Last Updated: 30/09/2026
Best Dog Treats in Australia: A Vet's Guide to What to Choose
Not sure which dog treats to choose? Our vets explain what to look for and point you to their recommended picks for training, dental, boredom and more.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short 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.
The best dog treats are the ones that match the job you need them to do and suit your individual dog: small and tasty for training, firm and chewy for dental care, long-lasting for boredom. Whichever type you choose, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. Here's how to choose, and where to find our vets' recommended picks for each type.
What should I look for in a dog treat?
- Look for a named protein near the top of the ingredient list, no artificial additives, and a treat that suits your dog's age, size and health. Ingredients are listed by weight, so a high-quality, named protein (like 'chicken', 'beef liver' or 'kangaroo') should appear in the first few. Skip artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, and be wary of added sugars and high levels of salt.
- Ask yourself why you are giving the treat. Training treats should be small, highly palatable and low in calories so you can reward often. Dental chews reduce plaque and tartar through mechanical abrasion, so look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance. Long-lasting chews keep a bored dog busy, and functional treats (for calming or joint support) are chosen for a specific health benefit.
- Safety matters too. Look for Australian-made treats that, where possible, state they comply with the Australian Standard for manufacturing pet food (AS 5812).
- Match the treat to your dog: puppies need softer treats, large breeds need bigger ones so they can't be swallowed whole, and dogs with food sensitivities often do well on single-ingredient treats. If your dog has a health condition like pancreatitis, check with your vet before introducing anything new.
The treat problem we see most in clinic isn't the wrong treat, it's the number of treats. A dental chew, a handful of training treats and a bully stick can add up to a big share of a small dog's day. Count them in.
What are the best treats for training?
The best training treats are small (or easy to break up), soft, strongly scented and low in calories, so you can reward often without overfeeding. Liver and jerky-style treats tend to work well.
For our vets' top picks and tips on how many to use each day, read our guide to the best dog training treats. Puppy owners should head to our guide to the best puppy treats.
What are the best treats for dental health?
The best treats for dental health are firm, chewy dental chews in the right size for your dog, ideally with the VOHC seal. The chewing action scrubs off plaque and tartar, so a treat that's swallowed quickly has no real dental benefit. Because dental disease is so common in dogs, dental chews may suit any dog. Ensure you always supervise your dog with dental chews, especially for the first few times.
See our vet guides to the best dental chews for dogs and whether dental treats really work.
What are the best long-lasting treats for boredom?
The best long-lasting treats for boredom are durable chews and treats stuffed into food-dispensing toys, which keep your dog busy for longer. They can be calorie-dense, so count them in to your dog's daily calorie intake and supervise so the last small piece isn't swallowed whole. Treats we'd skip: hard bones and rawhide, which are a common cause of fractured teeth.
Read more in alternatives to bone and rawhide and boredom busters for dogs.
What treats suit dogs on a low-fat diet?
The best treats for a low-fat diet are ones that are strictly low in fat, ideally under 7% crude fat for dogs with pancreatitis, and the lower the better. "Low fat" doesn't always mean "low calorie" though, so keep this in mind particularly for overweight dogs. For dogs with a history of pancreatitis, always ensure you consult with your vet before offering treats, to ensure they are suitable for your dog.
Read through our guide to pancreatitis in dogs for the full picture.
Do calming treats work for anxious dogs?
Yes, they can help some dogs with mild, situational stress, but they're not a substitute for training and behaviour support. Our vets explain how they work, and how much evidence sits behind each ingredient, in do calming treats work for dogs?.
For the bigger picture, read how to calm an anxious pet and separation anxiety in dogs.
Can I make dog treats at home?
Yes, you can, especially if you want to know exactly what your dog is eating. Keep an eye on fat and calories, and check labels on ingredients like peanut butter for xylitol.
Find vet-approved recipes in our guide to homemade dog treats, and see healthy dog treats for what makes a treat healthy.
Which foods are unsafe as dog treats?
Never give cooked bones. They become brittle and can splinter, causing severe and potentially fatal internal injuries. Many human foods are toxic to dogs too, including chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and the artificial sweetener xylitol. Always supervise your dog with any chew, especially ears or rawhide, to minimise the risk of choking.
Learn more in our guides to Dangerous Foods for Dogs and What Human Foods are Safe for Pets?
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 30 Sep 2026
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.
