We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping These Are the 22 Best Dog Treats of 2024, According to Veterinarians Your dog deserves the best By Missy Boylan Missy Boylan Missy Boylan is an award-winning journalist with five years of experience in pets, lifestyle, and news writing. Her work has been widely distributed online and in print to thousands of readers. Publications in which she's been published include PEOPLE, The Spruce Pets, Child Welfare Information Gateway, and more. She graduated from the University of Richmond with a B.A. in Journalism, English, and Music. People Editorial Guidelines and Madison Yauger Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 31, 2023 06:09PM EST In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How to Pick FAQ Take Our Word For It People / Kristin Kempa Treats come in all different shapes and sizes, with many of them advertising various benefits. To help you choose the best option for your dog, we consulted five veterinarians for their top picks of treats available online — so you can get them quickly and easily without having to contemplate the shelves of options at the pet store. While there are a lot of different dog treats out there, not all of them are guaranteed to be healthy, to be safe, or to work for your dog. When adding any new treat to your dog’s diet, be sure to check the ingredients and to introduce them to their diet slowly. “Everyone wants to reward their pet, but sometimes they do more harm than good with treats,” Dr. Rob Mankowski, DVM, said. “I’m all for treats. They’re great for training, great for distraction, and just bonding with your pet, but you have to make sure that they’re going to tolerate them well.” To help you make the best choice for your dog, we rounded up the best veterinarian-recommended treats available online. Our Top Picks Best Budget: Charlee Bear Crunch Natural Dog Treats at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Low-Calorie: Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best All-Natural: Pet 'n Shape Beef Lung Dog Treats at Amazon ($11) Jump to Review Best for Administering Medication: Greenies Pill Pockets at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best Dental Chew: Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Runner Up, Best Dental Chew: Purina DentaLife Adult Large Dog Treats at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Pup Corn Plus Low-Calorie Dog Treats at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Sprayable: KONG Dog Treat Paste at Amazon ($7) Jump to Review Best Non-Allergenic: Stella and Chewy’s Dog Treats at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Joints: Nutramax Laboratories Dasuquin Soft Chews at Amazon ($41) Jump to Review Best Budget Charlee Bear Crunch Natural Dog Treats Amazon View On Amazon View On Target $4 View On Chewy $6 Whom They're Good For Anyone looking for a good amount of treats per package at a reasonable cost Whom They're Not Good For Some may be tempted to feed their dog too many, since these are bite-sized and kibble-shaped Charlee Bear treats are another great training option that are friendly on the wallet. They come in a big bag and have fewer than 3 calories per treat, so you can give your dog several during a training session without worrying about caloric overload. Mankowski likes these treats because they are low-calorie, light, and easy to handle. Plus, they come in four interesting flavors: cheese and egg, chicken liver, chicken soup and garden veggie, and turkey liver and cranberries. Size: 16 oz. | Calories per treat: 3 | Primary ingredients: Wheat flour, chicken liver, salt, garlic powder, mixed tocopherols Best Low-Calorie Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $17 View On Pupford.com Whom They're Good For Anyone needing low-calorie and healthy treats great for extended training sessions Whom They're Not Good For They go down quickly, so these treats are not ideal for those needing lengthy distractions With a low-calorie count and a simple, wholesome ingredient list, Pupford Freeze Dried Dog Training Treats took our top spot for best dog treats. Each bag contains about 475 treats, so they are great for frequent training sessions. They also come in several flavors — chicken, liver, sweet potato, rabbit, and salmon — so you have options if your dog is sensitive to a certain protein. "These are my go-to treats for new puppy parents and owners really looking for high-value treats to use with training,” Dr. Kristi Crow, DVM, said. “I like these because your pup can indulge without packing on the pounds.” In addition to being low-calorie and high-protein, the treats are freeze-dried, so they are protected from bacterial contamination, according to Crow. Amazon shoppers agree these treats are worth the buy, with more than 9,000 