What’s the secret ingredient to a happy Labrador? Often, it’s a tasty treat! Labs are famous for their big appetites and boundless energy. They deserve snacks that fuel their adventures without packing on unwanted pounds. But standing in the pet store aisle can feel overwhelming. Do you pick the crunchy biscuit, the chewy stick, or the freeze-dried liver?
Choosing the perfect treat for your Labrador isn’t just about satisfying a craving; it’s about health and training success. Many treats are full of fillers or too high in calories, which can lead to weight issues—a common concern for owners of this lovable, food-motivated breed. You want something that works for training but also keeps their joints healthy and their coat shiny.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a treat Labrador-approved, focusing on ingredients that support their active lifestyle. Keep reading to discover our top picks for training rewards, dental chews, and healthy snacks that your Lab will absolutely love. Get ready to stock your pantry with the best bites for your best friend!
Top Dog Treats For Labradors 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.
- Contains one (1) 10-lb. box of large dog treats
- Dog biscuits with tail-wagging meaty taste
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth
- Made with more than 12 vitamins and minerals
- Produced in Buffalo, New York, USA
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Bits dog training treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient making them an ideal reward for your best friend’s best behavior
- SOFT TRAINING TREATS: For dogs that love a soft treat, BLUE Bits are tender, bite-sized morsels that are the perfect size for training; plus, with DHA to help support cognitive development, they’re an ideal puppy treat
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like Propylene Glycol and colors like Red Dye 40
- 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 Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe
- Natural Bison Flavor - Real bison taste dogs crave, made with wholesome ingredients for a delicious chewing experience
- USA-Made Quality - Proudly manufactured in the United States with natural ingredients
- Dental Health Benefits - Provides the best dog teeth-cleaning action as dogs chew, helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup naturally
- Longer-Lasting Chewing - Occupying chew treats for dogs will keep your best friend satisfied
- Perfect Rewards - Ideal doggie training treats encourage positive chewing habits
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe With Chuck Roast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chuck roast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- Contains one (1) 40 ounce package of small dog treats with real bone marrow
- The dog biscuit shell encases a real bone marrow center
- Crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside, our MaroSnacks dog snacks are a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- Savory treats with calcium, perfect for dogs of all sizes
- Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA, with colors from natural ingredients only
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Jerky Wrapped Dog Treats are jerky dog treats made with Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Real Sweet Potato: The center of these tasty chicken wrapped dog treats is real sweet potato that dogs love, and is good for them too
- Rawhide Free: These chicken jerky dog treats are a 100% rawhide free alternative to traditional rawhide dog chews
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv sweet potato treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Easily Digestible Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken and Sweet Potato chews offer a tasty and easily digestible chicken dog treats
- Chicken First: Pur Luv dog chicken jerky treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Satisfying Treat: The chicken dog treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv chicken treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken Jerky for dogs is a high protein and low fat snack with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Pur Luv Chicken dog jerky treats satisfy your dog’s craving for real chicken and their natural desire to chew; dogs love chicken jerky treats and the flavor that comes from the real whole protein chicken breast, which makes Pur Luv treats so special
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Labrador Dog Treats
Labradors are energetic, loving dogs that deserve the best treats. Choosing the right treat helps keep them healthy and happy. This guide helps you find the perfect snacks for your Lab.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for Lab treats, certain features matter most.
- Size and Shape: Labs love to chew! Look for treats that are large enough for a good chew session but not so big they become a choking hazard. Dental chews are great for keeping their strong jaws busy.
- Calorie Content: Labs often love food too much! Choose lower-calorie options, especially if your dog gets many treats throughout the day. Overfeeding leads to weight gain quickly.
- Durability: How long does the treat last? Long-lasting chews are excellent for keeping your Labrador occupied during training or quiet time.
- Purpose: Do you need training treats, dental health aids, or just a tasty reward? Select treats that match your specific need.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list tells you everything about the treat’s quality.
Protein Sources
High-quality protein is essential for Labradors. Look for treats where real meat, like chicken, beef, or salmon, is listed as the first ingredient. These ingredients fuel their active lifestyle.
What to Avoid
Some ingredients reduce the quality significantly. Try to avoid artificial colors, flavors, and unnecessary chemical preservatives. High amounts of corn, wheat, or soy fillers offer little nutritional value to your Labrador.
Natural Additions
Many great treats include beneficial extras. Glucosamine is often added to support their joints, which is important for a breed prone to hip and elbow issues. Good fats, like Omega-3s from fish oil, support a shiny coat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Treat quality directly impacts your dog’s health.
Quality Boosters
Treats baked in small batches often maintain better ingredient integrity. Simple ingredient lists usually mean higher quality. Treats that offer functional benefits, like improving breath or aiding digestion, are top-tier choices.
Quality Reducers
Treats made primarily from rendered animal byproducts or mystery “meat meals” are lower quality. If a treat is extremely cheap, the ingredients likely reflect that lower cost. Extremely hard, rock-like treats should be avoided, as they can break your Lab’s teeth.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat affects your choice.
Training Time
For quick training sessions, you need small, soft, easily digestible treats. Labs learn fast, but they need quick rewards. Soft jerky pieces work perfectly here.
Long-Lasting Enjoyment
If you need to keep your Lab busy while you work or leave the house, choose durable chews like bully sticks or durable dental bones. These provide mental stimulation and reduce destructive chewing habits.
Sensitivity Checks
Some Labs develop sensitive stomachs. If your dog has allergies, you must choose limited-ingredient treats. Always introduce new treats slowly to monitor for any adverse reactions.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Labrador Treats
Q: How many treats should I give my Labrador daily?
A: Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Always adjust their main meal portion if you give many treats.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for Labs?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free is only better if your Lab has a diagnosed grain allergy. Many healthy Labs thrive on treats containing safe grains like brown rice.
Q: What is the best treat for heavy Lab chewers?
A: Look for durable, natural chews like Himalayan Yak Cheese chews or high-quality dental chews designed for aggressive chewers.
Q: Can I use human food as treats for my Labrador?
A: Some human foods are safe, like plain carrots or apple slices. However, never give chocolate, grapes, onions, or xylitol-sweetened items, as these are toxic.
Q: Should I look for treats with added vitamins?
A: It is helpful, especially for senior Labs. Treats with added joint support like Glucosamine and Chondroitin are beneficial for this breed.
Q: What treats are best for Labrador puppy training?
A: Choose very small, soft, high-value treats that puppies can swallow quickly. They need immediate positive reinforcement during early training.
Q: How do I know if a treat is causing my Lab gas?
A: If your dog experiences excessive flatulence shortly after eating a specific treat, that treat likely contains ingredients their digestive system does not agree with, often high fat or certain fillers.
Q: Are dental chews effective for Labrador oral health?
A: Yes, good dental chews help scrape plaque as the dog chews. They work best when used alongside regular tooth brushing.
Q: What should I do if my Lab begs for treats constantly?
A: Teach your Lab impulse control. Only give a treat when they sit or offer a polite behavior. Do not reward persistent begging.
Q: Are freeze-dried meat treats healthy?
A: Freeze-dried meat treats are usually excellent. They retain most of the protein and nutrients of the raw meat without the cooking process, making them highly palatable and nutritious.