Dog Treat Cookies, Biscuits & Snacks

Pick based on your dog’s age, dental health, and chewing style: soft treats for puppies, seniors, or dogs with missing teeth; crunchy biscuits or dental cookies for strong chewers and plaque control; and small training-size cookies for frequent rewards. Check ingredient lists for allergens and avoid treats with excessive fats, sugars, or artificial additives if your dog has sensitivities

Prioritize whole-food sources of protein (e.g., named meat or fish), a short ingredient list, and recognizable components; avoid unspecified meat meals and high amounts of simple sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives. Also review the guaranteed analysis for crude protein and fat, and look for added functional ingredients like glucosamine, fiber, or omega fatty acids if relevant to your dog’s needs

Treat calories should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Use the treat’s calorie-per-piece information to portion appropriately and account for size, age, and activity level; for many adult dogs that means a few small training treats or one to three larger biscuits per day

Limited-ingredient treats can help identify and avoid trigger ingredients by reducing the number of components; grain-free treats may be useful if your dog has a diagnosed grain intolerance. However, grain-free is not universally necessary and should be selected based on a veterinarian’s advice and observation of your dog’s symptoms

Look for products explicitly labeled for heavy or aggressive chewers, check customer reviews for durability, and choose treats made from tough, dense materials (e.g., baked hard biscuits or dental chews formulated for prolonged chewing). Supervise first-time use to ensure the treat doesn’t splinter or break into hazardous pieces

Store treats in a cool, dry place in their original resealable packaging or an airtight container to prevent moisture and contamination; for homemade or preservative-free treats, refrigeration can extend shelf life. Discard treats past the manufacturer’s recommended use-by date or if you notice mold, off odors, or textural changes

Coordinate treats with your dog’s overall diet by choosing complementary nutrient profiles (e.g., low-fat treats for pancreatitis-prone dogs, high-protein treats for active dogs) and adjusting main-meal portions to compensate for treat calories. Consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats if your dog has chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or severe allergies