Not all dog treats are created equally. Some are healthier than others for your dog. Treats can be a great way to reward your Golden Retriever for good behavior. They also happen to love treats, so watch your fingers! We’ve found the best dog treats for Golden Retrievers.
Let’s go ahead and jump into the list.
1. SmartBones Smart Sticks Peanut Butter Chews Dog Treats
The chew treats are a safer alternative to rawhide treats. A lot of veterinarians have raised concerns about the potential risk of rawhide treats for golden retrievers.
Rawhides can cause intestinal blockage and digestive distress in dogs. Moreover, since rawhides are made of animal’s skins, there is a risk of salmonella diseases. However, the biggest risk of consuming rawhide treats is choking.
SmartBones treats can be used instead of rawhides that appeal to golden retrievers. The treat is made with real chicken and healthy ingredients that will appeal to your dog. The treats are healthier and safer than rawhides.
A great thing about the dog treat is that it’s highly digestible. The digestibility of this dog treat is more than most high-quality dog treats. The long-lasting chew will satisfy your dog without the risk of choking hazard as is the case with rawhides.
Chews contain minerals and vitamins that provide optimal health benefits. The treats are great for both small and large golden retrievers.
This dog treat is jam-packed with healthy ingredients. The treat contains fructose, glycerin, corn, peanuts barley, sweet potatoes, carrot, and peas. Feeding the treat can meet most of the vitamin and mineral needs of your dog.
The product is meant for supplemental feed only. You should not give more than 3 treats in one day to your pet dog.
2. American Journey Peanut Butter Biscuit Dog Treats
The crunchy grain-free dog treat has been oven-baked using fresh ingredients. You can feed this to your dog both while outside or at the home.
The size of the treat should not fool you. While the treats may be small, they can keep your pup energized throughout the day. Each bit contains a crispy crunch that your dog will love.
The naturally preserved treat is free of artificial colors and preservatives. You should treat your dog with this wholesome food that is made with real peanut butter, wholesome peas, and chickpeas.
The oven baked treat is free of fillers like wheat, corn, and soy. The treat is based without any poultry by-product. The product is intended for supplemental feeding only. You should not feed more than 5 treats in a day.
3. USA Bones & Chews Roasted Marrow Bone 6″ Dog Treat
The six-inch treat will satisfy the hunger pangs of your dog. The beef bones are roasted slowly to preserve natural meat flavor. They are filled with natural marrow that your dog will love. There are no preservatives, flavors, and colors, making it a safe and healthy treat for your dog. No formaldehyde, bleach, or any chemical has been used while preparing the product.
The treat is made of USA cattle and hand trimmed with natural marrow. Splintering is minimized due to the optimal moisture levels during the roasting process.
You should make sure to provide plenty of water when you give your pal this treat. Also, you should watch your pet while it enjoys the treat. Consider selecting an appropriate size chew for your pet dog. You should throw away the product if it splinters and develops sharp edges.
The dog treat should be treated as a supplement. You shouldn’t give more than one treat in a day.
4. The Honest Kitchen Joyful Jerky Beef Filets Dog Treats
The best part about this treat is that it has high protein. This treat contains all-natural ingredients with no added nitrates. It is made using beef, celery juice powder, and salt. The treat contains minimum ingredients making them ideal for pets sensitive to most food ingredients.
A gentle dehydration process eliminates excess moisture. The process also helps in retaining most of the flavors and ingredients. It is made with whole-food ingredients with no by-products, no fillers, sugar, glycerin, or mixed tocopherols. The product has been air-dried and then thinly sliced resulting in a perfectly flavored treat for your pet pal.
5. True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts with Real Turkey Dog Treats
True Chews is a premium quality treat that is made with real turkey. The 100 percent natural treat will give your pet pal a true treat that will satisfy its meat loving instincts.
The treat has been made with wholesome sweet potatoes that will feel nourishing and satisfying to your pet. Your dog will love the chewy texture of the treat.
The treat can be given wholly to large dogs. For small pups, you should consider breaking the treat into smaller pieces.
6. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe Dog Treats
This treat is made with real beef and fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals. You can give this treat as a snack or part of a healthy diet. The treat tastes savory and tender and infused with natural flavor.
The premium quality taste of the treat will spark joy in your dog. Due to the pliable texture, the snack is easy to chew and is perfect of dogs with tender gums. The treat is great for small pups due to the essential minerals and vitamins.
7. Bones & Chews All-Natural Dental Chew Sticks
The chew sticks contain all-natural ingredients. Your dog will love the chicken flavor treat. This treat cannot just satisfy the hunger pangs, but also freshen up the breath. The treat can scrub off tartar and plaque buildup.
The six-point shape allows the treats to clean inner mouth resulting in a cleaner mouth. There are no artificial color, flavor, preservatives, or sugar added to the treat.
8. Good ‘n’ Fun Triple Flavor Kabobs Chicken Dog Chews
Good ‘n’ Fun is a gourmet kabob made with beef. The dog food is wrapped with scrumptious cuts of real chicken breast, liver, and duck. The treat is a healthy option to satisfy the hunger pangs of your dog. The high protein diet is great for large dogs.
The food can be given as the main diet to your pet golden retriever. It also promotes better dental hygiene as it reduces the buildup of tar.
