Finding the Strongest Dog Bite in 10 Breeds
Tips For Cleaning Dog's Teeth
Ever wonder how dogs kept their teeth clean before they were domesticated?Kate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
Wild dogs were eating raw carcasses, so they were chewing on bone and sinew, and they were tearing at flesh, and that would take hours.Will Draper, DVM
And by chewing on the hard surface of the bones, they strengthened their teeth, they stimulated their gums, and they wore off some of the plaque and tartar.Narrator
Tip number one to keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy: Let him chew. But not on just anything. First, make sure it's safe. No sticks, no rocks, and be careful about bones.Will Draper, DVM
Chicken bones, horrible, they splinter, they are small. They will lodge in their mouth and they will swallow them, and you will be going to the emergency room to have it removed. Rib bones, horrible. Any bones that come from the dinner plate to the dog are typically not good. Because the bones tend to be softer. They also tend to have a lot of salt and meat and things that just don't do well with dogs' GI systemKate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
Raw beef bones that you buy from your grocery store, or from the butchery, work fantastically well. And they gnaw on them with their back teeth and keep those back molars clean.Narrator
But what if your dog won't chew a bone? Try one of the many commercial treats.Will Draper, DVM
What I tell owners when ask me, look, I found this dental treat here, what do you think about this? I say look on the bag and see if you see a seal for the Veterinary Oral Health Council, because they have tested them. They have made sure they are safe, not only for their oral health, but their gastrointestinal health and health otherwise.Narrator
Next, make sure the chew treat is going to last awhile. You want to see that deep chewing action on the back of the teeth—that's what's going to break down the plague and tartar. If you see it going down this fast, you'll know you made the wrong choice.Kate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
Pig's ears are a good way to tell actually, big dogs and little dogs. If they'll spend a good 20 minutes on a pig's ear, then you have a light chewer. If the pig's ear is gone within two or three minutes, you are probably going to have to invest in some marrowbones and bully sticks.Narrator
If your dog is a rawhide lover, be sure to choose the right size.Will Draper, DVM
Giving a big rawhide to a dog, a small dog, that they could potentially swallow could cause them some GI upset.Narrator
Another tip: avoid feeding your dog wet food, which clings to the teeth and encourages plague buildup. Stick to dry food. For especially bad teeth, there are even dental diets.Will Draper, DVM
The kernels are very big and hard. And they are designed so that when the dog bites in to it in an essence, pulls the tartar and plaque off of their teeth. There is always the potential with those hard diets, however, that pets can crack their teeth, and it's a warning generally listed on most of the quality treats and diets.Surgery Nurse
Dr. Stacy will you take a quick peak at this? Just got a little bit of a fracture right here.Narrator
Because cracked teeth can be an unfortunate byproduct of chewing on bones, treats and dental diets, vets recommend regular checkups and professional dental cleanings.Kate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
You gonna want to brush in a circular motion, paying most attention canine in the back of their mouth.Narrator
Last tip: chewing alone can never replace regular brushing. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth every day, but at least try for 2-3 times a week. Your pet might even thank you by flashing his pearly whites. For WebMD, I'm Sandee LaMotte.","publisher":"WebMD Video"} ]]>
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Narrator
Ever wonder how dogs kept their teeth clean before they were domesticated?Kate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
Wild dogs were eating raw carcasses, so they were chewing on bone and sinew, and they were tearing at flesh, and that would take hours.Will Draper, DVM
And by chewing on the hard surface of the bones, they strengthened their teeth, they stimulated their gums, and they wore off some of the plaque and tartar.Narrator
Tip number one to keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy: Let him chew. But not on just anything. First, make sure it's safe. No sticks, no rocks, and be careful about bones.Will Draper, DVM
Chicken bones, horrible, they splinter, they are small. They will lodge in their mouth and they will swallow them, and you will be going to the emergency room to have it removed. Rib bones, horrible. Any bones that come from the dinner plate to the dog are typically not good. Because the bones tend to be softer. They also tend to have a lot of salt and meat and things that just don't do well with dogs' GI systemKate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
