10 Best Grain-Free Dog Treats for Happy, Healthy Pups

Key Points

• While grain-free dog foods are ideal for dogs with sensitivities, consider buying a limited-ingredient recipe.

• Always check the protein source of grain-free treats, and opt for real meat.

• Buy treats loaded with vitamins and minerals to nourish your dog.

• Avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.

You want the best for your dog, and that includes choosing the right dog treats. Finding nutritious and delicious grain-free treats is challenging for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a grain-free diet, but they do exist. Making this choice raises questions: What is grain-free? Is that option healthier for my dog? Answering those questions is an excellent first step in making your choices.

To answer the first one, North Carolina veterinarian Dr. Beth Turner says, "When dog food is labeled as grain-free, it's made without the following ingredients: wheat, corn, rice, soy, oats, barley, and rye."

This article seeks to help you answer the second question by examining some of the best grain-free dog treats on the market, offering a range of flavors, textures, and health benefits for your four-legged companion. It also looks at some of the health issues associated with grains.

After reading these reviews, prepare your shopping list to bring home treats that taste delicious and are good for your dog.

Wilderness Trail Treats

$13.98 ($9.32 / lb)

by Blue Buffalo 

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03/08/2024 11:21 pm GMT

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats have limited ingredients and are free of artificial preservatives, rich in protein, made from real meat, and contain wholesome, natural ingredients. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat, while the ideal balance of calcium and phosphorus supports strong bones and teeth.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats come in various flavors to tempt your dog's taste buds, including chicken, duck, and salmon. These treats' soft, moist texture is highly appealing to dogs, making them an enticing reward during training sessions or a tasty snack between meals.

With no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats are a nutritious, additive-free option for your dog. They promote healthy digestion by excluding common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. Since they're grain-free, they're suitable for dogs on grain-free diets or those with grain sensitivities.

Canidae Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits

Loved by dogs and cats alike, Canidae Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits are made with legumes and real animal protein. They're healthier than other dog snacks, but some pets might not go wild for them. Canidae Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits feature high-quality protein sources like bison, salmon, or duck, prioritizing your dog's nutritional needs.

These crunchy treats are free of common allergens and are made with just a few essential ingredients, making them a terrific choice for dogs with food sensitivities. There's a limited list of premium, recognizable ingredients to provide your dog with a delicious snack without sacrificing quality. 

Canidae Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits contain no fillers, artificial preservatives, or colors. They include ingredients like turmeric and sage for additional health benefits.

Canidae Grain-Free PURE Heaven Biscuits come in various sizes and textures, suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. They're even ideal for American Staffordshire terriers. 

Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Grain-Free

Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less treats are free of ingredients that might trigger food sensitivities, such as beef, pork, wheat, rice, or coconut oil. They're loved by dogs and pet owners everywhere, a perfect match even for the pickiest eaters. Choose soft or crunchy textures to suit your dog's preferences. 

The soft variety is perfect for dogs that may have difficulty with hard treats. The crunchy options offer an enjoyable contrast for pups who love to chew. These treats feature ingredients that protect the health of both your dog and the environment. They contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and are free of common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.

Only natural ingredients are used in the manufacturing of these treats. With a simple ingredient list, the Wag More Bark Less treats provide your dog with wholesome nutrition. 

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats are made with unique proteins such as bison or duck, designed with the needs of ingredient-sensitive pets in mind. The brand also offers freeze-dried raw treats for pet owners feeding their dogs an exclusively raw diet. 

The limited ingredient formula in these snacks makes them an excellent option for dogs with allergies, food sensitivities, or other dietary restrictions. Generally speaking, if the label contains more than a dozen ingredients and you don't recognize what they are, steer clear of those dog treats. More simply put: If you doubt, do without.

These treats come in diverse flavors to suit even the most discerning canine palate while keeping in mind even the most allergic and sensitive dog. The range includes sweet potato and venison, sweet potato and fish, and pumpkin and chicken. All varieties are free from artificial additives and common allergens.

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats contain essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. These treats' nutrient-dense ingredients, like sweet potatoes, provide fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Nutro Grain-Free Biscuits

The natural ingredients in Nutro Grain-Free Biscuits support healthy canine development. Your dog will love the turkey flavor, and it includes dried potatoes. The treats are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing your dog with a well-rounded, nutritious treat. The Nutro Grain-Free Biscuits contain no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.

Nutro is committed to eco-friendly, sustainable practices and using responsibly sourced, non-GMO ingredients. This commitment and their dedication to providing high-quality, nutritious treats make Nutro Grain-Free Biscuits an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious pet owner.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Marrow Roasts

Wellness is a company known for making healthy, natural dog diets. The brand's diets are often made with input from veterinarians and pet nutritionists to ensure these treats are appropriate for your pet. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Marrow Roasts treats offer your dog a unique and hearty treat experience. 

These delicious, crunchy biscuits feature a meaty outer layer surrounding a savory marrow center, providing your dog with a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. They're an ideal complement to Wellness CORE dry dog food and an excellent choice for pet owners who feed their dogs a grain-free diet. 

The natural, high-quality treats and dog food provide a comprehensive, nutritious meal plan. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Marrow Roasts are made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables to offer an assortment of vitamins and minerals to accompany their irresistible taste. These treats contain no artificial additives or preservatives and are free from common canine allergens.