9. American Journey Lamb Recipe Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats
These American Journey crunchy biscuit treats are packed with healthy nutrients. The food item is grain free and oven backed. The crunchy treat may be small, but the bite-sized treats are full of flavor.
The wholesome ingredients present in the dog treat will sure to energize your dog. Each piece of this crunchy delight has been perfectly backed. The treat consists of high-quality lamb pieces, fruits, and vegetables.
The naturally preserved treat contains carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, pumpkins, and apples. The treat is perfectly safe for your dog since it contains no artificial colors, preservatives or flavors.
10. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Dog Treats
The Blue Buffalo Health Bars dog treat can taste delightful for your canine pet. This is a favorite among health-conscious dog owners. The dog treat has a great crunchy feel. It does not contain any soy, wheat, or corn that can cause an allergic reaction in golden retrievers.
This dog treat has been made with fortified antioxidants, omega 3, and vitamins. The treat has been baked with eggs, meat, and cheese as well as veggies, fruits, and grains. It contains real ingredients with no poultry by-product meals. Moreover, there are no artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
11. Pedigree Dentastix Large Original Dog Treats
You should treat your golden retriever with this wholesome Pedigree Dentastix dog treat. The treat provides a protein-rich delight your golden retriever will love. The treat has a natural flavor that is appealing to dogs.
Eating the crunchy delight can also clean the gums and teeth of your dog. The dog treat has no chemicals, additives, or any preservatives. It is completely digestible and is a perfect alternative to rawhide.
12. Bones & Chews Bully Stick 6″ Dog Treats
The Bones & Chewy bully stick is yet another great dog treat. You can give this treat to your dog at home or on the go. The treat provides triple action benefits. It can reduce tartar buildup, freshen up the breath, and clean the teeth.
13. Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats is a flavorsome treat for any dog. The treat contains natural wholesome ingredients that your golden retriever will love.
The mouthwatering treat for your pet dog will provide vitamins and minerals and help maintain good dental health. Greenies dog treats are also recommended by veterinarians for preventing dental diseases. We give our Golden these treats daily (or when we remember).
14. Milk-Bone Original Large Biscuit Dog Treats
Milk-Bone Original Large Biscuit Dog Treats is yet another great treat for your golden retriever. The treat can also help improve dental health by reducing plaque and tartar formation.
Each snack consists of 12 essential vitamins that can keep your pet pal in good health. These tasty dog treats consists of meat and bone meal that is ideal for golden retrievers that are over 50 pounds.
15. SmartBones Skin & Coat Care Chicken Chews Dog Treats
SmartBones Skin & Coat Care Chicken Chews Dog Treats is an advanced formulation dog treat that can provide the benefit of rawhide. The tasty chew will serve as a great chewing exercise for your canine friend.
16. Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats
Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats are natural, making them a healthy snack for your dog. The treat contains a high level of protein. It is made of real deboned meat, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
The dog treat is antioxidant-rich as it contains blueberries, apples, and potatoes. This is a great treat to give your dog when training. The treat is gluten-free and perfect for food sensitive pets.
17. Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypo-Allergenic Dog Treats
Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypo-Treats Dog Treats is particularly ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. The dog treat is nutritious, crunchy, and tasty. The treat was developed by veterinarians and nutritionists for dogs that enjoy Derm Defense, z/d, i/d, and d/d prescription diets.
18. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Dog Treats
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Dog Treats is yet another great dog treat. The treat contains peanut butter and oats. This is another great treat if you are training your golden retriever.
19. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Dog Treats
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Dog Treats is made of salmon and grain free lamb. The wholesome tasty treat contains fruits and vegetables as well. Treating your golden retriever with this treat can make them healthy and strong.
20. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Baked Dog Treats
Blue Buffalo health bars are great for dogs who love crunchy treats. The pet food contains mouthwatering cinnamon and pumpkin. The treat is baked with wholesome grains, veggies, and fruits.
How to Give the Treats to Your Golden Retriever Properly
You should be careful when giving treats to your dog. Unhealthy treats should be given occasionally. Consider using the 10 percent rule when it comes to giving treats to your dog.
The treats should not exceed 10 percent of the daily caloric intake. For instance, if you have a forty-pound retriever, it would need an approximate of 1400 kcal every day. Any additional treats should not be more than 140 kcal during the day. The rest 1260 kcal should be your dog’s normal food.
Also, you should keep in mind that the caloric intake depends on the age, size, exercise, and temperament of the dog. Small golden retrievers need more food than older dogs. Moreover, active dogs need more calories than inactive dogs of the same size.
Dogs that train, play, or fidget a lot all need large calories. You should consider these factors when giving treats to your dog.
A problem that is often encountered regarding dog treats is with begging dogs. Your dog may learn how to beg for more food such as soft paw placed on the lap, twirling, and almost inaudible whimper. You need to stop falling for the antics for more treats.
You need to avoid situations that may encourage your dog to beg. This includes not eating in front of the dog and keeping your dog away from the kitchen when preparing meals. You should invite the dog once you have finished eating or preparing the meal and give cuddles and pats.
Lastly, when giving commercial treats, make sure that you check the label. The food should be baked using natural wholesome ingredients. Avoid treats that contain too much sugar, fat, salt, or cereal grains. You can comfortably give your dog all the food items that are listed in this article.