Raw beef bones that you buy from your grocery store, or from the butchery, work fantastically well. And they gnaw on them with their back teeth and keep those back molars clean.Narrator
But what if your dog won't chew a bone? Try one of the many commercial treats.Will Draper, DVM
What I tell owners when ask me, look, I found this dental treat here, what do you think about this? I say look on the bag and see if you see a seal for the Veterinary Oral Health Council, because they have tested them. They have made sure they are safe, not only for their oral health, but their gastrointestinal health and health otherwise.Narrator
Next, make sure the chew treat is going to last awhile. You want to see that deep chewing action on the back of the teeth—that's what's going to break down the plague and tartar. If you see it going down this fast, you'll know you made the wrong choice.Kate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
Pig's ears are a good way to tell actually, big dogs and little dogs. If they'll spend a good 20 minutes on a pig's ear, then you have a light chewer. If the pig's ear is gone within two or three minutes, you are probably going to have to invest in some marrowbones and bully sticks.Narrator
If your dog is a rawhide lover, be sure to choose the right size.Will Draper, DVM
Giving a big rawhide to a dog, a small dog, that they could potentially swallow could cause them some GI upset.Narrator
Another tip: avoid feeding your dog wet food, which clings to the teeth and encourages plague buildup. Stick to dry food. For especially bad teeth, there are even dental diets.Will Draper, DVM
The kernels are very big and hard. And they are designed so that when the dog bites in to it in an essence, pulls the tartar and plaque off of their teeth. There is always the potential with those hard diets, however, that pets can crack their teeth, and it's a warning generally listed on most of the quality treats and diets.Surgery Nurse
Dr. Stacy will you take a quick peak at this? Just got a little bit of a fracture right here.Narrator
Because cracked teeth can be an unfortunate byproduct of chewing on bones, treats and dental diets, vets recommend regular checkups and professional dental cleanings.Kate Jackson, Certified Dog Trainer
You gonna want to brush in a circular motion, paying most attention canine in the back of their mouth.Narrator
Last tip: chewing alone can never replace regular brushing. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth every day, but at least try for 2-3 times a week. Your pet might even thank you by flashing his pearly whites. For WebMD, I'm Sandee LaMotte.10 Best Dingo For Dogs
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More info 10 Product FeaturesThe Best Dog Treats Of 2024, According To Veterinarians
For an afternoon energy boost, or after great behavior on a public outing, most pet owners like to spoil their dogs with toys and treats. Dogs seem to love food rewards for many reasons — mainly because they're a welcome change from their daily food. But if you've been giving your pup scraps from your dinner plate, you might want to rethink what (and how much) you're feeding them. Human food, even in small treat-sized amounts, can take up too many of your pet's daily calories and quickly add up to extra pounds, experts say.
You can avoid overfeeding your dog with treats specifically formulated for them that state the number of calories clearly on the label. To help you choose the right ones, I consulted veterinarians and pet experts about how to shop for the best dog treats and compiled their recommendations and NBC Select staff favorites to consider.
SKIP AHEAD How I chose the best dog treatsThe best dog treatsHow to shop for dog treatsWhy trust NBC Select?
Selected.Our top picks See 4 More
Treats should only be considered as one part of your dog's daily diet, which means you should give them out in moderation to avoid going over your pup's recommended calorie count. Keep in mind:
In line with our experts' guidance, each of the following dog treats features a nutrition label on its packaging that indicates the number of calories and fat content per serving as well as the ingredients. Most of them also come in different sizes (or can be broken up into smaller pieces) to accommodate different size dogs and breeds.
Best overall: Hill's Natural Baked Light Small BiscuitsWhat we like
Something to note
These chicken-flavored, low-calorie dog treats received an NBC Select Best for Your Pet Award because they're tasty and don't add extra calories to your pet's diet. A healthy dog treat alternative to higher-calorie options (which can have negative health impacts over time), these dog biscuits don't contain corn or artificial colors and flavors, according to the brand. Opting for low-calorie treats like these can keep your pet within the AAFCO-recommended daily nutrition intake, according to our experts. It comes in two bag sizes: small and medium.
