Best Dog Treats of 2026: Healthy Options for Every Dog

What Makes a Dog Treat “Healthy”?

A healthy dog treat should:

• Use real, recognizable ingredients

• Be easy to digest

• Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

• Be appropriate for frequent rewarding

• Make up only a small portion of a dog’s daily calories

Many dog parents are moving toward single-ingredient or minimally processed treats because they offer transparency and simplicity.

Ingredients to Look For (and What to Avoid)

✅ Ingredients Many Dog Parents Prefer

• Single-source proteins (beef, chicken, fish, venison, kangaroo)

• Organ meats like liver or heart (in moderation)

• Air-dried or freeze-dried meats

• Sweet potato for fiber

• Fish skins for natural omega-3s

❌ Ingredients Many Avoid

• Artificial dyes (Red 40, Blue 2)

• Vague meat by-products

• Added sugars or sweeteners

• Corn syrup or unnecessary fillers

• Chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT

Reading the ingredient label is one of the easiest ways to evaluate treat quality.

Best Single-Ingredient Dog Treats

Single-ingredient dog treats continue to be one of the most popular choices going into 2026.

Why dog parents choose them:

• Fewer ingredients to worry about

• Easier to identify sensitivities

• Clear transparency about what’s being fed

Common examples include:

• Air-dried beef or chicken

• Freeze-dried liver or heart

• Dehydrated fish skins

• Novel proteins like venison or kangaroo

These treats work well for dogs with sensitive stomachs or for households aiming to keep ingredients simple.

Best Healthy Training Treats (Low-Calorie Options)

Training treats should be:

• Small

• Easy to break apart

• Lower in calories

Popular healthy training options include:

• Freeze-dried protein pieces

• Air-dried meat bites

• Soft single-protein treats

Using smaller pieces allows for frequent rewards without overfeeding.

Best Dog Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs or Allergies

Dogs with sensitivities often do best with:

• Limited ingredients

• Single-protein treats

• Proteins they haven’t eaten frequently before

Commonly used options include:

• Fish

• Duck

• Venison

• Kangaroo

Avoid treats with long ingredient lists or multiple protein sources when identifying sensitivities.

Are More Expensive Dog Treats Worth It?

Price alone doesn’t determine quality, but higher-quality treats often cost more because they:

• Use better sourcing

• Avoid fillers

• Rely on gentle processing methods

That said, a higher price only makes sense when the ingredient list is short, clear, and purposeful.

How Many Treats Should Dogs Have Per Day?

A good general rule:

• Treats should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily intake

• Smaller treats are better than large ones

• Meal portions should be adjusted if treat intake increases

Even healthy treats should be given thoughtfully.

Final Takeaway: The Best Dog Treats in 2025

The best dog treats of 2025 share a few common traits:

• Minimal ingredients

• Clearly named proteins

• No artificial additives

• Easy digestion

• Transparent sourcing

Healthy dog treats don’t need to be complicated. Simple, intentional choices often make the biggest difference.