Does your dog’s tail wag furiously the moment you reach for that treat bag? We all love to spoil our furry best friends, and Target is a go-to spot for everything we need. But walking down the pet aisle can feel like navigating a maze. So many bags, so many brands—how do you know which treats are worth your money and which ones your dog will actually love?
Choosing the right dog treat at Target often brings up questions about ingredients, value, and whether the snack is healthy. We want the best for our pups without spending hours reading tiny labels or buying something they turn their nose up at. It’s a common frustration for busy pet parents!
This guide cuts through the clutter. We will break down the top-rated, most popular, and surprisingly healthy dog treats you can easily grab on your next Target run. Get ready to discover favorites that satisfy your dog’s cravings and your budget.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect reward for your happy hound!
Top Dog Treats From Target Recommendations
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS - This 6 oz bag contains delicious and wholesome dog snacks that provide a recklessly crunchy experience. Our bacon dog treats for training are free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED - Fromm Family Foods is a fifth-generation family-owned-and-operated pet food company based in Wisconsin. Since 1904, our family has maintained a tradition of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals.
- SPOIL YOUR DOG - These dog treats are a great way to show your dog some love and affection, while also providing them with a tasty snack.
- GREAT FOR ALL BREEDS & AGES - Our dog treats are carefully crafted for dogs of all breeds and ages, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas, puppies to seniors, and every breed and stage in between. There are only 2 calories per treat.
- CONVENIENT PACKAGING - Our treats for dogs come in a resealable bag, making them easy to store and keep fresh. You can take them on the go or use them as a training aid for your dog. Your dog will love the taste and look forward to treat time.
- Start Off on the Right Paw: Perfect Trainers bring joy to everyday training and rewarding; soft and chewy treats made with simple and healthy ingredients; Great for dog training and portion control; 6 Ounces, 1 Pouch
- Beefy Bite-Sized Rewards: Drool-worthy soft dog and puppy training treats; All-natural ingredients like USA beef, sweet potato, and beef tallow, stored in a resealable bag make house training your pup a treat. Only 3 calories per treat
- Dog Treats with No Artificial Anything: Blue Dog's Mission is to make pet treats with naturally sourced, healthy ingredients; There are no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or animal by-products in any of our treats
- USA Made with Ingredients from American Farms: All of our pet treats contain premium, healthy ingredients grown on American farms; We source only human-grade ingredients for all of our treats
- Healthy Dog Treat Alternative: In 1998, Blue Dog Bakery started making fresh-baked, healthy pet treats; We were the first all natural, premium and low fat dog treat option to be nationally distributed
- Fast allergy & Itch relief - Tired of the constant scratching & paw licking Our advanced chews provide powerful, fast-acting support for seasonal, food, and environmental allergies. Helps calm irritated skin & coat
- Dual-Action: Soothe & Support - We target symptoms And the root cause. A powerful blend of Turmeric & Omega-3s soothes immediate itchiness. At the same time, our formula works deeper to support a balanced immune system for long-term resilience
- Gut & Immune health - Over 70% of your dog's immunity is in their gut. Our formula, fortified with Colostrum and 3 Billion Probiotics, helps balance gut flora and regulate the immune response, building resistance to allergens
- Freeze-Dried tasty treats - Wellness should be a treat, not a chore. Our unique freeze-drying process locks in the nutrients and real chicken flavor. It抯 a delicious freeze-dried chew every picky eater will beg for
- Vet recommended & Gmp made - Our chews are Veterinarian Recommended and made in a Gmp-certified facility. Non-Gmo, and free from corn, soy, & gluten. Trusted by thousands of happy pet parents
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Dog Treats at Target
Target offers a huge selection of dog treats. Knowing what to look for helps you choose the best snacks for your furry friend. This guide will walk you through the important details.
Key Features to Look For
When you browse the aisles, focus on these main features. They tell you a lot about the treat’s value.
1. Treat Type and Purpose
- Training Treats: These should be small and soft. Dogs eat them fast, so training sessions keep moving.
- Dental Chews: Look for treats with ridges or grooves. These help scrub teeth as your dog chews.
- Long-Lasting Chews: Harder, denser treats keep strong chewers busy for a longer time.