reviewers giving them five stars. Size: 4 oz. | Calories per treat: Less than 1 | Primary ingredients: Chicken, mixed tocopherols Best All-Natural Pet 'n Shape Beef Lung Dog Treats Amazon View On Amazon $11 View On Walmart $24 View On Chewy $11 Whom They're Good For Those wanting treats at an affordable cost for their meat- and protein-loving dog Whom They're Not Good For They can be a little messy when they crumble, so they might not be best for someone avoiding any sort of clean-up Made with only one ingredient, these beef lung steaks are about as natural as it gets. Perfect for meat-loving dogs, these contain no artificial additives, preservatives, colors, or flavors. These treats are sourced and made in the United States, something Mankowski regularly looks for in dog treats, especially those containing high amounts of protein. “We’ve had issues with toxins in some of the meats that are sourced elsewhere, and then they find their way into our treats,” Mankowski said. This treat may serve as a good alternative to jerky treats, which have been linked to pet illnesses and fatalities in recent years. Size: 9 oz. | Calories per treat: 71 | Primary ingredients: Beef lung The 11 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2024 Best for Administering Medication Greenies Pill Pockets Amazon View On Amazon $9 View On Target $11 View On Walmart $10 Whom They're Good For Anyone who needs their dog to take meds without a fight Whom They're Not Good For Dogs on a stricter diet or just needing training treats, as these are higher in calories Greenies Pill Pockets are a veterinarian favorite when it comes to administering medication. The moldable treats have a pocket that you can fill with medication and then close so that your dog doesn’t know it’s there. “People have a hard time with getting meds into animals,” Mankowski said. “For cats and dogs, [the pill pocket is] one of the best things that we’ve found to hide medication in.” Size: 30 pill pockets | Calories per treat: 23 | Primary ingredients: Chicken, glycerin, wheat flour, wheat gluten, vegetable oil Pets Best Dental Chew Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews Amazon View On Amazon $35 View On Walmart $37 View On Chewy $24 Whom They're Good For Those who want to help maintain their dog's oral health, including fresher breath and reducing tartar and plaque Whom They're Not Good For Anyone who wants to avoid any chance of their dog choking This treat doubles as a toothbrush for your dog. Virbac dental chews are designed to help reduce tartar and plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth. “This is a product that has proof and research behind it for what it claims it does,” Crow said. “[It says] that it’s formulated to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, and it has met the Veterinary Oral Health Council testing standards to meet these claims.” They come in a stick form that cleans your dog’s teeth as they chew. Made from plant-based materials, these chews are especially good for dogs who are sensitive to animal protein. Dr. Jamie Wittenburg, DVM, veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers tells PEOPLE the chews are her favorite because they are “yummy and satisfying for your dog” and “approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to remove both plaque and tartar.” She says to make sure you give your dog the right size as they have to chew on it for best effectiveness (if it’s too big they might not finish it). Note that this treat is designed for maintaining healthy teeth, and it does not replace dental check-ins with a veterinarian. Size: 30 chews | Calories per treat: 48 | Primary ingredients: Corn starch, glycerin, soy protein isolate, rice flour The 6 Best Dog Crates of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Runner Up, Best Dental Chew Purina DentaLife Adult Large Dog Treats Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $18 View On Chewy $18 Whom They're Good For Anyone who is looking for treats that help freshen breath and clean teeth and doesn't mind spending a bit more for them Whom They're Not Good For Those who want a budget-friendly pick, as these are more expensive. They can also be a choking hazard for certain dogs Another strong choice for a teeth cleaning treat is Purina’s DentalLife treats. Similar to the Virbac treats, these come in stick form and help control plaque and tartar. They have ridges to help get to hard-to-reach places. Mankowski cautioned that because these treats come in a large breakable form, they could be a choking hazard. “It may not be the best choice for your pet if they break off pieces and swallow them,” Mankowski said. “You do want to supervise them if your dog is one that tends to break treats off.” Like the Virbac treats, these chews do not replace regular