Giving pills to dogs in food is a common way to administer medicine, but it can be stressful for both the pet parent and the pet. Finding the right pill-hiding treat matters when your dog needs to get medicine in the correct amounts, at the right time of day, and you can’t risk guessing if they ate half, spit it out, or hid it somewhere. 

“Pill [pouches] can make it much easier to give medication,” Jess Ennis, DVM, CVA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Primary Care, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University in New Jersey. “Some pets even enjoy getting their medication because they see it as a treat. It can also be helpful for medications that have a bad taste. It can lower the stress on you and your pet by giving medication in a fun way and creating a positive experience associated with the action of receiving medication.”

That’s why we’re reviewing the top pill pouches to explore the options for dogs to get their medications in a tasty delivery mechanism. In addition to hands-on testing, we looked at ingredients, effectiveness, palatability, ease of use, cost, value, and availability.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Pill Pouches for Dogs: Vetstreet’s Top 8 Picks

• Favorite Pill Pocket for Dogs:  Greenies Pill Pockets
• Best Oral Paste Pill Wrap for Dogs: Vetoquinol Pill Wrap
• Best Probiotic Pill Pouch for Dogs: VetriScience Pinchers
• Best Budget-Friendly Pill Pouch for Dogs: Milk Bone Pill Pouches for Dogs
• Best Hypoallergenic Pill Pouch: Maddie’s American Easy Pill Ultra Pill Wrap
• Best Pill Pouch for Large Dogs: Zesty Paws Pill Wrap Probiotic Paste
• Best Pill Pouch for Small Dogs: Tomlyn Pill Masker for Dogs and Cats
• Best Natural Pill Pouches: Earthly Pill Buddy Naturals Pill Pouches for Dogs

Vetstreet’s 8 Top Pill Pouches

Pill pouches come in various forms. Dr. Ennis says some are preformed “bowls” that can be folded over the medications.  They come in large and small sizes, depending on the size of the medication that you are giving.  Other pill pockets for dogs come in a form that includes a tub of moldable treat material — sometimes referred to as a paste — that can be used in any amount and shaped in any way, which makes it very customizable. In terms of ingredients, there are many different formulations.

Keep reading to discover some of the best pill pouches for dogs on the market and what to look for when shopping. 

Favorite Pill Pocket for Dogs

Our Pick:  Greenies Pill Pockets

You probably heard of Greenies as a dental dog treat, but did you know they make pill pockets, too? My dog, who needs daily medication, readily enjoyed the Greenies pill pockets during testing. When prompted, our dog enjoyed the peanut butter flavor more than the chicken flavor, as he consumed it quickly and easily. Greenies Pill Pockets are easy to manipulate around a hard pill and disguise the sight and taste of dog medication.

Highlights

• Available in capsule or tablet size.
• Several flavors are available, including chicken, peanut butter, hickory smoke, and duck and pea formula, ideal for dogs with allergies.
• Commonly used and recommended in vet clinics.
• Good value, about $10 for 30 Greenies pill pockets.
• Soft, moldable texture.

Things To Consider

• The pouch needs to be sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Count the Greenies calories as part of your dog’s daily intake.

Best Oral Paste Pill Wrap for Dogs

Our Pick: Vetoquinol Pill Wrap

Just as texture is important to humans, dogs need to agree with food texture to find it appealing. This paste is a tasty alternative to a pliable dog pill pocket because the oral paste doesn’t dry out and can be manipulated to suit any pill size.

Highlights

• A fresh way to deliver medication if your dog frequently spits out dog pill pouches
• Shapeable paste works for all pill sizes
• Supports a small, family-owned business in the US
• Bacon flavor

Things To Consider

• You can only get it from veterinarians or online retailers, so you’ll likely need to wait a day or so to receive the product.
• Made with wheat, so dogs with those allergies or sensitivities should skip it.
• Because it is a paste, it can be messy.

Best Probiotic Pill Pouch for Dogs

Our Pick: VetriScience Pinchers

Vetriscience has a nice variety of pill pouches for dogs, depending on their size and various needs. Since some medications can damage a dog’s digestive system, consider a pill pouch that contains probiotics like those found in this pill-hiding treat.

Highlights

• It’s good for digestive health.
• Contains artificial flavors and ingredients
• Non-greasy medication delivery
• Low calorie
• Two flavors, chicken and organic peanut butter, and two sizes are available

Things To Consider

• It is not available at all retailers, but it is available online.

Best Budget-Friendly Pill Pouch for Dogs

Our Pick:  Milk Bone Pill Pouches for Dogs

Sometimes, the deciding factor when purchasing a pill pouch for your pup is price. We get it – dog medications can be costly! If savings is your main parameter, check out this budget-friendly option from Milk Bone.

Highlights

Available at most retailers, so it’s easy to find when you need to deliver medication in a pill pouch right away.

• Each package contains around 25 dog treats for under $5, sometimes lower with autoship options.
• Available in smoked bacon and hickory chicken.

Things To Consider

• It’s not the lowest-calorie treat on the market.
• Same size, whether you’re giving to a large dog or a small dog, or have a large capsule to disguise.

Best Hypoallergenic Pill Pouch

Our Pick: Maddie’s American Easy Pill Ultra Pill Wrap

This American-made company created a pill-paste treat in a tub that can be molded around any size pill or capsule. It’s made without meat, corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.

Highlights

• Great product if your dog has allergies to certain ingredients.
• You control the size of the treat around the pill.
• It is available in three tasty flavors: cheesy dip and bacon, bacon and cheese, and peanut butter and cheese.
• Affordable, and you can use less if you have smaller pills and smaller pets.

Things To Consider

• Measuring out the perfect amount of paste can be challenging.
• You must order online and pay for shipping.

Best Pill Pouch for Large Dogs

Our Pick:  Zesty Paws Pill Wrap Probiotic Paste

We like that these pill pouches for dogs contain probiotics and are easy to wrap around any size pill. You can give a large dog over 75 pounds up to three chews without worrying that you’re overfeeding her or him by applying too much (or too little).

Highlights

• Comes with belly-benefiting probiotics for a healthy gut.
• Highly reviewed on retailer websites.
• Good price point, about $17.99 for 60 chews.
• Easy to make sure you’re administering the correct amount for your dog’s size.

Things To Consider

• Only one flavor – bacon.

Best Pill Pouch for Small Dogs

Our Pick:  Tomlyn Pill Masker for Dogs and Cats

This pill-hiding product is suitable for small dogs (or cats), so it can be great if you want to limit the amount of products you keep on hand and you have a home with dogs and cats that need meds.  Since it’s a paste, you can control the size and ensure you aren’t giving too much of the treat product by simply rolling it around the pill or capsule.

Highlights

• Suitable for small dogs and cats.
• Made with high-quality ingredients from a company that’s been around since the 1970s.
• Great value for small dog pill treat portions, a 4-ounce tub of paste has 50-plus servings (depending on how little product you use).

Things To Consider

• It takes more effort to scoop out the product than to open a pill pouch in the packaging and put in the medication.
• You could accidentally give a dog more than they need if you are not measuring correctly.
• One flavor choice.

Best Natural Pill Pouches

Our Pick: Earthly Pill Buddy Naturals Pill Pouches for Dogs

One of the things we like best about Pill Buddy’s Naturals Pouches is the variety of flavors available. Their Pill Buddy products have chicken and peanut butter flavors, like many others in this list. This brand also offers duck, peanut butter and banana, peanut butter and honey, peanut butter and apple, and more.

Highlights

• Good variety of flavors.
• The company values sustainable, responsible sourcing.
• Made with natural ingredients.
• Individually wrapped with compostable materials.

Things To Consider

• They are on the smaller side, so if you have a larger capsule, you might need to put two together.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in Dog Pill Pouches

Ready to start shopping for dog pill pouches? Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a pouch with a tasty or high-value flavor that comes in a moldable texture that allows medication to be folded into the center of the treat.

Offer advice on what pet parents should consider when shopping for pill pouches, suggests Dr. Ennis.

• Size/shape flexibility for different pill types: Whether your dog gets capsules or tablets might indicate the type of pill pouch size you use. Some brands, like Greenie pill pockets, indicate various sizes on the packaging to ensure you’re getting the correct treat size to mold around the medicine. If you’re shopping in a retail store, you might want to take the pill with you to see which pill pouch might be the best fit.
  
  
• Flavor options (especially for picky dogs): Many flavor options we saw involved chicken or peanut butter for the treats, but there were plenty of bacon-flavored picks. If your dog is a picky eater, read the pill pouch reviews to see if other pet parents with picky dogs responded well to the flavors.
  
  
• Ingredient transparency and sourcing: Deciphering pet ingredient labels is not always easy. Depending on your dog’s diet and needs, you’ll want to review the ingredients, as oftentimes the flavor doesn’t always mean there isn’t animal protein in the product, says Dr. Ennis. Some pill pouches have options like low-calorie, grain-free, and limited ingredients to help dogs on special diets.

• Feeding suggestions: The packaging will tell you how many pill pouches to give your pet, depending on the dog’s weight. We found that giving a larger dog an empty pouch and then a pouch with a pill inside was an easy solution for an eager dog to get the pill down while hitting the amount suggested on the packaging.
  
  
• Ingredients to avoid: As with any oral substance you are administering to your pet, Dr. Ennis advises that you watch out for xylitol-containing products (sugar substitutes) or products made with onion or garlic powder. 

How We Made Our Selections

These dog pill pouches were chosen by in-home testing among dogs that had to take medications. They were also considered based on price point, how many pouches you’d get for your money, how easy it is to find them, and their availability at online retailers or brick-and-mortar businesses.

We also read customer reviews, examined a company’s reputation, and connected with a veterinarian about which ingredients to be aware of when selecting pill pouches to give to your dog.

Always consult your veterinarian if you want to ensure that the pill pouches for dogs you’re considering buying are safe.

The author received compensation from PetSmart for their services in writing this article.

The post How to Give a Dog a Pill: Vetstreet’s Top 8 Pill Pouches appeared first on Vetstreet.

As more dog parents seek healthy treats, more nutritious toppers, and convenient supplements, Greenies has luckily expanded its line with new products beyond its dental chews. In this review, I put several of their lesser-known offerings to the test with two dogs: one a food-loving adult dog, and the other a young, picky eater under two. Here’s what we discovered from dog supplements to pill pockets to Greenies wet-ish dog food.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

What Is Greenies?

Greenies launched with a mission to make pet health easier (and tastier) for our furry companions. Initially developed by a pet parent looking to improve their dog’s oral health, the brand quickly became a staple in the pet health industry. Developed with input from veterinarians and pet nutritionists, their products prioritize ingredient transparency, functionality, and pet enjoyment.

According to their site, Greenies treats are made in the USA with quality ingredients and are widely recommended by vets for dental care. The brand has since branched out into other health-related categories with the same dedication to innovation, palatability, and ease of use. From Greenies dog food to Greenies cat treats and dog supplements, their goal remains to support overall pet wellness through products that pets enjoy.

Why Functional Treats and Supplements Matter

In today’s world, pet parents are more informed and engaged. We read labels, research ingredients, and want to give our pets the healthiest life possible, just like humans. That means going beyond treats that simply taste good enough.

We’re looking for snacks, supplements, and meal enhancers that serve a purpose. Whether it’s joint support, skin health, or help hiding a necessary pill (from vitamins to supplements to medicine), functional products are key to a proactive pet health routine.

Greenies seems to understand this need, so their product line extending beyond dental health excited us.

Overview of Greenies Products We Tested

We focused on five Greenies products beyond their standard dental chews, which we’re already familiar with and are part of our repertoire. We evaluated the following products for quality, ease of use, packaging, and our dogs’ reactions:

• Greenies Smart Essentials Adult High Protein Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
• Greenies Smart Topper Beef, Peas & Carrots Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Topper
• Greenies Pill Pockets (Chicken and Peanut Butter flavors)
• Greenies Supplements: Hip & Joint (Chicken Flavor)
• Greenies Supplements: Skin & Coat (Chicken Flavor)

We tested each product on two dogs with very different preferences: one, an older rescue dog with joint concerns and more savory taste buds, and the other, a young pup who turns his nose up at anything that smells even remotely suspicious. They’re both kind of picky to begin with, so we didn’t have high hopes to start.

First Impressions and Product Highlights

Greenies Smart Essentials Dry Dog Food

This dry food came in a resealable bag with clear feeding instructions by weight. The kibble is shaped like little flowers, which makes portioning easy. The dogs loved it—and I mean scarfed-it-down loved it without needing any wet food mixed in. The formula boasts real chicken as the first ingredient, including brown rice for digestibility. This one gets points for taste, nutritional balance, and visual appeal. Even picky eaters seem to get excited by it.

Greenies Smart Topper Wet Dog Food

This topper was the star of the show. It smells mild but fresh and looks almost good enough for human consumption. You can see the beef, peas, and carrots—a reassuring sign for pet parents who value transparency. The texture was great for mixing with kibble, and the instructions suggested one tray per 20-pound dog. While that’s fine for medium to large dogs, I wish the label offered guidance for smaller breeds or those with sensitive digestion. Still, this is the kind of product I’d keep stocked in the pantry for when I want to make dinner feel special.

Greenies Pill Pockets

These soft treats were designed to help pet parents disguise pills, and they do the job beautifully. They come in multiple flavors, but we tried chicken and peanut butter. The chicken variety smelled like smoky barbecue and was the favorite with both dogs. The texture is soft and moldable, making it easy to seal in a pill, even large ones (thankfully). This product is a game-changer if you’ve ever wrestled with your dog over meds.

Greenies Supplements: Hip & Joint + Skin & Coat

These small chewable supplements are an “easy add” to any dog’s routine. My older dog, who has some stiffness after walks, seemed to benefit most from the Hip & Joint chews. While it’s too early to claim long-term results, both dogs willingly ate them (without food bribery!), which is already a win. The Skin & Coat version also had strong appeal and may help with shedding and dryness if used consistently.

Putting Greenies to the Test: Real Dog Results

Let’s get into how each product performed in the real world with two very different dogs:

Greenies Dry Dog Food

Both dogs ate it plain with zero hesitation. It didn’t require any wet food to entice them, and the instructions on the packaging were clear and easy to follow. One of my favorite aspects is the weight-based portion guidance—no guesswork.

Greenies Wet Food Topper

This was their absolute favorite. I added it to their regular kibble; no crumbs were left behind. It looks like real food (not a processed mush), and both dogs reacted with visible excitement at mealtime.

