Healthy dog treats are more than just a tasty reward. By consciously choosing natural snacks without artificial additives, you reward your dog in a way that suits their needs. Think of snacks for training, chewing, relaxation, or simply as a treat moment in between. At Braaaf you'll find healthy dog treats for every dog: from soft training snacks to sturdy chews, from fish snacks to vegan options and choices for sensitive or allergic dogs.
Which dog treats are healthy?
Healthy dog treats can basically be recognised by a short, clear ingredient list and a function that suits your dog. A good snack contains no unnecessary artificial colours, flavours, or fragrances and matches the purpose for which you give it. That could be a small reward during training, a longer chew for relaxation, or a snack suited to sensitive digestion.
When choosing healthy dog treats, pay particular attention to:
- natural ingredients
- no artificial additives
- preferably grain-free or without added grains if that suits your dog
- a size that's safe for your dog's build
- a texture suited to age and chewing strength
- a composition that matches any allergies or intolerances
Healthy doesn't automatically mean every snack suits every dog. A puppy often benefits from softer, smaller treats, while an enthusiastic chewer may need something sturdier. By considering age, size, sensitivities, and the moment of use, you make a choice that really benefits your dog.
What truly makes a dog treat a conscious choice?
A conscious choice starts with transparency. You want to know what you're giving, why you're giving it, and whether it fits within your dog's daily diet. According to the rules for feed and feed materials, as laid down in EU Regulation (EC) No. 767/2009 and EU Regulation (EC) No. 68/2013, information on composition and labelling should be clear and correct. For you as a dog owner, that mainly means: look critically at the ingredient list and choose snacks with a clear origin and logical composition.
At Braaaf, the focus is on high-quality natural dog snacks. All snacks are grain-free and free from artificial additives, with variants that support teeth, skin, and coat. That makes it easier to choose treats that aren't just tasty, but also suit your dog's needs.
Types of healthy dog treats and when to use them
Not every treat serves the same purpose. By smartly combining snack type with moment, you get more out of every reward or chew session.
Training treats
Small, soft rewards are ideal while practising commands or desired behaviour. They're quick to eat, cause little distraction, and help your dog stay focused. Preferably choose training treats with a strong flavour and a small size.
Chews
Chews are suitable when your dog can be occupied for longer. They match the natural need to chew and can help bring calm after a walk or during a busy moment at home.
Fish snacks
Fish snacks are popular for their flavour and are often chosen as an alternative to more standard protein sources. They fit well into a varied snack range and are especially appealing to many dogs.
Soft snacks
Soft dog snacks are handy for puppies, seniors, or dogs that prefer not to chew hard. They're also often practical during training.
Vegan snacks
Vegan snacks can be a great addition if you want variety or are looking for a plant-based option. Examples within the Braaaf range include snacks with beetroot, pumpkin, and spinach.
Mono-protein and hypoallergenic snacks
For sensitive dogs, mono-protein snacks are worth considering. With these, the animal protein comes from a single source, making it easier to choose deliberately. This is especially useful for dogs with intolerances or when you want to avoid certain protein sources.
Why chewing on healthy dog treats is so valuable
For many dogs, chewing is a natural need. It not only helps relieve boredom but can also provide relaxation. That's why healthy chews are often more than just a snack. They give your dog a task, keep them occupied, and can help reduce tension.
In addition, a suitable chewing texture can contribute to the mechanical cleaning of the teeth. This doesn't mean a chew fully replaces dental care, but it can be a meaningful addition. This is a practical benefit, especially for dogs that love to gnaw.
- supports the natural need to chew
- can help with relaxation and calm
- keeps your dog occupied in a positive way
- can contribute to cleaner teeth
Examples of snacks that fit well here include sturdy fish snacks, rawhide variants, or other longer-lasting chews, suited to your dog's size and chewing strength.
Healthy dog treats as a reward during training
What are the best reward treats for dogs? Usually small treats that are eaten quickly, smell good, and are easy to carry. During training, you want to keep up the pace. A treat that's too big or too hard pulls your dog out of the exercise and slows down the learning process.
Good reward treats therefore often have these qualities:
- small size
- soft or semi-soft texture
- high acceptance due to scent and taste
- easy to break into multiple pieces
Use training treats deliberately and count them as part of your dog's total daily food intake. Especially if you train a lot, the number of rewards can add up quickly. A practical approach is to use smaller pieces and slightly adjust the main meal if you give a lot of treats on a training day.
Healthy dog treats for puppies
Puppies get to know the world with their nose and mouth. Treats are therefore handy during socialisation, house training, and teaching basic commands. Do choose snacks suited to their age, size, and still-developing teeth.
