Healthy Dog Treats: What to Look for Before You Buy
Treats are one of the simplest ways to make your pup's day — a reward, a training tool, or just something to hand over because of that look they give you. Most of us pick a bag based on the picture on the front or maybe what’s on sale, not what's actually inside. Flip the bag over, though, and that's where the real decision-making happens.
Start With the Ingredient List
The front of the bag is designed to catch your attention. The back is where you'll find the information that really matters.
According to AAFCO, pet food ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, meaning the ingredients toward the top of the list make up the largest portion of the product.
When choosing healthy dog treats, look for ingredients you can easily recognize. A straightforward ingredient list can make it much easier to understand exactly what you're giving your dog.
"Natural" and "Wholesome" May Not Mean What You Think
Words like these are doing a lot of work on the front of the bag, but they're often more marketing than true quality indicators. Under AAFCO guidelines, the term, ”Natural” has a specific definition requiring ingredients to come from plant, animal, or mineral sources without chemical synthesis or artificial additives. However, it says nothing about the quality or grade of those ingredients, how they were sourced, or how nutritious the finished treat is.
'Wholesome' has no official regulatory definition or standard behind it at all, making it pure marketing language meant to appeal to consumers rather than convey factual nutritional data.
Look for a Quality Protein Source
Protein is a great place to start when reading a dog treat label. Look for clearly named animal proteins like beef, chicken, pork, or salmon, so you can see exactly what your pup is getting.
If you can identify the meat in your dog's treats without Googling it, that's a good sign you're on the right track.
A Few Ingredients Worth a Second Look
Not every ingredient deserves a red flag, and a long ingredient list doesn't automatically mean a treat is unhealthy, just as a short one doesn't automatically mean it's healthy. Some unfamiliar names are simply vitamins, minerals, or other necessary ingredients.
There are a few things worth pausing on, though. Vague terms like "meat by-products" or "animal digest" can mean almost anything, since they aren't tied to one specific source. Added sugars, corn syrup, and artificial colors don't bring any nutritional value – they're there for shelf appeal or palatability.
None of these automatically make a treat bad, but if you see them near the top of the list rather than the bottom, it's worth asking what else is in the bag.
Don’t Overlook Functional Ingredients
Treats can do more than taste good. These days, pet parents are looking for treats that pull their weight – something that supports a healthy skin and coat, gut health, or bone and joint support, not just something that disappears in two bites.
Ingredients like pumpkin and other sources of fiber are a good example, along with oats, fruits, vegetables, or nutrients added with a specific purpose in mind.
The key is looking at the treat as a whole, rather than choosing something because one trending ingredient made it onto the package.
Remember That Portions Matter, Too
Even a thoughtfully made treat is still a treat.
A helpful guideline, per the FDA, is the 90/10 rule: 90% of your dog's daily calories should come from a complete and balanced diet, while treats and snacks should account for no more than about 10%.
Training treats, the "you were such a good boy" treat, the treat for going into the crate, and the completely unnecessary treat because you're enjoying a human snack at the same time too — they can add up quickly.
That makes calorie content and treat size worth checking, especially if your dog gets rewarded often.
At the end of the day, your dog is probably going to choose their favorite treat based on one thing: taste. Luckily, you get a say in everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What should I look for when choosing healthy dog treats?
A: Look for treats made with recognizable ingredients, clearly named protein sources, and ingredients that serve a purpose. A good rule of thumb is to flip over the bag and make sure you understand what you’re actually giving your pup!
Q: What should the first ingredient in dog treats be?
A: A high-quality, clearly named protein like beef, chicken, pork, or salmon is a great place to start. Since ingredients are listed by weight, seeing real protein toward the top of the list can help you feel confident about what’s inside your dog’s treats.
Q: How many treats should I give my dog each day?
A: Treats may be your dog’s favorite part of the day, but moderation still matters! A helpful guideline is the 90/10 rule: about 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from their regular, complete, and balanced diet, while treats should make up no more than about 10%.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian if your dog experiences significant or prolonged changes in appetite.