Calories (per treat): 34 kcalKey ingredients: Chicken, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Wheat, Wheat FlourRecommended breed size: All sizesRecommended life stage: Adult and mature
Best treat sticks: SmartBones SmartSticks Beef Chews Dog Treats$8.59
$9.51
Amazon
$9.51
$12.99
Chewy
$10.21
Walmart
What we like
These beef-flavored, rawhide-free sticks are a favorite of my 15-pound, 6-year-old havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, who has half of one for breakfast every morning. These sticks are harder than most dog treats, so they keep her entertained while the chewing helps keep her teeth and gums healthy. They're also made with real beef and enriched with vitamins and minerals that make digesting them easier, according to the brand.
Calories (per treat): 55 kcalKey ingredients: Corn, chicken, glycerin, sorbitolRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
I feed Bella these beef-flavored sticks as a breakfast treat (along with her daily dental chew).Courtesy Mili Godio Best for puppies: Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Dog Treats $4.98
$6.99
Amazon
$4.98
$6.99
Chewy
$12.89
Target
What we like
Something to note
These real meat-flavored training treats from Blue Buffalo — which NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri feeds her 2-year-old maltipoo Bandit — can be great for both puppies and adult dogs. They are formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help maintain your dog's skin and coat health and don't contain soy, wheat or artificial flavors and preservatives, according to Blue Buffalo. The treats also come in a portable bag to take them on the go, says Daruvuri.
Calories (per treat): 4 kcalKey ingredients: Chicken, oatmeal, brown rice, cane sugar, potatoesRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best for joint health: Zuke's Hip Action Hip & Joint Natural Dog Treats$23.99
Amazon
$23.99
Petco
What we like
Another option from Zuke's, these treats come in both beef and chicken flavors and are good for dogs with joint issues, according to the brand. NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin feeds these to her 12-year-old yellow lab Chance because they contain egg shell membrane, which can help improve hip and joint health, according to Zuke's. These soft treats also contain antioxidant-rich whole food berries as well as essential vitamins and minerals for dogs.
Calories (per treat): 19 kcalKey ingredients: Chicken, rice, oats, malted barley extract, maple flavored syrupRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best variety pack: Old Mother Hubbard Original Mix Oven-Baked Dog Treats$12.49
$13.99
Amazon
$12.49
$13.99
Chewy
$12.49
Target
What we like
Something to note
Old Mother Hubbard has a variety of tasty treat flavors, including peanut butter and apples and bacon and cheddar cheese. I give this small-sized variety pack to Bella, who loves the diversity of the flavors. This mix comes with the brand's original flavor, along with chicken, cheddar and Char-Tar (a mixture of oatmeal, apples and carrots).
Calories (per treat): n/aKey ingredients: Whole wheat flour, oatmeal, wheat bran, chicken fat, chickenRecommended breed size: Small breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best low-calorie: Zuke's Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats$16.98
$20.38
Amazon
$16.98
$18.99
Petco
$8.89
$10.59
Walmart
What we like
Something to note
The Zuke's Mini Naturals treats are a great training treat option, says Nelson. They come in tiny morsels, so you don't have to break them up as you're working with your dog on a new skill. Mini Naturals are wheat-free and corn-free for dogs who may have stomach sensitivities or allergies, and they contain no added animal fat, artificial colors or artificial flavors, according to the brand.
Calories (per treat): 2 kcalKey ingredients: Chicken, rice, oats, glycerin, potatoesRecommended breed size: Small breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best freeze-dried treats: Maeve Human-Grade Freeze Dried TreatsWhat we like
These freeze-dried dog treats are made from 100% beef liver, and are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs who may need a single-ingredient diet. "They have one ingredient, so they could not be more natural. There are also no filler ingredients, so I love knowing that when I'm going to give my dogs treats, it's not just 'junk food,'" says Malin. "Plus, Chance is 12 years old, so I have to watch what he eats." The brand recommends feeding your pup no more than a small handful of these treats per day.
