Does your dog’s tail wag faster than a hummingbird’s wings when you even *mention* treat time? We all love spoiling our furry best friends, and Target is a go-to spot for everything we need. But let’s be honest: walking down that pet aisle can feel overwhelming. You see bright packaging, fancy ingredient lists, and prices that jump all over the map. How do you know which treats are tasty, healthy, and worth your hard-earned money?
Choosing the perfect treat shouldn’t feel like a complicated science project. Many dog owners worry about hidden fillers, questionable ingredients, or simply buying something their picky pup won’t even touch. We want the best for our dogs, but navigating the massive selection of Target’s dog treat section takes time and energy.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the best, most popular, and highest-quality dog treats you can easily grab on your next Target run. You’ll learn what ingredients to look for, which brands consistently deliver, and how to match the treat to your dog’s needs—whether they need training rewards or just a crunchy snack. Get ready to become the ultimate treat-buying expert!
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.
- 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.
- OVEN-BAKED GOODNESS: Blue Buffalo Health Bars crunchy dog treats deliver oven-baked pumpkin and cinnamon flavor goodness for a satisfying crunch and warm pumpkin spice aroma dogs love
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Designed to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo all-natural dog treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy dog snacks
- REAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with real pumpkin, cinnamon, and wholesome whole grains for crunchy dog cookies Pet Parents feel good about serving and dogs enjoy
- SUPPORTS OVERALL HEALTH: These natural dog snacks are fortified with antioxidants and vitamins to support overall health and well-being in every crunchy bite
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Omega 3 fatty acids from flaxseed help support healthy skin and promote a shiny coat, making these crunchy dog biscuits a smart treat choice
- 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.
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS - This 6 oz bag contains delicious and wholesome dog snacks made with chicken, blueberries, and a touch of tapioca. They provide a crunchy texture and are free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED - Fromm Family Foods is a fifth-generation family-owned-and-operated pet food company based in Wisconsin. Since 1904, our family has maintained a tradition of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals.
- SPOIL YOUR DOG - These dog treats are a great way to show your dog some love and affection, while also providing them with a tasty snack.
- GREAT FOR ALL BREEDS & AGES - Our dog treats are carefully crafted for dogs of all breeds and ages, from Great Danes to Chihuahuas, puppies to seniors, and every breed and stage in between. There are only 2 calories per treat.
- CONVENIENT PACKAGING - Our treats for dogs come in a resealable bag, making them easy to store and keep fresh. You can take them on the go or use them as a training aid for your dog. Your dog will love the taste and look forward to treat time.
- 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
- Chicken First: Pur Luv dog chicken jerky treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Satisfying Treat: The chicken dog treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv chicken treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken Jerky for dogs is a high protein and low fat snack with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Pur Luv Chicken dog jerky treats satisfy your dog’s craving for real chicken and their natural desire to chew; dogs love chicken jerky treats and the flavor that comes from the real whole protein chicken breast, which makes Pur Luv treats so special
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Snagging the Best Dog Treats from Target
Target offers a huge selection of dog treats. Finding the right one for your furry friend can feel like a big job. This guide helps you pick the best snacks for your dog.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at the treat aisle, check these things first. They tell you a lot about the treat’s value.
- **Treat Type:** Do you need training treats, dental chews, or just a reward snack? Training treats are usually small and soft. Dental chews look like hard sticks to clean teeth.
- **Size and Shape:** Match the treat size to your dog. Tiny puppies need tiny treats. Big dogs can handle bigger biscuits.
- **Packaging Seal:** Always check the bag. A tight seal keeps the treats fresh. Freshness matters for taste and safety.
- **Intended Use:** Some treats are for daily rewards. Others are “occasional treats” and should be given less often because they might be higher in calories.
Important Ingredients Matter Most
The ingredients list is the most honest part of the package. Good ingredients make good treats.
High-Quality Protein Sources
The best treats list a real meat source first. Look for things like “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon.” If the first ingredient is “meat by-products” or corn, the quality might be lower.
Natural Additives
Target carries many brands that use natural flavors and colors. Look for real fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes or blueberries. These add vitamins and natural sweetness.
Things to Limit or Avoid
Some fillers reduce the treat’s quality. Avoid treats with a lot of artificial colors (like Red 40 or Blue 1). Also, watch out for too much corn, wheat, or soy if your dog has allergies.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
Quality isn’t just about taste. It’s about what the treat does for your dog’s health.
Quality Boosters
Treats that support specific needs are high quality. For example, dental chews with added enzymes help clean teeth. Treats with Omega-3 fatty acids improve coat shine. These treats offer benefits beyond just being tasty.
Quality Reducers
Treats packed with sugars or artificial preservatives lower the quality score. High sugar content offers no nutritional value. Preservatives help the bag last longer on the shelf, but they are not great for your dog to eat every day. Always read the guaranteed analysis for protein and fat percentages.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat affects which one you should buy. Think about your daily routine with your dog.
Training Time
For quick training sessions, you need soft, smelly treats that break easily. Target’s store brands often have good, small, soft-baked options perfect for rewarding good behavior instantly.
Long-Lasting Chews
If you need your dog busy while you work or clean, look for rawhide alternatives or harder biscuits. These provide mental stimulation and keep chewing instincts satisfied. Supervise your dog with any long-lasting chew.
Sensitive Stomachs
If your dog has a sensitive tummy, choose limited-ingredient diets (LID) treats. These have very few ingredients, making it easier to track down what causes tummy trouble. Target stocks several LID options now.
10 FAQs About Dog Treats From Target
Q: Are Target’s store-brand treats (like Good & Gather) safe?
A: Yes, most major store brands meet strict FDA safety standards. They offer good value, but check the ingredient list just like you would any other brand.
Q: Which treats are best for a dog with chicken allergies?
A: Look for limited-ingredient treats that use novel proteins, like duck, venison, or fish, as the main ingredient. Read the label carefully to ensure no cross-contamination occurred.
Q: How often should I give my dog a treat?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Use them for training or bonding, not just to fill them up.
Q: Where should I store the treats I buy at Target?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If the bag doesn’t have a good resealable closure, put them in an airtight container.
Q: What are “dental treats” supposed to do?
A: Dental treats have a texture designed to scrape plaque off the teeth as the dog chews. They help support fresh breath and good oral health.
Q: Are the expensive, organic treats at Target worth the extra cost?
A: Organic treats use ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides. For some owners, this peace of mind is worth the cost, but they are not always nutritionally superior to high-quality conventional treats.
Q: What if my dog gets an upset stomach after trying a new Target treat?
A: Stop giving the treat immediately. Introduce new treats very slowly—one or two small pieces for a few days—to see how your dog reacts.
Q: Do Target treats expire?
A: Yes, all treats expire. Check the “Best By” date on the bag. Old treats lose flavor and can sometimes spoil.
Q: What is the difference between a biscuit and a jerky treat?
A: Biscuits are baked and crunchy, often used for rewards. Jerky treats are dried and chewy, usually higher in protein, and often used as high-value rewards.
Q: Can I use human food found at Target as dog treats?
A: Some plain human foods like plain carrots or small pieces of apple are safe. However, avoid items like chocolate, grapes, onions, or anything with xylitol sweetener, which is toxic to dogs.