3 Important Things To Look For When Choosing Dog Treats

Walk down any pet store aisle, and you’ll find hundreds of dog treat options, from crunchy biscuits and jerky strips to freeze-dried raw and limited-ingredient bites. With so many choices (and so many bold marketing claims), it can be overwhelming to figure out which treats are truly good for your dog. Whether you’re using treats for training, rewarding great behavior, supporting dental health, or simply showing a little love, the quality and type you choose absolutely matter.

Here are three important things to look for when choosing dog treats so you can feel confident you’re giving your pup something safe, nutritious, and worth wagging for.

#1 – Source of Ingredients

“Made in the USA” is one of the most common phrases you’ll see on dog treat packaging. While that can be reassuring, it’s important to understand what it actually means.

First, treats made in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European nations are generally considered safe due to stricter manufacturing and quality control standards. However, safety standards can vary widely in other parts of the world. That doesn’t mean every imported product is unsafe, but it does mean you should be mindful of transparency and oversight.

Second, and even more important: where the ingredients are sourced.

A product can be “Made in the USA” but still use ingredients imported from countries with lower quality control standards. Unfortunately, ingredient sourcing isn’t always listed clearly on the label. If you’re unsure:

• Check the company’s website.

• Look for transparency statements about sourcing.

• Contact customer service directly.

• Choose brands that openly share where their proteins and raw materials come from.

Reputable companies are typically proud of their sourcing practices and willing to discuss them.

#2 – Number of Ingredients

When it comes to ingredient lists, simpler is often better.

Technically, the number of ingredients isn’t the only thing that matters. A longer ingredient list isn’t automatically bad if those ingredients are high-quality, whole-food components. However, many commercially manufactured treats contain:

• Artificial preservatives

• Artificial colors

• Flavor enhancers

• Fillers like corn syrup or wheat gluten

• By-products or vague “meat meal” ingredients

These additives offer little nutritional value and may contribute to digestive upset or long-term health concerns.

For most dogs, shorter and more recognizable ingredient lists are ideal. If you can’t pronounce half the ingredients or wouldn’t consider them real food, that’s a red flag.

This becomes especially important for:

• Dogs with food allergies

• Dogs with sensitive stomachs

• Dogs prone to skin issues

• Elimination diet trials

In these cases, single-ingredient treats (like freeze-dried beef liver, dehydrated sweet potato, or salmon) are often the safest and most effective option.

#3 – Quality of Ingredients

Even if the ingredient list is short, you still need to evaluate what’s actually in the treat. “Natural” does not automatically mean healthy. Some treats labeled as natural still contain excessive sugar, low-quality fats, or ingredients that aren’t ideal for dogs.

Watch for:

• Named animal proteins (e.g., “chicken,” “beef liver,” “turkey”) rather than vague terms like “meat.”

• Minimal added sugar or sweeteners.

• Limited artificial preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin).

• Reasonable fat and calorie content.

Calorie awareness is particularly important for training treats. Veterinarians generally recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. However, if you’re actively training, especially puppies or working dogs, it’s easy to exceed that limit.

In those situations, it’s critical that your training treats are not just empty calories. Opt for:

• Low-calorie, pea-sized treats

• High-protein options

• Nutrient-dense ingredients

• Soft, easy-to-break pieces for portion control

If you’ll be using many treats during training sessions, consider adjusting your dog’s regular meal portions slightly to maintain a healthy weight.

Smart Treat Choices Support Long-Term Health

Dog treats aren’t just rewards, they’re part of your dog’s overall diet. Choosing wisely can support your dog’s health, digestion, weight management, and even behavior.

When selecting treats, remember to:

• Look beyond marketing claims.

• Prioritize transparent ingredient sourcing.

• Choose simple, high-quality ingredient lists.

• Pay attention to calories and nutritional value.

The best treats are ones you feel good about giving and that your dog is excited to earn. By focusing on quality over hype, you’re not just rewarding your dog in the moment, you’re supporting their health for years to come.