Calories (per treat): 2 kcalKey ingredients: Beef liverRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: Adult
Malin loves feeding these freeze-dried treats to her 12-year-old yellow lab Chance because they have one ingredient, so she doesn't have to worry about it upsetting his stomach or other side effects.Courtesy Zoe Malin Best dental treats: Greenies Regular Dog Dental Treats $17.98
Amazon
$17.98
$19.99
Chewy
$17.99
Target
What we like
These dental treats have a stamp of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, which means a group of veterinary dentists and dental scientists confirmed the treats reduce plaque and tartar build-up in dogs. The treats help maintain gum and dental health as well as help freshen your pup's breath, experts say. They're also made with easy-to-digest ingredients, vitamins and minerals, according to the brand. I feed the brand's Teenie Greenies to my dog, Bella, and they've helped avoid any issues with her teeth and gums, which her breed is predisposed to. She also loves the taste of them and gobbles them up quickly.
Calories (per treat): 91 kcalKey ingredients: Wheat flour, glycerin, wheat gluten, gelatin, waterRecommended breed size: Medium breedsRecommended life stage: Adult and mature
Bella, a 15-pound havanese and bichon frise mix, eats one small-sized Greenies dental treat every morning.Courtesy Mili Godio Best soft treats: Kong Easy Treat $14.89
Walmart
$14.99
$16.49
Petco
$14.99
$15.99
PetSmart
What we like
Something to note
This semi-soft peanut butter-flavored treat from Kong — which makes some of our experts' favorite dog toys — comes in a dispenser that works like spray cheese, so you can put it inside of a chew toy to keep your dog entertained. You can also place a treat-filled toy in the freezer before handing it to your pup to make it last longer, according to the brand.
Calories: 3,000 kcal totalKey ingredients: Milk, water, soybean oil, whey, sodium phosphateRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: Adult
Best for large dogs: Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits$14.98
Walmart
$14.98
$14.99
Chewy
$15.29
Amazon
What we like
Something to note
These are the largest classic bone-shaped dog biscuits on this list, and they are a great option if the smaller treats just don't cut it for your large breed pup. My family dogs have included medium to large breeds like doberman pinschers and golden retrievers, and these biscuits were always a staple in my house. The crunchy treats are beef-flavored and help reduce tartar build-up on their teeth, according to the brand. They also come in a large, 10-pound box, so you won't have to worry about running out any time soon.
Calories (per treat): 125 kcalKey ingredients: Wheat flour, ground whole wheat flour, meat and bone mealRecommended breed size: Large and giantRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best for training: Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon-Flavored Dog Treats$16.64
$17.49
Amazon
$16.64
$18.49
Petco
$16.64
$18.49
Chewy
What we like
Something to note
These Pet Botanics dog treats — which are three calories each — are made with real pork liver, according to the brand. I give Bella these tasty treats when teaching her new commands and to reward good behavior. She loves the bacon flavor and since they come as small, low-calorie pellets, I can give her multiple treats at a time while still keeping track of her nutritional intake for the day.
Calories (per treat): 3 kcalKey ingredients: Pork liver, pea flour, potatoes, dried whole eggs, glycerin, flaxseed, brown riceRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best long-lasting: Pupford Thick Bully Sticks Dog Treat$38.99
Amazon
$25.34
$38.99
Pupford
$38.99
Chewy
What we like
These rawhide-free bully sticks are great if you need a long-lasting treat to occupy your dog when they're home alone or in stressful situations, like if they're in a car or around lots of people. I give Bella the skinny version of these Pupford bully sticks (which are made for small dogs) when we're traveling because they last for hours and keep her entertained, especially on an airplane. The sticks help clean her teeth and scrape away plaque as she chews, too. The brand also has other long-lasting treats, including dog chews in flavors like elk antler and beef tendon, and beef jerky treats.
Calories (per treat): 75 kcalKey ingredients: BeefRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best beef-flavored: Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites$8.99
$10.79
Amazon
$8.99
$10.79
Chewy
$9.99
Target
Something to note
These beef-flavored Rachel Ray Nutrish dog treats are a favorite of Daruvuri's Bandit, who also loves the roasted chicken-flavored ones from the brand. The treats are soft enough to break apart easily for smaller dogs and are made without artificial flavors or meat by-products for sensitive stomachs, according to the brand.