dental care from a veterinarian. Size: 18 chews | Calories per treat: 100 | Primary ingredients: Rice, glycerin, wheat flour, sodium tripolyphosphate, malted barley flour, chicken by-product meal Best for Sensitive Stomachs Pup Corn Plus Low-Calorie Dog Treats Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $25 View On Chewy $9 Whom They're Good For Pet owners looking for crunchy treats that are made with prebiotics and probiotics to help aid digestion Whom They're Not Good For These treats could disagree with dogs who are allergic to chicken or cheese This popcorn for dogs has almost no downsides: It is low-calorie, comes in a large bag, and is relatively inexpensive. It is also made in the U.S. with no artificial flavors or preservatives. With prebiotics and probiotics, these treats are gentle even on sensitive stomachs. “We use it in our vet clinic, and we wanted to offer a high value treat that isn’t going to potentially contribute to any GI upset or any problems for the owners when they go home,” Crow said. These treats come in a unique puffed structure, offering dogs a texture that is fun and new. Size: 1.68 lbs. | Calories per treat: 4 | Primary ingredients: Corn flour, chicken, cheddar cheese Best Sprayable KONG Dog Treat Paste Amazon View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $8 View On PETCO Whom It's Good For Dogs that needs mental stimulation and a more time-consuming activity Whom It's Not Good For Any dogs on a strict diet regime, since the calories can add up As dog owners, we often need practical treats that can serve as time-consuming distractions for our dogs. Enter sprayable KONG treat paste. This treat paste comes in an easily sprayable can that can have multiple uses. Mankowski recommends filling a rubber KONG with the paste and freezing it for a treat that will occupy your dog for hours. Crow suggests spraying some on a mat for your dog to lick during unpleasant tasks, such as baths, nail clips, and vaccinations at the vet. “A big thing owners don’t realize is that a lot of times mental stimulation is more tiresome than physical stimulation for our pets, so having them have to work for their treats and toys, KONG really comes in handy for this,” Crow said. The sprays also come in a variety of flavors, including one for puppies that is designed to be gentle on sensitive stomachs. Size: 8 oz. | Calories per treat: 15 calories per 1 tsp. serving | Primary ingredients: Milk, water, soybean oil, whey The 7 Best Dog Food Storage Containers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed Best Non-Allergenic Stella and Chewy’s Dog Treats Chewy View On Amazon $15 View On Chewy $11 View On PETCO Who It’s Good For Any dog that has stomach sensitivities or food allergies, regardless of age Who It’s Not Good For The calorie count might be high for dogs on a strict diet plan If your dog has a history of allergy issues or shows sensitivity to certain foods, these chicken treats are a safe bet. “These treats are made with 100 percent chicken breast and have a great taste that dogs love,” Dr. Georgina Ushi, DVM at Fuzzy, tells PEOPLE. “There are no artificial flavorings or additives,” she says, adding that these are “perfect for dogs with certain allergies and food sensitivities.” The primary ingredient is raw freeze-dried chicken which contributes to skin, dental, and digestive health. Plus, it’s a tasty ingredient, so it bodes well for even the pickiest of dogs. Size: 2.75 oz. | Calories per treat: 105 calories per oz. | Primary ingredients: 100% chicken breast Best for Joints Nutramax Laboratories Dasuquin Soft Chews Amazon View On Amazon $41 View On Walmart $50 View On Chewy $50 Who It’s Good For Any dog that is prone to joint issues, such as certain breeds and senior dogs Who It’s Not Good For Anyone training their dog since it’s a supplement and should only be given once a day Certain dog breeds as well as senior dogs can face joint issues that limit their mobility. These tasty chews are a great supplement to stave off these effects. “These treats are great for older dogs with hip and joint issues,” Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM at Senior Tail Waggers tells PEOPLE. “They can be given every day to help your dog move much better.” Since this is a supplement, you have to be mindful of how much to give (all serving info is on the bag based on your dog’s size). That being said, these bites have rich flavors that make it a nice treat for your dog (with great health benefits). “It is also great to give these to larger breeds of dogs as this can help prolong some hip and joint issues,” says Dr. Ochoa, though the supplements are available for small to medium sized dogs too. Size: 84 treats per bag | Calories per treat: Not listed | Primary ingredients: Soybeans, avocado, green tea Best for