Greenies Pill Pockets

A clear win. Chicken was the top choice. Our older dog, typically skeptical of treats with a hidden agenda, didn’t hesitate. The treat molds easily around pills, which makes medication time feel more like snack time.

Greenies Supplements

These were familiar to our dogs, and they ate them eagerly. The Hip & Joint chews are ideal for aging pups, while the Skin & Coat option is a solid daily treat that doubles as functional support. I plan to continue giving these as part of our routine.

Best of all, there were no signs of upset stomach or allergic reactions throughout the test. That alone is reason enough to keep using them.

Things We Love About Greenies

Greenies has long been a trusted name, and these newer products show why. Each one seems designed with both pet and pet parent in mind, balancing convenience with quality. From nutrition to practicality, here are the standout features we appreciate most about Greenies overall:

• Trusted Reputation: Greenies is well-known for vet-backed, effective products.
• Clear Instructions: Feeding and usage directions were easy to follow.
• Problem Solving: Each product solves a common issue, such as picky eating, pill delivery, joint support, or coat health.
• Visible Ingredients: This is especially true for the topper, which visually reassures you of its quality. That means minimal processing like Greenies’ competitors.
• No Digestive Issues: Both dogs tolerated the products well despite trying multiple new items.

Things to Consider

While our experience was overwhelmingly positive, no product is one-size-fits-all. There are a few things pet parents should know, especially when introducing something new. Here are the key considerations we noted during testing:

• Flavor Preferences Vary By Dog: One of our dogs didn’t love the peanut butter pill pocket, so try small packs before buying in bulk, or try another flavor.
• Topper Instructions: I’d love to see better portion guidance for small breeds.
• Supplements Take Time: Benefits from hip or coat support chews take a few weeks to show results, so consistency is key.

Greenies Products: Our Final Verdict

Greenies continues to impress with its thoughtful expansion into other pet health categories. Their products are designed with real pet needs in mind and executed in a way that makes it easy for pet parents to follow through. So, would I purchase these products again? Absolutely.

While the standout was the Smart Topper, every product served a great purpose, so I would be open to incorporating them into our pets’ routines. From everyday dry food to special needs like pill hiding and joint support, Greenies makes innovative solutions simple. I recommend beginning with the topper if you explore Greenies beyond dental chews.

As always, monitor your pet for reactions when introducing any new product and consult your vet if you’re using supplements for medical concerns. But if your dogs are like our testers, they’ll be tail-wagging fans of these Greenies goodies in no time.

The author received compensation from PetSmart for their services in writing this article.

The post Top Greenies Products Beyond Dental Chews: A Pet Parent’s Test appeared first on Vetstreet.

Made of beef pizzle (penis of a bull or steer), bully sticks are available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate dogs of all life stages. The unique forms provide an engaging challenge, keeping dogs mentally stimulated and entertained. 

Pet parents should always supervise their dog while chewing a bully stick. Ensure the size and thickness match your dog’s size and chewing strength. In addition to our top picks for safe, durable bully sticks, we include our favorite bully stick holder.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Top Bully Sticks Picks

• Best Overall Bully Stick for Dogs: WOOF Bully Sticks
• Odor-Free Bully Sticks for Dogs: Barkworthies Odor-Free 6-Inch Bully Sticks
• Bulk Bully Sticks: Redbarn 7-inch Bully Sticks, Case of 35
• Small Dog Bully Sticks: Cadet Bully Sticks Extra-Small Size
• Puppy Bully Sticks:  Best Bully Sticks 4” Size
• Braided Bully Sticks: Pawstruck Braided Bully Sticks Dog Treats, 1 Pound-Bag
• Pretzel Shape Bully Sticks: Nature Gnaws Pork Bully Sticks
• Best Bully Stick Holder: Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device

Bully Sticks for Dogs: Safe and Durable Options

We selected the following bully sticks for proper sourcing, processing method (dried or baked), single ingredient (beef pizzle) without additives or chemicals, and digestibility. 

Best Overall Bully Stick for Dogs

Our Pick: WOOF Bully Sticks

WOOF Bully Sticks top our list. Sustainably sourced from free-range, grass-fed cattle on ranches with sustainable grazing and forestry practices, they are affordable and available in various-sized packages. Each stick measures 12 inches and is low-odor and long-lasting, so your dog will enjoy the chomping fun. Good for dental health and rich in protein, each stick contains no added ingredients. They are available in several varieties, including 12” five-pack, 12” 10-pack, and more. 

Highlights

• Each bully stick is designed to last.
• Low-odor (which pet parents appreciate).
• High protein treat for dogs.
• Ideal for all life stages.
• Sustainably sourced from small ranchers. 
• It is ideal for dental health (it helps scrape tartar).
• Affordably priced for most budgets.

Things to Consider

• Some pet parents complain that not all bully sticks are the same size.
• They are not 100 percent odor-free.

Odor-Free Bully Sticks for Dogs

Our Pick: Barkworthies Odor-Free 6-Inch Bully Sticks

If you prefer an odor-free bully stick for your dog, consider the Barkworthies brand. Each 6-inch bully stick is additive-free, chemical-free, and preservative-free with no odor. The single-ingredient chew is made from free-range, grass-fed Brazilian cattle pizzle. Designed for medium chewers, each package contains five or more sticks. They are touted as highly digestible and an ideal alternative to rawhide. 

Highlights

• Odor-free bully sticks for dogs.
• Ideal for medium chewers.
• Single source of protein.
• The 6-inch length is ideal for most dogs.
• It may help support teeth and gums.

Things to Consider

• Made in Brazil.
• 71 kcal per treat.

Bulk Bully Sticks

Our Pick: Redbarn 7-inch Bully Sticks, Case of 35

If you have a multidog household or would prefer to keep a supply of bully sticks on hand, we recommend the Redbarn case of 35 seven-inch bully sticks for dogs. These bully sticks contain no added chemicals, and Redbarn says they never split. As your dog chews, they support good breath, scrape away at plaque and tartar, and naturally support cleaner teeth and gums. Made for adult dogs. 

Highlights

• Naturally low odor for each bully stick.
• They are ideal for most sized dogs.
• Bulk size means you won’t run out soon.
• One single ingredient: beef pizzle. 
• Contains no chemicals or additives. 
• Long-lasting and boredom-busting.

Things to Consider

• The bully sticks may not all be the same thickness.
• They are not 100 percent odor-free.

Small Dog Bully Sticks

Our Pick: Cadet Bully Sticks Extra-Small Size

If you have a small dog, consider the Cadet Bully Sticks in the extra-small size. This 8-ounce bag contains several extra-small bully sticks for smaller mouths. Ideal for all life stages, these bully sticks are best for dogs 10 pounds and under. Use supervision when your little pooch is chewing on one-ingredient treats. This product is available in different configurations (i.e., 8-ounce, 12-ounce, 20.3-ounce bag, etc.)

Highlights

• The smaller size makes these ideal for little dogs. 
• Cadet bully sticks are low in fat and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
• No polycarbonate plastics, bisphenol A, epoxy resins, synthetic components, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or added vitamins or minerals are included.
• Naturally high in protein. 

Things to Consider

• Made in Canada 
• The thickness may be different for each stick included.

Puppy Bully Sticks

Our Pick: Best Bully Sticks 4” Size

Why should adult dogs have all the chewing fun? Best Bully Sticks offers a size ideal for smaller puppy mouths. Their 4-inch sticks are great for puppies and small breeds and are hand-inspected to ensure the correct size and quality. Made with one hypoallergenic ingredient (beef pizzle), they contain no additives or preservatives. Best Bully Sticks sources its products from high-quality American or South American cattle that are hormone-free, mature, and free-range. 

Highlights

• Perfect size for smaller mouths.
• Contains no chemical treatments. 
• Approximately 14 calories per inch of bully stick, so about 56 calories per stick.
• Fully digestible product.
• It is ideal for teething puppies and keeping them busy (always supervising).
• Made in the USA.

Things to Consider

• This chew is recommended for small and medium breeds.
• Not 100 percent odor-free.

Braided Bully Sticks

Our Pick: Pawstruck Braided Bully Sticks Dog Treats, 1 Pound-Bag

Some dogs love a challenge, and that’s where a tasty braided bully stick can be satisfying. The 12-inch length from Pawstruck helps bust boredom and lasts a while. A family-owned business, these natural and wholesome chews are made from free-range, grass-fed beef. Each bully stick is braided with three separate sticks to keep dogs busy. They contain no stinky odors, so your nose will rejoice. Pawstruck uses no additives, hormones, or chemicals to make its bully sticks. 

Highlights

• Beef is sourced from ethically conscious farms.
• Three sticks-in-one to create a braided challenge for dogs.
• Contains one ingredient: beef pizzle.
• Also available in 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch sizes.
• It’s more digestible than traditional rawhide.
• Packed with protein.

Things to Consider

• The product’s natural oil may stain your furniture, carpeting, or other surface.
• Made in South America in a plant the company owns.

Pretzel Shape Bully Sticks

Our Pick: Nature Gnaws Pork Bully Sticks

Some dogs like the curvy pretzel shape of Nature Gnaws Pork Bully Sticks. These thoughtful pork bully pretzels contain no grains, gluten, or rawhide, so you can feel safe feeding them. Ideal for all life stages of small and medium dogs, chewing may also help relieve your dog’s stress or anxiety. Best for moderate chewers, Nature Gnaws is a family-run business. Each bag contains 15 pretzel bully sticks, ideal for multidog households.

Highlights

• Pretzel design is fun and unique to change your dog’s chewing habits.
• Best for smaller or medium breeds.
• Single-ingredient: Pork.
• Supports good dental hygiene.
• Low-odor and gluten-free product.
• Made by a family-run business.
• Naturally scented and bacon-flavored chews.

Things to Consider

• The natural oil may stain your furniture, carpeting, or other surfaces.
• The thickness of each pretzel varies.

Best Bully Stick Holder

Our Pick: Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device

Experts and veterinarians recommend that dogs be supervised when chewing bully sticks. The Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device can help secure bully sticks and other long-lasting chews. Insert the bully stick into the unit, tighten the screw, and watch your dog enjoy the treat. This holder is made in the United States with BPA-free, durable nylon. 

Highlights

• This product measures 6.42 x 5.16 x 2.87 inches.
• It helps keep dogs safe while chewing a bully stick.
• It is a sturdy material that keeps bully sticks in place when used properly.
• Provides peace of mind for pet parents.
• This product can be placed in the dishwasher.
• Available in a variety of sizes to accommodate all dogs. 

Things to Consider

• Not all bully sticks fit in this unit. 
• The Bow Wow Buddy is not a toy but a safety device.

What Are Bully Sticks?

Most bully sticks are made of one ingredient: beef pizzle, which is a bull or calf penis. They have a tough exterior to keep dogs busy without splintering. They are rich in protein and are used to keep dogs busy while scraping tartar or plaque from teeth. They are not low in calories, so follow feeding instructions closely. Always watch your dog when they are consuming a treat.

Considerations When Buying Bully Sticks for Dogs

When you are ready to purchase bully sticks for your dog based on our above list, here are some things to consider:

• The size of your dog: Smaller dogs should not eat larger chews and vice versa to avoid choking.
• The chewing level of your dog: Medium or moderate chewer? Aggressive chewer? Read the packaging carefully.
• Breakable pieces: Most dog treats, including bully sticks, may break off into smaller pieces. Always remove small fragments so your dog cannot choke.
• Grass-fed and free-range cattle: Are the cattle ethically sourced? Are they free-range? Grass-fed? Many companies reveal this information on their packaging or their websites.
• The size and thickness of the bully stick: Choose the thickness carefully so your dog’s mouth size is suitable for that particular chew.
• Shape and style: Does your dog prefer a pretzel shape? Straight? Braided? Like people, dogs have preferences, too. 
• Bully stick holder: Always supervise a dog when they eat a chew, even with a bully stick holder, which helps keep the treat in place.
• Brand reputation: Choose brands that provide clear information about their production, country of origin, etc. 

More About Dog Treats

If you’d like further information about dog treats, check out our other articles:

• Best Dog Treats of 2025
• High-Value Dog Treats to Try
• Top Puppy Training Treats of 2025

The post Bully Sticks for Dogs: Safe and Durable Chewing Selections appeared first on Vetstreet.

There are a ton of new puppy parents out there, with 65.1 million US households sharing life with a dog(1). Last year, over $147 billion was spent on pets and their care, which includes 64.5 billion (yes, billion) on pet food and treats.

We compiled our treats for puppies based on experience and user feedback from both ends of the leash, so read on to discover what your puppy will love! 

Top Treats for Training Puppies: Our Picks

With over twenty years of dog training experience, picking the top treats for training is a way of life for me. I’ve made a career out of knowing how to use goodies to keep my canine students invested and excited to learn new things. Puppies have always been my specialty, so selecting the best treats for puppy training is a big part of what I do. 

I also owned a pet products shop for six years, so I have firsthand experience with all of the brands that made the list. Plus, I know what pet parents appreciate, whether it’s getting the most bang for their buck, or offering their best friend a healthy treat that they can trust.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Our List – 6 Puppy Training Treats We Love

• Overall Best Puppy Training Treats: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
• Best Puppy Training Treats for Small Breeds: Polka Dog Peanut Butter Wonder Nuggets
• Best Puppy Training Treats for Large Breeds: Bocce’s Bakery Say Moo Soft Treats
• Best Crunchy Puppy Training Treats: Charlee Bear Bearnola Bites Peanut Butter & Honey
• Best Soft Puppy Training Treats: Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Soft & Chewy Creamy Peanut Butter Treats
• Best High-Value Puppy Training Treats: Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Beef Liver

6 Best Puppy Training Treats of 2025

There are so many phenomenal treats for training puppies that it was difficult to keep the list manageable! While the following are some of the best puppy training treats, most of the manufacturers offer multiple flavor and texture options, so your pup can enjoy a variety of approved goodies. Many of the treats on the list are limited ingredients and minimally processed to be gentler on young digestive systems.

Overall Best Puppy Training Treats

Our pick: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites

Wellness has been in the dog food and treats sector for years, and this OG soft square treat gets raves from dogs of all sizes. We like that it’s moist and flavorful enough to keep pups’ attention during training, but it’s not so chewy that it’ll make a mess in your pocket. Made from easily digestible ingredients like lamb, salmon, and chickpeas, this goody is free from artificial colors and flavors and is a natural source of DHA and Omega 3.

