Last Updated: 10/11/2025
Australia's Best Dog Treats: A Vet's Guide
Find the best dog treats in Australia with our expert vet-reviewed guide. We cover the top picks for dental health, training, boredom-busting, low-fat diets, calming anxiety, and supporting joint health.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 17 minutes - medium read
Choosing the right treat for your dog can feel overwhelming with so many options available. It’s no longer just about a simple snack; treats are now a key part of supporting your dog's health, training, and overall happiness.
From dental chews that fight tartar to functional treats that help calm anxiety or support ageing joints, what you choose can make a real difference. This guide reviews some of the best dog treats in Australia, helping you find the healthiest and most effective options to suit your dog's specific needs.
Four factors to consider when choosing a dog treat:
- Training and behaviour reinforcement: Treats are often used to reward desirable behaviour during training. Choosing a high-value treat, such as an air-dried option with an intense flavour that doesn't crumble, can be ideal for training and helps create a strong association between the reward and the behaviour.
- Managing overall diet and calories: Treats should be limited to no more than 10% of your pet's daily calorie intake. Selecting the right treat and feeding it in moderation is crucial to ensure your dog's overall diet remains complete and balanced.
- Food safety and quality: It is important to choose dog foods and treats that meet Australian manufacturing standards. This minimises the potential risk of harm from bacteria, viruses, and parasites for both your dog and your family.
- Enrichment and boredom busting: Long-lasting treats and treats used in interactive toys help keep your dog occupied and entertained. This alleviates boredom and frustration, which can help manage nuisance behaviours like excessive barking.
How We Review Our Products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Recommended Dog Treats in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
Best treats for dental health
Because 80% of dogs will suffer from dental disease throughout their life, dental chews may be suitable for any dog. Traditionally, bones were given as the 'ultimate' dental chew, however due to the risks associated with giving bones to your dog, most vets recommend dental chews instead.
How Dental Dog Treats Work: Dental chews work by acting almost like a toothbrush: the action of chewing and grinding the teeth against a hard surface mechanically removes plaque and tartar. The longer your dog chews and grinds their teeth on the treat, the better the dental care. However, this does mean that treats that are swallowed quickly have no real dental benefit.
Greenies Dental Treats
Pros
- VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved, meaning they are proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
- The flexible texture is designed to scrub the tooth surface as the dog chews.
- Helps reduce the oral bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Most dogs enjoy the taste, making them an easy daily "treat."
- Formulated to be highly digestible and fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Cons
- Unsuitable for puppies under 6 months. Some formulas contain allergens (like wheat) that may affect sensitive dogs.
Greenies Dental Chews are a popular, vet-recommended treat designed to support a dog's oral hygiene. They work through mechanical abrasion; their unique, flexible texture allows the dog's teeth to sink in, helping to scrub away plaque and tartar buildup down to the gumline.
Greenies products have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance for their proven effectiveness in reducing both plaque and tartar.
They are a highly digestible and palatable way to help freshen breath. It is crucial to select the correct size for your dog's weight and to always supervise them as they chew. This ensures they do not "gulp" the treat, which can pose a choking or blockage risk.
What our customers say: "My dog is really finicky when it comes to dental treats. I tried the greenies and she chews them up. Other brands she sticks her nose up on them. She knows what we're talking about when we ask if she wants her Greenies! She knows them by name and even the sound of the bag. What a great healthy treat."
Whimzees Variety Dental Treats
Pros
- Select products are VOHC accepted, and clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
- Vegetarian, grain-free, and gluten-free formula is suitable for many dogs with common food sensitivities.
- The firm, knobbly shapes are designed to mechanically scrub teeth as the dog chews.
- Made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients and no artificial colours or flavours.
Cons
- The very hard texture may be unsuitable for seniors, dogs with dental issues, or young puppies (a specific puppy formula is available).
Whimzees are all-natural, vegetarian, and grain-free dental chews for dogs, known for their unique, knobbly shapes like alligators and toothbrushes. Their firm texture and specific designs help reduce plaque and tartar by mechanically scrubbing the teeth as the dog chews, promoting a longer chew time for a more effective clean.
Several of their products, such as the Brushzees and Toothbrush shapes, have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance for proven plaque and tartar control.
Because they are made with limited, plant-based ingredients, they are often a suitable choice for dogs with common food sensitivities.