Puppies Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart $4 View On Chewy $6 Who It’s Good For Anyone that has a puppy, especially needing training treats Who It’s Not Good For Adult or senior dogs Training a puppy involves a lot of repetition, and therefore, many treats. That’s why these bite-sized treats are perfect for puppies because they’re tasty (which is motivating), soft on their tummies, and easy to consume in mass volume. “We used treats like these when we were training my dog (who is not food-motivated, by the way), and she loved them,” says PEOPLE Commerce Writer Madison Yauger. The bag is also small which makes it easy to keep on hand when you’re chasing your new puppy around, and trying to instill some manners along the way. These treats are made without preservatives or artificial colors or flavors, and they’re super soft — making them an easy bite for growing puppy teeth. Size: 3 oz. | Calories per treat: 6 | Primary ingredients: Lamb, salmon, chickpeas, carrots Best for Senior Dogs Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Target $30 View On Walmart $27 Who It’s Good For Senior dogs or dog with allergies Who It’s Not Good For Younger dogs or those without immune issues or allergies — as a supplement, it's more expensive than your average treat Much like people, “older dogs tend to have more health issues,” says Dr. Ochoa. She recommends this allergy immune supplement as a daily “treat” of sorts for your dog, and in supporting their immune system, it can make them feel better from any temporary ailment, which is a bonus. “Giving them an immune treat can help boost their immune system and help them fight infections,” says Dr. Ochoa. It includes a blend of probiotics and immunity support, as well as proven ingredients like salmon oil (known for heart health and making your dog’s skin and coat silky smooth). A lot of these same ingredients help with allergies, making it an ideal addition to your dog’s routine during seasonal changes or environmental changes (such as moving to a new city with your pet). Size: 12.7 oz. (90 chews per container) | Calories per treat: Not listed | Primary ingredients: Salmon oil, probiotics, immune-boosting ingredients The 8 Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Digestive Health Vetnique Labs Anal Gland Dog Supplement Chewy View On Amazon $65 View On Walmart $65 View On Chewy $65 Who It’s Good For Any dog that has trouble digesting and expelling food (often senior dogs) Who It’s Not Good For Anyone training their dog or those needing everyday treats to be given in bulk If your dog has trouble when it’s time to “go potty”, it might be because their digestive system is off track, — part of that system is the exit door. “Some small dogs have issues properly expressing their anal glands,” says Dr. Ochoa. These treats can help with that process, she explains. Plus, the flavors of duck, bacon, and apple add more of an allure for dogs to eat them. Other standout ingredients like fiber and probiotics help the digestive system operate more efficiently, breaking down food to make it easier to leave the body. Size: 16.9 oz. | Calories per treat: Not listed | Primary ingredients: Fiber, probiotic, apple pectin The 41 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers, According to Experts Best for Training Zuke's Mini Naturals Amazon View On Amazon $8 View On Walmart $17 View On Chewy $8 Who It’s Good For People training dogs of any age, since they're small enough for a quick, repetitive rewards Who It’s Not Good For Those looking for a “distract your dog while you leave the house” treat, since these are tiny and they will gobble it down quickly As mentioned, when training a dog of any age, treats are your best friend. They can motivate even the most stubborn dogs to at least attempt the action you’re trying to teach. These bite-sized treats are great for repetitive rewards, and are delicious with popular flavors like chicken, beef, peanut butter, and salmon. With less than three calories per serving, they won’t be an issue for dogs on a strict diet, and the bag is small and portable for training on the go. Size: 6 oz. | Calories per treat: 2.3 | Primary ingredients: Chicken, ground rice Best for Skin Health Zesty Paws Skin & Coat Supplement Chewy View On Amazon $30 View On Target $19 View On Walmart $50 Who It’s Good For Any dogs with allergies and itchy or dry skin Who It’s Not Good For Those treat-shopping on a budget, as these are pretty pricey If your dog tends to get itchy skin, these bite-sized treats are a great reward that will also relieve that itchiness. Dr. Ochoa also recommends them for dogs with allergies. “They contain omega fatty acids which help support a healthy skin and coat," she explains. Since the treats are made with fish oil and vitamin C — two ingredients known for