Best dog treats for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Purina Pro Plan Puppy Training Treats earn our top spot as the best dog treats for 2026 thanks to their tiny size, gentle ingredients, and proven appeal for even picky pups.
For training-focused owners, Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a close runner-up; Greenies are best for dental care, Bully Sticks for premium chewing, and Milk-Bones for budget-conscious buyers.
Treats are more than just a reward, they’re a cornerstone of training, dental care, and bonding with your dog. The right treat can make training sessions click, help keep teeth clean, or simply show your pup some love. But with hundreds of options on the shelf, choosing wisely matters: you want something your dog actually likes, that fits your goals, and that you feel good about feeding. To pick the best treat for your situation, start by considering the main purpose. Tiny, low-calorie morsels are ideal for training sessions where you’ll give many rewards. For dental health, look for chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. For pure enjoyment, think about texture and how long the treat lasts. And always scan the ingredient list for anything your dog might be sensitive to, like certain grains or artificial additives.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Training Treats
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5These tiny liver-flavored morsels disappear fast but that’s the point: they’re perfect for high-reward training without overfeeding. Owners consistently praise their soft texture and strong aroma, which keeps dogs focused. They’re also made with natural ingredients and no artificial flavors.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Zuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter
the training superstar
4.6out of 5Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a trainer’s favorite for good reason: they’re made with simple ingredients (peanut butter is the first listed), have a soft, meaty texture that’s easy to break, and come in a resealable bag. They’re also free of corn, wheat, and soy, which helps dogs with sensitivities.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Greenies Original Dental Chews
the dental powerhouse
4.5out of 5Greenies are the most vet-recommended dental chew for a reason: their unique texture and shape help scrub teeth and freshen breath. They carry the VOHC seal for plaque and tartar control, and most dogs seem to find them irresistible. Just be sure to choose the right size for your dog’s weight.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Purina Pro Plan Puppy Training Treats | 4.8 / 5 | $ | Puppy owners and anyone doing intensive reward-based training who wants a treat that’s eas | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Zuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Owners who want a clean-ingredient training treat that’s easy to portion and gentle on sen | Check price → |
| Best value | Greenies Original Dental Chews | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Dog owners who want an easy daily dental-care routine that dogs actually enjoy, especially | Check price → |
| Best premium | Bully Sticks 6-Inch Natural Dog Chews | 4.3 / 5 | $$$ | Owners of moderate to heavy chewers who want a all-natural, long-lasting chew that also su | Check price → |
| Best budget | Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits | 4.0 / 5 | $ | Owners on a tight budget who want a simple, no-fuss biscuit for occasional treats and don’ | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Training Treats: the do-it-all default
Best overallThese tiny liver-flavored morsels disappear fast but that’s the point: they’re perfect for high-reward training without overfeeding. Owners consistently praise their soft texture and strong aroma, which keeps dogs focused. They’re also made with natural ingredients and no artificial flavors.
Pros
- Very small, soft pieces ideal for rapid-fire training sessions
- Made with real chicken and liver as the first ingredient
- Low-calorie formula won’t upset training routines
- Widely available and budget-friendly
Cons
- Too small for large dogs to find on the floor easily
- Soft texture can crumble into crumbs in pockets
- Not intended for dental cleaning or long-lasting chewing
Who it’s for
Puppy owners and anyone doing intensive reward-based training who wants a treat that’s easy to deliver and tough to resist.Who should skip it
You need a longer-lasting chew for dental health or a large, sturdy biscuit for casual rewarding.2. Zuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter: the training superstar
Runner-upZuke’s Mini Naturals are a trainer’s favorite for good reason: they’re made with simple ingredients (peanut butter is the first listed), have a soft, meaty texture that’s easy to break, and come in a resealable bag. They’re also free of corn, wheat, and soy, which helps dogs with sensitivities.