Calories (per treat): 19 kcalKey ingredients: Beef, dried potatoes, vegetable glycerin, sugar, bisonRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Daruvuri's 2-year-old maltese and poodle mix Bandit loves these soft and chewy treats, which do not upset his sensitive stomach.Courtesy Sadhana Daruvuri Best salmon-flavored: Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Salmon $21.99
Amazon
$19.99
Badlands Ranch
What we like
These freeze-dried treats are a favorite of NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez's 8-year-old pitbull Baylor. "My dog's a picky eater with a sensitive stomach, so I'm usually nervous to introduce new dog food or treats to her. Since these only have one ingredient — freeze-dried wild salmon — I took the risk, and luckily it paid off," says Alvarez. "She's been loving them, listening more and I haven't noticed any stomach problems since introducing them into her routine."
Calories: 190 kcal per cupKey ingredients: Raw wild salmonRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best flavor-packed: Pup-Peroni Rounds Beef Brisket Dog TreatsWhat we like
Something to note
Former NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara feeds her 3-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, Loki, these beef brisket treats, and she says he loves the flavor and texture. They're made with real beef and come with a fun, round shape that resembles real human-grade pepperoni. The treats contain no artificial flavors, fillers or added grains, according to the brand.
Calories (per treat): n/aKey ingredients: Beef, meat by-products, soy grits, liverRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best turkey-flavored: Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe With Cranberries$16.99
$19.99
Amazon
$18.99
$21.99
Chewy
What we like
These treats from Spot Farms contain a blend of turkey (the first ingredient), high-fiber rolled oats, honey and cranberries. Free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives and colors, you can give these treats to your dog whole or split them up into small training-sized treats to give throughout the day, according to the brand. They're also highly rated, with a 4.6-star average rating from over 1,100 reviews on Amazon.
Calories (per treat): 34 kcalKey ingredients: Turkey, rolled oats, honey, glycerin, rice bran, cranberries, potato starchRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best stuffed treats: SmartBones Pork Stuffed Twistz$7.56
Amazon
$7.56
$8.29
Chewy
$7.99
$8.99
Petco
What we like
These rawhide-free treats from NBC Select staff-favorite brand Smartbones are filled with a pork-flavored chew center to add a surprise boost of palatability for your canine friend. They're also made with real chicken and vegetables, according to the brand. Smartbones also has a peanut butter option with a pork-flavored center, as well as beef and chicken-flavored options. If you have a smaller dog, you may want to consider the brand's mini treats, instead — these chew sticks could be hard for them to break into pieces.
Calories (per treat): 90 kcalKey ingredients: Corn, chicken, rice, glycerin, sorbitol, peanut butterRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
Best for pet cameras: Petcube PopsWhat we like
Something to note
These square-shaped biscuits are compatible with the treat-launching Petcube Bites 2 Lite, which won an NBC Select Pet Award for the best stationary pet camera. You can place the Petcube Pops inside of the dispenser and toss the treats to your pet when you're not home. The treats come in three flavor options — duck, rabbit, and pumpkin — and are packed with vitamins C and E to help maintain their immune system and a healthy coat, according to the brand.
Calories (per treat): 2 kcalKey ingredients: Rabbit, egg yolk, salmon oil, chlorella powder, soybean lecithinRecommended breed size: All breedsRecommended life stage: All life stages
These small treats fit perfectly inside the Petcube pet camera, so I can throw treats to Bella when I'm not home.Courtesy Mili Godio Treats should only be given in moderation, which may mean your dog shouldn't get them on a daily basis. "Too many treats can interfere with the balance of your pet's core diet — it's recommended that treats make up no more than 10% of a pet's daily calorie intake," says Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
To determine what treats are best for your dog, our pet experts recommend looking at the ingredients, size and calorie count of each treat. They also discussed other types of treats — like dental treats and grain-free options — and whether they can benefit your dog's health.
Determine nutritional balanceKeep in mind that treats aren't typically designed to be nutritionally balanced. Deciding how to add treats into your dog's diet is the biggest consideration when it comes to your own research: "If you start feeding your dog a lot of treats and cut back on their kibble, you start running into nutrient deficiencies," says Dr. Joe Wakshlag, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
Too many treats can also result in diarrhea and occasional vomiting, so it's important to choose brands that clearly state the calories contained in each treat and include feeding recommendations on the back of the packaging, says Freels. If you're in doubt, The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center also offers a handy daily calorie calculator for pets.