Highlights

• Contains only premium, all-natural ingredients with no meat by-products, corn, wheat or dairy
• Several flavor options
• USA-made
• Pocket friendly
• Low odor
• Affordable

Things to Consider

• Some pet parents reported gassy pups or loose stool

Best Puppy Training Treats for Small Breeds

Our pick: Polka Dog Peanut Butter Wonder Nuggets

Little mouths need tiny goodies during training, and these petite peanut butter balls are the perfect way to say “nice work!” They’re a hit with dogs of all sizes; even finicky pups gravitate to flavorful goodies. These limited-ingredient nibbles are additives and preservatives-free, which means that you can reward them with confidence.

Highlights

• Handmade in Boston with locally sourced ingredients
• Several flavor selections
• Pleasant aroma
• Limited ingredients
• Pocket-friendly

Things to Consider

• Pricier than other options on the list

Best Puppy Training Treats for Large Breeds

Our pick: Bocce’s Bakery Say Moo Soft Treats

These B-shaped treats are a great option for growing pups because they’re large enough to satisfy bigger dogs, but they’re soft enough to be broken into pieces for small dogs with big aspirations. Larger puppies don’t necessarily need a massive crunchy treat, and these small-batch goodies manage to hit the sweet spot with a unique texture and flavor.

Highlights

• USA-made
• Limited ingredients
• Wheat-free
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives
• Several flavor options
• Low odor

Things to Consider

• Some users reported that their dogs were gassy post-treats

Best Crunchy Puppy Training Treats

Our pick: Charlee Bear Bearnola Bites Peanut Butter & Honey

Charlee Bear is another longstanding and trusted treat brand with various treat types, but this granola-inspired goody is a top pick for our four-legged friends. The brick-shaped goodies come in four flavors with no artificial preservatives: wheat, corn, or soy. Pups can’t resist the smell, and some humans can’t either!

Highlights

• USA-made
• Limited ingredients
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives
• Multiple flavors
• Pleasant aroma
• Sweetened with honey not glycerin

Things to Consider

• Might be too crunchy for some dogs

Best Soft Puppy Training Treats

Our pick: Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Soft & Chewy Creamy Peanut Butter Treats

Cloud Star offers a variety of treats in different flavors and textures but we like this one for it’s convenient size and chewy texture. Moist treats are a great training option because most dogs can’t resist them, plus they go down quickly to keep the training session rolling. These goodies are USA-made and are free of corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors, dairy, or white potatoes. It’s a small treat that packs a flavorful punch.

Highlights

• USA-made
• Soft texture
• Several flavors
• Low-odor
• Pocket-friendly

Things to Consider

• Ingredients are more complex than other options on our list

Best High-Value Puppy Training Treats

Our pick: Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Beef Liver

When it comes to treat potency nothing can touch freeze-dried options. These beef liver goodies make training time easy because pups consider them off-the-charts delicious and work hard to earn them. Plus, these treats are single ingredient which makes them a good fit for dogs with dietary concerns. The tub has a variety of morsel sizes, so pet parents with smaller pups might have to cut them smaller with a knife, but the resulting dust can be used as a food topper.

Highlights

• Most dogs love them
• Single ingredient
• USA-made
• Low odor
• Pocket friendly

Things to Consider

• Pricier than other options
• Might require extra work to cut them to size

What Are Puppy Training Treats?

While there’s a huge market with items created specifically for puppies, the reality is that pups over eight weeks of age can typically enjoy all sorts of treats. Treats formulated for puppies might feature a limited ingredient list, or digestion-friendly ingredients, but pups aren’t limited to goodies made just for them. (And on the flip side, adult dogs can enjoy puppy treats too!) 

The training treats for puppies featured in our list are included because they contain high-quality ingredients and minimal byproducts and are delicious enough to keep busy puppies interested in their lessons!

Types of Puppy Training Treats to Consider

Like all dog goodies, puppy treats for training come in a variety of textures, flavors, and ingredients, including:

• Soft: This moist texture ranks high for palatability
• Crunchy: When most people think dog treats, they think biscuit-style
• Single-ingredient: A great pick for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies
• Freeze-dried: This manufacturing process keeps these goodies highly flavorful, with a unique texture
• Jerky: A mix of a moist and tough texture, jerky treats require some chewing and might not be suitable for training 
• Low calorie: Smaller treats mean fewer calories
• Size-specific: Got a tiny pup? You need tiny treats! But bigger dogs don’t necessarily need giant treats. Finding the right size for your student matters since you’ll be giving a bunch of goodies throughout the day.

Puppy Training Treat Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to picking the best puppy treats for training it’s important to how consider how motivating the treat is for your pup (do they love it, or just like it?), as well as the treat size. Remember, pups are highly distractable, which means you want to offer a goody that’s delicious enough to hold your dog’s attention for the session – you want a training treat that they go crazy for!

Training sessions also need to be quick to keep distractable pups interested, which means you need to use a small treat that your pup can eat quickly. Treats that require a lot of chewing will slow down the flow!

Expert Tips for Using Puppy Training Treats

Your puppy is always learning, which means it’s up to you to show them the ropes! That’s why keeping a stash of goodies in your pocket is a good idea even when you’re not in an actual training session. (There’s a reason why “pocket friendly” was listed as a highlight!)

Mixing treats with some of your puppy’s meal ration in a small covered container allows you to give guilt-free treats, especially when using potent moist treats or freeze-dried treats. The food will absorb the aroma of the treats, making it a more interesting reward. Just remember to keep track of how much you’re using!

Finally, remember to be generous with your young student! Learning new stuff can be tough, and we don’t want our pups to get discouraged. So treat well and often!

Puppy Treats for Training FAQs

Resources

• https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats

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Feeding your dog nostalgic BARK Snack Pack Treats isn’t just about rewarding your BFF with a fun, tasty treat. It’s also about providing ridiculously nutritious snacks you’ll feel good serving your pup.

After all, as pet parents, we want our dogs to have the very best. But as the dog treat market continues to grow — it’s estimated to hit  $29.7 billion by 2031, according to Allied Market Research — it’s getting harder and harder to choose.

However, dog moms and dads can look to brands like BARK to deliver nutritious treats pups crave. BARK – the brand that invented BarkBox subscription boxes for dogs – knows a lot about what dogs like…and what they need.  The brand’s latest innovation promises to “make it fun to be a dog, and more fun to be a dog person.”

What Are BARK Snack Pack Treats?

If you were lucky enough to grow up during the ’80s or ’90s, you may recall that Saturday morning cartoons paired best with just one thing: a (in my case, heavily poured) bowl of cereal.

From Fruit Loops’ Toucan Sam to Frosted Flakes’ Tony the Tiger to the iconic Cap’n Crunch, the tastiest cereals always seemed to have the best mascots. But our dogs were woefully left behind…until now.

BARK Snack Pack Treats for Dogs combine childhood nostalgia with fun and functional nutrition for dogs. These high-quality, super-healthy dog treats are made with real fruit, proteins, and grains. And they come wrapped in fun packaging that gives a nod to cereal characters of the past — just flat-out fun for pet parents with a sense of humor.

Produced and manufactured here in the United States by a food safety and science team that uses only American-sourced ingredients. They’re free of corn, soy, and artificial preservatives, making them an easy treat on your dog’s stomach. Packed with protein, they’re a nice pick-me-up and will likely have your dog in full “zoomies” mode. They provide an excellent dog treat option and align with BARK’s overall mission of making pet parenting more fun.

BARK Snack Pack Treats: What Makes Them Different?

Unlike other treats, BARK’s Snack Pack cereal dog treats are free of artificial preservatives, corn, and soy. But it’s their branding and messaging that really sets them apart.

Each product and flavor profile pairs with a fun cereal character mascot inspired by the past.  In addition to featuring the characters on the treat packaging, BARK has also brought them to life in a line of pet toys.

Taking it up a notch, BARK has gamified treat-giving, with each pack mirroring the cereal box giveaways of yesteryear. Pet parents receive QR codes to “scritch off” and win exciting prizes like a year of BarkBox, free toys/treats, or other fun mini-games.

BARK Snack Pack Treats: Product Line

BARK Snack Pack Treats offer a variety of fun flavors and formats that dogs are sure to enjoy. The line includes:

• Go Nuttys Soft-Baked Dog Treats—Honey Peanut Flavor: This soft-baked honey and peanut treat is free of artificial preservatives, making it easy on the stomach. Go Nuttys features the mischievous Goober B. Nutty, a lovable cap-donning peanut mascot character.
• Fruity Toot Loops Crunchy Dog Treats – Mixed Berry Blend: This crunchy dog treat comes in mixed berry flavor, thanks to real blackberries, raspberries, and mango combined with wholesome grains. Fruity Toot Loops features a character named Tooty The Toot – a wish-granting fart mascot that injects a bit of humor into the experience.
• Lucky Duckies Soft Baked Dog Treats—Turducken Recipe: This soft-baked treat features flavor profiles of chicken, turkey, and duck (hence the turducken.)  The yummy treats are even shaped like little turduckens. Be sure to check out the utterly adorable mascot, Lucky McDuck.
• Frosted Socks Crunchy Dog Treats—Yogurt Berry Flavor: These crunchy treats are made with real fruit and yogurt. The mascot is Jim Sock, a sock who, if you look deeper at the box, is constantly searching for his long-lost twin (presumably lost in the laundry). We love the puns!
• Meat Hunks (Pork and Beef Recipes): These chewy treats for dogs are meat-flavored (pork and beef flavors) and packaged in soft pouches. Their mascot is the aptly named strong-willed meat stick, Hunk Stickman.
• Clucky Nuggy Yumz: This soft-baked, chicken nugget-flavored dog treat features Old Goldie, an old Western-inspired prospector, as the mascot.

Putting BARK Snack Pack Treats to the Test

Prior to this review, I was somewhat familiar with the brand, mainly from its monthly subscription, BarkBox. I knew of BARK’s reputation for creativity, so upon opening the box, I was excited to try these out with our rescue pup, Wally.

The first thing I noticed about these products was — as the brand intends — the fun and creative packaging. The cereal box format containing soft and crunchy treats fueled my excitement. Notably, the matching stuffed toys caught the attention of my two-legged children, who ended up playing with them before gifting them to our dog. Immediately, it felt like treat-giving would become a family experience.

Like a good pet parent, we allowed Wally to taste-test each flavor, offering them as a tasty reward. He’s generally a pretty reserved pup, but he loved these dog treats and was clamoring for more. We did notice his energy perk up, and the zoomies were in full effect after he ate a few of these yummy snacks!

Beyond the treats themselves, our family also enjoyed the treat boxes. (Another great nod to the cereal brands of the past!) I played some games featured on the back with my four-year-old daughter, who had fun completing the Fruity Toot Loops wish request form and the Frosted Socks maze. I even played the “Scritch-off” codes, which was a lot of fun.

Things We Like

• Easy to store. The packaging and formats are incredibly easy to store. Just keep them at room temperature and in a cabinet out of reach of dogs (and kids).  Make it easy to give one to your dog at any point as a standalone treat or post-meal snack. 
• A healthy dog treat option. These products build on BARK’s existing Ridiculously Nutritious line, so we had confidence that they were healthy (in moderation) and an excellent option for Wally.
• Innovative and fun packaging. BARK delivered on its mission of making it more fun to be a dog person. The packaging made treat-giving a fun experience for my entire family—parents, fur kids, and human kids alike.

Things to Consider

We enjoyed trying BARK Snack Pack Treats in our family. These dog treats are tempting to dispense, so getting a little carried away and overdoing it with your pet can be easy. Luckily, BARK has feeding guidelines with recommendations on treat quantities to give your dog based on their size.

BARK Snack Pack Treats: FAQs

Where Can I Purchase BARK Snack Pack Treats?

Shop PetSmart to find these dog treats (and toys).

Can Puppies Eat These Dog Treats?

Yes – puppies five pounds and up can eat these treats; follow the feeding guidelines BARK recommends on the packaging.

Would these treats fit in dog games or treat dispensers?

These treats are bite-sized and will fit nicely in any standard dog game or treat dispenser.

BARK Snack Pack Dog Treats: Our Verdict

BARK’s Snack Pack Dog Treats bring innovation and fun to an over-saturated dog treat marketplace. We found them super easy to give to our dog, making treat-giving fun for our entire family. These are some of the best dog treats we’ve experienced, and we happily recommend them. Our family looks forward to making them a recurring staple in our household.

The author received compensation from PetSmart for their services in writing this article.

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Of the burgeoning treats on the market today, jerky treats for dogs have become an increasingly appealing option for pet parents, growing in popularity thanks to their distinct flavor profiles, purported benefits, and convenience as a treat. These treats, however, are not without their detractors, who have linked the prevalence of dog jerky treats to some illnesses in pets. 

Here, we take a deeper look at dog jerky treats and provide a few recommendations for pet parents to consider. 

Our Top Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall Dog Jerky Treat: Rocco & Roxie Jerky Sticks
• Best Chicken Jerky Dog Treats: Wag Chewy Whole Muscle American Chicken Jerky Dog Treats
• Best Beef Jerky Dog Treats: Bocce’s Bakery Jerky Stick Dog Treats
• Best Duck Jerky Dog Treats: I and Love and You Nice Chicken + Duck Soft Grain Free Dog Treats
• Best Salmon Jerky Dog Treats: Blue Ridge Naturals Oven Baked Salmon Jerky Dog Treats
• Best Lamb Jerky Dog Treats: Dogswell Gut Health Jerky Treats, Lamb

Best Overall Dog Jerky Treat

Our Pick: Rocco & Roxie Jerky Sticks

Rocco & Roxie’s slow-roasted jerky treats are a solid go-to option for pet parents with dogs of all ages who are looking to explore dog jerky treats. Sourced with ingredients from the USA and available across multiple flavors, these treats feature a softer texture that most dogs will find appealing over traditional jerkies. 

Highlights: 

• Softer texture
• Ingredients sourced in the USA
• Available in multiple flavors, including chicken, beef, and turkey

Things to Consider: 

• No fish option
• May not be suitable for pets with stomach sensitivites

Best Chicken Jerky Dog Treat

Our Pick: Wag Chewy Whole Muscle American Chicken Jerky Dog Treats

Wag is made and distributed by Amazon, which may raise some eyebrows. But their treats are widely well-reviewed, affordable, and sourced using ingredients solely from the USA. There are only two ingredients in each bag, and they contain zero grains.

Highlights: 

• Affordably priced
• Crafted using whole-muscle chicken breast
• No added grain, corn, soy, wheat, or other colors or artificial flavors

Things to Consider: 

• Pet parents may raise eyebrows that this is an Amazon brand

Best Beef Jerky Dog Treats

Our Pick: Bocce’s Bakery Jerky Stick Dog Treats

These High-protein, all-natural jerky sticks are made in the USA with five simple ingredients. Pet parents will appreciate that these treats are made without added salt or sugar. Bocce’s Bakery offers three flavors to satisfy any dog’s palate – beef and carrot, chicken and pumpkin, or turkey and sweet potato.