helping alleviate dry skin and helping to restore the skin barrier — they’re ideal for dogs that are always scratching themselves. They can be used for dogs of any age, and come with 90 treats. Size: 12.7 oz. | Calories per treat: 18 | Primary ingredients: Fish oil, vitamin C and E, zinc, biotin The Best Dog Brushes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Calming Get Naked Calming Care Dog Treats Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart $13 View On Chewy $14 Who It’s Good For Any dog with anxiety or dogs that get easily stressed out in certain situations Who It’s Not Good For Any dog on a strict diet or humans looking for treats to give to their dog more than once a day, as these are quite caloric Dr. Ochoa says these treats are “great for dogs who have anxiety” since they have ingredients that are known to induce feelings of calm. “I actually give my little anxious dog these treats each day to help with her anxiety,” she says. Bone treats like these are also great for dogs who need a distraction. For instance, if you have guests over, you might give your dog this treat to focus on and help calm them down a bit. Size: 7 oz. | Calories per treat: 83.5 | Primary ingredients: Dried potatoes, chicken, chamomile The 14 Best Calming Dog Beds of 2024 Best Bacon-Flavored Purina Beggin' Strips Dog Treats Target View On Amazon $12 View On Target $4 View On Walmart $12 Who It’s Good For Those needing treats that are great as occasional rewards for really good behavior Who It’s Not Good For Dog owners looking for training treats, as these aren't the healthiest option If your dog loves bacon, (let's be honest… what dog doesn’t?) Dr. Whittenburg recommends the classic Beggin’ Strips. These treats offer a crunchy bite with delicious flavor combinations like bacon and cheese, peanut butter, and beef. “In my experience, almost every dog loves Beggin’ Strips,” says Dr. Whittenburg. “These treats are very yummy, but are not very healthy, so [they] must be offered only in moderation." Size: 25 oz. | Calories per treat: 35 | Primary ingredients: Pork, barley, rice Best Crunchy Purina Prime Bars Dog Biscuits Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart $5 View On Chewy $5 Who It’s Good For Any picky dog or a dog that requires more natural ingredients due to any sensitivities Who It’s Not Good For Dogs that prefer soft treats or chews Some dogs will eat anything, and others are a little pickier. For picky dogs, sometimes flavor and texture can play a role in what they like to eat. These treats provide a nice crunchy bite as well as natural flavors. “My dog loved crunchy treats so these were a hit for her,” says Dr. Ushi. “They have limited ingredients like quinoa and barley without all the extra flavorings and preservatives.” These treats also come in a fairly small bag, so they’re quite portable when you need to take treats with you for an outing. Size: 16 oz. | Calories per treat: 35 | Primary ingredients: Bison, quinoa, barley The 6 Best Dog DNA Tests of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs Best for Urinary Health Zesty Paws Urinary Supplement for Dogs Chewy View On Amazon $30 View On Target $30 View On Walmart $27 Who It’s Good For Dogs that suffer from frequent bladder infections Who It’s Not Good For Dogs with normally functioning bladders These delicious and nutritious treats are ideal for curing any bladder infections, as well as boosting kidney health, and supporting immune functions. Dr. Ochoa recommends these treats if your dog has “reccurring urinary tract infections or bladder issues.” She says the Zesty Bladder Bites can “help prevent these infections” from even developing in the first place. “I have a schnoodle with a history of bladder infections,” Dr. Ochoa says. “She takes these treats each day to help decrease the amount of bladder infections that she has.” Size: 12.7 oz. (90 chews) | Calories per treat: Not listed | Primary ingredients: Cranberry concentrate, marshmallow, astragalus root Best Blueberry-Flavored Bocce's Bakery Crunchy Dog Treats Bocce's Bakery View On Boccesbakery.com View On Chewy $17 Who It’s Good For Those looking for treats as a motivating reward or needing a treat that's allergy-friendly (these are made with all-natural ingredients) Who It’s Not Good For Anyone looking for training treats —they’re a little pricey and might not serve well for training since you’ll run out faster Made with just five all-natural ingredients, these treats are allergy-friendly and provide a delicious few bites when rewarding your dog. “My chihuahua is so picky about what she eats, but she loves Bocce’s soft and chewy treats,” says PEOPLE Senior Commerce Editor Erin Johnson. “She’s tried multiple flavors and gobbles up any of them as soon as I give them to her.” These treats are also fairly low in