Top 6 Dog Treats and Chews for Healthier Teeth, and Everyday Joy

If you’re a dog parent, you already know how one little treat can turn your pup’s entire day around. That happy tail wag, those excited eyes, it’s pure joy. But treats aren’t just about spoiling your dog. The right ones can actually make a real difference to their health.

Research from Today’s Veterinary Practice shows that dental and chew treats can help reduce plaque buildup and encourage natural chewing habits, which are both key to keeping your dog’s mouth healthy and their mind engaged.

In this post, we’ll explore six top dog treats and chews that check all the boxes: great flavor, smart nutrition, and health benefits your dog will feel. Whether you have a picky eater, a hardcore chewer, or a pup who just lives for snack time, these tasty finds will have them begging for more every single day.

6 Best Dog Treats & Chews Your Pup Will Love Every Day

Every dog deserves a snack that’s as good for them as it tastes. Whether you’re looking to freshen their breath, support muscle health, or just make them smile, these six standout treats and chews deliver the perfect mix of flavor, nutrition, and fun.

1. Better Life Chews 4-in-1 Dental Care by Dr. Marty

These powerful dental chews go beyond cleaning teeth. They’re packed with micro-scrubbing enzymes, probiotics, and natural odor-fighting ingredients like parsley and chlorophyll to help reduce plaque buildup and keep your dog’s mouth clean and fresh. Even picky dogs enjoy the taste and texture of these daily chews.

Key Features:

• Supports cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and gum health

• Contains dual probiotics for oral and digestive balance

• Free from grains, soy, and artificial preservatives

• Great for dogs 6 months and older

2. Beef Liver Dog Treats by Max & Molly

Made from 100% natural beef liver, these treats are packed with protein, iron, and essential vitamins. Each piece is freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavor without the use of additives or preservatives. They make a perfect training reward or a tasty topper for your dog’s daily meal.

Key Features:

• Single-ingredient treat made from pure beef liver

• High in protein, iron, and B vitamins

• Freeze-dried for freshness and nutrient retention

• Low in calories and easy to digest

3. Cod Crispies Freeze-Dried Cod Skin Dog Treats by Dr. Marty

These crunchy bites of wild-caught cod skin are air-dried to perfection for maximum flavor and nutrition. High in protein and low in fat, they’re a clean, ocean-inspired snack that supports lean muscle and healthy skin. Dogs love the crispy texture and natural fish aroma.

Key Features:

• Made with 100% wild-caught cod skin

• High-protein, low-fat formula

• Gently air-dried to preserve nutrients

• Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities

4. Peanut Butter Dental Bones Health Extension

These peanut butter-flavored bones combine dental care with whole-body nutrition. With ingredients like kelp, parsley, and chia seed, they naturally help clean teeth, freshen breath, and boost overall health. Their chewy texture makes them satisfying for daily use.

Key Features:

• Cleans teeth and freshens breath naturally

• Contains kelp, parsley, and chia for added health benefits

• Fortified with antioxidants and essential nutrients

• No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial preservatives

5. Organic Oven Baked Apple Treats for Dogs by Grandma Lucy’s

These wholesome, USDA-certified organic treats taste just like homemade cookies. Made with real apple, cinnamon, and vanilla, they deliver a comforting aroma and a satisfying crunch. Each piece is baked with love and free of artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.

Key Features:

• 100% USDA organic and human-grade ingredients

• Sweet apple and cinnamon flavor dogs adore

• Oven-baked for a crunchy texture

• Free from trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and GMOs

6. Freeze-Dried Quail Egg Yolk Treats for Dogs & Cats by Arya Sit!

A rich, single-ingredient treat made from 100% quail egg yolk, these bites are loaded with natural fats, proteins, and vitamins that promote skin and coat health. The freeze-drying process keeps nutrients intact while giving them a light, crunchy texture that both dogs and cats enjoy.