Highlights: 

• A more “traditional” beef jerky offering for pets
• Ideal for pets with food sensitivities or sensitive tummies
• Free of corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors, or artificial flavors 

Things to Consider: 

• Available in a four-ounce bag, which may not last long in a multidog household

Best Duck Jerky Dog Treats

Our Pick: I and Love and You Nice Chicken + Duck Soft Grain Free Dog Treats

I and Love and You’s Nice chicken & duck jerky treat option provides pet parents a nice alternative to traditional chicken or turkey jerky, which is widely available. They provide an excellent source of protein and are free from grain, soy, and corn.  Also available in Beef and Lamb or Chicken and Salmon.

Highlights: 

• Free of fillers, like grain, soy, or corn. 
• Made with ingredients in the USA
• Smaller size makes it a great training treat

Things to Consider: 

• Not all dogs will love duck flavor

Best Salmon Jerky Dog Treats

Our Pick: Blue Ridge Naturals Oven Baked Salmon Jerky Dog Treats

Blue Ridge Naturals has been a staple pet food treat brand. Their salmon jerky treats – sourced using only Alaskan salmon in the U.S. – provide pet parents an excellent alternative to traditional beef and chicken-based jerky. 

Highlights: 

• Sourced using U.S. ingredients – Alaskan salmon
• Oven-baked and wheat-free
• Promotes cardiac health
• Salmon may provide benefits for pets with stomach sensitivities

Things to Consider:

• Pets who are picky eaters may not appreciate the salmon flavor

Best Lamb Jerky Dog Treats

Our Pick: Dogswell Gut Health Jerky Treats, Lamb

Dogswell promotes pet treats that provide health benefits for dogs. Their lamb jerky treats are formulated to help promote gut health and are suitable for dogs with stomach sensitivities. The lamb flavor profile combined with pumpkin and ginger offers a unique flavor. 

Highlights: 

• Lamb flavor option
• Suitable for pets with stomach sensitivities 
• Formulated using ingredients in the USA 

Things to Consider: 

• A little expensive at nearly $20 for a 10-oz bag

What Are Jerky Treats For Dogs?

Jerky is animal protein – typically beef, chicken, other poultry, or fish – that is preserved by removing all water from it and drying it out to prevent it from spoiling. The dehydration process changes the meat’s look, feel, and weight, transforming it into a relatively light treat with a long shelf life. This can be accomplished by dry curing, lethality treatment, or other methods of drying/dehydration. 

Jerky Treats for Dogs: Pros and Cons

Dog jerky treats have become increasingly popular among pet parents for various reasons. Some benefits of jerky treats include: 

• If high-quality meat is used, jerky treats can be rich in vitamins and nutrients, providing a premium protein source. 
• Many jerky products are single-ingredient, making them ideal for dogs needing dietary monitoring due to stomach sensitivities. 
• Jerky treats are tough and chewy, making them a good option for dogs who need to chew, contributing to positive dental health. 

Pet parents should know, however, that not all jerky treats are high-quality and that some have been linked to illnesses in the past. This is especially true in dog jerky treats made from multiple ingredients (as opposed to single ingredients) and which come from overseas. 

 “In 2014, there were many jerky recalls due to contaminated ingredients from China,” says Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ. 

Additionally, while dog jerky treats can benefit some, other dogs won’t benefit from the high sodium content that is typical of these treats, which can exacerbate other pre-existing health conditions. 

“If your dog has any health problems, especially heart or kidney disease, talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog jerky treats because they tend to be high in salt,” says Dr. Wooten. 

Dog Jerky Treats Buyer’s Guide

As pet parents shop around for dog jerky treats and ponder jerky as a treat for their pet, they should consider the following. 

• Avoid jerky treats from overseas. Dog jerky treats from overseas, particularly China, have been linked to illnesses in the past. Jerky treats sourced with ingredients from the United States are always preferable. 
• Read labels carefully and look for dog jerky treats with a simple ingredient list. Dog Jerky treats with a single ingredient without additives or preservatives are preferable. Additionally, pet parents will want to be on the lookout to ensure their jerky treats are formulated with pure muscle meat and are free of meat by-products. 
• Consider your pet’s health and dietary needs. As Dr. Wooten reminds us, dog jerky treats aren’t suitable for all dogs. Dogs with heart conditions or kidney disease should not have jerky due to its high sodium content. 
• Check for recalls before you buy. “You can go to the FDA website and see if the product you are looking at has had any recalls.”

As with all treats, moderation is key. Dog jerky treats should not be a dog’s primary diet and used as a treat, not a meal. 

Dog Jerky Treats FAQs

As pet parents consider dog jerky treats, they may be asking themselves some of these common questions: 

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Pet parents spent over $58.1 billion on pet food and treats in 2022, equating to a lot of chewing behavior. Chewing is a part of a dog’s routine behavior, so finding a rawhide alternative is something pet parents deal with all the time.

When I first got my Cocker Spaniel puppy, Alvin, I searched for a chewable treat I felt safe giving him. When puppies start moving around, they explore their world by chewing and sniffing objects. Things can become problematic when those adorable puppies get older and start chewing inappropriately or on things they shouldn’t (hello, remote controls, shoes, and furniture). Whether you have a teething puppy, an active adult, or a golden oldie, all dogs love to chew. 

I’m forever looking for tasty chews my adult Cocker Spaniel can enjoy while I work, read, or watch television. However, the conscientious dog mama in me worries about the ingredients and digestibility of rawhide alternatives. Here’s what my dog and I recently discovered when testing several SmartBones rawhide-free dog chews. 

What Are SmartBones?

SmartBones Chews is a rawhide alternative for dogs made for all life stages. Manufactured for Spectrum Brands, LLC, SmartBones are commonly found on the aisles of PetSmart. The company’s tagline is “The Healthy Alternative to Rawhide. ®”

The company reports that tests “demonstrate that 9 out of 10 dogs prefer these chews over rawhide chews” and that “independent digestibility studies show SmartBones chews are over 99% digestible.”

Produced in a food-grade facility according to strict protocols established by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), SmartBones Chews follow strict U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

This alternative to rawhide is considered so unique that they have several patents in the United States and internationally. We love facts, especially when they involve anything our dog consumes and that we recommend to family, friends, and followers. 

SmartBones: What Does a Healthy Alternative To Rawhide Mean?

Traditional rawhide bones and chews can cause problems for some dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Namely, traditional rawhide comes from leftover animal hides within the leather industry. It is often treated with chemicals and bleached, so pet parents are likelier to purchase it. 

Sadly, traditional rawhide is not digestible and can cause several health issues in dogs, namely:

• Choking hazards
• Intestinal blockage 
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Dehydration
• Obstruction 
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

As a healthy alternative to rawhide, SmartBones are rawhide-free and contain more wholesome ingredients you can feel good giving your dog. These include real vegetables, chicken, and peanut butter. Enriched with vitamins and minerals, your dog can enjoy a wholesome, tasty chew that is good for them. 

SmartBones Rawhide Alternative: FAQs

Before allowing my dog to consume SmartBones, I had several questions. Here are the answers to the questions to help in your SmartBones journey.

How many calories are in SmartBones?

SmartBones offer many different shapes and sizes, so the caloric count varies. Refer to product packaging for further information. However, the calorie count in Peanut Butter SmartSticks is 60 ME kcal/treat. The peanut butter Bake Shop Donuts contain 91 ME kcal/treat.

How should SmartBones be stored?

Store the product in the resealable bag it comes in or in an airtight container. 

Can puppies eat SmartBones?

According to the company, SmartBones are safe for puppies older than eight weeks. Use supervision, as puppies will not have teeth at this stage of life. 

Does the FDA have any involvement in SmartBones?

Their website says SmartBones adheres to strict U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hygiene regulations and manufacturing processes.

Do SmartBones stain rugs or furniture?

SmartBones do not typically leave a mess or stain. However, it’s best to give your dog SmartBones where you can supervise them. 

SmartBones Product Line 

SmartBones offers a wide range of healthy alternatives to rawhide in various shapes, flavors, and forms for dogs. They offer:

• Classic Bone Chews 
• Care Chews (i.e., dental, hips and joints, calming)
• Innovative Chews (sticks and chips)
• Specialty Chews

Here’s a brief overview of three kinds of SmartBones treats we explored and the one that came out on top with my Cocker Spaniel. 

Spoiler Alert: Your dog may have a hard time choosing as mine did. 

SmartBones Bake Shop Donuts

These 2-1/2-inch round chews are shaped like a small donut but pack a mighty taste. Made with vegetables, real chicken, and real peanut butter, they contain no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Each pack contains four yummy donuts made without any rawhide.

My Cocker Spaniels mouth size is ideal for a treat of this size. You always want to select SmartBones that are a bit larger than your dog’s mouth. I delight in knowing the chews are easy to digest, help maintain healthy teeth, and contain limited ingredients pet parents can trust. 

My dog could chew and break this product down into small enough pieces to swallow. Always remove and discard any leftover chunks or fragments for your dog’s safety.

SmartBones Churro Style Sticks 

Made with real peanut butter, real chicken, and vegetables, SmartBones Churro Style Sticks look like the human variety of the same name. Each pack contains 14 delectable sticks. 

Like all SmartBones products, they are easy to digest and enriched with vitamins and minerals. Each chew is 54 ME kcal/treat and comes in one flavor, peanut butter. 

SmartBones Spirals Variety Dog Treat – Chicken, Pork, and Beef

SmartBones Spirals are infused with real chicken, pork, and beef at just 33 ME kcal/treat for maximum reward and flavor. The spiral shape is fun and unique, and the chewing helps maintain your dog’s healthy teeth. Each 32-treat bag features three different spiral choices so your dog can choose their favorite flavor.

Putting SmartBones to the Taste Test

I tested the three SmartBones products listed above on my almost 2-year-old Cocker Spaniel. He is very treat-motivated but can be fussy. I’ve purchased treats and chews for him before that he walked away from. This did not happen with SmartBones.

I fed him one SmartBones chew each night for three nights in a row. The next day, I monitored his stool output to see whether SmartBones caused him any digestive upset, and he was fine.

My dog is a resounding fan of all SmartBones treats, but his absolute favorite is forthcoming. As an aside, whenever I kept the bag near my home office as I worked, he whined for more. You know it’s good when a treat passes the fussy dog test.

SmartBones Bake Shop Donuts

My dog had never tried SmartBones products before, so we started with the Bake Shop Donuts. I chose these mostly because they are smaller but bigger than my dog’s mouth. With four to a pack, each rawhide-alternative donut looks like it had drizzle glaze on top. 

I like that the chews don’t have any rough edges and that they passed my dog’s sniff test before he started chomping on it. After ten minutes, the donut disappeared. I supervise my dog’s treat time to ensure he isn’t eating too quickly. 

Within a few minutes, he took a big drink of water and came to me to ask for another SmartBones. If your dog is anything like mine, one is fine, but two is divine. 

The Bake Shop Donuts only come in peanut butter flavor and contain chicken and vegetables. I am uncertain if the crinkling of the bag got my dog’s attention or the aroma of the donut, but when I gave him one a few days later, he ran quickly to me. 

I wouldn’t recommend giving these to dogs larger than a Cocker Spaniel or dogs with larger mouths. I share life with one dog at a time, but I am often asked about chewable treats for dogs by my followers on social media. I plan to recommend SmartBones Bake Shop Donuts. 

Highlights

• Four to a pack means you can reward your very good boy or girl weekly for a month
• Round shape is a fun way to change up your dog’s chewing routine
• Only 60 ME kcal/treat 
• Dogs may recognize the appealing aroma and come running 
• Easy to digest and contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors 

Things to Consider

• Not ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities 
• Available in one flavor option 
• One size donut and no larger size for bigger mouths 
• My dog devoured the chew in under 10 minutes

SmartBones Churro Style Sticks

As a fan of churros, I had to try these non-rawhide churro-style sticks with Alvin. Each package contains 14 SmartBones that look incredibly similar to Churros people enjoy. 

Alvin immediately put the SmartBones Churro stick between his feet and chewed on it with his back teeth. Although I brush his teeth nightly, I like that the rubbing motion against his teeth and gums is good for his oral health. 

Like the Bake Shop Donut, the peanut butter Churro contains real chicken and vegetables, and my dog tends to itch more when consuming chicken-based products. It took 15 minutes for Alvin to savor every bite and ask for more. 

Highlights

• Each chew contains 54 ME kcal/treat
• Longer size is ideal for dogs who enjoy a chew they can hold onto
• 14 generous chews per bag
• Made with real peanut butter for dogs to savor
• Easy to digest like all SmartBones products 
• Each Churro is about five inches long 

Things to Consider 

• It contains chicken, so consider this if your dog is sensitive to chicken products
• They lasted longer than the donut, but they are not long-lasting chews

SmartBones Spirals Variety Dog Treat – Chicken, Pork, and Beef

The spiral variety pack of SmartBones gives pet parents the choice of chicken, pork, or beef wrapped around the non-rawhide chew. Don’t let the look of this treat fool you. There is no rawhide product in any of the SmartBones products. 

One of Alvin’s favorite proteins is beef; we feed him beef as part of his daily diet. Each variety has chicken it in, but they contain no peanut butter. He loved every morsel of this treat and asked for more as usual. We have a routine – he asks for more, I show him my hands are empty, and he walks away, hoping I’ll change my mind.

I didn’t try the chicken or pork spirals with Alvin because I wanted his stomach to digest the SmartBones chew and not mix the flavors and varieties. 

Highlights

• The variety pack is ideal for multiple dog households
• Generous 32-count bag 
• Only 33 ME kcal/treat
• Contains all the goodness, vitamins, and minerals like other SmartBones products
• Dogs may find it fun and challenging to get two treats in one 
• Very aromatic and appealing to my dog

Things to Consider

• Each chew contains chicken, no matter the variety 
• No peanut butter spirals are available 
• Took my dog less than five minutes to eat this chew

SmartBones Healthy Alternative To Rawhide: Our Verdict

I’ve purchased SmartBones for my best friend’s Cocker Spaniel for years. She loves the peanut butter SmartSticks and digests them easily. Although we never tried the line until now, I felt confident giving my dog something good for him and easily digestible. 

