Does your giant dog stare longingly at those tiny, colorful dog biscuits? You know they deserve a treat, but finding the perfect snack for your big buddy can feel like a giant task in itself! Large breeds have different needs than smaller dogs. A treat that’s too small might disappear in a flash, offering little satisfaction, or worse, it could become a choking hazard. It’s frustrating spending money on treats that your large dog either ignores or gulps down without a second thought.
Choosing the right treat matters for your large dog’s health and happiness. You need something durable enough for a powerful jaw, satisfying enough to earn that happy tail wag, and sized just right for their bigger bodies. Navigating ingredient labels and confusing sizing charts can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you become a treat-choosing pro. We will break down exactly what makes a great treat for large dogs. You will learn about the best types of chews, the healthiest ingredients to look for, and how to pick treats that truly reward your gentle giant. Get ready to discover the snacks that will make your big dog’s day!
Top Dog Treats For Large Dogs Recommendations
- Contains one (1) 10-lb. box of large dog treats
- Dog biscuits with tail-wagging meaty taste
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth
- Made with more than 12 vitamins and minerals
- Produced in Buffalo, New York, USA
- Perfect Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dental Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental treats for dogs that clean teeth and freshen breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies teeth cleaning dog treats into your daily dog dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: This dog dental chew offers clinically proven dog dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend’s oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for a dog between 50-100 lbs., these Greenies dog treats have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
- Chicken First: Pur Luv dog chicken jerky treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Satisfying Treat: The chicken dog treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv chicken treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken Jerky for dogs is a high protein and low fat snack with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Pur Luv Chicken dog jerky treats satisfy your dog’s craving for real chicken and their natural desire to chew; dogs love chicken jerky treats and the flavor that comes from the real whole protein chicken breast, which makes Pur Luv treats so special
- Contains one (1) 33.7-ounce bag of large dog dental treats (25 bones total)
- Chicken-flavored large dog treats for dogs over 50 lbs. and six months of age
- Scrubbing action helps clean teeth and freshen breath, reduce tartar buildup, and maintain healthy gums
- Formulated with calcium to help support strong bones and teeth
- No artificial flavors and no fillers
- CONTAINS: One 24-oz. box of Milk-Bone Original Biscuits
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: With tail-wagging meaty taste for treating fun, every day
- LARGE SIZE: Perfect for dogs over 60 lbs.
- 15 PERCENT PROTEIN: Fortified with vitamins and minerals — more than 12!
- BAKED WITH LOVE: Produced in Buffalo, New York, USA
- FRESH BAKED AROMA: Combining the savory scents of bacon, egg & cheese, this recipe is the next best thing to a bite of your breakfast sandwich
- MADE with BACON: BLUE Health Bars dog treats prove that a healthy treat can be tasty, too; with ingredients like oatmeal, bacon, and egg, these bars feature the ingredients you’ll be proud to feed your furry family members
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: For dogs who prefer a crunch, these dog biscuits are oven baked for a texture they’ll love
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like BHA & artificial colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Made with only the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe With Chuck Roast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chuck roast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- Long Lasting Dog Chews - Munchy Sticks are high protein, long lasting, & made from top quality oven-baked pork skin.
- Delicious Flavors Your Dog Will Love - Our Munchy Sticks come with 3 mouth watering flavors: Roasted Pork, Chicken, & Bacon.
- Available in 50 & 100 Count Options - Munchy Sticks come in generous quantities to keep your pup happy & satisfied. Remember, treats should always be larger than your dog's mouth to ensure safe chewing. Please feed responsibly.
- Perfect for Small, Medium & Big Dogs - Dogs of all sizes love our Pork Chomps. Supervise use. If your pet is unaccustomed to this product, serve in a limited quantity initially. Intended as a treat, not to replace food.
- Only the Best for Your Pet - Pork Chomps uses a patented process to remove 70% of the pork's fat to create a low-fat, cleaner and healthier dog chew.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Treats for Large Dogs
Choosing the right treats for your big dog is important. Large breeds have different needs than smaller dogs. Good treats support strong bones and keep them happy. This guide helps you find the best snacks for your giant companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for specific things on the label. These features make a treat great for a large dog.
- Size and Durability: Large dogs need treats they can chew safely. A small, soft treat can be a choking hazard. Look for large, hard biscuits or long-lasting chews.
