organic healthy dog treats

The seven best healthy dog treats, according to a vet

Does your dog need treats?

Fortunately, many dog treats are nutritious, so dog treats can be part of a balanced diet for your pup. Dog treats are especially helpful when you are training your dog or rewarding them for good behavior. If your dog has food allergies, youll need to pay close attention to treat ingredients, and dogs that are overweight or with certain medical conditions should only follow a veterinarian-recommended diet and may not be allowed to have treats.

Choosing healthy treats for your doggie

When your best friend learns a new trick or behaves really well at the dog park, its tempting to reach for the first treats you can find to praise them. But not all treats are a good reward for good behavior. Unfortunately, some treats may have questionable ingredients or high-calorie counts that can be detrimental to your pups health. To keep your pup healthy and following good nutrition, opt for healthy treats instead.

What to look for in healthy dog treats

If youre ready to start shopping for healthy dog treats for your best friend, there are several things to keep in mind. Take a close look at labels to evaluate the ingredients and calories, but also keep things like size and texture in mind.

Ingredients. One of the most important things to look for in healthy treats is the ingredients list. Stick to treats with an ingredients list of whole, natural foods. Many treats include healthy ingredients like meat, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables. Our vets also recommend treats with fish or salmon, because omega-3 fatty acids can help with brain and eye development in puppies or boost cognitive function in older dogs.

Brand. Some brands offer higher quality dog treats than others. Our veterinary team trusts brands like Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet/Hills, and Royal Canin. They all avoid cross-contamination between foods and treats during manufacturing.

Calories. Generally, treats should be just that treats! Treats should make up less than 10% of your dogs daily calories, so read the label for the calorie amount per treat and stick to the correct portion sizes.

Texture. You want to choose treats that arent too hard, otherwise, they can pose a choking hazard. Hard treats are difficult for a dog to bite into, so they might only be able to bite them into large pieces, which are hard to swallow. Too-hard treats can also fracture your dogs teeth.

Size. Treats can be a choking hazard if they are too large or too small for your dog. Opt for small treats for puppies or small dogs. Large dogs may enjoy large treats, but also make sure to keep an eye out. Even large dogs can choke on treats that are too big.

Labels. Treats labeled as all-natural can be misleading, as the treats may still be highly processed.

If your dog is overweight or has dietary restrictions, youll need to scrutinize the treat labels very carefully.

Types of dog treats to avoid

There are many popular treats out there that arent good for any dogs. Here are some common treats to stay away from.

Rawhides. Rawhides are inexpensive treats with little nutritional value. Some rawhides are treated with toxins like formaldehyde and bleach. They also pose a huge choking risk as they break down into pieces over time. However, some rawhide-like products, such as Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz, are VOHC-approved and safe for consumption.

Animal bones. Sure, bones are all-natural but they can be covered in pathogens, such as E. Coli and salmonella. Some people may suggest boiling the bones to sanitize them, but this process actually makes the bones brittle and more likely to splinter. This is a choking hazard for dogs, and splinters and sharp pieces can puncture the intestines.

Jerky-type treats. Since 2007, the FDA has received reports of sick pets after consuming jerky pet treats. Learn more about their ongoing investigationTrusted SourceU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Government agency.Go to source and how theyre testing treats to determine why some jerky treats are making pets sick. While these cases are rare, we recommend avoiding jerky-type treats especially with so many other great options on the market.

Treats with additives. We like treats that dont contain lots of additives or artificial colors. Some additives, such as Red#3, used for coloring or preservatives have been linked to cancer in animalsTrusted SourcePubMed CentralArchive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.Go to source.

Toxic human food. While dogs may love chicken and sweet potatoes as we do, there are many foods that humans eat that are not suitable for dogs. While you treat yourself with chocolate, you cant do the same for your pup, because the chemicals in chocolate can cause seizures and increased heart rates in dogs. Instead, you can give your dog human food treats like some fresh fruits and vegetables (avoid grapes and items with seeds or pits), like watermelon, broccoli, green beans, bananas, or carrots.

Can you make DIY treats at home?

Its easy to make DIY dog treats at home, and you might be surprised to find your mouth watering as the smell of our favorite peanut butter and oatmeal cookies (yes, these really are for your pup!) fills your kitchen. Making treats at home means you can customize the ingredients based on your dogs dietary needs and flavor preferences. Try one of our tried-and-true all-natural pet treat recipes for your best friend.

The 12 best organic dog treats of 2023, approved by vets

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Organic food isn't just for people. In recent years, pet food companies have been rolling out organic grub, including some of the best organic dog treats. That may be in response to consumer demand, especially as people become more environmentally conscious, something a report from Future Markets Insights notes.

But there's something more that may be fueling interest in organic treats for dogs. According to Dr. Nancy Welborn, associate professor and service chief of community practice at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, consumers who assume that organic food is safer or more nutritious may seek out these treats.

