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Dog Feeding & Safety

Best Treats & Chews for Puppies and Dogs

The treats and chews we'd actually buy: tiny training rewards, long-lasting chews for teething and boredom, and dental chews, plus how to pick a size that's safe for your dog.

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Yellow lab happily chewing a blue rubber toy

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Puppy sitting in a food bowl Airtight Treat Jar Keeps soft treats from drying out and keeps curious noses out. Check price on Amazon Dog sniffing bowls of food on a table Green Coast Pet Dog-Safe Peanut Butter The safe filler for KONGs and lick mats. Regular peanut butter can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Check price on Amazon Rescue dog standing outdoors Himalayan Yak Cheese Chews A hard, long-lasting chew. Once it's small, microwave the end piece so it puffs into a crunchy treat. Check price on Amazon Yellow lab chewing a blue toy Low-Odor Bully Sticks A long-lasting, single-ingredient chew for teething and boredom. Check price on Amazon Puppy playing with a ball Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Liver Treats One ingredient, crumbles into tiny pieces, and most dogs go wild for it. Check price on Amazon Shiba Inu puppy lying in the grass Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Small and soft, so a puppy can eat one quickly and keep going with training. Check price on Amazon Portrait of a bully breed dog Whimzees VOHC-Accepted Dental Chews Look for the VOHC seal, which means the chew was shown to reduce plaque or tartar. Check price on Amazon Black lab puppy cuddling a plush toy WOOF BullySafe Bully Stick Holder Grips the end so your dog can't swallow the last small piece. Check price on Amazon

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Keep treats to about 10%

A common guideline is that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. On a big training day, break treats into tiny pieces or use some of your dog's regular kibble as rewards.

Pick a chew that's bigger than you think

A chew should be too big to fit entirely in your dog's mouth. When a chew gets small enough to swallow, take it away or use a holder. Swallowed chunks can cause choking or blockages.

Use the thumbnail test for hardness

Many vets suggest that if you can't press a dent into a chew with your thumbnail, it may be hard enough to crack a tooth. This matters most for puppies and aggressive chewers. Skip cooked bones entirely, because they can splinter.

Always supervise chew time

Stay nearby the first few times your dog tries a new chew, and watch how they handle it. Gulpers do better with chews in a holder or with softer options like lick mats. For puppies with tummy troubles or dogs on special diets, check with your vet before adding new treats. See our toxic foods list and our safe human foods guide for snacks from your kitchen.

10 favorites dog parents actually buy

The exact products behind our Pinterest pins, from brands we trust. Tap any one to check today's price.

  1. The one from our pin

    Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Training Treats

    Soft grain-free bites with real lamb and salmon plus DHA for growing puppies. Small enough for quick training rewards.

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  2. The one from our pin

    Greenies Original Dental Treats

    The VOHC-accepted dental chew vets recommend for cleaner teeth and fresher breath. Dogs think it's a treat.

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  3. The one from our pin

    Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Treats

    Tiny soft treats under 3 calories each. The top choice for training sessions with lots of reps.

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  4. The one from our pin

    Natural Farm Odor-Free Bully Sticks

    Long-lasting single-ingredient chews with almost no smell. Supervise and use a bully stick holder for safe chewing.

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  5. The one from our pin

    Blue Buffalo Bits Beef Training Treats

    Soft moist training bites made with real beef. Small easy-to-break treats dogs go crazy for.

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  6. The one from our pin

    Himalayan Dog Chew Original Yak Cheese

    Hard natural cheese chew made from yak and cow milk. Long-lasting, low-odor and a favorite for heavy chewers.

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  7. The one from our pin

    Whimzees Natural Dental Chews

    Plant-based vegetarian dental chews in fun shapes. VOHC-accepted and grain-free.

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  8. The one from our pin

    PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast

    One ingredient: 100% chicken breast freeze-dried for crunch. High-value reward for picky dogs and training.

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  9. The one from our pin

    Fruitables Pumpkin & Blueberry Baked Treats

    Low-calorie crunchy treats with pumpkin and blueberry. Healthy everyday rewards.

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  10. The one from our pin

    Buddy Budder Xylitol-Free Dog Peanut Butter

    All natural xylitol-free peanut butter made for dogs. Perfect for KONGs and lick mats.

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