Choosing the right treat for your dog shouldn't be complicated. But walk into any pet store and you'll find hundreds of options — rawhide, bully sticks, freeze-dried, baked, grain-free, limited ingredient. How do you know what's actually good for your dog?
What Makes a Good Dog Treat?
The best dog treats have a short ingredient list. Ideally, one ingredient. Single-ingredient treats — like beef pizzle, lamb lung, or collagen sticks — are made from one animal protein with nothing added. No fillers, no artificial preservatives, no mystery ingredients. What you see is what your dog gets.
Types of Dog Treats
There are three main categories: training treats (small, soft, high-value), chews (long-lasting, dental benefits), and functional treats (targeted nutrition like joint support or skin & coat). Each serves a different purpose, and the best treat depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
What to Avoid
Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Rawhide is a common culprit — it's heavily processed, can be a choking hazard, and offers little nutritional value. Look for treats that are air-dried or slow-dehydrated rather than baked or extruded at high heat, which destroys natural nutrients.
How Many Treats Per Day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. For a 30-pound dog eating 800 calories per day, that's about 80 calories from treats. Most single-ingredient chews run 50–100 calories each, so 1–2 per day is a reasonable guideline for medium-sized dogs.
The Honey Standard
Every treat in Honey's lineup is held to the same standard we hold Honey herself: single-ingredient, made in the USA, slow-dehydrated or air-dried, and free from fillers and preservatives. Because the dogs we love deserve the same quality we'd want for ourselves.
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