What our customers say: "Our baby (blue heeler) adores these. When I took the last lot home she was running around crying because she knew what was in the container - so she had to have one there & then added bonus they are cleaning her teeth at the same time as she has a treat. Win Win excellent product & excellent service :-). I would give more stars if I could - 5 from me & 5 from Charli (dog)"
Best treats for training and rewards
Whether you're teaching a puppy some basic commands, or training your dog how to walk on a lead, it's always a good idea to have some training treats on hand.
The ideal training treat should be highly palatable, small - or able to be broken into small pieces - and easy to transport. For dogs, liver and jerky treats can be very effective.
SavourLife Chicken Training Treats
Pros
- Made with real Australian chicken as the primary ingredient.
- Specifically designed to be the "perfect size" for training.
- The brand is Australian-made and family-owned.
- 50% of the company's profits are donated to pet rescue organisations.
Cons
- Contains unspecified 'cereals' and preservative potassium sorbate
SavourLife Chicken Training Treats are a popular, Australian-made reward, with real Australian chicken as the main ingredient. They are specifically designed in a small size, making them ideal for frequent rewards during training sessions. A key feature of the brand is its social mission; SavourLife is a family-owned company that donates 50% of its profits to pet rescue organisations to help dogs in need.
What our customers say: "These treats have been fantastic for teaching my dog to wait and sit at the curb before he crosses the road. I see my dog tries really hard for these treats and it shows he finds them tasty and worth the wait!"
Natures Cuts Kangaroo Liver
Pros
- Made from 100% pure kangaroo liver
- Single-protein, single ingredient, and grain-free , making it ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities
- A lean, nutrient-rich snack that is a rich source of protein
- Contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- A natural, high-reward treat that is perfect for training
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies under 6 months old
Natures Cuts Kangaroo Liver treats are a premium, Australian-made snack crafted from 100% pure kangaroo liver. As a single-protein and grain-free treat, they are an excellent, high-reward option for adult dogs, especially those with food allergies or sensitivities.
This lean, nutrient-rich snack provides a rich source of protein and has a satisfyingly crunchy texture, making it perfect for training or healthy snacking. The formulation is all-natural, containing no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. It is important to remember that these are intended as a treat, not a complete meal, and are not suitable for puppies under six months of age.
What our customers say: "My dog loves these. Gets one every morning after his walk and breakfast. Won't leave the kitchen till he gets one. These are great for him as he suffers from food allergies and can't have alot of treats."
Best long-lasting treats for boredom
Long lasting treats are great for keeping your pup amused, stimulated and out of mischief when they're alone. As an extra bonus, occupier treats also tend to be be great for keeping your pet's teeth clean!
WAG Bully Sticks
Pros
- 100% beef pizzle, with no artificial additives, grains, or preservatives
- Fully digestible
- Tough, chewy texture helps scrape away plaque and tartar as the dog chews
- A naturally high-protein, low-fat treat
- They provide a durable, long-lasting chew, which helps to relieve boredom and anxiety
Cons
- High in calories, so they can contribute to weight gain if given too frequently or without adjusting your dog's main meals
- As the stick gets small, there is a risk of the dog swallowing the end piece, which can cause choking or a blockage. Always supervise your dog while they are chewing
WAG bully sticks are a popular, single-ingredient dog treat made from 100% beef pizzle. They are a long-lasting chew, which is excellent for keeping dogs entertained and helping to relieve boredom or anxiety. As a dog chews, the tough texture helps to mechanically scrape away plaque and tartar, promoting better dental health. Unlike traditional rawhide, bully sticks are highly digestible and are naturally high in protein and low in fat. However, they are very calorie-dense, so they must be factored into your dog's daily intake to prevent weight gain.
Available in a braided bullystick for an even tougher, longer-lasting chew.
What our customers say: "Bought these for my springer spaniel to keep him out of mischief while I'm at work. Takes him between 2 days to a week to go through one of the large bully sticks. Depends on the thickness, thicker ones last longer. He really loves these and his teeth have never looked better. some of them do smell a bit but they're mess free and it goes soft so when he pulls pieces off he can't choke on it. Also 100% digestible."
Whimzees Veggie Ears
Pros
- Vegetarian, grain-free, and gluten-free, making them a good option for dogs with common food sensitivities
- Made with limited, all-natural ingredients and no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- Vegetarian, low-fat alternative to real pig ears that is less greasy and has no smell
- A suitable treat option for dogs on a low-fat diet
Cons
- This specific "Veggie Ear" shape does not carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance, unlike other Whimzees shapes (like the Toothbrush and Brushzees)
- Not suitable for dogs under 9 months of age
Whimzees Veggie Ears are an all-natural, vegetarian, and grain-free dental treat for dogs. They are designed as a low-fat and less-greasy alternative to traditional pig ears, making them a suitable option for dogs with common food sensitivities.
