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
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS - This 6 oz bag contains delicious and wholesome dog snacks that provide a recklessly crunchy experience. Our bacon dog treats for training 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.
- SPOIL YOUR DOG - These dog treats are a great way to show your dog some love and affection, while also providing them with a tasty snack.
- 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
- Start Off on the Right Paw: Perfect Trainers bring joy to everyday training and rewarding; soft and chewy treats made with simple and healthy ingredients; Great for dog training and portion control; 6 Ounces, 1 Pouch
- Beefy Bite-Sized Rewards: Drool-worthy soft dog and puppy training treats; All-natural ingredients like USA beef, sweet potato, and beef tallow, stored in a resealable bag make house training your pup a treat. Only 3 calories per treat
- Dog Treats with No Artificial Anything: Blue Dog's Mission is to make pet treats with naturally sourced, healthy ingredients; There are no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or animal by-products in any of our treats
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS - This 6 oz bag contains delicious and wholesome dog snacks made with chicken, blueberries, and a touch of tapioca. 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.
- SPOIL YOUR DOG - These dog treats are a great way to show your dog some love and affection, while also providing them with a tasty snack.
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!