Pros
- Simple, recognizable ingredients with real peanut butter
- Soft and pliable, perfect for breaking into smaller bits
- No corn, wheat, or soy, making them allergy-friendly
- Strong scent keeps dogs’ attention during training
Cons
- Slightly more expensive per treat than basic supermarket brands
- Peanut butter flavor may not appeal to every dog
- Bag can dry out quickly if not resealed properly
Who it’s for
Owners who want a clean-ingredient training treat that’s easy to portion and gentle on sensitive stomachs.Who should skip it
Your dog needs a very-low-fat or low-protein treat for strict dietary restrictions.3. Greenies Original Dental Chews: the dental powerhouse
Best valueGreenies are the most vet-recommended dental chew for a reason: their unique texture and shape help scrub teeth and freshen breath. They carry the VOHC seal for plaque and tartar control, and most dogs seem to find them irresistible. Just be sure to choose the right size for your dog’s weight.
Pros
- VOHC-accepted for effective plaque and tartar reduction
- Unique chewy texture that dogs love to gnaw
- Comes in multiple sizes to fit small to large dogs
- Helps combat bad breath between brushings
Cons
- Calorie content is higher than training treats, adjust meals accordingly
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers who might gulp pieces
- Some dogs with sensitive stomachs react poorly to the wheat gluten base
Who it’s for
Dog owners who want an easy daily dental-care routine that dogs actually enjoy, especially if brushing is a struggle.Who should skip it
Your dog is prone to gulping food without chewing, or has a known wheat or gluten allergy.4. Bully Sticks 6-Inch Natural Dog Chews: the premium long-lasting chew
Best premiumBully sticks are a single-ingredient, high-protein chew that satisfies even power chewers for hours. They’re fully digestible, unlike rawhide, and most owners report they keep dogs occupied and clean their teeth naturally. They do have a distinctive odor and are pricier than most treats.
Pros
- Single ingredient (beef pizzle) with no artificial anything
- Fully digestible and safer than rawhide for most dogs
- Very long-lasting, good for boredom and mental stimulation
- Helps scrape away plaque as dogs gnaw
Cons
- Strong, earthy smell that some owners find unpleasant
- Expensive compared to other treats, especially for large dogs
- Not suitable for dogs that try to swallow large pieces whole
Who it’s for
Owners of moderate to heavy chewers who want a all-natural, long-lasting chew that also supports dental health.Who should skip it
Your dog has obesity issues (high calorie content) or you need a treat for training sessions, these are too long-lasting for that.5. Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits: the classic bargain
Best budgetMilk-Bones have been a household staple for generations, and their crisp, crunchy texture does help scrape away plaque. They’re inexpensive and widely available, making them a solid everyday treat for dogs without dietary restrictions. They do contain wheat, salt, and artificial colors, which some owners prefer to avoid.
Pros
- Extremely budget-friendly for casual everyday rewarding
- Crunchy texture provides mild tooth-cleaning benefit
- Classic taste that most dogs eagerly accept
- Available at nearly every grocery or pet store
Cons
- Contains wheat, corn, and artificial colors and flavors
- Not suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies
- Low meat content, not a high-value training reward
Who it’s for
Owners on a tight budget who want a simple, no-fuss biscuit for occasional treats and don’t mind traditional ingredients.Who should skip it
Your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, or you need a high-value motivator for training.Best for specific needs
Best for training
If you’re in the midst of teaching cues, tricks, or even just recall, you need a treat that’s tiny, soft, and irresistible. Our top pick is the Purina Pro Plan Puppy Training Treats, they’re practically made for this. For owners who prefer even cleaner ingredients, the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter are a stellar alternative that breaks easily into dime-sized bits. Our pick: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Training Treats.
Best for dental health
For keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy without daily brushing, Greenies Original Dental Chews are the gold standard. They’re VOHC-accepted and have a chewy texture that physically scrubs teeth as your dog gnaws. Just be sure to supervise and choose the right size for your dog’s weight to avoid choking hazards. Our pick: Greenies Original Dental Chews.
Best for budget buyers
When you just need an affordable, widely available treat that gets the job done, Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits are a tried-and-true choice. They’re crunchy, satisfying, and come in big boxes at a very low cost per treat. They won’t wow picky dogs or work for high-stakes training, but they’re a perfectly fine daily reward for the price-conscious. Our pick: Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits.
Our verdict
No single treat is perfect for every dog, but the Purina Pro Plan Puppy Training Treats strike the best balance of size, value, and training utility across the board. For specialized needs, training, dental care, long-lasting chewing, or budget, the runners-up above each excel in their category. Whichever you choose, always supervise new chews and adjust your dog’s daily food intake to account for treat calories. A happy, well-rewarded dog is the real goal.