From clean ingredients to training and best on a budget
Author of the article:
Hilary Shandonay
Published Jun 05, 2024 • Last updated 6hours ago • 4 minute read
![Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (1) Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (1)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/best-dog-treats.png?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&h=216&sig=S5DD1mgKAFwwEFPVmJcp2w)
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Have you ever wandered through a pet store, wondering which treats your dog will like, which ones give you the best value for your money and so on? Me too! I’ve bought treats my dogs didn’t like, upsetting their stomachs or containing harmful ingredients. Don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Advertisem*nt 2
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Don't have an account? Create Account
or
View more offers
Article content
Read on for a guide to finding the best treats to spoil your dogs — all while prioritizing their health and happiness — as well as keeping your wallet in mind.
Summary of the best dog treats
Best for clean ingredients: Cookie Pal Pumpkin & Chia Biscuits
Best for oral hygiene: Whimzees Wellness Dental Treats
Best for training: Blue Buffalo Bits Training Dog Treats
Best for budgeting: Milk Bone Large Biscuits
Our favourite dog treats explained
Cleanest Ingredients: Cookie Pal Pumpkin & Chia Biscuits
Why you’ll love them:
- Made in Canada
- They are designed with ridges so you can easily break them off into smaller pieces
- Certified organic
![Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (3) Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (3)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cookie-Pal-Pumpkin-Chia-Biscuits.png?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&sig=xitxL24AwxkeT1e1nb2WcA)
Capacity: Pack of 3 bags, 300g
Price: $22.99
Where to buy: Amazon | Cookie Pal | PetSmart (one bag)
Cookie Pal Pumpkin & Chia Biscuits win best clean ingredients because the ingredients are all things we know and love, plus they are certified organic.
One of my dogs is an extremely picky eater and oftentimes she doesn’t fancy the treats I’ve previously purchased. On the flip side, my other dog will down anything you give him. But finding something that they’ll both enjoy is tough — these ones are approved by even the pickiest of dogs, including my girl.
Shopping Essentials
Product reviews, deals, roundups and interviews to help you make better buying decisions.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Advertisem*nt 3
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Another benefit is that you can easily divide these treats into smaller portions. This can come in handy when you have dogs of varying sizes or need smaller treats for training purposes. Additionally, they offer a range of flavours like sweet potato and flaxseed, peanut butter and banana and coconut.
Best for oral hygiene: Whimzees Natural Dental Treats
Why you’ll love them:
- They help fight tarter and bad breath
- Dogs can have them daily
- They have a variety of sizes based on the weight of your dog
![Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (5) Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (5)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Whimzees-Natural-Grain-Free-Daily-Dental-Long-Lasting-Dog-Treats.png?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&sig=Foi3isNK_Lu4zXbMw-Gj5Q)
Capacity: Seven large treats per bag, 363g
Price: $27.99
Where to buy: Amazon | Pet Valu | PetSmart (puppy)
Whimzees Natural Dental Treats win best for oral hygiene. I’ve seen a significant positive change in my dogs’ oral hygiene since giving them these treats daily — we’ve tried quite a variety of different dental sticks that didn’t work.
Before getting dogs, I had no clue that they need almost the same amount of oral care that humans do. But who has the time to clean their dog’s teeth daily and bring them to the vet for regular cleanings every 6 months? These treats are a great alternative to brushing.
Advertisem*nt 4
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, veterinarians agree that not cleaning your dogs’ teeth can lead to oral disease and potentially tooth loss.
These treats are on the pricier side compared to other alternatives such as Milk-Bone Brushing Chews and Pedigree Dentasticks, but Whimsees have fewer ingredients and my dogs enjoy them more than the less expensive alternatives.
Best for training: Blue Buffalo Bits Training Dog Treats
Why you’ll love them:
- Small enough for training
- For all sized dogs, breeds and ages
- Easy on sensitive digestive systems
- Affordable
![Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (6) Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (6)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-Buffalo-Bits-Training-Dog-Treats.png?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&sig=Na_60oprRtW4eoP6Cs0hDQ)
Capacity: 113g bag, (Pack of 1)
Price: $6.91
Where to buy: Amazon | Chewy
When I got my first puppy, I had a difficult time finding treats that I could use for training that didn’t hurt his sensitive stomach. These treats worked perfectly, as they’re also cost-efficient and easy on the digestive system. After having my two dogs for three to four years, I still reach for these treats for training every now and then.
Since these treats are small and soft, they are safe to use for puppy training and as well as senior dogs who may have issues chewing hard treats.
Advertisem*nt 5
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Best for budgeting: Milk Bone Biscuits
Why you’ll love them:
- Inexpensive compared to other brands
- A reliable, popular and consistent brand
![Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (7) Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds (7)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Milk-Bone-Large-Biscuits.png?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&sig=Sd0oCsrTT8FkM9AnCaakZA)
Capacity: 2 kg
Price: $9.49
Where to buy: PetSmart |Amazon (three-pack) | Canadian Tire
Milk Bones wins best dog treats for budgeting because you can get a huge box of these for under $10. The reality of owning pets is that keeping those little things fed can get really expensive, so saving a few dollars on treats can help.
Whenever I think of a classic dog treat, my brain goes right to Milk Bone. These treats have been around since the early 1900s. They are consistent, classic and a staple. They also come in a variety of flavours beyond their classics: peanut butter, beef, chicken and sausage.
Recommended from Editorial
- Best gifts for people with pets
- High-quality dog subscription boxes to order in Canada
Shopping Essentialsis a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems —learn more hereorsign up for our newsletter.
Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Create an AccountSign in
Join the Conversation
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
Trending
- Elon Musk questions UBC's job posting: 'Is this even legal in Canada?'
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should 'repent,' half-brother says
- LeBlanc says it would be 'irresponsible' to release names of MPs who aided foreign meddling
- Subscriber only. John Ivison: Behold the shattered wasteland of Liberal government credibility
Subscriber only
- Toronto police end 'unauthorized' encampment at York University
Read Next
Latest from Shopping Essentials
- Kit + Ace review: Ranking my favourite pieces First time trying clothes from the technical fashion Canadian retailer
3hours ago Shopping Essentials
- Here’s where to buy glasses online in Canada Plus, what you need to know before you start shopping
5hours ago Shopping Essentials
Advertisem*nt 2
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
- Our favourite bed sheets to make a dreamy bedroom oasis We tried the best sheets for all kinds of sleepers — many Canadian-made using sustainable methods and materials
6 Comments
13hours ago Shopping Essentials
- Top dog treats for all ages, sizes and breeds From clean ingredients to training and best on a budget
23hours ago Shopping Essentials
- The best online deals in the Canadian retail space right now Kilne, YETI, The Dad Hoodie and ILIA, to name a few
23hours ago Shopping Essentials
This Week in Flyers