The question is, though, do these treats, which are often pricier, have a nutritional edge over their conventional counterparts? It's possible. "Organic foods have been shown to have small increases in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants when compared with their non-organic counterparts," says Dr. Kasey Aona, medical director and owner of GoodVets in Columbus, Ohio. "That said, though, there haven't been any studies to prove the nutritional benefits of feeding organic treats over non-organic ones in dogs."

Although there are fewer organic than conventional dog treats, the options are growing. To help you narrow down the best organic dog treats, we looked at dozens of brands and flavors and made our picks based on the criteria veterinarians shared.

9 Best Organic Dog Treats 2024 Reviews & Guide

When it comes to our pets, we always want to give them the best of the best. While they may love any and all treats, we especially love giving them the healthy ones.

Theres quite the market for dog treats these days, and it is no surprise that it has intersected with the organic food market. With so much out there, it is hard to know what is good and what is less good (though your dog will still eat it anyway).

We decided to do the research and compile this resource for you. In these reviews, youll find a list of the best organic treats for your dogs. Lets take a look!

Our Favorites at a Quick Glance in 2024:

The 9 Best Organic Dog Treats:

1. Threepaws Organic Dog Treats Best Overall

There is much to like about these treats from Threepaws, besides the treats themselves. Threepaws is a small company dedicated to making organic and healthy treats for dogs and is up front and transparent about their ingredients. The treats are good for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as they contain zero palm oil, gluten, soy, or grain. These treats are made in the U.S. by people with disabilities. This is a company that stands by their principles. They never use artificial coloring, always prefer to use super foods, and never use chemicals or preservatives. Their peanut butter has one ingredient: peanuts.

These bacon treats pack a ton of punch and a ton of nutrition and they dont even have any bacon in them! These treats are sure to thrill your dog, and theyre healthy as well. Made from organic coconut flour, organic garbanzo flour, organic coconut milk, organic peanut butter, organic coconut flakes, organic beets, hickory smoke powder, and turmeric powder, these treats mimic bacon but wont put your dogs health at risk. Its pretty clear that these are the best natural dog treats.

There isnt much of a downside to these treats. There are reports of some dogs refusing to eat them, but we know how certain dogs can be!

• Vegan and organic
• 100% natural
• Hickory flavored

• Picky dogs dont like them

2. Castor & Pollux Organic Dog Cookies Best Value

If someone offered you a chicken cookie, you would probably turn it down, but if you offered your dog a chicken cookie, they would probably gobble it right up!

These treats from Castor & Polluxare made from 100% organic chicken meat. That means there are no added preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, or fertilizers found in these treats. On top of that, they are prepared and cooked in a certified organic kitchen.

It seems that dogs love these chicken treats! Weve heard reports of even the pickiest dogs scarfing these down.

There is a bit of a controversy over one ingredient in this product, rosemary extract, which has been linked to seizures in dogs. While that can be a concern, many vets give these treats to their patients, and we certainly trust their judgment. Even with the controversy, we think that these treats are the best organic dog treats for the money.

• 100% organic chicken
• No added preservatives or other substances
• Prepared in certified organic kitchen
• Dogs love them!

• Contains rosemary extract

3. Wet Noses Organic Dog Treats Premium Choice

A great way to train your dog is to reward them with treats. You hope that your dog will behave perfectly, which means that youll be giving them many treats! If thats the case, then you ought to give them something healthy!

These treats come in flavors that dont sound half bad for a human and sound awesome for a dog. Whatever flavor you choose, these treats are made to preserve the natural antioxidants found in peanut butter and bananas. While delicious, these treats are also a wonderful source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your pet.

These are especially good treats for dogs with food sensitivities. Made with no GMOs and gluten free, if your dog is on a raw diet, this product is perfect. Even better, if your dog doesnt like them, you can get your money back, 100% guaranteed.

You may want to be careful in your handling of these, though, as they are a bit crumbly and messy.

• Gluten and GMO free
• Great, healthy snack
• Good for training

4. Full Moon 97549 Organics Dog Treats

Full Moon thinks that for a snack to be good enough for a dog, then it needs to be good enough for a human, and who are we to disagree? These meat treats dont contain any meat that has been downgraded in quality specifically for animals. Because of this, they are extra delicious, and your pet will be wagging its tail when they get a taste.

These treats are certified organic by the USDA. They are also quite healthy. Made with organic brown rice and meat, there are no preservatives or artificial flavoring or coloring. If you want to keep your dog well-nourished with protein, these are a great snack for that.

This snack is also good for older dogs who might have a hard time chewing, as they are soft and easy to eat.

These treats can be a bit rough on the stomach, depending on the dog. Some consumers report their dogs getting sick after eating these treats.

• Certified organic USDA
• High in protein
• Easy to chew
• Human-grade meat

• Not good for sensitive stomachs

5. Rileys Organic Dog Treats

If you are looking for treat rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, than this just might be a treat for you and your dog. Made from sweet potatoes, your dog will get a healthy dose of essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A, B, and C.