Milk-Bone Grain-Free Dog Biscuits

Milk-Bone Grain-Free Dog Biscuits are a fan-favorite, especially for dog's who love a crunch. Containing dried potatoes and peas, beef, and turkey, these delicious treats won't disappoint. The bones are free from artificial preservatives and fillers, too.

These small treats are suitable for all breeds, and even contain 12 vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth. The treats are easy to pack for a day at the park and make portion control a cinch. The safe formula and high fiber content make them ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs. The treats come in two sizes: 22 oz and nine lbs.

Merrick Power Bites Real Beef Recipe Treats

Merrick is a brand well-known among pet owners — and for good reason. The company makes some of the healthiest dog snacks, most suitable for all ages, from puppies to seniors. Merrick Power Bites treats don't have harmful ingredients, such as artificial colors or preservatives. They're made to complement your dog's development and weight maintenance. 

You're rewarding your pet with a healthy snack if you choose the Merrick Power Bites. Besides being free of artificial flavors, binders, and preservatives, the Merrick Power Bites are free of ingredients such as corn, soy, or wheat. Seasoned dog guardians know these grains trigger digestive distress in some dogs, such as vomiting, gas, or diarrhea. 

Every treat has just five calories, which means it's perfect for dog owners trying to convince their pets to lose a bit of weight. The petite size of the power bites is worth giving them a shot, especially if you're caring for a toy or teacup breed. Their soft, chewy consistency suits dogs with dental health issues who might not appreciate crunchy treats.

Bones & Chews All-Natural Jerky

Made by Primal Pet Foods, Bones & Chews All-Natural Jerky are worth incorporating into your dog's diet. Although a bit pricier than other dog snacks on this list, they're among the healthiest options. 

Many pet food manufacturers are more concerned with profit than performance and use ingredients like meat by-products that offer no nutritional value to dogs. Even the biggest brands in the industry rely on hoofs, skins, and cartilage in their treats. That isn't the case with this Bones & Chews variety. Every single treat is made with real chicken. The ingredients come from various worldwide suppliers, but the snacks are produced in the United States.

Because each treat is 43 calories, it's highly recommended you use the Bones & Chews Jerky as a reward for training young pets that burn energy and calories more quickly. Senior dogs typically benefit from lower-calorie snacks since their metabolism slows as they age. 

The Bones & Chews dog treats are free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors and are made with just six natural ingredients. The label specifies that every snack contains chicken, glycerin, natural flavors, mixed tocopherols, salt, and vinegar. 

American Journey Grain-Free Crunchy Biscuit Treats

American Journey Grain-Free Crunchy Biscuit Treats use limited ingredients. Besides this grain-free treat, the brand's other varieties include peanut butter crunchy treats, baked sausage snacks, and snack sticks. If your pet is allergic to chicken — one of dog food's most commonly used proteins — you can still give them these treats. 

There are chicken, salmon, and beef options. The salmon variety is ideal for dogs with allergies and food sensitivities. At just 4.1 calories per snack, these treats also aid in maintaining a normal, healthy weight for your dog.

Spayed and neutered pets are more likely to put on a pound or two, and extra weight is risky for their health. Weight gain can pressure their joints or lead to life-threatening conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular complications. Use your American Journey Dog Treats to prevent your dog from experiencing these health issues. 

Given their small size, feel free to use these treats to train your puppy to respond to commands. The treats don't contain grains, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Why Give Dogs Grain-Free Treats?

Grain-free dog snacks aren't right for every dog in the world. In fact, those with cardiac disease or those requiring lower protein in their diets due to kidney ailments benefit from treats containing grain replacements.

A 2023 article by Vetster states that canine cardiomyopathy is more often diagnosed in dogs that eat large amounts of legumes instead of grains. However, if your dog doesn't suffer from a taurine deficiency and is a generally healthy adult, considering grain-free treats is a good idea. 

Dogs are omnivores compared to other species — like cats, which are primarily meat-eaters. That said, if grains make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet, it's the wrong food. If you're feeding your pet a commercial diet, chances are it has that percentage of grains because these ingredients are often used as fillers or binders. 

Protein is the building block of muscles, so choosing a good-quality, all-natural, high-protein, and grain-free treat variety helps a puppy develop in a healthy way. Grains have a bad reputation for causing digestive distress, such as flatulence, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your dog is sensitive to these ingredients, avoid treats that contain them. 

What To Look For in Grain-Free Dog Treats

Ask your veterinarian if grain-free dog treats are appropriate for your pet based on their general health, possible chronic conditions, reproductive status, or weight. If the vet gives the green light on grain-free snacks, the most important things to look for are:

• Real animal protein as a main ingredient — no meat by-product

• Low calories for seniors or spayed/neutered dogs

• No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors

When choosing the best grain-free dog treats, always consider a limited number of all-natural ingredients. In this case, fewer is better.

Treat Your Dog to the Best

The grain-free dog treats in this article have various flavors and provide numerous health benefits for your dog. Whether your pet struggles with food sensitivities or you simply want to offer them a nutritious and delicious treat, try any of these top-rated options.

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