Over the next week, Alvin showed no issues of stomach issues. His bowel movements were pristine. The chews are not as hard as rawhide, so they don’t last as long. Each of the three SmartBones products we tested lasted anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes.

Therefore, depending on your dog’s mouth size and chewing aggression, these are more of a high-value chewable than a long-lasting chew.

Finally, my dog’s favorite SmartBones variety is the Bake Shop Donuts pack. I plan to allow him to consume one from time to time. He has some chicken sensitivities, so I can’t feed them as often as I would like. This non-rawhide treat is something savvy pet parents can feel good giving their dogs. I know I do. 

The author received compensation from PetSmart for their services in writing this article.

The post SmartBones Rawhide Alternative Review: Dog Tested and Approved appeared first on Vetstreet.

You might be surprised to learn that most dogs have some form of dental disease by the age of 3 (1). Tartar, plaque, and bacteria buildup wreak havoc on your dog’s teeth and gums, leading to bad breath, gum inflammation, and tooth loss. 

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily and having them professionally cleaned annually is the gold standard of care for dog dental health. In addition to these two important tactics, some dental health products, inducing dental gels, rinses, bones, chews, and treats, can help keep teeth clean and breath fresh.

Companies like Zesty Paws take it one step farther, with functional dental bones that include ingredients that offer dental support and other health benefits.

What Is Zesty Paws?

Zesty Paws offers a variety of functional products and multivitamins for dogs and cats. Many Zesty Paws products, including their All-in-One-FUNctional Dental Bones, offer multiple health benefits. All Zesty Paws products are manufactured in the United States using high-quality ingredients without artificial flavors or colors. Best of all, they are formulated to taste great so pets love them.

Zesty Paws is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council; having passed a rigorous independent audit of their facilities, Zesty Paws products can carry the NASC Quality Seal.

The company also stands behind the quality of its products, offering a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on all of its domestic products and supplements. In 2022, Newsweek recognized Zesty Paws as one of America’s Best Petcare Brands in the category of Digestive Support for Dogs.

Zesty Paws Product Line

The Zesty Paws product line includes liquid supplements, chews, fish oils, probiotics, training treats, and dental bones. Zesty Paws products are formulated to support various systems, including the gut, hip and joints, skin and coat, heart, liver, eyes, and behavior.

Some examples include Zesty Paws Gut Health, Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites, Zesty Paws Salmon Oil, Zesty Paws Skin and Coat, and Zesty Paws Calming Bites.

Zesty Paws Dental Bones

Zesty Paws All-in-One-FUNctional Dental Bones, part of the company’s multifunctional line of products, are chewy with a ridged texture to support gum health and get between the teeth to fight plaque and tartar.

Zesty Paws dental bones do more than support a healthy mouth. Each is packed with wholesome ingredients that benefit a dog’s skin and coat, joints, and gut health and offer immune support. In addition to cinnamon to help freshen breath, other ingredients include sweet potato flour, rice flour, pea protein, fish oil, and turmeric. 

Putting Zesty Paws Dental Bones to the Test

You never know how your dog will react to a new treat until you try it out. I frequently test new pet products on dogs in my circle. Eva, a 12-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever I often pet sit, was happy to put Zesty Paws All-in-One-FUNctional Dental Bones for large-sized dogs to the test.

Eva is in excellent health, but in recent years, her pet parents have been hesitant to put her under general anesthesia for dental cleanings, preferring to try at-home products like dental bones. Eva can sometimes get an upset tummy when she first tries new things, so we were careful to introduce the Zesty Paws bones slowly. 

The first thing I noticed when I took the bones out of the package was the delicious aroma. Dog bones are not always the best-smelling thing, so it was a pleasant surprise to catch a whiff of the Zesty Paws Dental Bones, which smell like cinnamon baked goods. 

Eva apparently picked up on the attractive aroma too, and was practically dancing to get her paws on one of the bones. Eva is not a picky dog, but she sure did love these dental bones. This is not necessarily a long-lasting chew for all dogs.

Eva got through the bone somewhat quickly, but she did have to gnaw it into smaller pieces, so she seemed to benefit from the chewing action that should help clean her teeth. The bones were very clean, leaving behind no mess or residue. 

A dog of Eva’s size can have up to two of the large-size bones per day, making them a great morning and evening treat. Eva has some joint issues and her mobility has suffered in her older age, so her owners appreciate the additional calcium and omega-3 fatty acids found in the dental bones. 

Things We Like

• Zesty Paws offers a huge selection of supplements and multivitamins for pets. Some target specific needs, but many Zesty Paws products, including All-in-One-FUNctional Dental Bones, are formulated to provide multiple health benefits in areas most dogs commonly need help.
• Zesty Paws products are manufactured in the United States from wholesome ingredients, and do not include any artificial flavors or colors. 
• My test dog loved the taste of the bones, and suffered no digestive upset, even though she often has a sensitive tummy. 
• The smell is pleasant and the bones are not messy. 
• As a member of the National Animal Supplement Council, Zesty Paws products can carry the NASC Quality Seal.

Things to Consider

• Even the large-size dental bones are somewhat small for a large dog like a Labrador Retriever, and they don’t last a terribly long time, making them more of a treat than a chew. 
• This product does not carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Registered Seal, awarded to dental products that submit the results of clinical trials that show the product reduces plaque and tartar on animal teeth. However, the company is working toward getting this seal of approval.

Zesty Paws Reviews: What They’re Saying

Here is a snapshot of what some other customers have been saying about the Zesty Paws Dental Bones:

“We got these for our 5-month-old puppy to get her used to chewing on dental bones and to start her off to a life of clean, pearly white teeth, and she absolutely loves them. They keep her busy long enough for the house to have a little quiet time, and she has not had any digestive disruptions from them! We will definitely keep getting these for her.” —Ambro

“My fur baby has been using these for several months now and they have been wonderful. I can see a difference in his teeth. He is 13 and I’ve always worried about his gums and teeth. I used to brush them, but it was difficult as he did not like that. With this, it is a fun ‘treat’ to him. I also use their vitamins and they are good quality as well and he loves them!” —WhitneyR

“My dog Ollie has a very sensitive stomach and on top of that he’s very picky. He loves all his other Zesty Paws products so when I saw they made dental bones I decided to try them out. Now they’re a part of his morning routine, he gets a bone after breakfast and it takes away the dog food smell from his breath. He has no problems digesting them either!” —Olliepup

Zesty Paws Dental Bones: Our Verdict

After testing out Zesty Paws, the overall verdict is positive. Eva the dog loved the taste. Her pet parents (and I) appreciate the bones’ functional ingredients, pleasant smell, and neatness. These bones seem to provide more nutritional advantage than your average dog treat, though the dental health claims will be stronger once the product earns the VOHC registered seal.

The post Zesty Paws Dental Bones Review: A Treat For Teeth-to-Tail Dog Health appeared first on Vetstreet.

Dog chews are so popular that in 2023, at least $2.97 billion was spent on dog chews, treats, and toppers. It will grow at least to $4.81 by 2033, according to Future Market Insights.

However, it’s essential to research and select the highest-quality dog chew products for your pup. Here’s a peek inside Vetstreet’s good chews for dogs.

Our Top Dog Chew Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall Dog Chew: SmartBones Smart Kabobz Dog Treat – Triple Meat Flavor 
• Best Chicken Dog Chew: Canine Naturals Hide Free Chicken Recipe Rolls
• Best Vet Recommended Dog Chews with Dental Feature: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs
• Best Yak Chew for Dogs: Bark & Spark Yak Cheese Himalayan Dog Chews
• Best Long-Lasting Dog Chew: Pawstruck Beef Collagen Braids for Dogs
• Best Vet-Recommended Dog Chew: Whimzees Natural Daily Dental Chews
• Best Dog Chew Stick: Natural Farm Bully Sticks
• Best All Natural Dog Chew: Nature Gnaws Beef Trachea for Dogs
• Best Chew for Small Dogs: Earth Animal No-Hide Wholesome Chews
• Best Vet-Recommended Dog Chews for Puppies: Greenies Regular Puppy Dental Dog Treats

Vetstreet’s 10 Best Dog Chews of 2025

Here are 10 dog chews for dogs that your pooch is sure to find droolworthy. Remember, chewing is an activity that dogs enjoy, as the behavior goes way back to their wolf ancestors.

Best Overall Dog Chew

Our Pick: SmartBones Smart Kabobz Dog Treat – Triple Meat Flavor 

Your dog may never want another chew after trying Smart Kabobz from SmartBones. Some chews offer one flavor, but Smart Kabobz are packed with triple meat flavor including chicken, beef, and pork. Dogs work their teeth and gums while savoring the scrumptious taste in each chew. Touted as a rawhide alternative, each chew is easily digestible because they contain no rawhide. Pet parents can celebrate the vitamins and minerals enriched in each bite, while dogs will enjoy each mouthwatering bite. 

Highlights 

• Three tastes in one single chewable non-rawhide treat.
• Choose from mini, small, medium, or large depending on your dog’s size.
• Works your dog’s teeth and gums during the chewing process.
• Enriched with vitamins and minerals.
• Each package contains a generous 18 chews.
• 45 kcal per chew

Things to Consider

• Dogs should always be supervised when chewing.
• Some dogs may be sensitive to beef, chicken, or pork.

Best Chicken Dog Chew

Our Pick: Canine Naturals Hide Free Chicken Recipe Rolls

Canine Naturals produces natural dog chews, and none of them contain rawhide. We chose these chews as our best overall for a number of reasons. To start, they’re easily digestible and promote dental hygiene, and they don’t have any unnecessary ingredients or artificial colors or flavors. Plus, the chicken that’s used is antibiotic free and hormone free, and it’s sourced from the United States. And though we’re highlighting the chicken flavor here, there’s a variety of flavors to choose from, depending on your dog’s preference.   

Highlights

• Limited-ingredient recipe that includes USDA inspected chicken 
• Palatable and digestible chews without artificial fillers, flavors, or colors
• Help clean your dog’s teeth  
• Rawhide and collagen free
• Available in a variety of sizes, so you can select one based on your dog’s weight

Things to Consider

• Because they don’t contain rawhide, these chews may not last as long
• Some dogs may not be able to tolerate chicken due to sensitivities

Best Vet Recommended Dog Chews with Dental Feature

Our Pick: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs

Virbac sells various products for pet dental health, and these vet recommended dog chews are also an oral hygiene variety formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar thanks to the Dual-Enzyme System and rough texture. As your pet chews on these treats, he’ll be working on cleaning his teeth and freshening his breath.

Highlights

• Freshen breath and reduce plaque and tartar 
• Vet recommended chew bones for dogs
• Can be used along with brushing to help keep your dog’s teeth clean
• Multiple sizes available
• Dual-enzyme system for fresh breath
• Abrasive texture works on plaque and tartar on teeth

Things to Consider

• Contain beef rawhide, which can lead to digestion issues if swallowed in chunks
• Ensure you purchase the right size chew for your dog’s body weight

Best Yak Chew for Dogs

Our Pick: Bark & Spark Yak Cheese Himalayan Dog Chews

Whether you have a small, medium, or large-sized dog, Himalayan Yak Cheese Chews from Bark & Spark are worth a look. Each chew is made from real yak milk that is 100 percent natural, organic, lactose-free, and filler-free. The high-protein quality of these chews for dogs make them an ideal gluten-free choice. As a bonus, when the dog chew gets smaller, simply microwave the piece for a few moments, let it cool, and it will puff out for more chewing fun!

Highlights

• These YAK chews are free of odor, grains, lactose, and sugar
• They are non-GMO and made with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• The ends are microwaveable for a puffy second snack
• Available in multiple sizes to accommodate all dogs
• These chews are touted as 100 percent digestible
• With proper supervision, these yak cheese chews are long-lasting

Things to Consider

• Be sure to get the right size for your dog, and like all treats, monitor your dog while eating
• Some pet parents may find them a bit costly for their budget, but they last longer

Best Long-Lasting Dog Chew

Our Pick: Pawstruck Beef Collagen Braids for Dogs

If your dog tends to go through chews quickly, these Collagen Braids from Pawstruck are thicker than typical pizzle sticks to help him enjoy his treat for a longer amount of time. Available in sizes small and large, these long-lasting chews for dogs can keep your pup occupied while also helping to clean his teeth. They’re natural, high in protein, low in fat, and very digestible. Collagen from Pawstruck comes from the layer of beef skin closest to a cow’s muscles and organs. It is more elastic and more digestible than rawhide.

Highlights

• Made with a single ingredient: collagen from grass-fed, free-range cattle
• Free of rawhide, grains, soy, and corn
• Natural ingredients, without added colors, flavors, artificial ingredients, or preservatives
• Support mobility with collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin
• 36-month shelf life
• Do not stain

Things to Consider

• Only available in two sizes
• You might notice that these chews have an odor
• Higher price point for 5 chews (but keep in mind that the benefit may outweigh the cost if your dog doesn’t go through them as fast)
• Made in Paraguay

Best Vet-Recommended Dog Chew

Our Pick: Whimzees Natural Daily Dental Chews

Whimzees dental chews for dogs are recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council and feature a firm texture with nubs and ridges that help to clean teeth. These chews last longer than some others on the market, which means you’ll get more cleaning power out of just one chew. Pet parents only need to offer their dogs one Wimzee chew per day to see all the dental benefits. 

Highlights

• Veterinarian recommended for dental care and included on the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Accepted Products for Dogs list
• Firm texture with nubs and ridges for cleaning teeth
• Available in multiple sizes
• Good chews for dogs with all natural ingredients
• Made without any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten or meat
• Good option for dogs with food allergies

Things to Consider

• Can be a little large for small dogs to handle

Best Dog Chew Stick

Our Pick: Natural Farm Bully Sticks

These odor-free, long-lasting, single-ingredient bully sticks from Natural Farm are made with 100% beef pizzle. They’re high in protein, low in fat, and easy to digest. And they can help clean your dog’s teeth and strengthen his jaw. Plus, Natural Farm is a brand that aims to work in a sustainable way. They produce their chews in a facility in Brazil and test their products for quality and safety.

Highlights

• Natural and free of preservatives, hormones, grains, and chemicals
• Made with grass-fed, free-range beef from Brazil
• Provide amino acids
• Available in multiple sizes

Things to Consider

• Higher in calories, according to the manufacturer

Best All-Natural Dog Chew

Our Pick: Nature Gnaws Beef Trachea for Dogs

These all-natural dog chews from Nature Gnaws are made with a single ingredient: beef trachea. High in protein, they’re grain free and can serve as a great alternative to rawhide. In addition, they can help keep your dog busy and content, relieve stress, and support dental health.

