Does your dog’s tail wag furiously the second you reach for that treat jar? We all love rewarding our furry best friends, but when you’re wandering the pet aisle at Target, the sheer volume of dog treats can feel overwhelming. You want the best for your pup—something healthy, tasty, and maybe even affordable—but sorting through bags promising “real chicken” versus those packed with questionable ingredients can turn a quick shopping trip into a major headache.
Finding the perfect balance between a treat your dog devours and one that supports their health shouldn’t feel like detective work. Many popular options are loaded with fillers or artificial flavors, leaving pet parents wondering if they are truly making a good choice. That’s why we dove deep into Target’s current selection to cut through the noise.
This guide breaks down the best, most popular, and healthiest dog treats you can easily grab on your next Target run. We will compare popular brands, highlight key ingredients to look for (and avoid!), and help you find treats that fit your budget and your dog’s dietary needs. Keep reading to become a Target treat expert and guarantee those tail wags!
Top Dog Treats From Target Recommendations
- READY FOR SPRING AND GRASS: Dog allergy chews is a safe treatment that provides potent anti-allergy and itchy support for skin related issues. With key ingredients like Colostrum, Omega 3, Turmeric, Quercetin, Bromelain, it helps relieve seasonal, food or environmental allergies, maintain normal histamine levels and improve immune health for small, large, puppy and senior dogs. 120 bites in the vacuum seal bag and shelf-stable jar provide daily and longterm protection for your dog
- ALLERGY AID FROM THE SOURCE: Hidden Inflammation is the key driver of allergic reactions in the body. Our dog allergy relief contain Turmeric, Quercetin+Bromelain Combo and Apple Cider Vinegar with powerful anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antioxidant properties. The great combination can help with inflammation, and pain & itchiness & discomfort caused by hot spots, hair loss, excessive sneezing, scratching, paw licking & chewing. It provides timely allergy support and avoids more severe allergies
- SOOTHE SENSITIVE SKIN & NOURISH COAT: Rich in DHA&EPA, Omega 3,6 fatty acids from premium fish oil and flaxseed oil. These compounds are necessary for a healthy diet and also have anti-inflammatory properties which help your dog fights allergies. Dog itching skin relief can help moisturize skin, relieve shedding and dry & flaky skin and improves better skin condition. Antioxidants Vitamin E & C and Zinc help make a shiny glossy coat. Omega 3 can also help support joint and brain health for senior dogs
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS - This 6 oz bag contains delicious and wholesome dog snacks made with peanut butter, strawberry, and blueberry. They provide a crunchy texture and are free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED - Fromm Family Foods is a fifth-generation family-owned-and-operated pet food company based in Wisconsin. Since 1904, our family has maintained a tradition of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals.
- WHOLE GRAIN GOODNESS - Our dog snacks contain a mix of whole grains that provide an impressive variety of vitamins, minerals, and high-quality complex carbohydrates, which can provide energy and fiber.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Snagging the Best Dog Treats from Target
Target is a fantastic place to shop for your furry friends. They offer a huge selection of dog treats. Finding the perfect one needs a little know-how. This guide helps you choose the best snacks for your dog.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you browse the treat aisle, look closely at these features. They tell you a lot about the product.
- Intended Use: Do you need a training treat, a dental chew, or just a tasty snack? Training treats are usually small and soft. Dental chews are hard and textured.
- Size and Shape: The treat size must match your dog. Tiny puppies need tiny treats. Large breeds need bigger chews that last longer.
- Freshness Seal: Always check for a secure seal or airtight packaging. Freshness keeps the treats tasty and safe.
- Value Pack Options: Buying in bulk often saves money. See if Target offers larger bags of your dog’s favorite treat.
2. Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat matters most for your dog’s health. Read the ingredient list carefully.
Protein Sources
Good treats list real meat as the first ingredient. Look for things like chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Avoid treats where unnamed “meat by-products” are listed first.
Avoid These Fillers
Some treats use cheap fillers to bulk up the product. Try to limit treats high in corn, wheat, or soy, especially if your dog has allergies. Natural preservatives are better than artificial ones.
Nutritional Additions
Some Target treats include added benefits. Look for omega fatty acids for a shiny coat or glucosamine for joint health in older dogs.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all treats are made equal. A few simple checks can separate a high-quality snack from a low-quality one.
Quality Boosters
- Limited Ingredients: Treats with fewer ingredients are often easier to digest. They are great for sensitive stomachs.
- Natural Coloring: High-quality treats use colors from vegetables like carrots or beets, not artificial dyes.
- Slow Baking/Dehydrating: These processes keep more nutrients locked inside the treat.
Quality Reducers
- High Sugar Content: Too much added sugar offers no nutritional value and is unhealthy for dogs.
- Artificial Preservatives: Chemicals like BHA or BHT are often used to keep treats shelf-stable, but many owners prefer to avoid them.
- Crumbly Texture: If the treat falls apart too easily, it is not a good training reward because it gets messy quickly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat affects which type you should buy. Think about your daily routine with your dog.
Training Time
For obedience school or quick training sessions, you need soft, smelly, small treats. They must be easy to break into even smaller pieces. Target’s soft-baked options work well here.
Dental Health
If your goal is cleaner teeth, choose hard chews designed to scrape plaque. These should be durable enough to last several minutes.
Calming Moments
Some Target brands offer calming treats containing ingredients like chamomile or melatonin. Use these for stressful events like thunderstorms or car rides. These are usually given about 30 minutes before the event.
Allergy Management
If your dog has known allergies, stick to single-ingredient jerky treats or grain-free options. You need simple ingredients to manage reactions.
10 FAQs About Buying Dog Treats From Target
Q: Are Target’s store-brand treats (like Boots & Barkley) good quality?
A: Boots & Barkley treats often offer good value. Check the ingredient list just like any other brand. Many of their newer lines focus on limited ingredients.
Q: How often should I give my dog treats?
A: Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Use them for rewards, not as main meals.
Q: What should I do if my dog gets an upset stomach after a new treat?
A: Stop giving the treat immediately. If the upset continues, call your vet. You may need to switch to a bland diet for a day.
Q: Are crunchy biscuits better than soft chews?
A: Neither is strictly better. Crunchy biscuits help clean teeth a bit. Soft chews are often easier for senior dogs or for fast rewards during training.
Q: Should I buy rawhide alternatives at Target?
A: Yes, Target stocks many rawhide-free chews. Look for vegetable-based chews or hard jerky sticks made from real meat.
Q: Can I find grain-free treats easily at Target?
A: Absolutely. Target has a large selection of grain-free options across many brands, often using sweet potato or peas as substitutes for grains.
Q: What is the best way to store Target treats?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place. Keep them sealed tightly in their original bag or an airtight container to prevent staleness.
Q: Are the really cheap treats worth buying?
A: Sometimes, but be cautious. Very cheap treats often contain many fillers and artificial ingredients. They are generally lower quality.
Q: Do Target treats expire?
A: Yes, they do. Always check the “Best By” date printed on the bag. Opened bags should be used within a few weeks for best freshness.
Q: Are there treats for puppies at Target?
A: Yes. Look for labels specifically marked “Puppy.” These treats are usually softer and made without high levels of fat needed by adult dogs.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!