What’s the secret to a happy pup? Often, it’s a tasty reward! Every dog owner knows the joy of seeing their furry friend wag their tail for a favorite treat. But when you wander down the pet aisle at Target, that joy can quickly turn into confusion. Shelf after shelf, you face a mountain of choices: crunchy biscuits, soft chews, grain-free options, and flavors ranging from peanut butter to sweet potato.
Choosing the best dog treats from Target shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. You want quality ingredients that your dog loves, but you also need options that fit your budget and address any specific dietary needs. It can be tough figuring out which brands are worth the money and which ones your dog will actually eat.
Don’t worry! This post cuts through the noise. We have dug deep into Target’s best offerings, reviewing popular brands and spotlighting top-rated picks for training, snacking, and dental health. By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly which Target dog treats deserve a spot in your pantry.
Top Dog Treats From Target 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.
- Premium Salmon Dog Treats: Supplements for dogs enriched with Omega 3-6-9 from clean and pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. Just two allergy dog chews deliver 520mg EPA + DHA – outperforming other brands while supporting your pet's long-term wellness
- Skin and Coat Supplement for Dogs: Nature Target fish oil omega 3 supplements for dogs contain fatty acids, Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamin C & E to relieve dry/sensitive skin, control shedding and promote shine. Comprehensive support for your furry friend
- Support Health From the Inside Out: Our omega 3 6 9 supplements deliver a complete natural blend with antioxidants (Vitamins C & E) to relieve itching, scratching, paw licking, and hot spots, while boosting immunity and promoting hip & joint health
- Super Value Cat & Dog Health Supplies: 180 pet allergy chews, specially freeze-dried technology to remove moisture (which locks nutrients & flavor), then stored in vacuum-sealed bags to minimize spoilage risk. Ideal for all breeds at all life stages
- Treat with Delicious Flavor: Freeze-dried salmon skin treats for dogs, made with real chicken & salmon-perfect for picky eaters. Unlike pills or capsules, dog care chews offer bite-size convenience—making feeding as simple as giving treats
- Contains one (1) 47-ounce bag of Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavor dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats
- Treats with the look and taste of real beef
- Fun shapes for an exciting treating experience
- Produced in Topeka, Kansas
- BUDDY TRAINING BITES - These bite-sized treats are chock full of meaty flavor from appetizing pork liver as the 1st ingredient, so they are easy to eat and perfect for dogs of all ages.
- ALL THE GOOD STUFF - Our training treats are made in the USA and they are free of corn, soy, artificial flavors and preservatives. With Buddy, you can feel good about serving your best bud the treats they deserve!
- LOW CALORIE - Only 1.5 calories per treat to help make your dog training sessions last longer! The delicious aroma will have your pup coming back for more.
- 500 TREATS PER BAG - Reward your dog's good behavior with 500 treats per bag. Buddy is healthy, tasty & fun!
- EVERYBODY LOVES BUDDY: Buddy is the perfect companion for your best friend! Buddy's delicious flavors are sure bring your pup joy! Buddy has a range of treats - all made with real, simple ingredients that you can pronounce.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW MINNOWS 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 minnows.
- 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.
- Healthy Treats - Healthfuls Sweet Potato Slices are packed with nutritious goodness and a natural, sweet flavor your pup will love. Made with real dried sweet potatoes, these treats are a great training reward or low-fat snack.
- Nutritious - As nourishing as they are delicious, these treats are naturally packed with vitamin A to help to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. Sweet potatoes also contain a high level of Beta Carotene to help to support vision, and provide vital dietary fiber and antioxidants to help support your dog's digestion and overall good health.
- Wholesome Ingredients - This grain-free recipe is made without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers - just a sweet, natural flavor that your pup will love.
- Flavorful - Packed with nutritious goodness and natural flavor, your dog will love the aroma, texture, and taste.
- USA Lab Tested - Your four-legged furry friend deserves the best! These tasty treats are lab-tested in the USA to ensure quality and safety.
- BIG MOTIVATION IN EACH MINI BITE. Each of these 3 calorie treats are packed with flavor from pork liver, real bacon, and added botanicals that will keep dogs focused and eager to learn!
- TRAIN. ENRICH. TREAT. These low calorie training rewards are great for training sessions, enrichment activities such as puzzle toys and snuffle mats, and every day treating occasions.
- GREAT FOR DOGS OF ALL SIZES. These bite-sized treats are the perfect size for training and every day treating for dogs of all sizes. Each 20 oz bag includes approximately 500 treats.
- REWARD THE EVERYDAY Pet Botanics healthy training rewards are perfect for training and treating every day in every way. These soft & chewy treats have no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
- PROUD MEMBER THE CLOUD STAR FAMILY. With Cloud Star products, you can spend less time worrying about what to feed your pet and spend more time Living Life with Your Dog by Your Side.