While this specific shape is not VOHC-accepted, it offers a plant-based way to support dental hygiene, as well as providing long-lasting distraction. As with any firm chew, it is important to supervise your dog to prevent any risk of choking or gulping.
What our customers say: "My dog absolutely adores these. She can’t have pig ears / real animal ears because of digestive upsets, so these are a perfect substitute. Lasts longer than other dental chews on the market. She wakes me up every morning excited for her veggie ear! Highly recommended and I love other products from this brand."
Best low-fat treats for sensitive tummies
With many pets suffering from sensitive stomach issues such as Pancreatitis, low fat treats are a welcome addition to the market. A low fat treat is the typical recommendation for any dog with a sensitive stomach or pancreas, and may also be ideal for overweight pets (but keep in mind that 'low fat' doesn't always mean 'low calorie!').
While most commercially available treats are considered too rich for a sensitive tummy or tubby pet, fortunately there are some options available. Your pet certainly doesn't have to miss out on tasty treats just because of their medical or dietary requirements!
The best trick is to source a vegetarian treat. Vegetarian treats are naturally low in fat, particularly animal fats (which commonly set off the pancreas or a sensitive stomach!). Fruit such as apple, strawberries, or pear make excellent healthy treats; as do vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn.
Blackdog Sweet Potato Slice
Pros
- Made from 100% sweet potato, making them a simple, natural treat
- A very low-fat (0.5%) and low-salt (1%) option, suitable for dogs on a diet
- Sweet potato is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which helps support healthy digestion
- Good choice for dogs with common protein allergies or grain sensitivities
- A natural source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins C and B6, beta-carotene, and manganese
Cons
- The treats can be tough, and may be too hard for some dogs to chew easily
Blackdog Sweet Potato Slices are a natural, single-ingredient treat made from 100% dried sweet potato. These treats are a healthy, plant-based option, particularly popular for dogs with common food sensitivities as they are grain-free and contain no meat protein.
They are very low in fat and salt while being an excellent source of dietary fibre to support digestion. They also provide natural vitamins and minerals, such as beta-carotene and Vitamin C.
What our customers say: "I absolutely love the Blackdog Sweet Potato Slice 1kg and more importantly, so do my dogs! It’s incredibly reassuring to finally find a treat that’s 100% natural, with no additives, fillers, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Just pure sweet potato, and nothing else! It’s rare to come across such a clean product these days, and knowing exactly what I’m feeding my pets gives me peace of mind. These slices are not only tasty (judging by how excited my dogs get!) but also packed with nutrients and fiber, making them a perfect healthy snack that supports their digestion and overall well-being. I’ve noticed my dogs' coats looking shinier and their energy levels consistently great since incorporating these treats into their routine. It's such a relief to know I’m giving them something good for their bodies without compromising on flavour. If you're looking for a wholesome, guilt-free treat to keep your dog in top shape, this is it. Highly recommend!"
Natures Cuts Shark Cartilage
Pros
- Made from 100% shark cartilage with no added preservatives or additives
- A natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine, supporting joint health
- Rich in omega fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Australian sourced and produced
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies under 6 months old
- Can be smelly
Natures Cuts Shark Cartilage is an all-natural, Australian-sourced treat for adult dogs. Made from 100% shark cartilage, it is a rich source of protein and omega fatty acids, which help promote a healthy, shiny coat and overall vitality. It also serves as a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health and mobility.
This chewy treat helps satisfy a dog's natural chewing instincts and aids in tartar reduction, supporting dental health. It contains no added preservatives and is intended as a supplemental snack, not a complete meal.
What our customers say: "I just bought it yesterday and it arrived this morning! As for the shark cartilage treat, my dogs LOVED it! They're super picky with treats, but they seem to love this! They also enjoyed the beef liver, just not as much as this. Highly recommend! :)"
Best calming treats for anxiety
A serious condition and more common than you would think, anxiety affects pet dogs of all breeds and sizes. One out of every six dogs may suffer from separation anxiety, noise phobia (including thunderstorm phobia) or general hyperactivity secondary to nervousness.
While proper training and household adjustments should be the mainstay of managing anxiety in dogs, calming treats are an excellent way to help the process along. The best part is that your pet will merely think they're being treated to a tasty morsel - little will they know that this 'treat' is actually a 'treatment!'
Most calming treats are infused with either a nutraceutical compound such as tryptophan, natural milk protein, or herbal extract such as hemp or chamomile.