Highlights

• No artificial ingredients, chemicals, or additives 
• Packaged in the United States with raw materials sourced from other countries 
• Simple manufacturing process, and each chew goes through testing and an inspection; chews that don’t meet size specifications are donated
• Healthy dog chews that are a viable alternative to chemically made rawhide bones 

Things to Consider

• Because they’re natural and contain no chemicals, you may notice that these chews have an odor and don’t last as long as others
• Not ideal for smaller dogs

Best Chew for Small Dogs

Our Pick: Earth Animal Beef No-Hide Wholesome Chews

No-Hide Chews from Earth Animal are made with ingredients like beef, brown rice flour, agar-agar, organic eggs, olive oil, banana powder, and bromelain (pineapple). Perfectly sized for dogs 16 to 45 lbs, they’re easily digestible and long lasting, and they don’t contain rawhide, chemicals, or artificial preservatives. The manufacturer is focused on sustainability and uses high-quality ingredients. 

Highlights

• Contain only seven ingredients, which are sustainably sourced
• Made with humanely raised, grass-fed beef
• Made in the United States in a human food processing facility
• Available in multiple sizes/flavors 

Things to Consider

• Higher price point for two chews 

Best Vet-Recommended Dog Chews for Puppies

Our Pick: Greenies Regular Puppy Dental Dog Treats

Puppies deserve to have chewing fun. For pups six months of age and up, consider Greenies vet recommended dog chews for puppies. Each of the Greenies made of water-soluble ingredients so your rambunctious pup will find them easy to digest. The calcium supports strong teeth and healthy jaws, which puppy parents know all about (shark teeth, right?). Feed one Greenies product per day for pups between 25 and 60 pounds.

Highlights

• Soft, chewy texture to keep puppies busy
• Each Greenies scrubs at teeth and gums to fight off tartar and plaque build up
• Made with DHA and calcium for growing puppies
• Also available in teenie, petite, and regular for other sized pups
• Crafted in the USA
• VOHC seal of approval
• Made with highly digestible ingredients

Things to Consider

• This size Greenies is not suitable for dogs less than five pounds or dogs less than six months of age.
• Greenies recommends that for each Greenies dental treat fed, reduce your dog’s main meal by 92 kcal.

Our Selection Process

We based our selections on a variety of criteria, including:

Safety: As we discuss later on, dog chews can pose some dangers to your pup, either because of what’s in them or improper use, so we kept an eye out for any safety issues as we compiled our list.

Quality and Manufacturing Process: Since chews are meant to be, well, chewed by your dog, we paid close attention to the ingredients included in each selection, as well as how they were sourced and processed.

Vet Recommended Dog Chews. This best dog chews article was reviewed by Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, practicing veterinarian. Dr. Wooten is a well known international influencer in the veterinary and animal health care spaces. She has 16 years experience in private practice and over 10 years experience in veterinary media work, and is a certified veterinary journalist.

Customer Reviews: We love our pet parent community, and while each dog and situation is unique, gaining perspective from their experience was helpful in supporting the pros and cons of each dog chew choice on the list. Our top rated dog chew bones take real pet parent feedback into serious consideration.

Price: Though some of these dog chews will put a bit more of a dent in your wallet than others, it may be worth it if your dog really enjoys them. Either way, we called out the higher-priced picks along the way.

Why Do Dogs Like to Chew?

There are many reasons why dogs like to chew. For puppies and adult dogs, this is typically pretty normal, but sometimes chewing can be the result of stress.

According to Dr. Nathalie Paiva, part of the emergency and critical care team at NorthStar VETS in New Jersey, “Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It serves many purposes, including checking out their environment, keeping their teeth clean, and enrichment (preventing boredom). Sometimes, dogs chew to help relieve pain or anxiety.”

A dog’s breed might also play a role. “I find that all high-energy breeds whose basic needs are not being met are more likely to need to chew, “ says Jeff Coltenback, a dog trainer and rescuer in North Carolina. “And working dogs [like Border Collies] that are stuck in a [standard] domestic environment without access to actual work will also be likely to need to chew. Of course, dogs are individuals and chewing may arise regardless of breed.”

Now that we know why dogs like to chew, let’s look at a buyer’s guide to help you get the best chew for your dog, including vet-recommended chew bones for dogs.

Dog Chews Buyer’s Guide 

To help ensure you buy the best chews for your dog, consider the following: 

Types of Dog Chews 

There are plenty of dog chew treats out there. You can keep things interesting for your pet by providing variety. Options include:

• Bully sticks. These chews come in various sizes. They’re made with one ingredient, which is beef, so they’re yummy and easy to digest. Plus, unlike other types of chews, they won’t splinter. Just be sure to supervise your pet so he doesn’t end up biting off too much, which might be a choking hazard.

• Dental chews for dogs. Dental chews may be softer and more flexible, so these could be a good option if other chews are too hard for your dog. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they’re designed to help clean your pet’s teeth.

• Horn and antler dog chews. Natural horn and antler dog chews are hard and available in a myriad shapes and sizes. Keep in mind that supervising your dog is necessary as these might splinter, which can result in your dog cutting his gums or breaking his teeth. 

• Himalayan dog chews. Also known as yak chews, Himalayan chews are a natural option made with yak’s milk. Other ingredients may include cow’s milk, lime, and salt. As is the case with other types of chews, if these are too hard, they might be damaging to your dog’s teeth and gums, or could splinter and cause serious gastrointestinal issues. Supervision is always recommended. 

What About Rawhide Dog Chews and Himalayan Dog Chews?

While rawhide dog chews and himalayan dog chews are popular pet products, they generally aren’t recommended by veterinarians. 

“As an emergency veterinarian, I have seen rawhide chews stuck everywhere from the roof of the mouth to the esophagus and the intestines,” says Dr. Paiva. “Many dogs have needed surgery to remove rawhide pieces from their stomach or intestines. Some dogs have died from choking on a piece of rawhide.”

Himalayan chews or yak chews are very hard and can damage a dog’s teeth. They are also prone to splintering, which can cause serious gastrointestinal obstructions. Himalayan dog chews are also made with cow’s milk, and most dogs are lactose intolerant and do not need dairy in their diets. For these reasons, most experts do not recommend these types of dog chews.

If you do want to give your dog rawhide or himalayan dog chews, discuss them with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog. Ask about precautions you can take and whether the chews are a good option for your pet. 

Benefits of Dog Chews

A good quality chew can serve as a treat that keeps your dog busy, strengthens his jaw, and cleans his teeth.

Coltenback agrees, saying they can help satisfy your dog’s prey drive and alleviate boredom. “I think providing chews is essential for most dogs, whether they are adequately stimulated or not,” he says. “Chews do provide enrichment.”

Paiva also mentions that they can be helpful in keeping a chew-happy pup’s teeth away from your stuff, ensuring the safety of both your dog and your belongings. “Providing dogs with appropriate chews helps to prevent them from using your personal items as chews,” she explains. “Chewing on inappropriate items can be dangerous for your dog.” 

Things to Consider When Buying Dog Chews

There are a few things you want to look out for when purchasing dog chews.

Check the label. Read labels carefully, and choose products that contain safe ingredients and are a suitable size for your dog. Purchasing dog chews made by trustworthy manufacturers can give you peace of mind. Or, you can narrow your options by looking for vet-recommended dog chews.  

“Some dogs do not tolerate certain types of chews. If your dog has food allergies, you must be very careful when picking chews to make sure they are not allergic to the ingredients,” says Dr. Paiva. If your dog starts having vomiting, excessive gas and/or diarrhea, or is extra itchy immediately after or within a few days of trying a new chew, seek veterinary attention and avoid that chew in the future.

Ask questions. If you think your pet might benefit from chews with added ingredients, such as probiotic chews for dogs or CBD chews for dogs, it’s wise to consult with a veterinarian, as you want to be sure they’re safe for your canine companion.

Beware of breakability. “The most important thing I recommend looking for in a chew is that it cannot be easily broken into large pieces,” says Paiva. “Large pieces can get stuck in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. It also should not be very hard since tooth fractures can occur from chewing.”

Vet recommended. Read labels, talk to your veterinarian, and try to purchase dog chewing treats that are the right size, ingredients, and are veterinarian recommended.

Dog Chew Safety Tips

As you know by now, there are some risks that come with chews for dogs. “Dog chews can get stuck in between teeth, break teeth, become stuck in the stomach and intestines requiring surgery, and can be a choking hazard,” explains Dr. Paiva.

It’s also necessary to keep an eye on your dog while he’s enjoying his chew, and to know when it’s time to replace it with a new one. “Dogs should be supervised when chewing. If their chews get small enough to be swallowed, they should be taken away,” she adds. “If you notice your dog can break off large pieces or you notice blood on the chew or in their mouth, it should be taken away.”

Coltenback shares this tip: “Offering a chew while you hold it is a good way to introduce a new chew to make sure the dog is actually gnawing (using the rear teeth) instead of trying to just swallow the chew whole.”

Another way to keep your dog safe is to take away chews when they become small enough for the dog to swallow.

Dog Chew FAQs

Can dogs chew on sticks?

Letting your dog chew on sticks is a bad idea. Dr. Paiva warns that sticks could splinter and cause secondary infections, as well as cut your dog’s mouth, cause choking, and get lodged in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. It’s best to provide pet-safe chews instead.

What are the best dog chews for my dog?

Every dog has preferences and likes, just like people. Your pooch might find collagen chews appealing while your neighbor’s dog loves to chomp on bully sticks. The best ones are safe and tasty for your dog.

Can dogs chew on deer antlers?

Antlers are an option, but it’s important to select the right ones. “I prefer the split antlers, as the marrow is exposed and minimizes risk of periodontal injury and ingesting large chunks,” Coltenback says.

Dr. Paiva also notes that they can be too hard for a lot of dogs, causing the same issues previously mentioned. 

Are vet recommended chew bones for dogs the best?

If you have concerns about any type of dog chews, checking with your veterinarian is a good start. The best chew for your do is the one that meets their needs while giving them satisfaction and safety in eating and digestion.

Are yak chews safe for dogs?

Yak chews are very hard and prone to splintering. They can cause tooth damage or gastrointestinal obstructions if pet parents aren’t careful. Yak chews also contain dairy, and most dogs are lactose intolerant. Coltenback says he isn’t a fan of dairy in a dog’s diet, but yak chews could be fine as an occasional treat, particularly if your dog is enjoying them in moderation while being supervised.

Are dental chews good for dogs?

High-quality dental chews may help keep your pet’s teeth clean and his breath fresh. Just be sure to select chews that are appropriate for your dog’s size and don’t contain unwanted ingredients.

The post Vetstreet’s 10 Best Dog Chews for Chomping in 2025 appeared first on Vetstreet.

While changing foods may help the situation, pet parents in a sensitive stomach predicament may also want to re-evaluate the treats they give their pooch, as those could also contribute to digestive upset. Here, we take a look at some of the reasons pet parents may want to explore dog treats for sensitive stomachs and serve up some of our favorite choices. 

Our Top Treats for Sensitive Stomachs 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs: SmartBones Smart Twist Dog Treat – Chicken
• Best Pumpkin Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs: Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Biscuits
• Best Organic Dog Treat For Sensitive Tummies: Botanical Bones Inner Glow Dog Treats
• Best Low Fat Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs: Lean Treats Nutrisentials Nutritional Rewards for Dogs
• Best Training Treat for Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Digestive Health Bites
• Best Dental Treat for Sensitive Stomachs: Get Naked Digestive Health Dental Chew Sticks
• Best Calming Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs: Wholesome Pride Healthy Jerky Bites
• Best Probiotic Treat for Sensitive Stomachs: Great Poop Total Digestive Support Chews
• Best Treat for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs: Wellness Puppy Bites 

9 Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Best Overall Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: SmartBones Smart Twist Dog Treat – Chicken

Sensitive tummies deserve treats that taste good and are easy to digest. SmartBones Smart Twist Sticks are vitamin and mineral-enriched in one chewy, fun dog treat. Your pup receives all the benefits of a rawhide chew, but this product contains no rawhide. Feed your dog one or two tasty Smart Twist treats daily without the potential health risks commonly associated with rawhide consumption. 

Pros 

• Chews are made with real chicken and vegetables.
• Satisfies your dog’s innate desire to chew.
• Easy to digest for sensitive tummies.
• Enriched with vitamins and minerals.
• 18 kcals per chew.
• SmartBones chews are made, stored, and shipped according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards in modern facilities.

Cons

• Supervise dogs while chewing.
• Intended for supplemental or intermittent feeding only.

Best Pumpkin Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Biscuits

Pumpkin has long been lauded as an ingredient with the ability to aid digestion, which is one of the reasons why this dog treat for sensitive stomachs topped our list. Portland Pet Food Company delivers natural, human-grade dog food and treats, and their light, crumbly baked pumpkin biscuits are tasty ones that can help pets with stomach sensitivity. Plus, they’re gluten and grain free, and contain no GMOs, BHA, BHT, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.

Pros

• Limited all-natural, sustainable ingredients to make digestion easier
• Human-grade treats
• Pumpkin flavor that can appeal to even picky canines (other flavors available)
• Grain and gluten free
• Ideal for all types of dogs, including seniors
• Made in the USA, with locally sourced ingredients

Cons

• Some customers said that these treats were smaller than expected and were broken/crushed upon delivery

Best Organic Dog Treat For Sensitive Tummies

Our pick: Botanical Bones Inner Glow Dog Treats

These organic treats from a family-owned business in North Carolina are made to support healthy digestion in dogs. Produced in small batches, each crunchy biscuit includes dandelion root, chaga, and ginger for digestive and liver support. The ingredients are limited but are chockfull of tasty real organic peanut butter and organic pumpkin. At only 10 calories per treat, you can feel give providing these high-quality treats to your dogs.

Pros

• Made with organic, human-grade ingredients
• 10 calories per treat
• Made without fillers or preservatives in the USA
• Each treat is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• Ideal for all life stages and sizes of dogs
• The company donates $1 per bag of treats sold to a monthly rescue partner

Cons

• Available in one flavor: peanut butter

Best Low Fat Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Lean Treats Nutrisentials Nutritional Rewards for Dogs

Plenty of pet parents rave about these low-fat treats for their sensitive-stomach pups – and with good reason! The soft, palatable treats are made with real chicken liver and come in bite-size pieces to promote portion control and help prevent an upset tummy. They’re also low in sodium and contain only 7 calories each to help your pup maintain a healthy diet.

