for most dog owners: a reward for good behavior, a go-to for training treats, or simply part of a routine that dogs love. Yet while many pet parents carefully scrutinize their dog's main meals, treats often slip through without the same level of attention.

This guide walks through the best healthy dog treats, which ingredients to avoid, and how to make treats work with your dog's overall nutrition rather than against it. The same principles that guide choosing quality dog food ingredients apply just as much to what goes into your treat jar.

Why Treat Quality Matters More Than You Think

When determining how many treats per day for a dog is appropriate, most veterinarians recommend that extras make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calories. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association reinforces this threshold, advising that treats should account for less than 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake¹.

Always consult your veterinarian to confirm the right calorie budget for your individual dog.

That threshold looks different depending on your dog's size, with smaller breeds having much less room for extras than larger ones, a few too many treats can be a bigger factor in whether a small dog is overweight than owners realize. Because treats have limited calorie room, choosing nutrient-dense options supports weight management and helps prevent treats from becoming a hidden way to lead to weight gain.

Processing Affects Nutrition Absorption:

A piece of plain cooked chicken breast delivers more usable, easily digestible protein than a heavily processed chicken-flavored biscuit that's been extruded at high temperatures
When you choose fresh dog food for meals, low-quality snacks full of filler can quietly work against that effort

The Best Healthy Treats for Dogs

The best dog treats are minimally processed, tasty whole foods that align with the ancestral diet and what your furry friend is biologically built to eat.

Lean Proteins (Chicken, Turkey, Beef)

When looking for the best protein for dogs, plain cooked chicken, turkey, and beef can make high-value treats that many dogs find motivating and are naturally rich in niacin. Cooked salmon offers omega-3 healthy fats that support skin and coat health, helping promote healthy skin and a shiny coat; give in moderation.

Quality Considerations for Protein Treats:

Look for a free-range or pasture-raised source of protein without added hormones or antibiotics
Understanding what crude protein in dog food is helps explain why protein source matters
For dogs already eating a raw diet, small portions of their raw dog food can work well as training rewards

Dog-Safe Fruits and Vegetables

Many common produce items double as healthy human foods for dogs and serve as nutritious, lower-calorie treats:

Carrots: Crunchy, rich in beta-carotene, and low in calories; they can help clean your dog's teeth and freshen their breath while helping reduce tartar buildup
Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamins C and K
Apples: Provide vitamins A and C plus fiber (always remove seeds and core)
Green beans: High in fiber and vitamins, and naturally low fat, helpful to maintain a healthy weight
Pumpkin: Supports a healthy digestive system and can settle an upset stomach in small amounts (use plain canned pumpkin, never pie filling)
Cucumbers: Low in fat and calories, very hydrating
Watermelon: Hydrating with vitamins A and C (remove seeds and rind)
Bananas: Offer potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber but contain more sugar, so give sparingly
Sweet potatoes: Rich in dietary fiber and beta-carotene, a guilt-free way to add natural sweetness (always cook before serving)

Always cut produce into size-appropriate pieces for your dog to prevent choking, and introduce new foods one at a time to watch for any allergy or food sensitivities.

Raw Meaty Bones and Freeze-Dried Options

Understanding what bones are good for dogs is important, as raw meaty options provide dental benefits and mental stimulation. Always supervise chewing sessions and never offer cooked bones, which can splinter dangerously.

Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats made from liver, chicken, or beef retain more nutrients than baked or extruded alternatives². These work particularly well when you use dog treats for training because of their strong aroma and small size, ideal for keeping a food-motivated pup engaged.

Other Healthy Options:

Unsweetened peanut butter (unsalted and xylitol-free only) works well in enrichment toys
Plain unsweetened yogurt without added sugar or artificial additive ingredients offers probiotics plus calcium and protein in small amounts

Treat Ingredients to Avoid

When determining what food can dogs not eat, remember that certain items are highly toxic and should never be given as treats.

Toxic Foods to Avoid Completely:

Chocolate: Highly toxic and should never be given
Onions and garlic: Dangerous for dogs in any form, including as a seasoning in cooked foods
Macadamia nuts: Can cause serious health issues
Xylitol: An artificial sweetener sometimes labeled as birch sugar that the Merck Veterinary Manual notes is found in products ranging from sugar-free peanut butter to medications and cosmetics³
Grapes and raisins: Particularly dangerous, as they can cause acute kidney injury⁴ in dogs

Red Flags in Commercial Treats:

Artificial preservatives: BHA has been classified by the National Toxicology Program as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen⁵ based on animal studies, and BHT has raised similar health concerns
Vague protein sources: Terms like "meat by-products" or "animal digest" lack transparency
Added sugars and excessive salt: Unnecessary and potentially harmful over time

Many problematic ingredients found in commercial treats also appear in lower-quality dog foods. For a comprehensive breakdown, review this guide to dog food ingredients to avoid.

Treat Smarter, Not Just More Often

Healthy natural treats for your dog are easy to identify and portion within the treat-calorie guideline. Simple swaps add up over time.

Choosing a carrot over a processed biscuit, or freeze-dried liver instead of a mystery-ingredient chew, is a healthier alternative that supports your dog's overall nutrition while still fitting into reward-based training. Building a complete nutrition plan for your dog that accounts for both meals and treats , keeping the overall balanced diet in mind, takes some thought and keeps the whole diet complete and balanced.

This article is from Darwin's Natural Pet Food and is intended for general education; consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance about your dog's health.