The Best Gourmet Dog Treats of 2024
Gourmet dog treats are a step up from the average store-bought snacks and can show your pup how much you care. Not to mention, they'll love the delicious taste and variety that comes with gourmet goodies. Although you can try and make them at home, there are plenty of nutritious ready-made options to choose from.
To help you spoil your pup with something special, we’ve reviewed the best gourmet dog treats available in 2024, starting with our top pick from the Texas Pet Company. Not only will your dog go crazy for the hearty chicken flavor, but they’ll also benefit from healthier teeth and gums.
Gourmet dog treats are a step up from the average store-bought snacks and can show your pup how much you care. Not to mention, they'll love the delicious taste and variety that comes with gourmet goodies. Although you can try and make them at home, there are plenty of nutritious ready-made options to choose from.
To help you spoil your pup with something special, we’ve reviewed the best gourmet dog treats available in 2024, starting with our top pick from the Texas Pet Company. Not only will your dog go crazy for the hearty chicken flavor, but they’ll also benefit from healthier teeth and gums.
The Best Gourmet Dog Treats
Texas Pet Company Gourmet Dog Treats
Best Overall
Treat your pup to something special with Texas Pet Company’s chicken jerky crunchy bits. These delicious and nutritious treats are made with one ingredient: 98% fat-free, lean chicken breast. Packed with high-quality protein and zero additives, preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients, these gluten-free, gourmet dog treats are sure to keep your pup happy and healthy.
The crunchy jerky discs are perfectly sized and shaped for small to medium-sized dogs, so you won’t have to worry about breaking them up, even for toy or teacup breeds. Moreover, their hard texture helps to naturally remove plaque and tartar buildup as your pet chews, promoting healthier gums and fresher breath. And with a natural chicken smell that will make any pup’s mouth water, you can be assured that this is no stinky treat! They come in a resealable canister for easy storage, and they’re made in the USA with naturally sourced ingredients. Their unique yet crunchy texture, dental health benefits, and all-natural elements make this gourmet dog treat the best overall.
Bonne et Filou Gourmet Dog Treats
Best Flavor
Macarons are a staple luxury dessert around the world, and now your dog can enjoy them too with Bonne et Filou Gourmet Dog Treats. These handmade dog macarons are all-natural, healthy, and delicious. The perfect gift for any dog or dog lover in your life, these gourmet dog treats are made with love and only the finest ingredients.
These corn and wheat-free treats are made with oat flour, honey, coconut oil, and delicious yogurt filling that comes in a variety of flavors—all healthy, natural ingredients that are safe for dogs. Plus, they come in the most adorable packaging inspired by French patisseries. Your dog will feel like royalty when you give them one (or six!) of these luxury dog treats. Best of all, they’re healthy enough for a day-to-day snack and make a great alternative to a dog birthday cake or Christmas dog treats.
Claudia’s Canine Bakery Gourmet Dog Treats
Best Aroma
Want to treat your furry friend to something that’ll satisfy their sweet tooth? Look no further than Claudia’s Canine Bakery dog cookie. These gourmet dog treats are made in the USA with 100% human-grade ingredients, ensuring that your pup gets only the best. Plus, the mouth-watering aroma and flavor will have them begging for more.
Made from refined flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and love, these treats are not only delicious but also nutritious. And because these cookies are free of preservatives, animal byproducts, and fillers, you can feel good about spoiling your dog rotten. So whether you’re looking for an everyday snack or a special way to show your pup some love, these gourmet dog treats are sure to do the trick.
Bocce’s Bakery Gourmet Dog Treats
Best Crunch
Nothing says party like cake, and what dog’s birthday would be complete without the birthday cake dog biscuits from Bocce’s Bakery? At just 12 calories per treat, these delicious gourmet dog treats are perfect for everyday snacking. Even more, they’re sourced in the USA from local bakeries to ensure that your pup is getting the best of the best.
The recipe is wheat, corn, and soy-free and contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives, making them a healthier alternative. And, since they’re available in four flavors, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your pup. Additionally, the brand keeps the ingredient lists short, batches small, and ovens toasty—giving each product the love and attention it deserves.
Portland Pet Food Gourmet Dog Treats
Best Recipe
We try to consume products that are as natural as they can be, so why not do the same for our canine companions? And to help you do that, Portland Pet Food Company ensures their dog biscuits that are sure to make for a luxurious treat for your best friend. Made with 100% natural pumpkin puree and the finest garbanzo bean flour, these gourmet dog treats to ensure that your pup gets all the nutritional values without compromising on taste and quality.
