8 Kinds of Dog-Approved Treats That Are *Actually* Good for Them, According to a Vet

If you’re a dog parent, it’s only natural to want to spoil your pup with sweet treats. And, May being National Pet Month, it's only natural to want to celebrate with an extra snack here and there. But As much as they may like french fries and nibbles of other table scraps, veterinarians agree that the best (okay, healthiest) way to treat a pup is with treats made specifically for them. Here’s where it gets precarious, though: Not all dog treats are created equally.

“The ingredient list is a tricky subject, not only in dog food but in treats as well,” TikTok-famous vet, Hunter Finn, DVM, admits. “The pet treat sector is just not well regulated and, let’s be honest, treats are not a necessity for our pets, but help us strengthen our bond [with them].”

Since you don’t want to give your pup gross treats, but you also don’t want to make them sick, it’s important to know what ingredients to look for and which to steer clear of. More on that, below.

Ingredients to look for

Dogs—they're just like us! Sure, they have four legs and four paws, but when it comes to their diet, pups need their fair share of greens. According to Mary Rhodes, head of production & product development at Bocce's Bakery, our canine companions thrive off of fresh fruits and veggies, such as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, apples, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. “They provide great taste and essential vitamins and minerals,” she says.

In addition to feeding your dog the rainbow, Rhodes says that peanut butter (without any added sugar or salt) is a great snack option, given the flavor and protein it provides. Don’t only look for specific ingredients, though. Consider labels, too. When seeking out healthy, tasty dog treats, Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, who is the veterinary advisor at The Honest Kitchen, says to prioritize those that contain few ingredients (only one, if possible) and are:

• Made in the USA
• Non-GMO
• Preferably organic
• Bite-sized (to avoid weight gain)
• High in fiber; low in carbs
• Made with pure animal protein (chicken, fish, and/or beef as the primary ingredient(s))

All in all, you want to feed your doggo a healthy diet. “When choosing treats for your pup the ingredients should be whole, unprocessed, and easily digestible,” says Gary Richter, DVM, medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care & founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. And remember, dogs digest differently than humans. As such, raw foods are actually recommended. “Freeze-dried, dehydrated, or frozen raw treats are ultimately the best options because they have the most amount of nutrients and have not gone through a lot of processing,” Richter says.

Ingreidents to avoid

Whether incorporated into a treat or served on its own, there are some foods you simply don’t want to give your dog. In addition to chocolate, grapes and raisins are a no-go, according to Finn. “These can cause kidney failure and can be fatal,” he warns. “Even just one grape can be very harmful to your dog.”

Similarly, Alvarez says to avoid treats made with:

• High carbohydrate content (“It predisposes [dogs] to obesity,” she warns.)
• High fat (“It can cause GI upset/pancreatitis,” she shares, noting that macadamia nuts are particularly high in fat and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.)
• Ingredients sourced in China (“They can be contaminated with toxins,” she says.)
• Xylitol (“Many peanut butters, yogurts, and honeys include xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs,” she says.)

Additionally, Richter says that it’s important to avoid any meat by-products, or what's leftover of the slaughtered animal, which can be tricky, considering many treats are made with these ingredients. Essentially, anything with the word “meal” in it means that it’s been modified and isn’t as healthy.

At the end of the day, Finn suggests that if you can’t pronounce it, then don’t buy it. “Many products will have additives that add flavor, prolong the shelf life, or have other benefits for the treats but in my opinion the simpler the better,” he says. “The only time I’ll stray from this tip is if the product is a dual benefit treat. This means that it is a treat, but it adds value to your pet in some other way, such as a joint supplement, dental chew, or probiotic. Many times these will have some ingredients that don’t seem natural to you to help make the treat more effective, but it doesn’t mean that these are not safe.”

Still, if you want to ensure that your pup is eating safe, nourishing foods, he recommends only shopping for supplemental treats with the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval. “If you are buying a dental dog treat then look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VHOC) seal of approval,” he adds.

One more thing

Even when you opt for healthy, well-made dog treats, Alvarez says that they should take up no more than 10 percent of your fur baby’s total daily caloric intake. “This is important to maintain nutritional balance of the food and to avoid weight gain,” she says.

To ensure that your pup is getting the most out of their meals and treats–and to make sure that all of their dietary needs are being met—schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian. And if you’re ever unsure about whether or not your dog can eat something on the spot, use your smart home devices to your advantage. Alexa, for example, can answer what ingredients are safe for dogs. Talk about convenient! (Test it for yourself by asking “Alexa, what is safe to put in homemade dog treats?”)

10 of the healthiest dog treats to spoil your pup with

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