Rileys believes in simplicity, so these treats are made minimally, even though they pack quite a wallop. There are only seven ingredients in these treats: organic sweet potato, oat flour, oats, rye flour, peanut flour, coconut oil, and cinnamon. There is no added sugar or salt, and these tasty little doggie snacks are made with human-grade ingredients.

This product is also really good for your dogs long-term dental health. Made to be crispy and crunchy, the texture of these treats will clean your dogs mouth as they chew them. Talk about getting a sweet two-for-one deal!

These treats are made in the Midwest of the U.S.A.

While these are popular with dogs, the packaging is less popular with their human counterparts. The packaging is not exactly conducive for the treats staying fresh, and if you dont go through them fast enough, theyll become hard and crumbly.

• Seven simple ingredients
• Human-grade ingredients
• Good for long-term dental health

6. 4Legz Organic Crunchy Dog Treats

With one of the better slogans in the dog treat world, 4Legz has made a product with Ingredients You Can Pronounce! Made from human-grade food, this specific treat is a sweet potato puree in the form of a dog cookie.

This is another company that prides itself on simplicity. All these treats are baked fresh in the U.S.A. and are made without salt, wheat, corn, chemical, preservatives, or any animal byproducts.

The package itself is also nice you wont have to worry about these treats going stale in the resealable bag.

These seem to be popular with dogs, but they are also maybe not the best for those with sensitive or bad teeth, as they can be a bit hard. On the other hand, they may be good for dental health!

• Simple recipes
• Nice packaging

7. Pet Naturals of Vermont Superfood Treats

While some treats go for simplicity, Pet Naturals of Vermont wants to pack in as many nutrients into their treat as possible. Made to complement a meat-based diet, these are loaded with oats, fruits, and veggies. These are also made without any added fat or salt, so it wont do any damage to your dogs caloric intake.

Pet Naturals believes in superfoods, which is why these treats are delicious but also made with healthy ingredients, such as kale, blueberries, apples, spinach, and oatmeal.

If you plan on training your dog, these just may be the perfect treats, as they are healthy enough that you can feel comfortable feeding them to your pet over and over again.

Dogs love these but you might not, as they dont exactly smell the best. These also fall into the category of being a harder treat as opposed to a chewy one.

• Made with superfoods
• Good for training

8. Green Butterfly Brands Organic Dog Treats

We arent mind readers, but if we could make an educated guess, we think that pups would be happy with a product called a meat stick. With Green Butterfly Brands, thats exactly what theyll get. You can feed these to your dog knowing that they are made with sensitive stomachs in mind, though that doesnt mean they are lacking in nutrition. While these snacks are gluten-free, wheat-free and grain-free, they are totally packed with protein.

Buying these snacks supports a good cause as well. Proceeds of the profits go to help train dogs who are to be used as support animals for veterans who were injured while serving.

You may be surprised by the texture of this treat, as it is more crunchy than chewy, but that doesnt seem to faze most dogs. This is a popular treat that normally gets two paws up.

• Part of proceeds go to training dogs for injured vets
• Packed with protein

9. Fetch Fries Organic Dog Treats

Certified USDA organic, this is a dog snack with a theme. These are supposed to mimic the French fries you would get at a fast food restaurant. Of course, they arent made from the same stuff, but your dog might react to these the same way humans do to a fresh order of potato sticks. Each fetch fry is made up of at least 90% organic chicken. Made for sensitive tummies, this is a great teaching snack because your dog will be able to maintain their energy throughout the training session. These treats are made with human-grade food.

This is another product where the target audience, dogs, love it. However, the 90% meat content is less than that of other meat products on this list.

• Awesome name
• Dogs LOVE them

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Organic Dog Treats

Though it seems like dog treat shopping should be easy, thats not always the case. Lets take a look at what factors play into finding the best organic dog treats for your dog.

Diet

First, you want the treats to coordinate with your dogs overall diet. It would make no sense to feed your dog a breakfast or dinner with certain dietary restrictions and then not abide by those rules with their snacks.

Some dogs just have sensitive tummies. Theyll still eat anything, it just causes unpleasantness later on for both them and you, who to clean any messes up. Many organic dog treats are sensitive to a pups sensitivity and normally advertise on the package if they are a mild treat.

Human-grade quality

Theres also a movement to feed dogs the same quality of food that we eat. If we wouldnt eat it, why should we feed it to our best buds? With the ever-growing popularity of small business dog treats, this is becoming less of a worry. As with food sensitivities, this benefit is normally advertised directly on the bag.

But lets be honest, not all organic food tastes good, even to a dog. With the explosion of popularity with organic dog treats, youre bound to run into one that your dog simply hates. It happens, and youre just not going to know until your pup actually tries it.

Final Verdict

The growing niche market of organic dog treats is becoming less niche and therefore more difficult to navigate. We want to feed our dogs delicious treats, and were glad to help you do the same with our reviews list and buyers guide. So, which treats will you try first? Will it be our top pick from Threepaws? Or will you stick with value and have your dog try the snacks from Castor & Pollux? Feel free to come back and use these reviews as much as you need!

We hope that this guide helps you find the best organic dog treats for your furry friend!