15 Pet Treats to Buy on Amazon, According to Our Pet Expert
Updated: Jan. 25, 2024
Cats and dogs often have different needs and tastes, but with the best pet treats on Amazon, you're sure to find one to get their tails wagging and purrs rumbling.
We adore our pets and want to indulge them, which is why we love to find the top-rated pet products for our animal companions. One of the best ways to show our love includes offering pet treats. But cats don’t do well with dog-formulated pet treats (and vice versa), and each pet may have specific dietary needs that make some choices better than others. In fact, just ask pet owners and they’ll tell you treats are one of the products they can’t live without!
We’re fortunate that innovative pet product companies listen to pet lovers, and provide pet treats that fit virtually every cat’s and dog’s tastes, health requirements and owner preferences. For instance, dogs and cats with dental issues benefit from treats designed to improve breath or plaque buildup. Tiny pets can’t munch large dog-size pet treats, so you can find specific ones made for tiny mouths. Holistically-minded animal lovers might prefer raw-based pet treats or organically-sourced ingredients.
Besides providing a way to train pets, some pet treats placed atop regular food entices the most picky cats and dogs to eat. You can even use them to hide required pet medication. Whatever kind floats your pet’s boat, you’ll find something here.
Greenies Natural Dental Care Dog Treats
Greenies was one of the first dental health treats endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), meaning it has been proven to prevent or improve dental issues in pets. The brand has offerings for both dogs and cats, but we have our eye on these natural dental care dog treats. The texture helps clean dogs’ teeth by removing plaque and tartar, and they’re made with natural ingredients with healthy teeth and gums in mind.
Verified Amazon reviewer Ashley says, “Great high value treat, and helps with dental care. I notice a difference in the plague reducing on their teeth. It also keeps them whiter longer as they age.”
Temptations Cat Treats
Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these Temptations treats offer the best of all kitty delights. For cats that tend to pack on the pudge, you can offer these pet treats without worry, since each individual one only has two calories. Formulated for a cat’s complete and balanced nutrition, you can give these as a treat, a food topper to increase dinnertime palatability, or even—gasp!—as kibble for a whole meal.
Verified Amazon purchaser C. Krimer shares, “Our cats are well-trained to follow us as soon as they see us headed for the kitchen and they beg for these treats. Who am I kidding, we are trained to go for the treats as soon as we go in the kitchen or we get a very noisy reminder that we have forgotten a very important “owner” responsibility!”
Nutro Mini Bites Dog Treats
Reviewers love the Nutro Mini Bites to use as pet treats for training dogs of all ages. While the tiny size suits puppies and small breeds, a treat for any size dog works best when it’s small enough to not upset their regular diet. The Mini Bites come in several flavors, including chicken, peanut, beef and yogurt, as well as two package sizes. They don’t require refrigeration, so you can take them on the go in the car or on other adventures.
Paula, an Amazon five-star reviewer says, “My Maltipoo loves these treats. So do all his little puppy friends we meet on our walks. The dogs drag their owners to get to us because of the treats. They are more expensive, but they are worth it.”
A Better Treat Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
For pet parents who feed a complete and balanced raw dog diet, these freeze-dried treats are for you. They come in different flavors—with the low-fat, single-ingredient, beef liver pet treats the most highly rated. These natural treats work well as rewards or as a food topper, and are ideal for allergic, tummy-sensitive or diabetic pets. And while these treats are targeted toward dogs, the company says they can be enjoyed by cats, too.
Inaba Churu Cat Treats
One of the most popular cat treats, Churu comes as a paste packaged in a squeeze tube. Described as “kitty crack,” it has been touted for its ability to entice cats with no appetite, distract scared cats at vet visits, and serve as a training aid in exchange for a lick of delight. Churu comes in six kitty-yummy flavors, and this package of 50 tubes will keep your felines purring for weeks.
Cat-Man-Doo Bonito Flakes
For a healthy pet treat guaranteed to keep cats and dogs happy, look no further than bonito flakes. Cat show folks have known about this yummy, nutritious snack for many years, and Cat-Man-Doo bonito flakes does it right with extra-large flakes. Yes, it has a stronger odor than some, but that’s why pets love it. Offer them as a reward or sprinkle over regular food—just make sure to keep it in a secure cabinet or your cat or dog may smell it out and conspire to break into a drawer.
“Both my cats love it. They’re obsessed. I’ve had no issues and it’s definitely they’re favorite treat of all,” writes verified Amazon buyer, Diana. “I even took a taste for myself and it’s definitely real fish. Highly recommend. I promise you won’t regret it. This is like my fifth bag for them. 10/10 from me.”
