- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Years ago, it seemed nearly impossible to find a dog treat that didn’t feature low-nutrition “filler” grains, such as wheat or corn, as the first ingredient. Fortunately, the dog food industry has come a long way and today, there are plenty of grain-free treats on the market for your dog to enjoy.
But are grain-free dog treats a healthy option for dogs and, more importantly, are they a good option for your dog?
Read on to learn more about grain-free dog treats, and to see our top picks.
Are Grain-Free Treats a Healthy Option for Dogs?
Generally speaking, dog treats—grain-free or otherwise—should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Just like your dog’s kibble, they should be made from healthy, high-quality ingredients (you can read more about how to read a dog food label and decoding dog food in our article, The Truth About Dog Food).
As for grain-free treats in particular, Dr. Jim Carlson, a holistic veterinarian and owner of Riverside Animal Clinic and Holistic Center, tells Rover, “Grain-free treats are typically limited in ingredients and contain few to no preservatives, which may cause unwanted side effects such as digestive upset and skin inflammation.”
This sounds great—less is more, right? Well, kinda-sorta.
While all dogs can benefit from treats made with a limited number of ingredients and no artificial additives, Dr. Carlson suggests that grain-free treats may be particularly beneficial for dogs who are inactive or overweight. Grains—especially high-glycemic grains like corn and wheat—are metabolized more quickly than fats and protein, and this can lead to fat storage.
Though grain-free dog treats are good for some dogs, they may not be great for others. Carlson notes, “Dogs who have heart disease should avoid 100% grain-free treats because of the potential for a taurine deficiency which can make heart conditions worsen.” Dogs with kidney problems may also want to avoid grain-free dog treats because they often require a protein-restricted diet that puts less work on their kidneys. Carlson says, “One of the byproducts of protein breakdown is urea, a chemical produced when ammonia is converted by the liver to urea, and the kidneys are responsible for excretion.”
Another concern is the risk of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) associated with grain-free diets. This should not be an issue if grain-free treats are only making up 10% of your pet’s diet, but all pet owners should be aware of the issue. We explore it in-depth in our article, “Should I Be Worried About Grain-Free Dog Food?”
What Should Pet Owners Look for in Grain-Free Dog Treats?
There are a lot of grain-free dog treat brands out there that use high-quality ingredients, but many others that pump their treats with chemicals, fillers, and other hard-to-digest ingredients. Dr. Carlson says, “Limited ingredients are important to eliminate excess preservatives and to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.”
Here are some other qualities to look for in grain-free dog treats:
- Short list of high-quality, nutritious ingredients
- Animal protein as the first ingredient
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Free from grains, particularly corn, wheat, and soy
- Limited number of calories per serving
The Best Grain-Free Dog Treats
Grain-free treats can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, but with so many options on the market, which is the best choice for your pet?
Here are our picks for the best grain-free treats for dogs.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats are not only free from grains (including corn and wheat), they’re also free of soy, poultry by-products, and artificial flavors and preservatives. These high-protein treats made with high-quality, natural ingredients, and come in three different flavors including turkey, duck, and salmon.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on Petco
In addition to being grain-free, the main draw of these treats is that meat is the first ingredient. Depending on the flavor you choose, these dog snacks are full of real turkey, beef, chicken, and other high-quality food ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, peas, and apples. These treats pack a nutritional (and tasty!) punch your pet is sure to love.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on Petco
If your dog goes crazy for jerky (and let’s be real—whose dog wouldn’t?), these treats from Bones & Chews are made from real meat, including beef, chicken, or turkey. They’re high-protein, they’re grain-free, and—at least to dogs—they’re delicious.
Zuke’s Puppy Naturals’ number one ingredient is salmon. Not only are these popular treats grain-free, but they’re also great for training, totaling just 3.5 calories per piece. These grain-free treats include DHA and EPA, which help promote healthy brain development in your growing pup.
Got a petite pup? These small, high-protein treats are made with quality, real-food ingredients such as turkey, pomegranate, and ginger which makes them a perfect grain-free solution. If turkey isn’t your pup’s favorite, they come in chicken and lamb flavors too.
These well-reviewed soft and chewy dog treats are a clear favorite with dog owners—and for good reason! With real meat as the first ingredient and no artificial preservatives or animal byproducts, pet owners can feel confident they know exactly what they’re feeding their pet. These come in three different flavors to delight your pup: chicken, salmon, and beef.
Made from a variety of “sweet” whole foods (including sweet potato, banana, and peanut butter), these treats are a great alternative for dogs who don’t enjoy meat-flavored snacks. Plus, they’re free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Remember: Before You Buy Grain-Free Dog Treats, Consult Your Veterinarian
Before adding new products to your dog’s diet, it’s important to consult your vet. While treats free from grains may be an excellent option for some dogs, they aren’t perfect for every situation. For example, dogs with certain health problems may need to avoid grain-free products.
A veterinary professional can give you deeper insights on the best diet for your dog, including which treats are going to be the best fit for your pet.