Healthy Dog Treats for Picky Eaters

the dog steals the treat from the bowl. funny jack russell terrier on a beige background. Pet at home

Key Points

  • Keep treats small during training sessions.

  • Dogs with dental sensitivities need soft treats, like Merrick Power Bites.

  • Stinky treats may turn you off, but your dog loves them.

Do you have a trail of unwanted treats in your home because your dog is a picky eater?

Finding a healthy treat that your dog loves feels like an impossible task. It doesn't have to be! It all comes down to keeping the treats small.

According to a writer for the American Kennel Club, Stephanie Gibeault, "Small dog treats are key to keeping a training session moving along. Even for large dogs, a pea-sized treat is plenty." She also says, "You might feel like you're cheating your dog, but as long as they're getting something they love, they won't care if it's just a tidbit or the whole wiener."

You never know what tomorrow will bring. It could bring your new best friend who just needs some extra love, like Cooper. As reported on July 6, 2023, Cooper saved his family, just like they saved him. Cooper deserves all the treats for being such an amazing dog.

If your canine bestie is a picky eater, check out the list below to find treats they can't stop drooling over.

Wilderness Trail Treats High Protein
$6.98 ($0.70 / oz)

by Blue Buffalo 

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09/28/2023 09:24 am GMT
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats are grain-free dog treats made with real, high-quality meats such as chicken, duck, or salmon. These treats contain no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. They are oven-baked to give them a crunchy texture that dogs love.

Ingredients and Nutritional Value

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats use premium ingredients, including real meat as the first ingredient. They're also fortified with added vitamins and minerals to support your dog's health. These treats are free from corn, wheat, and soy, making them suitable for dogs with sensitivities. They provide a good source of protein and are low in fat.

Dogs find Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats delicious and satisfying. The crunchy texture gives them something to chew on and promotes dental health. The rich and savory flavors appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. The small, bite-sized shape of the treats is perfect for training or rewarding your furry friend.

Pros and Cons

The main benefit of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats is their high-quality ingredients and grain-free formulation. They're also widely available and come in various flavors to suit different preferences. However, some dog owners may find them to be a bit pricey compared to other options on the market.

Ocean Chews Hearty Wolffish Skins Dog Treats
$24.48 ($4.08 / oz)

by The Honest Kitchen 

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09/28/2023 09:22 am GMT

The Honest Kitchen Beams Fish Skins

The Honest Kitchen Beams Fish Skins are single-ingredient treats made from dehydrated fish skins. The skins come from wild-caught, sustainable fish and undergo a gentle dehydration process that preserves their natural flavors and nutrients.

Evaluation of Ingredients

As a single-ingredient treat, The Honest Kitchen Beams Fish Skins are rich in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog's skin and coat health. It's important to note that these treats are unsuitable for dogs with fish allergies.

Dogs find the natural fish flavor of The Honest Kitchen Beams Fish Skins highly appealing. The thin and crunchy texture offers a satisfying chew for dogs of all sizes. The simplicity of this treat makes it an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.

Pros and Cons

The main advantage of The Honest Kitchen Beams Fish Skins is their minimal ingredient list and nutritional benefits. They're also free from grains and artificial additives. The strong fish odor puts many owners off, and they're more expensive than other treat options that don't have a strong smell.

Backcountry Raw Infused Grain Free Puppy Food Recipe
$55.98 ($5.60 / lb)

by Merrick 

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09/28/2023 09:24 am GMT

Merrick Power Bites

Merrick Power Bites are soft and chewy dog treats made with real deboned meat as the main ingredient. They're available in various flavors, including beef, chicken, and salmon. These treats are small and bite-sized, perfect for training or as quick rewards during playtime.

Nutritional Value

Merrick Power Bites consist of high-quality ingredients, including deboned meat and wholesome fruits and vegetables. They are grain-free, and you won't find artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These treats provide a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to support your dog's overall health and energy levels.

Calming Dog Ad

Merrick Power Bites have a soft and chewy texture, so they're easy for dogs to consume and enjoy. The flavors are rich and meaty, appealing to even the fussiest eaters. The small size of these treats makes them perfect for small dogs or as portion-controlled rewards for larger breeds.