calories, so they can be utilized for any dog regardless of diet plan. Size: 12 oz. | Calories per treat: 17 | Primary ingredients: Barley flour, peanut butter, rolled oats, blueberries, and honey Dog Talking Buttons Are the TikTok-Viral Way to Communicate With Your Pooch Best Organic Grandma Lucy's Oven Baked Dog Treats Chewy View On Walmart $20 View On Chewy $11 View On Petflow.com Who It’s Good For Dogs who have allergies or sensitive stomachs Who It’s Not Good For Those looking for training treats, since they’re larger and more caloric Dr. Ushi recommends these organic baked treats because they contain “organic ingredients and a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote good digestive health.” This makes them ideal for dogs with potential sensitivities or allergies because there are only organic ingredients that are less likely to cause upset. The treats come in an assortment of flavors — blueberry, apple, pumpkin, cranberry, banana and sweet potato, and lemon honey — so no matter what flavors your dog prefers, there’s a treat that will be the perfect reward. Size: 14 oz. | Calories per treat: 15 | Primary ingredients: Organic wheat flour, organic rice flour, organic palm oil Best for General Wellness Fruitables Crunchy Dog Treats Chewy View On Amazon $6 View On Target $6 View On Walmart $6 Who It’s Good For Owners looking for affordable treats to help general wellness Who It’s Not Good For They aren’t bad for any dog from what we can determine Using a blend of superfoods as ingredients, these treats are a wealth of health benefits rolled into one bite. They contain blueberries which are a great source of antioxidants, pumpkin which helps with digestion, and potatoes which contain many types of vitamins. These treats use this “combination of superfoods as a general wellness treat for your pet,” says Dr. Ochoa. Plus, she points out, “These treats smell great for your dogs and are very healthy.” Size: 7 oz. | Calories per treat: 8 | Primary ingredients: Pumpkin oats, barley, potatoes, blueberries The 8 Best Dog Pens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed How to Pick the Right Dog Treats Read the label Reading the packaging on a treat can tell you a lot — e.g., ingredients, calorie count, sourcing — that can help you pick the right treat for your dog. In general, a treat with just a few, high-quality ingredients is better than one with a lot of processed ingredients and artificial flavors, and a low calorie-per-treat count can help your pet maintain a healthy weight. Regarding sourcing, Mankowski recommends looking for protein that is sourced in the United States, since different countries have different quality standards. Think about your dog’s sensitivities All dogs are different, so what works for one dog might not work for another. When choosing a dog treat, consider your dog’s current diet and needs, and avoid any products that might irritate its sensitivities. It may be helpful to choose a treat with a similar protein to your dog’s usual food. Pay attention to size Treats that are too big can cause problems for smaller dogs, like weight gain or choking hazards, and treats that are too small might not be enough of a reward for a big dog. Be sure to choose an appropriately sized treat. Some treats come in various sizes for different breeds and life stages. Frequently Asked Questions What ingredients should I avoid? Generally, it’s a good idea to avoid treats that are high in fat or unhealthy ingredients, such as corn syrup. You should also stay away from treats that could be choking hazards or that could cause dental fractures, such as hard antlers and bones. Are grain-free treats okay? Grain-free diets in dogs have been linked to heart disease, so many vets recommend avoiding grain-free food and treats. Is it okay to give my dog high-calorie treats? High-calorie treats can be okay in moderation. If a treat has an especially high calorie count, you may want to break it into smaller pieces. If you’re not sure about a treat, consult your vet. Take Our Word For It Missy Schrott Boylan is an awarding-winning journalist who specializes in lifestyle and pets writing. She has also written for The Spruce, Apartment Therapy, and The Canine Review. Madison Yauger, who updated this piece, is a seasoned journalist and staff commerce writer with a background in news and lifestyle. For this story, she spoke with Dr. Rob Mankowski, DVM, co-owner of Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey; Dr. Kristi Crow, DVM, who practices veterinary medicine in Indianapolis; Dr. Jaime Wittenburg, DVM, veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers; Dr. Sara Ochoa (DVM), veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers; and Dr. Georgina Ushi, DVM at Fuzzy. 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