Choosing the right treats for your puppy can be a crucial part of their training and overall development. With countless brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones offer the best balance of taste, nutrition, and safety for your furry friend. From organic options to those designed specifically for dental health, the variety is extensive and caters to different needs. To help you navigate these choices, below is a curated list of some of the best brands for puppy treats, carefully selected for quality and health benefits.
Illustration of puppy treats
Best brands of puppy treats in 2025
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo, acquired by General Mills in 2018 for approximately $8 billion, is a leading producer of high-quality, natural pet foods and treats, including those tailored for puppies. The brand has seen significant growth, with a compound annual net sales increase of 15% since the acquisition, and has more than doubled its household penetration in the U.S. Blue Buffalo's Life Protection Formula (LPF) dry dog food line, a flagship product, saw an 8% increase in Nielsen-measured pound volume in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The company is also expanding its operations with a $200 million investment in Indiana, set to complete by the end of 2024, which will add new jobs and increase production capacity. Blue Buffalo's commitment to using real meat first and avoiding poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy has made it a trusted choice for pet owners.
Wellness
Wellness Pet Company stands out as a leading producer of puppy treats with the launch of its new brand, Good Dog® by Wellness®, which offers a range of natural, purposeful, and benefits-driven treats. These treats are formulated with premium ingredients to support specific health and training needs, such as the Happy Puppy Treats that include DHA for brain development and vitamins A and E for immune health, catering to the 93% of pet parents who buy treats to give their pets joy. The brand's commitment to using all-natural ingredients and added vitamins aligns with the growing trend of pet owners seeking high-quality, natural treats, a market expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.53% from 2024 to 2029. This focus on natural and healthy ingredients has made Wellness a trusted choice for pet parents. The new Good Dog treats are available at major retailers like Walmart, further expanding their reach.
Zuke's
Zuke's is a leading brand in the dog treats, chews, and toppers market, known for its high-quality, natural ingredients and innovative products. Their Mini Naturals dog treats, for example, are low in calories with only 2 calories per treat and are free from corn, wheat, and soy, making them ideal for training and rewarding dogs. Zuke's products are crafted in the USA and adhere to rigorous quality standards. The company is part of a growing market that is expected to reach USD 16.21 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030. Zuke's estimated annual revenue is currently $15 million, reflecting its strong presence in the pet treat industry.
Natural Balance
Natural Balance is a renowned brand in the pet food industry, particularly noted for its high-quality puppy treats. It holds a significant market share, with 10% of the natural pet treat category, as reported by Packaged Facts in 2016. Their treats, such as the Rewards series, are popular for their limited ingredients and health benefits, including the Rewards Minis with fewer than 4 calories each and the Jumpin' Stix with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Natural Balance treats are ideal for training, treating, and bonding with pets, and they come in various flavors and textures. The brand's products are well-received by pet owners, as evident from positive reviews and repeat purchases.
Merrick
Merrick Pet Care is renowned as one of the top producers of puppy treats, known for its high-quality formulas and diverse product range. The brand, now owned by Nestle Purina, has maintained a strong reputation among pet owners despite concerns over potential changes in formulations post-acquisition. Merrick's products cater to various pet needs, including dental, joint, skin, and digestive health, contributing to the pet snacks and treats market's anticipated growth at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2032. The brand's commitment to using natural ingredients and avoiding fillers like corn, wheat, and soy has been a key factor in its popularity. As part of the larger pet treats market valued at USD 20.1 billion in 2021 and projected to reach USD 29.7 billion by 2031, Merrick continues to be a trusted choice for pet owners.
Nutro
Nutro, although experiencing a decline in market share, remains a notable producer of puppy treats, known for its high-quality and nutritious products. However, according to Nielsen data, Nutro's market share has decreased by 1.5% over the past five years. Despite this, Nutro continues to offer a range of puppy treats that are favored for their natural ingredients and health benefits. The brand is part of the broader pet food industry, which is growing, with the US dog food market expected to reach USD 55.8 billion by 2032.
Nylabone
Nylabone, a leader in healthy chewing since 1955, is renowned for producing high-quality puppy treats that cater to the needs of dogs, including those for destructive chewing, separation anxiety, and dental health. Their Gourmet Style chew toys, available in flavors like chicken, bacon, and peanut butter, have received industry accolades such as the 2022 Pet Independent Innovation Awards and the 2022 Pet Product News Editors' Choice Awards. Nylabone's products are crafted with natural ingredients, are highly digestible, and free from added salt, sugar, and artificial preservatives. The brand has also demonstrated its commitment to animal welfare by donating over $1 million worth of products to animal welfare groups in 2024. With a history of over 60 years, Nylabone continues to innovate and provide world-class solutions for pet care. You can find more information about their healthy edibles dog treats on their website.
Hill's Science Diet
Hill's Science Diet is a renowned brand in the pet food industry, particularly praised for its science-led nutrition tailored for puppies. Their puppy foods support over 80% of a puppy's lifetime growth before their first birthday, incorporating essential building blocks such as prebiotic fibers, balanced minerals, DHA from fish oil, and high-quality protein. With a strong commitment to veterinary-recommended formulas, Hill's holds a significant 7% market share in the U.S. pet food market as of 2022. Their treats, such as the Soft & Chewy Training Treats, are made from natural ingredients and are free from artificial preservatives and flavors. This dedication to quality and health makes Hill's Science Diet a trusted choice for many pet owners.
Greenies
Greenies is a leading brand in the pet treat industry, renowned for its phenomenal growth and high-quality products. Since 1999, the company has experienced a staggering 92,000% growth, making it the largest US dog treat brand by value sales, surpassing Milk Bone. Greenies treats are widely distributed, available in all 50 states and exported to over 50 countries, with packaging in at least 12 languages. Their puppy dental treats are specifically designed with a soft, chewy texture to gently clean teeth and gums, and are endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for controlling plaque and tartar. These treats are made with essential nutrients like DHA and calcium to support healthy puppy development.
Rachael Ray Nutrish
Rachael Ray Nutrish is a highly regarded brand for puppy treats, known for its nutrient-dense and balanced formulas. The brand offers several puppy-specific recipes, such as the Nutrish Bright Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, which meets the nutrient profiles established by the AAFCO. In 2016, Rachael Ray Nutrish was named the fastest-growing U.S. pet food brand, with sales up 49% from the previous year. The brand is committed to animal welfare, with over $66 million donated to animal charities through The Rachael Ray Foundation as of 2022. With a variety of grain-inclusive and grain-free options, Rachael Ray Nutrish provides a range of healthy choices for puppies.
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