The 8 Best Grain-Free Dog Treats
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Grain-free pet food options abound in the pet food market today, representing more than 40% of available dry dog foods in the United States.
Grain-free treats can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, but with so many choices on the market, which is the best option for your pet?
Here are our preferences for the best grain-free treats for dogs.
Credit: Amazon
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats
While they may be a crunchy treat, Blue Buffalo treats are still wheat-free. They’re also produced with real meat (not meat by-product) and have omega 3 & 6 fatty acids plus antioxidants. The treats are also high in protein for dogs needing a little daily boost.
They can be utilized for training or just for giving a decent treat. They also come in multiple flavors, including salmon, bison, red meat, duck, turkey, and venison. Talk about options!
Pros: Naturally cleans teeth, Multiple flavors, tasty
Cons: Too crumbly for dog training but great for a snack or reward, one of the higher calorie options
Credit: Chewy
Buddy Biscuits Grain-Free Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Suppose your dog is old or prefers soft and chewy treats. In that case, these grain-free Buddy Biscuit treats are delicious and nutritional. The treats are produced without wheat, soy, or corn and have simple ingredients.
The treats come in numerous flavors as well. You can choose peanut butter, grilled beef, and roasted chicken. They’re also produced in the USA, are low in calories and fat, and are an excellent solution for dogs with allergies or chewing difficulties.
Pros: One of the lower calorie options, Simple ingredients, Free of corn, soy, fillers, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
Cons: They contain pea and potato flour
Credit: Amazon
Pawstruck All Natural Grain-Free Jerky
This grain-free jerky is another excellent option for dogs who favor chewier treats. The treats are made without grains, corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals. They’re also free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. You can select a few choices: chicken, turkey, and beef.
Remember that these treats are not a low-calorie option. So, if your dog is on a special diet or you’re attempting to watch their weight, these treats may not be the best selection. They’re also high in fat, so saving treats to a minimum (no more than five a day, depending on the size of your dog) is recommended.
Pros: 100% natural beef esophagus straps, Good for dental health, helps promote healthy joints and hips
Cons: Very strong, distinct odor
Credit: Chewy
Merrick Grain Free Kitchen Bites Dog Treats
These funnily named treats mimic the food your dog may try to swipe from your kitchen counter. The treats, like the suitably named “Grammy’s Pot Pie,” are made with natural ingredients and food you can find in your kitchen counters and fridge.
These are crunchy treats, but they’re small enough to work for puppies, small dogs, and big dogs. Further flavors include brauts-n-tots, wingalings, turducken, and cowboy cookout. They’re made in the USA and contain real meats, bacon, and turkey. They’re free from preservatives, making these a treat you can feel good about giving your dog.
Pros: Free from preservatives, includes real meat, natural ingredients
Cons: High in calories
Credit: Chewy
Wellness Natural Pet Food Treats
These tiny treats are made with small dogs in mind. They’re also a bit “out there” regarding flavors, so if you know your dog is picky, these may not be the best option. For adventurous dogs, though, these are a great pick.
The treats are made with meat and pea protein/fiber, creating a lower-calorie but high-protein option. They have a chewy texture, containing flaxseed to encourage a healthy coat, and are grain-free.
You can choose between two bag sizes, 6 ounces or 8 ounces, which is always a great way to try them out before committing to a giant bag. The treats come in different flavors, like turkey, pomegranate, and chicken and cherries.
Pros: One of the lower calorie options, high protein
Cons: Some consumers stated they are not good for sensitive bellies
Credit: Chewy
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dog Treats
These limited-ingredient treats are the perfect solution for dogs with multiple allergies or intolerances who love savory treats. These treats also guarantee that they’ve been independently tested and are safe for your dog to consume.
The treats come in numerous sizes (including a “bulk” alternative of 28 ounces) and flavors. Some flavors contain brown rice and lamb, potato and duck, sweet potato and bison, and sweet potato and fish. They are grain-free and produced with real meat; each formula has only ten or fewer ingredients!
Pros: Multiple flavors, contains real meat, good for dogs with allergies or intolerances
Cons: Some consumers stated they can be overcooked
Credit: Chewy
American Journey Peanut Butter Grain-Free Oven Baked Dog Treats
These sweet treats are crunchy, healthy, and perfect for dogs of all sizes. They’re also an ideal treat choice for training since they’re small and low in calories. They’re entirely grain-free and don’t have any wheat, corn, or soy. They’re made with real and natural ingredients, including chickpeas and peanut butter, so they’re safe for your canine and have ingredients you know and trust, with nothing extra. The company also has a 16-ounce bag option, which is excellent for bigger dogs!
Pros: High in protein, No added by-products or artificial preservatives
Cons: High in calories
Credit: Amazon
Three Dog Bakery Grain-Free Wafers
The Three Dog Bakery wafers come in cute dog bone shapes and are the first on this list to have the sweet potato flavor many dogs enjoy. They also have other tasty and sweet flavors, including banana, peanut butter, and pumpkin.
Although these treats are considered crunchy, they’re light, airy, and melt on your dog’s tongue. So you don’t have to worry about your small dog or puppy choking on these treats accidentally.
The treats are made in the USA and in small batches. They have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and cinnamon and potato flour are on the ingredients list. They have egg and milk, so keep that in mind if your dog is allergic to those ingredients.
Pros: no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons: Some consumers stated they can be overcooked and not soft
FAQs
Are Grain-Free Treats a Healthy Option for Dogs?
Grain-free treats are safe to consume. Generally speaking, dog treats—grain-free or otherwise—should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Like your dog’s kibble, they should be made from healthy, high-quality ingredients.
Many grain-free dog treats contain few to no preservatives, are made with natural ingredients that you could find in your kitchen, and are delicious while being nutritious.
What Should You Look for in Grain-Free Dog Treats?
There are a lot of grain-free dog treat labels out there that use high-quality ingredients. Still, many others pump their treats with fillers and other hard-to-digest ingredients.
Here are some other qualities to look for in grain-free dog treats:
A short list of high-quality, nutritious ingredients
Animal protein as the first ingredient
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Free from grains, particularly corn, wheat, and soy
Limited number of calories per serving
What are "Power Bites" in terms of dog treats?
Power Bites are these awesome treats packed with real Texas beef, chicken, salmon, and turkey. They're like little energy boosters for your furry pals.
What makes freeze-dried raw dog treats different from other treats?
Freeze-drying locks in all the natural flavors and nutrients without messing with the good stuff. It's like eating fresh food but in a super convenient, shelf-stable form.
How should grain free treats be used in a dog's diet?
These treats are fantastic for occasional rewards, training incentives, or just as a delightful snack to complement your dog's balanced diet.