Key Features:

• Single ingredient: 100% quail egg yolk

• High in healthy fats and essential nutrients

• Freeze-dried to preserve over 90% of nutrients

• Perfect as a topper or training reward

Explore the Differences Between Our Most Loved Treats

Feature	Dr. Marty Better Life 4-in-1 Dental Care	Max & Molly Beef Liver Treats	Dr. Marty Cod Crispies	Health Extension Peanut Butter Dental Bones	Grandma Lucy’s Organic Apple Treats	Arya Sit! Quail Egg Yolk Treats
Texture & Consistency	Soft, chewy stick with gentle scrubbing texture	Crunchy, freeze-dried bite	Crispy, air-dried texture	Firm chew, slightly dense	Crunchy, oven-baked biscuit	Light, crisp, freeze-dried crumble
Production Method	Cooked with enzyme infusion	Freeze-dried	Air-dried	Oven-baked	Oven-baked	Freeze-dried at -35°F
Primary Ingredients	Potato starch, pork liver, probiotics, chlorophyll	100% beef liver	100% wild-caught cod skin	Potato flour, peanut flour, kelp, chia, flaxseed	Organic wheat flour, apple, cinnamon, vanilla	100% quail egg yolk
Ingredient Composition	Multi-ingredient	Single-ingredient	Single-ingredient	Multi-ingredient	Multi-ingredient	Single-ingredient
Ingredient Quality & Sourcing	Non-GMO, preservative-free	100% natural, locally sourced	Wild-caught, natural	USA-sourced ingredients	USDA organic, human-quality	Sourced from Taiwan
Intended Purpose / Use	Daily dental chew	Training or reward treat	Daily snack or high-protein reward	Dental & health-boosting dog chew	Occasional organic snack	Training reward or meal topper
Key Functional Benefit	Cleans teeth, supports gums & digestion	Builds muscle & energy	Promotes lean muscle & skin health	Improves oral hygiene & immune function	Provides antioxidants & fiber	Supports coat, energy, and digestion
Distinctive Health-Supportive Components	Probiotics, enzymes, chlorophyll, parsley	None	None	Kelp, parsley, chia seed, flaxseed, superfoods	Natural cinnamon & apple antioxidants	Nutrient-dense egg yolk fats & vitamins
Protein Content	4%	Very high (~65–70%)	71%	11%	5.5%	27%
Dietary Suitability	Grain-free, easy to digest	Grain-free, limited ingredient	Grain-free, hypoallergenic	Grain-free, allergy-friendly	Contains wheat (not grain-free)	Grain-free, gluten-free
Dental Care Support	✔	✘	✘	✔	✘	✘
Functional / Added Nutrients	✔	✘	✘	✔	✘	✘
Organic or Human-Grade	✘	✘	✘	✘	✔	✘
Suitable for All Life Stages	✔ (6+ months)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Flavor Profile	Savory & fresh with herbal notes	Rich meaty aroma	Fishy ocean flavor	Creamy peanut butter	Sweet apple & cinnamon	Mild creamy egg flavor
Calories per Treat (approx.)	63–152 kcal (size-based)	Low calorie	93 kcal/cup	Moderate	Moderate	11 kcal/treat
Country of Origin	USA	Canada	USA	USA	USA	Taiwan

Find the perfect treat that suits your pet’s health and happiness!

If you’re looking for complete dental care and fresh breath, go for Dr. Marty Better Life Chews or Health Extension Peanut Butter Dental Bones.
For a pure, high-protein boost, Max & Molly Beef Liver Dog Treats and Dr. Marty Cod Crispies are excellent choices.
If you want something organic and oven-baked, Grandma Lucy’s Apple Treats bring a wholesome, home-style touch.
And for pet parents with both dogs and cats, Arya Sit! Quail Egg Yolk Treats offer a lightweight, nutrient-rich option that suits all ages and breeds.

How To Choose the Right Dog Chews & Treats?

• Check your dog’s size and chewing style: A large aggressive chewer needs a different texture than a small gentle chewer.

• Match the purpose: Do you want dental support, training reward, high-protein snack, topper, or just a simple dog treat?

• Read the ingredients: Look for high quality proteins, minimal fillers, grains or artificial additives if your dog has sensitivities.

• Calorie and nutrition balance: Treats add to your dog’s daily intake — adjust main meals accordingly.

• Texture & durability: The treat should encourage chewing without being so hard it risks tooth damage.

