What's The Best Dog Treats For A Happy Pet

Let’s be honest: finding the best treats for your dog isn’t always as simple as popping into your local pet store and grabbing the first packet you see. With more types of dog treats on the shelves than ever before — from gourmet jerky strips to crunchy biscuits to freeze-dried fish cubes — picking something your furry mate will actually love (and that’s genuinely good for them) can be a little daunting. But that treat jar on the kitchen bench is more than just a container of tasty bits; it’s often a source of motivation, excitement, and bonding.

A quick rattle of the treat bag and suddenly you’re the most popular person in the house. Dogs really do go wild for a snack, but behind those eager eyes, there’s a whole world of health considerations, ingredients, and training benefits to think about, too.

Why Treats Matter So Much

Everyone knows dogs love treats; it’s written all over their faces at the mere sound of a packet rustling. But treats are about more than just making tails wag. They play a huge role in positive training, help build trust between you and your dog, and can even help you manage their nutrition by incorporating healthy snacks.

Here are just a few ways the right treats make a difference:

●       Training: Whether you’re working on basic commands or a complicated trick, having some tempting goodies on hand makes a world of difference.

●       Bonding: Taking a break from the daily routine to spoil your best bud is a simple pleasure for both of you.

●       Health: Many treats now include benefits like dental cleaning, extra vitamins, or gut support.

●       Distraction: Long-lasting chews can keep your dog occupied when you’ve got to duck out of the room.

Types of Dog Treats Out There

Let’s break down the main categories you’ll see next time you stroll the pet shop aisles:

Treat Type	What It Offers	Best Use	Watch Out For
Biscuits & Cookies	Tasty, crunchy, often nutritious	Everyday rewards	Sugar, artificial colours
Jerky & Meaty Chews	High protein, strong flavour	Training, high-value reward	Salt, preservatives
Dental Treats	Promote clean teeth, fresh breath	Chewing, daily dental care	Beware fake claims
Soft Treats	Easy to break apart, softer on teeth	Quick training rewards	Hidden fillers, sugar
Freeze-dried	Often single-ingredient, nutrient-rich	Sensitive tummies, pure protein	Can be pricey
Chew Bars & Bones	Long-lasting, help boredom, tough teeth	Alone time, crate training	Hardness, splinter risk
Homemade Treats	Full control over ingredients	Custom health needs	Spoilage, prep effort

Each dog has its own ‘treat personality’. Some will do backflips for a soft, squishy treat, while others want something with crunch. Age and health matter, too — tiny puppies and senior dogs won’t cope with tough chews quite like a powerful adult.

What Makes a Treat Genuinely Good?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but looking for natural ingredients is crucial, along with these other key things:

●       Real, recognisable ingredients: Chicken, sweet potato, fish, pumpkin, beef… Can you actually picture the stuff on the label?

●       Avoiding nasties: Artificial colours, unknown ‘meat by-products’, excess sugar or salt? Best avoided.

●       Made for dogs: Some human foods are dog-friendly, but many aren’t. Chocolate, onions, grapes – those are a big no.

●       Size and texture: Little treats are perfect for repetition during training. Longer-lasting chews work better for keeping busy.

●       Nutrition balance: Treats shouldn’t mess up your dog’s normal diet, but some can actually boost vitamins or aid digestion.

Thinking About Dietary Needs

Just like people, dogs can have food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or strict dietary needs. There’s a treat out there for every situation:

1. Grain-free and gluten-free: Great for avoiding upset bellies in sensitive dogs.
2. Low-fat or single-protein: Important if your pup is prone to weight gain or allergies.
3. Limited ingredient: Suited for dogs with lots of sensitivities, these usually contain only meat, fish or one veg.
4. Dental-specific: Designed to scrub teeth and freshen breath, perfect if your dog’s not a fan of the toothbrush.

Some dogs are fussy, some are eating machines, and some have ironclad stomachs. The fun (and challenge) is finding what’s right for your mate.