What is Tryptophan? Tryptophan, also known as L-tryptophan, is a precursor to serotonin (the 'happy hormone'). Similar to the effects of an antidepressant, Tryptophan reduces stress. It has been demonstrated to help dogs with territorial aggression, dominance aggression, or general anxiety caused by travel or separation from owners. Tryptophan is used in many stress-soothing treats.
Zylkene Chews
Pros
- Contains alpha-casozepine, a natural peptide derived from milk protein (casein) that is clinically proven to promote relaxation
- Helps to reduce anxiety related to stressful events (like travel or vet visits) without causing sedation or drowsiness
- The chews are soft, palatable, and generally well-liked by dogs, making them easy to administer compared to capsules or tablets
- Suitable for both short-term situational stress (like fireworks) and long-term behavioural support
- Despite being milk-derived, the active ingredient is a protein, and the product is lactose-free, making it suitable for most dogs
Cons
- Not a sedative and does not work immediately. For short-term events, it must be given 1-2 days in advance, and long-term use can take weeks to show results
- As with many supplements, it does not work for every dog. Some owners report seeing no significant change in their dog's anxiety levels
Zylkene Chews are a veterinary-recommended calming supplement designed to help dogs cope with stressful situations. Their active ingredient is alpha-casozepine, a natural protein peptide derived from milk, which is clinically proven to have a calming effect similar to that experienced by newborns after nursing.
Unlike medications, Zylkene is not a sedative and will not make your dog drowsy. It is often used to manage situational anxiety from events like fireworks, thunderstorms, vet visits, or travel, and can also be used long-term to support behavioural modification. For best results, it should be given 1-2 days before an anticipated stressful event.
What our customers say: "This product worked really well and we all noticed the difference in our dog. He was chill and so calm. Much better product than those prescribed by our veterinarian."
PAW by Blackmores Complete Calm
Pros
- Formulated with high levels of Tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, to help manage stress-related behaviours
- Contains a comprehensive blend of B group vitamins to support and maintain a healthy nervous system function
- Made as a tasty chew that most dogs enjoy, making it easy to administer daily
- Developed by veterinarians
Cons
- As a supplement, it does not work for all dogs. Some owners report not seeing a significant change in their dog's anxiety
- May be too tough for some dogs
PAW by Blackmores Complete Calm is a veterinary-developed supplement chew designed to help support dogs with anxiety and stress-related behaviours. The formula's key active ingredient is Tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin (the "feel-good" chemical in the brain) to help balance mood. It also contains a comprehensive blend of B group vitamins to support the healthy function of the nervous system.
These tasty chews are given daily and are intended to "take the edge off" for dogs dealing with situational stress, such as separation anxiety, travel, or storms, rather than acting as a sedative.
What our customers say: "These calming treats have definitely helped alleviate my girls separation anxiety in conjunction with a quick morning walk. We breath easier knowing she’s not stressing herself out when we have to go to work, instead she’s just chilling on her bed."
Best joint support treats
Although arthritis is one of the most common health conditions we see in dogs as they age, the good news is that there are plenty of products you can use at home to help ease those aches and pains. It might surprise you to hear that proven joint care compounds are available in the form of a tasty treat.
What nutraceutical compounds promote healthy joints? Arthritis supplements for dogs most commonly contain one or more of the following nutrients:
1. Omega fatty acids - the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have been demonstrated to have anti inflammatory properties, and as far as supplements for arthritis go, they are backed by the most convincing evidence. Omega 3s can be obtained from lots of difference sources including fish oil, green lipped mussel powder, flaxseeds and nuts, marine sources of omega fatty acids (such as fish, fish oil and green lipped mussel) are the most effective for dogs.
2. Glucosamine and chondroitin - glucosamine and chondroitin are the building blocks of normal healthy cartilage and provide essential joint nutrients to help protect, nourish and repair cartilage. Products containing glucosamine and chondroitin are usually harvested from sea mollusks. Despite a lack of strong evidence in the veterinary literature, some veterinarians and owners have found supplementation to be helpful. With minimal side effects compared to some of the common pain relief medications, they are a good option for mild cases and to use alongside other therapies.
PAW by Blackmores OsteoAdvanced
Pros
- Contains a unique blend of Green-Lipped Mussel, Curcumin, and Boswellia to help relieve arthritic symptoms.