- Nutritional Value: Treats should offer more than just empty calories. Check for added vitamins and minerals important for large breeds, like glucosamine for joint health.
- Calorie Control: Big dogs can gain weight easily. Choose treats that are lower in fat and calories so you can reward them often without overfeeding.
- Dental Benefits: Many large dog treats are designed to help clean teeth. Look for textured or ridged treats that help scrape off plaque as your dog chews.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list tells you everything about the treat’s quality. Focus on wholesome, recognizable items.
Protein Sources
High-quality protein is vital for muscle maintenance in large dogs. Good sources include real chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Avoid treats where “meat by-products” are the first ingredient.
Natural vs. Artificial Additives
Always choose natural ingredients. High-quality treats use natural preservatives like Vitamin E. Low-quality treats often contain artificial colors (like Red 40) and chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT). These should be avoided.
Binders and Fillers
Treats use binders to hold their shape. Healthy binders include whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal. Low-quality treats pack in cheap fillers like corn or soy, which offer little nutritional benefit to your dog.
Factors That Affect Treat Quality
Not all treats are made the same way. Some manufacturing processes keep nutrients locked in, while others destroy them.
Quality Boosters
- Slow Baking or Dehydration: These methods preserve natural flavors and nutrients better than high-heat processing.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): If your large dog has sensitivities, LID treats are excellent. They use fewer ingredients, making it easier to pinpoint potential allergens.
- Source of Ingredients: Treats made in countries with strict food safety laws usually offer better quality control.
Quality Reducers
- Excessive Processing: Over-processed treats often lose important vitamins.
- High Sugar Content: Some treats add sweeteners like molasses or corn syrup. This leads to unnecessary weight gain and can cause dental issues.
- Artificial Flavoring: If a treat needs strong artificial flavors, it might mean the real ingredients are not very tasty on their own.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats matters just as much as what is in them. Think about your dog’s lifestyle.
Training Rewards
For training large breeds (like German Shepherds or Great Danes), you need small, quick-to-eat treats. These allow for rapid rewarding during obedience sessions. Look for soft, breakable training bites.
Long-Lasting Entertainment
Large dogs often chew hard and fast. For keeping them busy when you are away, choose durable chews like bully sticks or high-quality dental chews. These satisfy their strong jaws and provide hours of engagement.
Sensitive Stomachs
If your large dog has a sensitive stomach, you must introduce new treats slowly. Use single-protein treats (like a pure salmon chew) until you confirm your dog tolerates them well. Always monitor for any digestive upset after trying a new brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many treats should I give my large dog daily?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Always check the feeding guide on the package and adjust your dog’s main meal accordingly.
Q: Are rawhide chews safe for large dogs?
A: Rawhide safety is debated. Some large dogs swallow large pieces, which can cause blockages. Consider safer alternatives like durable rubber chews or compressed dental sticks.
Q: What is the best treat for large dog joint support?
A: Look for treats specifically marketed for joint health. These usually contain added glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support cartilage in big, heavy joints.
Q: Do large breeds need different protein sources?
A: Yes, they often benefit from higher quality protein to maintain large muscle mass. Ensure the main protein source is clearly listed and not a rendered byproduct.
Q: How can I tell if a treat is choking-hazard sized?
A: If the treat is smaller than the back of your dog’s throat, it could be a risk. For very large breeds, use treats that require active chewing, not ones that can be swallowed whole easily.
Q: Should I buy grain-free treats for my large dog?
A: Grain-free is not always better. Unless your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy, balanced treats containing healthy grains like oatmeal are perfectly fine and offer good energy.
Q: What does “limited ingredient” really mean?
A: It means the treat uses very few ingredients, often five or fewer. This is helpful if your dog struggles with allergies or has a sensitive digestive system.
Q: Are baked treats better than freeze-dried treats?
A: Both methods are good. Baked treats are often firmer for chewing. Freeze-dried treats usually retain more of the original nutrients but are softer and eaten faster.
Q: When should I stop giving my large dog training treats?
A: You should never stop rewarding good behavior! Just switch to lower-calorie or smaller treats once basic training is mastered so you can reward them frequently without causing weight gain.
Q: Can I use human food as treats for my big dog?
A: Sometimes, yes, like plain carrots or apple slices. However, many human foods are too high in salt or sugar. Stick to dog-specific treats for consistent nutrition.