• Check for approvals when relevant: For dental dog chews, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal or an indication of proven plaque/tartar reduction.

• Consider any dietary sensitivities or health issues: For example allergies, kidney or liver issues, etc.

• Supervise treat time: Especially with new textures or chews to make sure there’s no choking or adverse reaction.

Choosing Treats and Chews by Breed Type

• Small breeds: Have smaller mouths and often more delicate teeth. Choose soft(er) chews or smaller sizes; avoid large bulky chews.

• Large breeds / strong chewers: Need longer-lasting chews with more durability to satisfy chewing but still safe.

• Senior dogs: May have dental issues or missing teeth — softer textures or dental support formulas work better.

• Puppies: Their teeth and jaws are developing — choose age-appropriate treats and avoid very hard dog chews.

• Breed-specific jaw shapes / chewing behavior: Some breeds (bulldogs, pugs) have flat faces and may struggle with large chew shapes; others (huskies, shepherds) might be enthusiastic chewers that need tougher options.

• Calorie intake vs lifestyle: Some active breeds burning lots of energy can tolerate higher calorie treats; more sedentary dogs need leaner treats.

• Health predispositions: Breeds with dental issues, allergies, or sensitivities (e.g., poodles, terriers) may benefit from functional or hypoallergenic options.

Conclusion

Choosing the right treats and chews is about more than giving your dog something tasty. It is a simple way to support their health, encourage good behavior, and match their unique lifestyle. The six treats in this list offer something for every kind of dog, from dental chews that freshen breath to single-ingredient snacks and wholesome oven-baked goodies.

When you pick a treat that fits your dog’s size, chewing style, diet, and age, you are not just rewarding them, you are helping them live a happier and healthier life. Seeing that tail wag every day is the best reminder that you made the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I give my dog chews or treats?

Ans: It depends on your dog’s size, diet, and activity level. Most healthy dogs can enjoy one or two small treats a day, or one dental chew if it’s designed for daily use. Always read the feeding guidelines on the package and adjust their main meals to keep calories balanced.

Q2. Are dental chews really effective for cleaning teeth?

Ans: Yes, dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar when used regularly. The chewing action scrubs the teeth, while certain ingredients like enzymes or chlorophyll help freshen breath. For best results, combine them with regular brushing and vet checkups.

Q3. What are single-ingredient treats, and why are they good for dogs?

Ans: Single-ingredient treats are made from just one ingredient, like beef liver or cod skin. They’re easier to digest, great for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, and let you know exactly what your pet is eating.

Q4. Can treats replace regular meals?

Ans: No. Treats are meant to complement your dog’s diet, not replace it. They should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Think of them as a healthy reward, not a full meal.

Q5. What kind of treat is best for puppies?

Ans: Puppies need soft, easy-to-chew treats that are gentle on their developing teeth and gums. Look for small pieces or treats that can be broken up easily. Avoid anything too hard or high in fat until they’re fully grown.

Q6. Are all-natural or organic treats worth it?

Ans: Natural and organic treats can be a great option if you want to avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and fillers. They’re often made with whole, recognizable ingredients and can be gentler on your dog’s digestion.

Q7. Can cats eat any of these treats too?

Ans: Yes, but only a few. The Arya Sit! Freeze-Dried Quail Egg Yolk Treats are safe and nutritious for both dogs and cats. The rest are formulated just for dogs and should not be shared with feline friends.

Q8. How do I store dog treats to keep them fresh?

Ans: Most treats should be kept in a cool, dry place and sealed after each use. Freeze-dried and air-dried options are naturally stable and don’t need refrigeration, but it’s always best to follow the storage directions on the package.

Q9. My dog has allergies. Which treats are the safest?

Ans: Stick with limited or single-ingredient treats like beef liver, cod skin, or quail egg yolk. These are free from grains, soy, and artificial additives that often trigger sensitivities. Always check labels and talk to your vet if you’re unsure.

Q10. What’s the best way to introduce a new treat?

Ans: Start with a small portion and see how your dog reacts. Monitor for any stomach upset or changes in stool. Once you know they tolerate it well, you can make it a regular part of their routine.