If you want to be extra sure the treats you're feeding your dog are healthy, look for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy label (which is usually in small print on the bag). However, unlike dog food, treats don't have to have the AAFCO label on their packaging — the association says it recognizes that treat products don't meet the nutritional adequacy requirements for a complete and balanced meal, which is why they must clearly display the terms "snack" or "treat" on the front label.
Analyze good (and bad) ingredientsDog owners should avoid artificial sweeteners like xylitol in the dog treats they buy, says Freels. Other things to avoid include artificial colors, excessive salt (which will increase thirst) and syrups and molasses (which are high in sugar). Be mindful of foods like grapes or raisins, which can be healthy for people but toxic to dogs, says Nelson. If you're not sure about a certain food, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains a list of foods that can be harmful to your pet.
If you want to reduce their calorie intake, dog-safe fruits and vegetables — including bell pepper, carrots, green beans, apples and bananas, to name a few — offer very few calories and have some good nutrition to them, according to Wakshlag. "And it's not diluting down the calories that they get from their food — those are things you can get a lot more of as treats than commercial treats or pieces of steak that are going to be calorie dense," he says.
Find the right sizeWhile watching a puppy struggle with an oversized bone looks adorable, giving a dog a treat that's too big or too small for them can be dangerous. "The size of the treat should be proportional to the size of your dog. Very small dogs shouldn't have large treats and [vice versa]," says Nelson. Keep an eye on your dog while they're chewing larger treats like rawhide chews that can break apart and turn into choking hazards, and break up big biscuits to cut down on the calories per treat, too, she says.
Size also depends on what you are using the treat for: training versus mental stimulation or enrichment. Training treats are going to be very small, which means more can be given as a reward for positive behavior. Regular treats, on the other hand, are larger, such as bully sticks, bones and dog chews, and should be used only for enrichment or mental stimulation, according to Freels. Too much of a large treat can cause GI Issues, so these enrichment treats should be given less regularly. If you're using treats for training, "very small treats — the size of a thumbnail — are going to be best so more can be given without causing any GI indiscretion," says Freels.
Should I get my dog dental treats?
While regular brushing is the best way to keep your dog's gums and teeth free of plaque, dental treats can help tone down your dog's breath and clean their teeth. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council label, which indicates that the dental treat has met pre-set standards to help reduce tartar and plaque development on their teeth, says Freels.
You should also consider what type of chewer the dog is to see if they'd actually benefit from dental treats, according to our experts. If these treats aren't being fully chewed, you're likely better off scheduling annual professional dental cleanings, especially for smaller dogs who are more prone to dental problems, says Wakshlag. You should also be sure to count the number of calories in dental chews because they can add up fast.
What about grain-free dog treats?
A grain-free formula — which is made without wheat, barley, rye and corn — isn't usually better for your dog compared to a typical formula, and it can sometimes prevent them from getting their appropriate daily nutritional intake, experts told us. Carbohydrates, corn especially, can provide extra fiber for better digestion and important vitamins and minerals and antioxidants in your dog's diet, says Dr. Brian Roberts, a board-certified veterinarian and regional medical director in the Mid-Atlantic region with VCA Animal Hospitals , in our guide to dog food.
In 2018, the FDA opened an investigation to examine a potential link between grain-free diets and a heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Nelson recommends avoiding grain-free treats but noted you should ultimately consult your veterinarian. "The grain-free phenomenon is a fad from human nutrition," she says. "When the grain is removed, other ingredients, like higher glycemic carbohydrates or fat, may be added — and those lead to other issues."
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am an editor at NBC Select who covers a variety of pet essentials, including dog food, travel carriers and shampoos. For this article, I spoke to five veterinarians and dog experts about how to shop for the best treats for your dog, including health considerations and nutritional value. I also compiled their recommendations for the best dog treats to consider, as well as options that NBC Select staff give their own dogs.
Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
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