Pros and Cons

The critical advantage of Merrick Power Bites is their soft and chewy texture, which makes them ideal for dogs with dental issues or seniors with sensitive teeth. They are also made with high-quality ingredients and come in various flavors. The biggest downside of these treats is the price, as natural ingredients come with a higher price tag.

Singapaw Wild Alaskan Prime Salmon Jerky

Singapaw Wild Alaskan Prime Salmon Jerky is a protein-packed treat made from real fish as the main ingredient. It's grain-free and contains no artificial colors or flavors. These tough and chewy jerky treats provide dogs a savory and satisfying snacking experience.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Singapaw Wild Alaskan Prime Salmon Jerky is a natural source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These treats contain essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and vitality.

Dogs find the rich fish flavor of Singapaw Wild Alaskan Prime Salmon Jerky highly enticing. The rugged texture gives dogs something to work on, promoting dental health. While this treat requires effort to consume, it's worth the reward for dogs who enjoy a more challenging chewing experience.

Pros and Cons

The main advantage of Singapaw Wild Alaskan Prime Salmon Jerky is its high protein content and natural fish flavor. These treats are also grain-free! Dogs with dental issues, older dogs, and dogs who prefer soft textures may not like the jerky as it's harder to chew. There's also a small amount (less than one percent) of colloid, which is a preservative.

CORE Soft Tiny Trainers
$5.13

by Wellness 

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09/28/2023 08:53 am GMT

Wellness Tint Trainers Treats

Wellness Tiny Trainers Treats are small, soft, and chewy treats designed for small breed dogs. They consist of premium proteins like chicken, lamb, or turkey. These treats are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Nutritional Value

Wellness Tiny Trainers Treats focus on providing a balance of quality protein, fats, and carbohydrates suitable for small dogs. They contain added vitamins and minerals for overall wellness. While suitable for small breeds, portion control is still necessary to avoid overfeeding.

Dogs find Wellness Tiny Trainers Treats highly palatable and enjoyable. The soft and chewy texture makes them easy to eat and suitable for dogs with dental sensitivities. The small size of these treats means they're devoured during training, keeping the focus on you.

Pros and Cons

Wellness Tiny Trainers Treats are specifically formulated for small breed dogs, providing them with a delicious and appropriately sized treat option. Their soft and chewy texture contributes to their palatability. However, as with any treat, it's crucial to monitor the quantity given, as some small dogs tend to gain weight more quickly.

Mini Naturals Soft Dog Treats
$7.98 ($1.33 / oz)

by Zuke’s 

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09/28/2023 08:51 am GMT

Zuke's Mini Naturals

Zuke's Mini Naturals are small, soft, and moist training treats made with real meat as the first ingredient. These treats are available in various flavors, including chicken, beef, pork, and peanut butter. They're free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Evaluation of Ingredients

Zuke's Mini Naturals have simple, natural ingredients and provide a good source of protein. They contain no corn, wheat, or soy, making them suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. These treats are also fortified with vitamins and minerals to support your dog's health.

Dogs find Zuke's Mini Naturals irresistible due to their soft and moist texture, so they're perfect for training sessions and quick rewards. The various flavors provide options to cater to different taste preferences. The small size of these treats is perfect for all dog breeds and sizes.

Pros and Cons

Zuke's Mini Naturals are highly regarded as an excellent training treat due to their soft texture and wide variety of flavors. Their small size and moistness make them easy to chew and digest. The treats crumble easily, which many owners find leaves a mess that needs cleaning after a training session.

Get Your Treat On

After reviewing the best healthy dog treats for picky eaters, it's clear that there are several excellent options. You can't go wrong with any of the goodies on the list.

Finding the right treat for your dog takes time. Be patient with your picky eater and feed them in small amounts to avoid overfeeding. Remember, positive reinforcement is key with training.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your dog's dietary needs and preferences. Consult your veterinarian to determine which treat is most suitable for your furry friend. Prioritizing your dog's health by selecting nutritious treats contributes to their well-being and happiness.

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