- Jerky or Soft Bites: These are great for rewards or hiding medicine.
2. Ingredient Transparency
Good brands list all ingredients clearly. Avoid bags where ingredients are vague or hidden deep in the list.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list is the most important part of the package. You want wholesome, recognizable items.
High-Quality Ingredients
- Real Meat First: The first ingredient should be a named meat source like “Chicken,” “Beef,” or “Salmon,” not just “Meat By-Products.”
- Whole Grains or Vegetables: Ingredients like sweet potatoes, oats, or brown rice offer good fiber.
- Natural Preservatives: Look for Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or rosemary extract.
Ingredients to Minimize or Avoid
Some ingredients lower the quality of the treat.
- Artificial Colors: Things like Red 40 or Blue 2 offer no nutritional benefit.
- Artificial Flavors and Sweeteners: These are added just for human appeal, not dog health.
- Excessive Fillers: Corn, wheat, or soy might be used to bulk up the treat cheaply. If your dog has sensitivities, these should be avoided.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about taste; it’s about how the treat is made and stored.
What Improves Quality?
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients often mean fewer chances for stomach upset. This is great for sensitive dogs.
- USA or Trusted Sourcing: Treats made in the United States or Canada usually follow strict safety standards.
- Baked or Gently Dried: These methods help keep nutrients locked in the food.
What Reduces Quality?
- High Ash Content: This can sometimes indicate too many bone meals or mineral fillers.
- Unclear Sourcing: If the package does not say where the main ingredients come from, the quality might be lower.
- Very Low Cost: Extremely cheap treats often rely heavily on low-quality fillers and artificial additives.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the treat affects the best choice.
Training Scenarios
For quick rewards during intense training, you need something soft and smelly. A soft, poultry-flavored bite works well because the dog focuses on the fast reward.
Enrichment and Boredom Busters
When you need your dog to stay busy, choose a durable chew. These treats keep your dog occupied while you work or relax. Make sure your dog can handle the hardness safely.
Dietary Needs
If your dog has allergies, you must stick to grain-free or single-protein options. Always check the label to ensure the treat does not contain an ingredient your dog reacts to. Target stocks many specialized diet brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Target Dog Treats
Q: Are Target’s store-brand dog treats (like Good & Gather) good quality?
A: Often, yes. Target has been improving its house brands. Look specifically for the “Good & Gather” line; they usually focus on simpler, recognizable ingredients compared to older budget lines.
Q: How often should I give my dog treats?
A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Use them for training or positive reinforcement, not just as meal fillers.
Q: Can I find grain-free options at Target?
A: Absolutely. Target carries many brands, including specialty lines, that offer grain-free options using ingredients like peas or sweet potatoes instead of wheat or corn.
Q: What is the difference between a rawhide and a dental chew?
A: Rawhide is made from processed animal skin and can sometimes be hard to digest. Dental chews are specially formulated with textures or ingredients designed to physically scrape plaque off the teeth.
Q: Should I worry about expiration dates on dog treats?
A: Yes, always check the date. Stale treats lose their smell and flavor, making them less effective for training. Hard chews can become brittle over time.
Q: Are high-value treats (very smelly ones) okay for everyday use?
A: No. Save the very smelly, high-value treats (like dried liver) for hard training sessions or when you need your dog’s absolute attention. Everyday rewards should be lower-calorie.
Q: What if my dog gets an upset stomach from a new Target treat?
A: Stop giving the treat immediately. Introduce new treats very slowly, perhaps just one small piece for a few days, to see how your dog handles it.
Q: Do I need to buy organic treats?
A: Organic treats use ingredients grown without certain pesticides. They are a great choice if you prioritize organic farming, but non-organic treats can still be very high quality if they use whole ingredients.
Q: Are soft treats better than hard biscuits?
A: Neither is universally better. Soft treats are better for quick rewards and older dogs with sensitive teeth. Hard biscuits are better for dental cleaning and keeping a dog busy longer.
Q: Where in Target is the best place to find new or unique treats?
A: Check the end caps or the specialty pet food section, often near the front or near the premium dog food aisles. These areas usually feature newer, trendier, or limited-edition items.