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.
- 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.
- Puppy love at first bite! These Soft & Chewy treats bring all the feels - sweet, playful, and made to make your pup fall head over paws in love!
- These soft-baked 'B's are every doggy's favorite - from puppies, to picky eaters, to seniors with sensitive mouths, too! We baked a softer cookie with limited, natural ingredients perfect for pups looking for a chewier bite.
- Perfect for Everyday Treating: With just 10 ingredients (like oat flour, peanut butter, vanilla and rolled oats!) and only 14 calories per treat, you can feel good treating your favorite pup to this yummy recipe.
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA local to our bakeries.
- Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty.
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient, plus DHA for cognitive development, making them the ideal reward for your puppy’s best behavior
- MEATY TRAINING TREATS: For puppies that love a meaty treat, Baby BLUE training dog treats are tender, bite-sized morsels that make them perfect for training
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats contain NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat and soy; Plus, they’re free of artificial preservatives and colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken
- 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.
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS - This 6 oz bag contains delicious and wholesome dog snacks made with veggies, cheese, and a great smoke flavor. 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 40-oz. canister of Milk-Bone MaroSnacks small dog treats with real bone marrow
- CRUNCHY OUTSIDE, MEATY INSIDE: A dog biscuit with a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- ONLY 10 CALORIES EACH: Ideal dog training treats that can also be used as an everyday snack
- MADE WITH CALCIUM: Helps maintain strong teeth and bones
- BAKED WITH LOVE: Produced in Buffalo, New York, USA
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.