Pros

• Low fat, low sodium treats contain 7 calories each
• Made with real chicken liver (contain no beef or pork)
• Many reviewers say that they are great for dogs with food sensitivities
• Bite-size pieces help with portion control

Cons

• May need to be cut in half or quarters for smaller dogs

Best Training Treat for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Digestive Health Bites

Purina’s appropriately named bite-sized health bites are specially formulated to aid digestion and cater to dogs with stomach issues, featuring a run of limited ingredients and prebiotic fiber. Their smaller size makes them ideal training treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

• Smaller size is great for training
• Specially formulated to aid in digestive health
• Responsibly sourced ingredients
• Contains vitamin C and E for immune system support

Cons

• Higher price point

Best Dental Treat for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Get Naked Digestive Health Dental Chew Sticks

Dental health is often an overlooked aspect of overall pet wellbeing. For pets with sensitive stomachs, many dental health chews feature ingredients that induce stomach upset. Get Naked’s dental chews are specially formulated with prebiotics, probiotics, and ingredients high in fiber that aid in digestion, rather than exacerbating stomach issues, making them our favorite dental treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

• Helps with dental issues, including reducing plaque and tartar build up
• Includes probiotics to aid gut health
• Free of ingredients like grains, wheat, corn, and soy that can induce stomach upset
• Good price point

Cons

• Only available in one flavor (chicken)
• May not be suitable for pets whose dental issues require them to have softer foods

Best Calming Dog Treat for Sensitive Stomachs

Our pick: Wholesome Pride Healthy Jerky Bites

Pet parents can stay calm themselves, resting assured that there are flavorful treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs and that can also help relieve a little bit of canine stress. These healthy jerky bites are crafted with a limited-ingredient recipe that promotes digestive health and packs a flavorful punch.

Pros

• Active ingredients like L-Theanine, chamomile, and passion flower promote a calming impact on dogs
• Grain/gluten free; no artificial preservatives or fillers
• Suitable for all life stages

Cons

• Calming variety is only available in one flavor (turkey)

Best Probiotic Treat for Sensitive Stomachs 

Our pick: Great Poop Total Digestive Support Chews

Not only do these treats pack a 2 billion CFU probiotic punch, they also contain prebiotics, fiber, and plenty of digestive enzymes to help your pup maintain gut health, firm stools, and immune support. This well-rounded probiotic treat for sensitive stomachs comes in a chicken flavor, and depending on the size of your dog, the 120-count container can last up to 4 months.

Pros

• Probiotics (2 billion CFUs), prebiotics, fiber, and 6 digestive enzymes promote gut health and firm stools
• Also provides immune system support
• 2 package sizes – 120 count and 240 count

Cons

• Higher price point, especially for larger dogs who may require up to 5 chews a day and go through the container at a faster rate
• Only one flavor (chicken)

Best Treat for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs 

Our pick: Wellness Puppy Bites

These treats from Wellness are a great option for puppies in training thanks to their bite-sized nature. Available in soft and hard varieties in a number of different flavors, they’re crafted with all-natural fruits and vegetables, which promote digestive health.

Pros

• Available in a variety of flavors, including lamb & salmon and chicken & carrots
• Made with natural fruits and vegetables
• Both soft and hard textures available
• Perfect bite-sized treat for puppies in training
• Great price point

Cons

• Some customers noted that these were too rich for their puppy, causing diarrhea

Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs: Common Symptoms

The term “stomach sensitivity” is sometimes mistakenly interchanged with the term “food allergy,” but it’s important to note that the two are not the same.

“Not all pets with sensitive stomachs have food allergies,” says Dr. Natalie Marks, a veterinarian at VCA Blum Animal Hospital. “Some are just intolerances.”

By observing their dog closely in and around mealtimes and throughout the course of the day, pet parents can usually pick up signs of a sensitive stomach that stems from more common intolerances.

“Common signs we might see are changes in appetite, licking of the lips, diarrhea, excessive gas, blood in the stool, and excessive salivation,” says Dr. Marks. Other symptoms like light nausea and loose stools could also be indicative of digestive upset and could signal a need for a change in diet or treats.

Beyond those common signs, issues related to stomach sensitivities can also sometimes manifest on the skin. Dr. Marks advises to be on the lookout for symptoms like patchy hair loss, dull hair quality, dryness, flaking, itchiness and redness.

Why Are Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs Important?

Consistency is key when it comes to what you feed your dog. And if your pup is suffering from chronic or recurring symptoms of a sensitive stomach, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian so you can be sure you’re giving them the best food and treats for their situation.

“We want to do our best to find the primary problem, whether it’s a parasite, something noticed on blood work, a hormone imbalance, a structural issue, or even genetics,” says Dr. Marks. “If those are ruled out, we start looking at food insensitivity, and that’s where it’s important to remain as consistent and streamlined with the ingredients as possible. And that includes treats, too.”

Dog treats specially formulated for sensitive stomachs feature limited ingredients that are designed to help digestion. For pet parents, these treats play an important role in providing consistency, as a mix of too many ingredients can potentially exacerbate existing issues, even if the diet is largely changed.  

Our Selection Process

When selecting our top dog treats for sensitive stomachs, along with noting sustainability and manufacturing processes/testing, we considered the following:

Ingredient quality. Since what’s actually in the treats plays a huge role in how a dog’s stomach will react to them, we paid close attention to the ingredients of each selection.

Safety/efficacy. We looked into the specifics of the intended recipient of each treat, whether designed for puppies, dogs with certain diet restrictions, or any type of canine.

Consumer ratings/reviews. To gain more insight on how each treat fared on a mass level, we checked out customer reviews and noted any interesting findings from pet parents.

Price. While you want a treat that will help with dog digestive issues, you might not necessarily want one that will break the bank every time you re-purchase. With that in mind, we called out great deals, as well as treats that are a little pricier.

Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs: Buyer’s Guide

Shopping for the right dog treats for sensitive stomachs is really customized to the dog who will be consuming them, but some guidance may help. Here are a few tips for pet parents to keep in mind:

Read ingredient labels carefully. Dr. Marks recommends that pet parents look for treats with good sources of fiber and lower fat levels that can help ease digestion, as well as treats that incorporate probiotics to help balance bacteria in the gut.

Maintain ingredient consistency. Keeping your dog with consistent ingredients across both their mealtime food and treats can help them manage/avoid intolerances or potential exacerbations of issues.

Lean on your veterinarian for help. Your veterinarian will have your pup’s complete nutritional history and be mindful of their specific needs at any given moment.

The post 9 Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs appeared first on Vetstreet.

No doubt about it, dogs love to chew! And for good reason: Chewing is a natural canine behavior that provides both physical and mental stimulation. Plus, all that chomping and gnawing helps support clean and healthy teeth for your dog.

However beneficial chewing may be, excessive chewing isn’t always a welcome behavior…especially if it turns destructive. Luckily, there are plenty of acceptable chews on the market that can help deter your dog from gnawing on your shoes and other off-limits items. And that’s good news for everyone in the family.

Recently, I had the chance to try out two such chews on my own resident chewer, a miniature poodle named Jäger. Better Belly Pork Hide Twists and Better Belly Dental Chews are two new chews designed to offer a safer and more enjoyable way to satisfy your dog’s urge to chew.

Save 35% off your first Autoship order + 5% on all future Auto Ship orders with your Treats Membership at PetSmart.com!

Better Belly: Safer Than Rawhide Bones

Jäger is a bit of a chewing expert. So I’ve tried my fair share of chews over the years, and some are definitely better than others. 

As most pet parents know, actual bones can be risky for dogs to chew. Cooked bones can crack and splinter, cutting your dog’s mouth or doing even more damage if swallowed. And while raw bones may be less likely to splinter, if handled improperly, they can cause food-borne illnesses.

Rawhide chew treats made from dried animal hides are often seen as a safer alternative.  However, traditional rawhide chews can be hard to digest, and if large pieces break off, they can pose choking and intestinal obstruction risks for dogs. 

This is where our test chews come in. Better Belly developed a unique manufacturing process to break down the tough collagen fibers that make traditional rawhide so hard to digest. The result is a highly digestible rawhide that’s designed to break down easily and rapidly, while still providing a long-lasting chew.

Better Belly Product Line

Better Belly offers many different types of chews, from knotted bones, to rolls, to twists, in sizes appropriate for dogs large and small. They even have chews wrapped with real meat, like lamb and venison.

Jäger and I were interested in seeing how the brand’s two newest products measured up:

Better Belly Pork Hide Twists

These highly digestible pork hide chews are made with thin sheets of rolled pork hide and have a natural smoke flavor. The chews are grain-free and gluten-free and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Like all of Better Belly’s chews, the pork hide is specially processed to break down the tough fibers, so dogs can chew it more easily and digest it two times faster than traditional rawhide. These small twists are ideal for toy breeds and smaller dogs, though larger dogs can enjoy them too. With 25 in a pack, you can treat your dog for almost a month (the recommended feeding instructions are one chew a day).

Better Belly Dental Chews

Part of Better Belly’s Fresh Breath Dental line, these chews are made of a thin, ridged sheet of specially-processed, easily digestible rawhide rolled into a chew-worthy roll. These chews help support dental health in three ways. First, the rawhide has ridges that help clean the teeth as your dog chews. The chews also contain a special ingredient to help reduce tartar buildup, and they are flavored with spearmint to freshen breath. The chews are grain-free and gluten-free, and contain no artificial flavors or added colors. Like all of Better Belly’s chews, the dental chews can be digested easily—two times faster than traditional rawhide.  

Putting Better Belly to the Test

I was pretty excited about testing out Better Belly’s new chews. (Though it’s possible Jäger was even more eager to try them out.)

One of the first things I consider when looking for new chews is how hard they are. You’d think hardness would be a desirable quality in a chew you want to last for a while. But dogs—especially powerful chewers like Jäger—can actually break a tooth on chews that are too hard. We learned that the hard way when Jäger was younger and ended up needing a root canal after he broke his tooth on a hard chew. 

One way to make sure a chew isn’t too hard is to see if you can bend the chew or push your thumbnail into the chew. Better Belly’s Dental Chews and Pork Hide Twists both passed this test. 

The Dental Chews do not bend, but because the rolls are made with very thin sheets of ridged rawhide, there is some give and I could easily press my thumbnail into the top layer of the chew. The Pork Hide Twists are also rolled, made from thin sheets of pork hide, which is not as tough as beef rawhide. The Pork Hide Twists were flexible enough that I could easily bend them. 

The next consideration when considering a new chew is, of course, taste! If you want your dog to choose a chew over, say, your favorite pair of shoes, then it’s got to be yummy. 

To give each type of chew a fair shot, I introduced them to Jäger on different days. 

With both the twists and the dental chew, he immediately ran off after I gave him his new chew treat and started searching the house for a special hiding spot—something he does when he gets a chew that he considers very high value. After “burying” each chew in the couch cushions for a few hours, he eventually pulled them out and started enjoying chewing on them. 

I was curious if Jäger would like the spearmint flavor of the Dental Chew, and he did! I liked the fact that this chew had no odor and did not make a mess. My dog also enjoyed the Pork Hide Twist, though the smaller twist didn’t last as long as the larger dental chew did. The Pork Hide Twist has a mild smoked meat aroma, and also did not make a mess while Jäger was enjoying them. 

Another key consideration with any chew is digestibility. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, some chews might not agree with their system. Jäger has developed a bit of a sensitive tummy in his senior years and can’t always handle every treat and chew these days. So I was curious to see if the Better Belly chews were truly better for his belly.  

Happily, Better Belly’s proprietary processing system seemed to do the trick for my pup. Jäger digested both chews very well.  

Things We Like

Better Belly chews provide a great highly digestible alternative to traditional rawhide that is safer and more digestible for dogs. All chews can help support dental health, but the company’s Fresh Breath Dental Chews offer extra benefits, with ingredients that help reduce tartar buildup and freshen breath. Better Belly chews come in many different flavors and styles, with plenty of options for dogs with food sensitivities or intolerance who may need to avoid certain ingredients.  

Things to Consider

Because Better Belly’s chews are treated to make them less tough than traditional rawhide, the chews may not last as long as traditional rawhide chews. However, my dog still chewed these for a decent amount of time. The added safety and digestibility made up for the length of time each chew lasts, in my opinion.

Better Belly Chews and Twists: Our Verdict

Better Belly Dental Chews and Pork Hide Twists are an excellent highly digestible alternative to traditional rawhide chews, due to their unique texture, appealing flavors, and easy digestibility. The chews are particularly good options for powerful chewers and dogs with sensitive tummies. The wide variety of sizes, shapes, and flavors provide plenty of options for picky dogs, as well as those with food sensitivities or intolerances that may need to avoid certain ingredients. Overall, these are solid (and yummy!) dog chews that are perfect for satisfying any pup’s urge to chew.

Save 35% off your first Autoship order + 5% on all future Auto Ship orders with your Treats Membership at PetSmart.com!

The post Review: Better Belly Rawhide Twists and Dental Chews appeared first on Vetstreet.

Of course the last thing you want to do is push your pup away, but their breath is just so stinky you don’t think you can sit there for another minute, breathing it in. What do you do?

Well here’s good news: there are plenty of dog treats for bad breath that can banish unpleasant odors. They’re basically like breath mints for dogs. In fact, some even help clean your pup’s teeth by attacking the root cause of the stink. 

Our Winners

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall Dog Treats for Bad Breath: Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats
• Best Dog Dental Chews for Bad Breath: OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews
• Best Functional Dog Treats for Bad Breath: Zesty Paws All-in-One FUNctional Dental Bones
• Safest Dental Chew for Easy Digestion: Better Belly Triple Action Ridges
• Best Dog Dental Sticks for Bad Breath: Bark Bright Dental Chews
• Best Large Dog Treats for Bad Breath: Pedigree Dentastix Large Fresh Dog Treats
• Best Grain-Free Treats for Bad Breath: Pet Naturals Breath Bites Dog Chews
• Best Crunchy Dog Treats for Bad Breath: Bocce’s Bakery Daily Support Dog Treat
• Best Dog Treats for Puppy Breath: WholeHearted Smart Smiles Dental Treats for Puppies
• Best Treats for Senior Dogs with Bad Breath: Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brushless Toothpaste Senior Dental Dog Treats
• Best Baking Soda Dog Treats for Fresh Breath: Arm & Hammer for Pets Dental Mints for Dogs
• Most Affordable Dog Treats for Bad Breath: Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats

Best Dog Treats for Bad Breath

It’s worth noting that if your dog has diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or severe dental disease, treats and chews might only provide temporary or mild breath freshening.