- FAST ALLERGY & ITCH RELIEF - Tired of the constant scratching & paw licking? Our advanced chews provide powerful, fast-acting support for seasonal, food, and environmental allergies. Helps calm irritated skin & coat
- DUAL-ACTION: SOOTHE & SUPPORT - We target symptoms AND the root cause. A powerful blend of Turmeric & Omega-3s soothes immediate itchiness. At the same time, our formula works deeper to support a balanced immune system for long-term resilience
- GUT & IMMUNE HEALTH - Over 70% of your dog's immunity is in their gut. Our formula, fortified with Colostrum and 3 Billion Probiotics, helps balance gut flora and regulate the immune response, building resistance to allergens
- FREEZE-DRIED TASTY TREATS - Wellness should be a treat, not a chore. Our unique freeze-drying process locks in the nutrients and real chicken flavor. It’s a delicious freeze-dried chew every picky eater will beg for
- VET RECOMMENDED & GMP MADE - Our chews are Veterinarian Recommended and made in a GMP-certified facility. Non-GMO, and free from corn, soy, & gluten. Trusted by thousands of happy pet parents
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Dog Treats at Target
Target is a fantastic place to shop for your furry friend. They offer a huge variety of dog treats. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you pick the best snacks for your dog.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you grab a bag of treats, check these things first. These features tell you a lot about the treat’s value.
- Size and Shape: Treats come in many sizes. Small, soft treats work well for training. Harder biscuits last longer for casual snacking. Make sure the size fits your dog’s mouth safely.
- Texture: Do you need chewy treats for older dogs with sensitive teeth? Or maybe crunchy treats for a good dental clean? Pick the texture that suits your dog’s chewing style.
- Portion Control: Look for treats meant for specific purposes, like dental chews or training rewards. These often have calorie counts listed clearly.
2. Important Ingredients and Materials
What’s inside the treat matters most. Good ingredients make for a healthy snack. Poor ingredients can cause tummy trouble.
Protein Sources:
The best treats list a real meat source first. Chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb are excellent choices. Avoid treats where “meat by-products” are the main ingredient. High-quality protein fuels your dog.
Avoid Fillers:
Check the ingredient list for unnecessary fillers. Things like corn, wheat, or soy are often used to bulk up treats. Some dogs are sensitive to these. If your dog has allergies, look for grain-free options.
Natural Additives:
Look for beneficial additions. Ingredients like sweet potato, pumpkin, or blueberries add vitamins and fiber. These natural additions boost the treat’s quality.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A treat’s quality changes based on how it is made and what it contains.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Limited Ingredients: Treats with a short ingredient list are often higher quality. This means fewer chances for allergens.
- Real Food First: When the first ingredient is recognizable meat or vegetable, the quality is usually high.
- Made in the USA or Trusted Countries: Treats made under strict quality controls tend to be safer.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These offer no nutritional benefit. They only make the treat look appealing to you, not your dog.
- Excessive Preservatives: While some preservatives keep food safe, too many artificial ones can reduce the overall health value.
- High Sugar Content: Treats should not be loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat changes what you should buy. Think about when and why you give snacks.
Training Rewards:
For quick training sessions, you need small, soft, and smelly treats. Target carries many soft-baked options. These are easy for dogs to chew quickly so training keeps moving fast.
Long-Lasting Chews:
If you need to keep your dog busy while you work, choose harder chews or jerky sticks. These take more time to consume. Always supervise your dog with long-lasting chews.
Dental Health:
Target stocks dental chews designed to scrape plaque. These are best used as part of a regular routine, along with brushing. They work best right after a meal.
Remember to always introduce new treats slowly. Watch your dog for any digestive upset. Happy shopping at Target!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Target Dog Treats
Q: Where can I find the healthiest treats at Target?
A: Look in the dedicated “natural” or “organic” sections, often near the premium food brands. Check the first five ingredients for real meat.
Q: Are Target’s store-brand treats (like Boots & Barkley) good quality?
A: Boots & Barkley offers many options ranging from basic to premium. You must read the label, as quality varies by specific product line within that brand.
Q: Can I buy treats suitable for puppies at Target?
A: Yes. Look for bags specifically labeled “Puppy Formula.” These treats are softer and have nutrient balances right for growing dogs.
Q: What should I do if my dog gets an upset stomach from a new Target treat?
A: Stop giving the treat immediately. If vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day, call your veterinarian. You can try giving only bland food for a short time.
Q: Are the large bags of treats a better value?
A: Usually, yes. Buying larger bags often lowers the cost per ounce. However, only buy large if your dog eats them quickly enough before they spoil.
Q: What are “limited ingredient” treats?
A: These treats use very few ingredients, often just one or two main components. They are great for dogs with many known food sensitivities.
Q: Do Target treats contain rawhide?
A: Some long-lasting chews might contain rawhide or similar products. If you prefer to avoid rawhide, choose jerky or dental chews instead.
Q: How often should I give my dog treats?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Use them sparingly, especially during training.
Q: Are Target treats generally affordable?
A: Target offers treats across many price points, making them generally affordable. You can find budget-friendly options and higher-end specialty items.
Q: Should I buy hard biscuits or soft chews?
A: Soft chews are better for seniors or dogs learning to eat fast. Hard biscuits help clean teeth slightly and keep dogs busy longer.