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.
- Enjoy these soft-baked 'B's that are every doggy's favorite - from puppies, to picky eaters, to senior pups with sensitive mouths, too! These are a softer cookie with limited, natural ingredients. Perfect for pups looking for a chewier bite.
- Perfect for Everyday Treating: With just 9 ingredients (like oat flour, peanut butter, banana and rolled oats!) and only 9 calories per treat, you can feel good treating your favorite pup to this yummy recipe.
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA local to our bakeries.
- Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty.
- Our Story: Bocce’s was started in a tiny NYC kitchen with a mixer, an oven and a scruffy mutt named Bocce, with the belief that our furry friends (pups and kitty cats, too!) deserve better. Better food with fresher, simpler, natural ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- HEALTHY EVERYDAY SNACK OPTION: These wholesome sweet potato dog treats are gently dried to create a chewy texture that keeps your pup happily occupied, offering a satisfying alternative to fatty dog treats while fitting easily into everyday routines for pet parents who want dog treats healthy enough for regular snacking.
- TARGETED WELLNESS SUPPORT: Thoughtfully crafted sweet potato dog treats provide sources of vitamin A and Beta Carotene to help maintain healthy skin, coat, and vision, while gentle dietary fiber and antioxidants help support everyday digestive balance and keep your dog feeling their best during play, rest, and training.
- SIMPLE, TRUSTED RECIPE STANDARDS: Crafted as healthy dog treats with just one primary ingredient, these sweet potato dog treats skip grains and common fillers to help you feel confident about every dog treat you share, ideal for pet parents who read every label.
- IRRESISTIBLE TEXTURE DOGS CRAVE: Specially crafted to satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts, these sweet potato dog treats offer a chewy, mouthwatering texture that keeps tails wagging while helping occupy your pup between meals, ideal for pet parents seeking dog treats healthy enough for everyday enjoyment.
- RELIABLE QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST: Healthfuls dog treats are carefully crafted and independently lab-tested in the USA, so you can feel confident every bite meets strict quality standards and supports your pup’s routine as dog treats healthy for everyday rewarding and training moments.
- CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE natural dog treats feature high-quality USA chicken as the #1 ingredient and are made with natural ingredients for treating you can feel good about
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Formulated to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy dog snacks
- GRILL-INSPIRED CHICKEN FLAVOR: Your dog will love the smoky, fire-grilled aromas of BLUE Nudges Grillers chicken dog treats with a taste and texture inspired by perfectly grilled favorites, because your best friend deserves the flavors you love, too
- SOFT, TENDER & EASY-TO-TEAR: Reward your favorite pet with soft dog treats that tear easily for training, portioning, and everyday treating
- GREAT FOR TRAINING: Break these soft, delicious BLUE dog training treats into smaller rewards during training sessions, celebrations for good behavior, or everyday moments
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
- Contains one (1) 47-ounce bag of Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavor dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats
- Treats with the look and taste of real beef
- Fun shapes for an exciting treating experience
- Produced in Topeka, Kansas
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.