Best Overall Dog Treats for Bad Breath

Our Pick: Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats

Greenies are one of the best-known brands of dog treats for bad breath, and with good reason. Available in four different sizes and multiple box sizes to fit your needs, these treats are designed to clean your pup’s teeth and freshen their breath. The treats are soft enough to suit a variety of dogs, while also featuring a unique texture to help clean a dog’s mouth. Plus the treats are veterinarian-recommended and have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.

Highlights

• These treats have the VOHC seal of approval
• Available in different treat sizes and box sizes
• Easy to find at pet stores and online
• Well-known brand
• Can be given daily
• Contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
• Soft texture prevents injury to gums
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Some dogs eat these treats for dog breath too quickly rather than chew them for a while, making them less effective
• The green color is off-putting to some pet parents

Best Dog Dental Chews for Bad Breath

Our Pick: OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews

If your pup has bad breath, these treats might be the answer because they are one of the only veterinarian-recommended dental chews that contain delmopinol, an ingredient found in human dental products. This ingredient helps form a barrier around your dog’s teeth and protects against the bacteria that leads to bad breath. The dog chews for bad breath also help dislodge plaque, so they’ll help keep your dog’s teeth clean too. 

Highlights

•  Available in a variety of different sizes for different breeds
• Veterinarian-recommended
• Contains delmopinol, an ingredient that helps protect against bad breath
• Can be given daily
• Helps dislodge plaque and minimize dental disease
• Made in the USA
• Each treat is individually wrapped for freshness
• VOHC accepted

Things to Consider

• Relatively pricey
• Make sure you pick the right size treat for your dog’s weight to minimize choking risk
• Some dogs get green poop
• Some pups tend to eat these treats for dog breath quickly
• Not for puppies under the age of 6 months

Best Functional Dog Treats for Bad Breath

Our pick: Zesty Paws All-in-One FUNctional Dental Bones

These all-in-one functional dental bones from Zesty Paws do way more than just banish bad breath—they’re designed to support your pup’s everyday health. In addition to breath-freshening cinnamon, these long-lasting dog breath treats contain calcium to support bones and teeth, inulin for gut health, and omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, joint, and immune support. They also have a ridged texture that gets in between teeth to fight tartar and plaque. Now that’s something to smile about!

Highlights

• Eight benefits in every bone
• These dog bones for bad breath are available in three sizes: Small (for dogs 12-25 pounds); Medium (for dogs 25-35 pounds); or Large (for dogs 35 pounds and up)
• Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)

Things to Consider

• Number of bones per bag depends on whether you are purchasing small, medium or large bones (Small: 28ct or 78ct bags; Medium: 12ct or 36ct bags; Large: 8ct or 24ct bags)
• The brand suggests starting with one bone per day to get your dog used to the ingredients. From there, you should not exceed two bones a day
• The bones are designed to be easy to chew, but you should still keep an eye on your pup to ensure safe chewing and consumption
• Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only

Safest Dental Chew for Easy Digestion

Our pick: Better Belly Triple Action Ridges

Your dog wants a satisfying dental chew, but you don’t want to upset their stomach. Better Belly’s Highly Digestible Triple Action Ridges digest two times faster than other dental chews and has no artificial colors or flavors. Made of rawhide and infused with natural spearmint flavor, your pup can chew to their heart’s content for fresh, clean breath with easier digestion. 

Highlights

• The proprietary manufacturing process helps rawhide fibers break down and digest two times faster than standard rawhide
• Each roll contains ridges to help clean hard-to-reach areas as your dog gnaws and chews
• Helps reduce tartar buildup and helps freshen your dog’s breath
• Contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Gluten-free and grain-free 
• Contains minimal ingredients: rawhide, gelatin, natural spearmint flavor, and a unique ingredient to help reduce tartar buildup

Things to Consider

• Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only
• Three chews per pack
• As with any treat, monitor your dog during chewing activity and discard any leftover chunks or fragments

Best Dog Dental Sticks for Bad Breath

Our Pick: Bark Bright Dental Chews

Bark Bright chews are daily, stick-shaped chews you can give your dog to clean and freshen their breath. They help scrub your dog’s teeth and break down debris. Plus, they are made with a tasty chicken flavor that dogs love. You can use these dog breath treats in conjunction with the brand’s enzymatic toothpaste to help clean your dog’s teeth while they chew on the dental sticks. 

Highlights

• These dental sticks are safe to give every day
• Can be used with triple enzyme toothpaste to add to the chew to help clean teeth and freshen breath
• Made in the USA
• All ingredients sourced in the U.S. and Finland
• Lactose-free
• Safe for puppies that have their permanent teeth
• Sticks can be broken in half for smaller dogs

Things to Consider

• Not for dogs that are allergic to chicken
• Chews and toothpaste are often sold separately from retailers

Best Large Dog Treats for Bad Breath

Our Pick: Pedigree Dentastix Large Fresh Dog Treats

While these treats come in three different sizes, we especially like the large options for bigger breeds. These chewy, textured, X-shaped sticks are great for dogs that love to chew on something for a while. The shape rubs on their teeth while they chew to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Best of all, it has a patented ingredient in it to help freshen your pup’s breath.

Highlights

• X-shaped chew gives bigger dogs something to work at
• Contain a patented ingredient to help freshen your dog’s breath
• Gives your dog’s breath a minty smell
• Helps to clean your dog’s teeth
• Easy to find at multiple retailers
• Safe to give one to your dog every day

Things to Consider

• Not for puppies
• Make sure fresh drinking water is available while they chew on this stick
• Some dogs had runny stool after eating these treats

Best Grain-Free Dog Treats for Bad Breath

Our Pick: Pet Naturals Breath Bites Dog Chews

Manufactured in Vermont, these natural breath-freshening treats are free of wheat, corn, and artificial ingredients, making them a great choice for pups with tummy sensitivities. Plus they contain several active ingredients to combat bad breath, including Champignon Mushroom Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, and Spirulina. Plus, the treats have cinnamon powder to help promote healthy bacteria balance in your dog’s mouth. 

Highlights

• No wheat, corn, or artificial ingredients
• Contain three active ingredients to combat bad breath
• Safe for all breeds
• Tasty chicken liver flavor to appeal to even picky dogs
• Manufactured in Vermont
• National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal
• Affordably priced

Things to Consider

• May not be safe for pregnant or breeding animals
• Best to give between meals 

Best Crunchy Dog Treats for Bad Breath

Our Pick: Bocce’s Bakery Daily Support Dog Treat

Made in the USA with three recognizable ingredients—oat flour, apple, mint—these wheat-free treats are good for pups with food sensitivities that still need some breath freshening. The treats are crunchy and safe to give to dogs of all breed sizes every day. 

Highlights

• Wheat-free and corn-free recipe
• Only three recognizable ingredients
• Made in the USA
• No by-products, fillers, or preservatives
• Safe for small to large breeds
• Affordably priced

Things to Consider

• Fresh breath doesn’t last all day after eating treats
• Doesn’t come in resealable packaging

Best Dog Treats for Puppy Breath

Our Pick: WholeHearted Smart Smiles Dental Treats for Puppies

Your teething, chewing puppy isn’t immune from developing bad breath—and these treats should help. Designed specifically for teething puppies, these ring-shaped puppy breath treats allow your dog to chew for long periods on a treat that will freshen their breath with peppermint, while also reducing plaque and tartar. Plus, it contains DHA to support their cognitive development and calcium to support their teeth and bones. 

Highlights

• No artificial colors or flavors in these puppy breath treats
• Contains peppermint to freshen breath
• Contains DHA, calcium, and prebiotics to support your puppy’s overall health
• Designed specifically for teething puppies
• The ring-shaped design keeps puppies occupied for a while

Things to Consider

• Not grain-free
• Some puppies don’t like the smell

Best Treats for Senior Dogs with Bad Breath 

Our Pick: Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brushless Toothpaste Senior Dental Dog Treats

Older dogs have a reputation for bad breath but these all-natural, gluten-free treats can help. They’re designed to be soft enough for older dogs who struggle to chew hard, crunchy treats and they have three ingredients — alfalfa, spearmint, and clove — to help freshen up their stinky breath. Plus, they’re gluten-free and easy to digest. 

Highlights

• Made in the USA
• Free of corn, soy, wheat, or artificial colors and preservatives
• Two treats can be given every day
• These soft dog treats for bad breath are ideal for senior dogs that struggle with crunchy, harder treas
• Ingredients fight bacteria and freshen breath
• Available in different sizes for different breeds
• Come in a resealable bag

Things to Consider

• Some dogs do not like the taste
• Soft texture means treats sometimes break or get crushed in shipping

Best Baking Soda Dog Treats for Fresh Breath

Our Pick: Arm & Hammer for Pets Dental Mints for Dogs

Isn’t it nice, as humans, to just pop a mint in your mouth and instantly have better breath? Well, bad dog breath treats can help our canine pals, too. For example, these treats are essentially breath mints for dogs. They’re made with natural ingredients—including baking soda—and they have a crunchy texture. Plus, your dog will like the taste: they taste like chicken. 

Highlights

• Baking soda quickly freshens dogs’ breath
• Safe to give one or two a day as a treat
• Safe for all dogs and puppies
• Crunch, tasty, chicken-flavored treats
• Natural ingredients
• Affordably priced
• Come in a tin for taking on the go

Things to Consider

• Best for smaller dogs due to smaller treat size

Most Affordable Dog Treats for Bad Breath

Our Pick: Milk-Bone Fresh Breath Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats

Available in different sizes for different breeds, these treats are super affordable and effective at eliminating bad breath thanks to their spearmint-fresh taste. They are made without artificial flavors, they’re fortified with calcium, and they also have a ridged design to help combat tartar buildup. 

Highlights

• Available in mini, small/medium, and large sizes
• Come in a resealable bag
• Have the VOHC Accepted Seal
• These treats for dogs with bad breath contain spearmint
• Fortified with calcium for strong teeth
• Affordable price point
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Some dogs eat these really quickly

What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs?

Sometimes bad breath is just the result of whatever your dog ate. For example, if your pup just ate, their breath might smell like their kibble or wet food, especially if they got a little on the fur around their snout. 

If they ate something gross (think kitty poop or garbage) that could also be the cause of foul breath in dogs. If your dog’s bad breath is the result of scavenging, you’ll want to find a way to stop that behavior.

However, most causes of bad breath in dogs are actually the result of dirty teeth or dental diseases.

“Dogs are prone to periodontal disease and this periodontal disease causes bad breath,” explains Dr. Brian Evans, founder of Coastal Animal Hospital and clinical director at Dutch. “Inflammation is created around the teeth secondary to bacteria, which secrete toxic substances that damage the supporting structures of the teeth.”

“Over time,” he continues, “this not only leads to bad breath, but also other problems like bone loss around the teeth, tooth root abscesses, and eventually tooth loss.” That’s why it’s important to brush your dog’s teeth because it can mechanically remove the build-up of plaque that coats their teeth. 

Sometimes, bad breath in dogs can also be the result of certain health issues, like diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. If you’re worried, it’s always a good idea to get your dog checked out by your veterinarian. They can tell you what’s going on — and treat underlying health issues. 

Dog Breath: How Dental Treats for Dogs Help

While brushing your dog’s teeth is still the best thing you can do for your dog’s dental health, dental treats and dental chews can help freshen breath in between brushings. 

Some of these treats have ingredients—like mint, spearmint, and cinnamon—that can help combat kibble breath. Others are crunchy or have unique textures that physically scrape your dog’s teeth while they chew to help manually remove tartar and plaque. A few of these dog treats for bad breath also have ingredients or enzymes that help break down odor-causing buildup and protect teeth from bacteria.

Remember, dog bones for bad breath can only go so far. Always check with your veterinarian if your dog’s breath doesn’t improve despite your attempts.

Bad Breath Dog Treats: Buying Guide

When you’re looking for dog treats to help freshen a dog’s breath, there are a few things to consider to make sure you’re buying a safe, effective treat. Take these tips into account when shopping. 

Check the ingredient label. Look for treats that have ingredients you recognize listed first and be wary of treats that are full of ingredients you don’t recognize. Those extra ingredients could be a bunch of artificial fillers or preservatives. You’ll also want to skip anything that has xylitol in it, as that’s toxic to dogs.

Look for the manufacturing location. In addition to the ingredients, pay attention to whether the treats are manufactured and where their ingredients are sourced. Most reputable brands will manufacture their treats domestically and be clear about where their ingredients come from. 

Consider treats with the VOHC seal. “Treats that have the VOHC seal are what I instruct my clients to look for when choosing a treat,” says Dr. Evans. The VOHC seal comes from the veterinary oral health council and products that have this seal have been accepted because they do help minimize plaque and tartar on pets’ teeth. Some companies will also display a NASC quality seal, which means that any supplements have met certain quality and labeling standards. 

Decide on Soft Treats vs. Dental Chews. Other than their texture, soft treats and dental chews, there a few difference between these offerings. Soft treats for dogs are used mainly for rewards and in training. Dental chews take longer to work on an are designed to promote dental health in dogs.

Soft dog chews can be given a few times a day, depending on their calorie content. Dental chews, however, are generally fed once daily or as per the packaging instructions, due to caloric intake.

Double check the treat size. Finally, make sure you’re buying the right treat size for your dog. Some smaller chews and crunch treats can be choking hazards if a large dog tries to swallow them whole and smaller dogs may not be able to handle large-sized treats. Recommended size information should be clearly marked on the treat packaging. 

Tips for Using Dog Treats for Bad Breath

It’s always best to supervise your dog when you’re giving them a dental treat or chew because that can minimize the chances of them choking on the treat or on large chunks that break off. 

Some dog treats for bad breath might also be too hard to chew for some dogs—especially senior pups—and could form sharp edges while they crunch on them. This could hurt a dog’s gums. If you notice your dog’s gums are bleeding a lot from a sharp edge, it’s best you take the treat away, especially if your dog already has inflamed gums. 

In addition, says Dr. Evans, “if you are feeding your dog a rawhide-style treat, I recommend removing it once the chew becomes small as they have become lodged in dogs’ throats if they try to swallow them too soon.”

You’ll also want to keep an eye on the calories in your pup’s treats, especially if your dog is having weight issues. 

“Weight gain can be one of the biggest issues with dental treats,” says Evans. “Since dental treats need to be given on a daily or every other day basis to be effective, this can be a significant source of calories and needs to be taken into consideration when feeding your dog.”

Work with your veterinarian to determine how to adjust your dog’s food and treat portions to ensure they stay at a healthy weight.

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