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
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- BITE SIZED TREATS: These all natural bite-sized crunchy treats come in an assortment of chicken, liver, and vegetable flavors for a treat your dog will love
- Perfect for Training or Frequent Treating: These bite sized crunchy snacks make a great training treat with only 2 calories per treat!
- Made in North America using only the finest globally sourced ingredients and no added artififcial preservatives
- Try all of our mouthwatering biscuits in a variety of flavors and sizes to build your dog's perfect snack pantry!
- Classic great taste since 1926: Each biscuit is slowly oven-baked to preserve the natural flavors in all the varieties dogs love to catch, chew and eat.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW MINNOWS DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced premium minnows.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- BUDDY TRAINING BITES - These bite-sized treats are chock full of meaty flavor from appetizing pork liver as the 1st ingredient, so they are easy to eat and perfect for dogs of all ages.
- ALL THE GOOD STUFF - Our training treats are made in the USA and they are free of corn, soy, artificial flavors and preservatives. With Buddy, you can feel good about serving your best bud the treats they deserve!
- LOW CALORIE - Only 1.5 calories per treat to help make your dog training sessions last longer! The delicious aroma will have your pup coming back for more.
- 500 TREATS PER BAG - Reward your dog's good behavior with 500 treats per bag. Buddy is healthy, tasty & fun!
- EVERYBODY LOVES BUDDY: Buddy is the perfect companion for your best friend! Buddy's delicious flavors are sure bring your pup joy! Buddy has a range of treats - all made with real, simple ingredients that you can pronounce.
- Limited Ingredient Dog Treats: Baked to perfection with real chicken, antioxidant rich pumpkin, and apples, each scrumptious treat is made with only the best ingredients for you best friend. No artificial flavors, colors, corn, or soy.
- Pocket Perfect Dog Training Treats: Keep a handful in your pocket without leaving smells or stains. Sized right for all breeds and life stages, puppy training treats, ongoing adult dog training, or a wholesome healthy dog treat just for fun.
- Low Calorie Dog Treats: With less than 3 calories each, these treats are ideal for frequent rewards or as a guilt-free snack. Our dog snacks are sized perfectly for dog treat dispensing toys, dog treat ball, or dog puzzle toy.
- Grain Free Dog Treats: The perfect grain free treat in a simple recipe with a dose of fun for a delicious, exciting treating experience. Our extra tasty, crunchy dog treats are made in small batches with a light crunch dogs simply love.
- Made in USA Dog Treats, Family Owned: Over 25 years and millions of treats later, Charlee Bear is still brought to you by a family-owned company celebrating friendships shared by people and pets. Made in the USA with trusted ingredients.
- CONTAINS: One 24-oz. box of Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks small dog biscuits for dogs of all sizes
- 5 FLAVORS YOUR DOG WILL LOVE: Give ‘em dog biscuits with the tail-wagging tastes of beef, chicken, turkey, bacon and sausage with other natural flavors
- WHOLESOME DOG TREATS WITH 15% PROTEIN: Also contains 12 vitamins and minerals, like iron, zinc & vitamin B12
- CALCIUM & PHOSPHORUS: To help support healthy teeth and bones
- CRUNCHY TEXTURE: Helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up, perfect for sloppy doggie kisses
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient, plus DHA for cognitive development, making them the ideal reward for your puppy’s best behavior
- MEATY TRAINING TREATS: For puppies that love a meaty treat, Baby BLUE training dog treats are tender, bite-sized morsels that make them perfect for training
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats contain NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat and soy; Plus, they’re free of artificial preservatives and colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken
- BUDDY TRAINING BITES - These bite-sized treats are chock full of meaty flavor from appetizing pork liver as the 1st ingredient, so they are easy to eat and perfect for dogs of all ages.
- LOW CALORIE - Only 1.5 calories per treat to help make your dog training sessions last longer! The delicious aroma will have your pup coming back for more.
- 500 TREATS PER BAG - Reward your dog's good behavior with 500 treats per bag. Buddy is healthy, tasty & fun!
- EVERYBODY LOVES BUDDY: Buddy is the perfect companion for your best friend! Buddy's delicious flavors are sure bring your pup joy! Buddy has a range of treats - all made with real, simple ingredients that you can pronounce.
- SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING - These treat bags are store drop-off recyclable. Simply clean and dry the pouch and take to your nearest store that accepts plastic pouches.
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.