Hartz Delectables Cat Treats
The Hartz Delectables squeeze-up cat snacks get top reviews. Each half-ounce tube provides cats lots of licking pleasure, and Delectables come in packages of 10, 20, 24, 48, 54 and 72. That way, you can try them out before splurging on the giant pack. Ideal for bonding with a new pet, feed by hand to associate wonderful things with your presence without resorting to table food. It also works as a topper for the regular food, and to inspire reluctant eaters.
healthybud Turkey Healthy Gut Dog Treats
For dogs with sensitive guts, healthybud dog treats were developed with veterinarians and nutritionists, and combine prebiotics, digestive enzymes and key ingredients to help dogs get all the good nutrition they need from their foods. Serve as a low-calorie, high-fiber treat or food topper, this tasty snack is one of the healthy dog treats recommended by pet experts.
“This stuff works! My German shepherd dog has a weak stomach and his stools are always soft and hard to clean up. Ever since we’ve started using this, we can spot the difference in his stools,” shares Tat Tang, a five-star Amazon reviewer. “He also loves the smell and taste of it. I use it as a food topper for him to actually eat his kibble. We love this product so much we’ve recommended it to all of our dog parent friends.”
Kong Dog Treat Paste
This aerosol dog treat paste from Kong offers one of the most convenient and tasty pet treats. You can use it directly from the can and present to your dog on your finger, or you can squirt it inside hard-to-stuff dog puzzle toys or lickable mats to keep pets entertained. It comes in several dog-approved flavors, like peanut butter, bacon and cheese, liver and pepperoni.
“Max loves his Kong toy filled with this peanut butter. It doesn’t last very long, but keeps him occupied for a short time. I never have to worry about running out with subscribe-and-save,” writes Joy, a verified Amazon buyer.
Jiminy’s Cricket Dog Treats
Dogs with sensitivities and pet parents interested in innovative dog treats love the Jiminy’s cricket treats. Cricket protein offers solid nutrition, is good for the planet through sustainable ingredients and, heck, you know dogs often munch these bugs on their own (and even eat dirt!). Crickets apparently also act as a probiotic for improved gut health, and with these packaged and dog-yummy options, your dog won’t have to hunt ’em down.
Buddy Budder Dog Peanut Butter
For dogs that enjoy a treat topper on regular food, the Buddy Budder offers various flavors of peanut butter that pups love. This pet-safe treat doesn’t have the dangerous sweetening ingredients common in human peanut butter products. Consider spreading the treat on lick mats for longer enjoyment. Plus, the economical-size jar is bound to last a while.
“My dog absolutely loves this!” says verified purchaser, Jacklyn. “I love that it doesn’t have hydrogenated oils and is all natural. I add it to my dog’s lick mats and she loves it! I would highly recommend!!”
Fresh Is Best Freeze-Dried Pet Treats
Many pet parents today like the idea of raw pet treats as a healthy option, including foods with probiotics. Commercially prepared freeze-dried raw treats provide a safe, convenient way to do this, and Fresh Is Best duck heart treats get top reviews. The brand also offers duck giblets, necks and liver treats, which work for cats, too.
Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
We all want our dogs to behave well, even if we sometimes make training mistakes. Choosing the right reward matters. You can choose from half a dozen flavors of these Pupford training treats—including chicken, beef, rabbit and salmon. Designed small specifically for training, the low-calorie freeze-dried soft treats work well. Just remember: High-value treats for training lose their value if fed all the time, so reserve them for rewarding your pup for good behavior.
“My dog is a picky eater,” shares five-star reviewer, Elly. “I’ve bought other treats that are healthy and good for him, but he doesn’t eat them. He will only eat freeze-dried treats, like this or jerky treats. I like these ones in particular because they don’t crumble apart like some of the other freeze dried treats I have bought, which make them perfect for my training treat pouch!”
Yummy Combs Dog Dental Treats
Here’s another dental treat with a unique tooth-scrubbing design. Yummy Combs clean and floss teeth as dogs chew. They come in extra-small to extra-large sizes to fit your dog’s mouth size, and contain 45% chicken. If you’re reluctant to brush your dog’s teeth, this could work well instead.
Verified purchaser, Zachary Ludwig, writes, “My dog knows what these are before he can even see the package. He loves them and I feel so good giving him one. Makes his breath way better, and cleans his teeth so I don’t have to!”
Canine Connoisseur Dog Treat
Dogs love to chew. As pet parents, we must carefully choose safe items that allow chewing joy without the danger of swallowed blockages. That’s why vets never buy certain products, like chew hooves. But these beef trachea treats are highly digestible, provide natural joint-enhancing ingredients and offer chewing fun. Plus, dogs love the flavor and the smell. Canine Connoisseur rates highly, and has two sizes available for your tiny to big chewing dogs.
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Originally Published: June 06, 2023