Popular Dog Treat Picks

Wondering what's the best dog treats? Here are some options that get the tails thumping from many Aussie dog owners:

●       Dehydrated kangaroo: High in protein, low in fat, suitable for hypoallergenic diets.

●       Salmon or fish-based treats: Full of omega-3 for shiny coats and brain support.

●       Peanut butter (dog-friendly brands only!): Loved by most dogs, but always check for xylitol (toxic for dogs).

●       Freeze-dried chicken: Simple, pure, and irresistible - great for training.

●       Dental chews: Tasty and good for gums, but try to pick ones with research backing their claims, not just marketing fluff.

●       Natural jerky: Skip the supermarket jerky (often full of salt), and look for Aussie-made, low-ingredient versions.

●       Vegetable bites: Think sweet potato, pumpkin, or carrot - crunchy, tasty, and low in calories.

A Bit About the Trendy Stuff

You’ll hear a lot about “natural”, “organic”, and “superfood” treats these days. What does it really mean for you and your dog?

Pet owners are more ingredient-conscious than ever. There’s immense popularity for organic options, locally sourced proteins, or treats with “science-backed” benefits like joint care or probiotics. These can offer real benefits, especially for fussy eaters or those with sensitivities, but sometimes the hype doesn’t match the product. Always flip the packet over; if you can’t pronounce half the ingredients, that’s your signal to dig a little deeper.

What About Training-Specific Treats?

Anyone who’s ever tried to teach “sit”, “stay”, or “don’t eat the cat food” knows the importance of the right motivator. Training treats do best when they’re:

●       Small and low-calorie (you might hand out dozens in a session)

●       Quick to eat - nothing derails training like a lot of chewing time

●       Smelly (in a good way!) - strong scents help get your dog’s focus

●       Easy to carry or break up

You don’t need anything fancy; cooked chicken breast or a single-ingredient freeze-dried treat does wonders for most dogs.

The Myth of “People Food”

It’s tempting to give table scraps or a taste of whatever you’re eating. While some foods like plain chicken, cooked pumpkin, or apple (no seeds) are safe, many others aren’t. Chocolate, grapes, onions, and products containing xylitol are poisonous to dogs, and even “nice” foods like cheese or salami can be too salty or fatty.

Sticking to treats made for dogs removes all guesswork and keeps your mate safe.

Treats and Your Dog’s Health

All treats should only make up a small part of your dog’s diet — most vets suggest no more than 10% of their daily kilojoule intake. Weight gain sneaks up quickly, especially in smaller breeds.

If your dog’s on a special diet (for kidney issues, allergies, or weight problems), chat with your vet about the safest options. Some pets need special consideration, and a simple swap can keep their tail (and gut) in much better shape.

What’s New in Aussie Treats?

There’s a huge shift towards local, sustainable, and “less processed” treats. Aussie kangaroo, beef, and lamb feature widely, and plenty of brands use native seafood too. Many companies embrace plastic-free packaging or support animal rescue.

A few rising stars in the Australian scene include:

●       Freeze-dried raw treats (like chicken, lamb, or fish) with absolutely nothing else added

●       Dental chews made from dried sweet potato or kelp

●       Training bits with liver or veggie bases

Petso: One-Stop Treat Destination

If you’re in the market for treats that tick boxes for health, taste, and variety, Petso has something for every dog (and cat, if they want in). Whether you’re stocking up on classic biscuits or searching for grain-free options, their range covers all dietary quirks and taste preferences.

What makes a provider like Petso handy?

●       Wide variety: From meat-based morsels to veggie nibbles.

●       Differing textures and sizes for every breed and age.

●       Focus on nutrition and clean ingredients.

●       Aussie-made options that support local producers.

Treats and Happy Dogs Go Together

Every dog deserves that extra little something — whether it’s for a job well done, a stress-free vet visit, or just because they make your day better. The best treats strike a balance between yumminess for them and peace of mind for you. When you find a brand or style that makes their tail wiggle faster, life at home gets even more rewarding.