Especially suitable for puppies are:
- small training snacks
- soft treats
- easily digestible snacks
- chew products that aren't too hard
Avoid giving extremely hard or large snacks to very young dogs. Softer options are safer and more pleasant to eat. Also pay attention to the duration of the snack moment: short and positive often works better than letting them chew for too long on something still too challenging.
Healthy dog treats for sensitive or allergic dogs
Not every dog reacts to snacks in the same way. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, itching, a known intolerance, or a suspected food allergy, choosing carefully is especially important. In such cases, hypoallergenic or mono-protein snacks are often a logical route.
In that case, preferably choose:
- a short ingredient list
- one clear protein source
- no artificial additives
- snacks without unnecessary fillers
Braaaf has a wide range for dogs with special dietary needs, including snacks suited to sensitive or allergic dogs. Think of fish snacks or other targeted options that give you better control over what your dog consumes. Brands such as Renske dog treats are sometimes also searched for in this context, but more important than the brand is always the composition and suitability for your dog.
Which snacks are better to avoid?
Anyone searching for which treats are good for dogs usually also wants to know what's better not to give. A simple rule of thumb: avoid giving human snacks. Products that seem normal to us often contain too much salt, sugar, fat, or seasoning for dogs. Some foods are even outright unsuitable.
Always avoid:
- table scraps with herbs or sauces
- sweet snacks made for people
- products high in salt or sugar
- snacks with an unclear composition
- foods known to be harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, onion, and grapes
A dog treat is only truly a better choice if it has been developed for dogs and matches their nutritional needs and safety.
How many healthy dog treats can you give per day?
Even healthy dog treats remain extras. They're meant as an addition to the daily diet, not as a replacement for a complete meal. A practical guideline is that snacks together make up about 10% of daily energy intake, with the rest coming from complete food.
Exactly how much suits your dog depends on:
- weight and size
- age
- activity level
- the type of snack
- the portion size
If you give multiple training rewards in a day, choose small treats or break snacks into pieces. That way you keep it rewarding without unknowingly giving too much.
Examples of healthy dog snacks within Braaaf's range
Braaaf offers various types of snacks so you can vary in flavour, texture, and moment of use. This helps you choose a snack that not only feels healthy but is also genuinely practical for your dog.
- Salmon Roll Sticks made from 100% salmon skin
- Roll Stick Salmon 20 cm, a hypoallergenic mono-protein snack
- Rabbit ears with fur, made from 100% rabbit
- Beetroot Sticks
- Pumpkin Sticks
- Mixed Hoops with spinach, pumpkin, and beetroot
- Salmon Oil and Salmon Oil Sheep Fat as a topping or supplement
This lets you vary between chewing, rewarding, and treating. That's in line with what Braaaf stands for: snacks that strengthen the bond between owner and pet, born from a love of dogs and cats, and made for every dog.
Practical guide: which type of dog treat suits your dog?
| Situation | Best choice | What to look out for |
|---|---|---|
| Training and education | Small soft or training snacks | Quick to eat, small size, strong flavour |
| Need for chewing | Sturdier chews | Suited to size and chewing strength |
| Sensitive dog or allergy | Mono-protein or hypoallergenic snacks | Short ingredient list, clear protein source |
| Puppy | Soft, small treats | Easily digestible and not too hard |
| Variety in the range | Fish snacks or vegan snacks | Taste, tolerance, and moment of use |
Frequently asked questions about healthy dog treats
What are the top 10 healthy snacks?
There isn't one fixed top 10 that applies to every dog. The best healthy snacks are the ones that suit your dog's size, age, need to chew, and any sensitivities. Popular choices include small training snacks, fish snacks, mono-protein snacks, soft reward treats, natural chews, and plant-based options for variety.
Which healthy dog treats are suitable for everyday use?
These are usually small, easy-to-dose treats with a clear composition. If you give daily rewards, choose snacks you can easily give in small amounts. Always keep the total daily amount in mind.
Can you give healthy dog treats to senior dogs?
Yes, as long as you choose a snack suited to their teeth and chewing strength. For many senior dogs, softer snacks or smaller rewards are more comfortable than very hard chew products.
What's the best way to store dog treats?
Store snacks in a dry, cool place, well sealed. This helps preserve scent, taste, and texture better. Resealable packaging is especially practical for this.
What should you look out for when buying healthy dog treats online?
Check the composition, the type of snack, the protein source, and whether the snack suits your dog's age and size. Also check whether a snack is meant for rewarding or for longer chewing. This way, you can make just as conscious a choice online as in store, whether you're ordering from Den Bosch or anywhere else in the Netherlands.