- Also formulated with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy joint cartilage
- Made as a tasty chew with kangaroo flavour, making them easy to give to your dog daily
- Many owners and vets report seeing a noticeable improvement in their dog's mobility and comfort
Cons
- Includes green-lipped mussel, making it unsuitable for dogs with known seafood allergies
PAW by Blackmores Osteoadvanced is an advanced joint health supplement for dogs showing symptoms of osteoarthritis. These chews are designed to provide "triple-action" anti-inflammatory support through a unique, natural blend of Green-Lipped Mussel, Curcumin, and Boswellia.
In addition to these anti-inflammatory ingredients, the formula contains the key building blocks of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help support and maintain healthy joint cartilage. They are made as a highly palatable daily chew to make administration easy and are often recommended by veterinarians as part of a multi-modal plan to manage arthritis in dogs.
What our customers say: "Have had my little man of (13yrs)on these now for a couple of years. He had a cruciate ligament operation on his back leg that was really bad and they had to remove most of the meniscus from a tear that left arthritis. It took quite awhile for it to come good. The vet recommended using a supplement so I chose these and he hasn't looked back. And it is a bonus that he loves them."
Glyde Mobility Chews
Pros
- Contains high levels of Green-Lipped Mussel, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin to reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair
- Made with all-natural, gluten-free ingredients and sustainably sourced Green-Lipped Mussel
- Widely recommended by vets
- The soft, heart-shaped chews are tasty for most dogs, making daily administration easy
Cons
- The product can be expensive, especially the initial 4-6 week "loading dose" required for larger dogs
- The formula is unsuitable for dogs with known allergies to shellfish or seafood
Glyde Mobility Chews are a veterinary-recommended joint health supplement for dogs showing signs of osteoarthritis or joint stiffness. They are formulated with a potent, clinically proven combination of three natural ingredients: Green-Lipped Mussel, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin. This blend works to reduce joint inflammation and pain while also helping to rebuild and maintain healthy cartilage.
The natural, gluten-free chews are given daily to support mobility and help relieve the symptoms of arthritis, with many owners reporting a noticeable improvement in their dog's comfort and activity levels.
What our customers say: "Our Border Collie Mika is 11 years old and has been on Glyde Mobility chews for about 18 months.She has arthritis in her back leg and since being on Glyde her movement has improved to the fact she doesnt have a limp any more. Fabulous product. Buying from from Pet Circle is very easy and fast delivery. Thank you"
What to look for in dog treats
1. Read the ingredients list
The ingredients list provides a huge amount of information about the quality of the treat.
- Look for named proteins: Ingredients are listed by weight, so you want to see a high-quality, named protein source (like 'chicken', 'beef liver', or 'kangaroo') in the first few ingredients.
- Avoid artificial additives: Look for treats that are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.
- Watch for sweeteners: Added sugars and high levels of salt are unnecessary.
2. Consider the treat's purpose
Different treats are designed for different jobs. Ask yourself why you are giving the treat.
- Training: These should be small, highly palatable, and low in calories so you can reward your dog frequently without overfeeding.
- Dental health: Dental chews are specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup through mechanical abrasion. For a product with proven benefits, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance.
- Enrichment (or 'occupier' treats): These are long-lasting chews or treats designed to be used in food-dispensing toys. They are fantastic for alleviating boredom and preventing destructive behaviours.
- Functional treats: Some treats are designed to provide a health benefit, such as ingredients for joint support (like glucosamine or green-lipped mussel) or calming (like L-tryptophan).
3. Prioritise safety and manufacturing
Safety is paramount when choosing any food product for your dog.
- Australian standards: Look for treats that are Australian-made and, where possible, state that they comply with the Australian Standard for manufacturing pet food (AS 5812).
- Never give cooked bones. They become brittle and can splinter, causing severe and potentially fatal internal injuries.
- Always supervise your dog with any treat, especially chews like ears or rawhide, to minimise the risk of choking.
4. Match the treat to your dog
A treat that's perfect for one dog might be unsuitable for another.
- Age and size: Puppies need softer treats appropriate for their developing teeth. Large-breed dogs need bigger treats to prevent them from swallowing them whole and choking.
- Weight: If your dog is overweight or prone to weight gain, stick to very low-fat, low-calorie options.
- Allergies: For dogs with food sensitivities, single-ingredient treats or novel protein treats (like venison or kangaroo) are often a great choice.
- Medical issues: Dogs with conditions like pancreatitis must have treats that are strictly low in fat. If your dog has any underlying health condition, it is always best to consult your vet before introducing new foods.
- Toxicity: Remember that many human foods are toxic to dogs. Never give treats containing chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or the artificial sweetener xylitol.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 10 Nov 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