Being natural, these biscuits are completely free of any additives, including GMOs, BHAs, BHTs, or any sort of artificial flavoring that could cause problems for your furry friend. And if that’s not good enough for you to make the decision, the manufacturers donate 5% of their total earnings to animal shelters and programs, leading to a better world for canines overall.
Good’n’Fun Gourmet Dog Treats
Best Value
Treating your pets doesn’t always have to be about giving them the bare minimum. Made from premium chicken, duck, or beef, the Good’n’Fun gourmet dog treats are bursting with flavor. This variety pack contains three flavors to help make treat time exciting. Best of all, they’re also a good source of protein for your pup.
For your convenience, these gourmet dog treats come in a resealable, environmentally-friendly bag to help keep them fresh and tasty for longer. And, since they’re also highly nutritious, these treats will help your dog maintain a healthy weight, ensuring a long and happy life. Their soft and crunchy combination, plus the affordable price tag, make these treats a smart choice.
Buying Guide: Gourmet Dog Treats
What Are Gourmet Dog Treats?
Gourmet dog treats are a type of dog treat that is considered to be of higher quality and contain more luxurious ingredients than traditional treats. Gourmet dog treats may also be made from organic or natural ingredients and can even be designed for a specific purpose, such as dental health or joint support. They are also typically larger and made for special occasions.
What Makes a Good Gourmet Dog Treat?
Ingredients
First and foremost, gourmet dog treats are made with high-quality ingredients. This means that the meat used is usually a higher grade than what you would find in most commercial dog foods and treats. It also means that there are no fillers or by-products in the treats. When you’re out picking out new gourmet treats for your pup, check the ingredient list to ensure that everything is of the highest quality.
Size and texture
The next thing that makes a treat gourmet is the size and texture of the dog treats. You need to make sure the gourmet treat isn’t overwhelming to your pup’s system. That means smaller dogs need treats that are easy to chew, so opt for smaller ones. For bigger dogs, look for larger-sized biscuits or bones.
As for texture, some dogs prefer crunchy treats, while others like softer ones. Consider what type of treat your dog usually goes for, and try to find something similar in the gourmet section.
Certification
When buying gourmet dog treats, it’s always good to make sure you’re buying from a trusted brand or seller. One way to do this is to look for certification from well-known organizations like the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) or the American Kennel Club (AKC). These certifications are your guarantee that the treats have been held to high standards and are safe for your dog to consume.
Flavor
The most crucial factor in choosing a gourmet dog treat is flavor. Just like with human food, some dogs prefer certain flavors over others. If your pup loves peanut butter, make sure to get a treat packed with that flavor. If they’re more of a meat lover, go for a treat loaded with juicy meats. No matter their preference, you’re sure to find a flavor that your pup will love in the world of gourmet dog treats.
Quality over quantity
Last but not least, remember that gourmet dog treats are meant to be a special treat, not a meal replacement. A few high-quality treats a week is plenty to ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need without filling them up on unhealthy junk food. When it comes to gourmet dog treats, less is definitely more.
Are Gourmet Treats Better Than Normal Ones?
When it comes to dog treats, there are two main camps: those who believe that gourmet dog treats are better than normal ones and those who think that it doesn’t matter what kind of treat you give your dog, as long as they enjoy it. So, who’s right? There is no definitive answer, but there are some pros and cons to each type of treat that you should consider before making your decision.
Gourmet dog treats are usually made from higher quality ingredients than regular ones, and they often have unique flavors or textures that your dog may not be used to. This can make them more exciting for your dog to eat, and they may be more likely to beg for more.
That said, gourmet dog treats can also be more expensive than regular ones and may not be as readily available. Additionally, some dogs may not be able to stomach certain ingredients in gourmet treats, so it’s essential to do your research before buying them. Gourmet treats may also not be ideal for puppy training.
Kristina Owen, chief editor of fitdogster.com, says, “puppies have small stomachs, so it is important to use small treats that won’t fill them up too quickly.” Of course, gourmet treats tend to be larger, so they aren’t very helpful for frequent training. They, additionally, tend to be higher in calories, which makes them more suited for special occasions.
Owen says, “it is important to avoid using treats that are high in calories or fat, as puppies have small stomachs and can easily become overweight if they consume too many high-calorie treats.” Overall, it may be best to stick to gourmet treats for occasional meals.
Tips for Giving Your Dog Gourmet Treats
If you’ve decided to give your dog gourmet treats, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they enjoy them as much as possible.
- First, start with small quantities so you can gauge your dog’s reaction. Some dogs may be unable to stomach certain ingredients, and it’s better to find out before giving them a whole bunch of treats.
- Second, pay attention to your dog’s body language while eating the treat. A dog will let you know whether or not it likes the treat. If they start to act sick or uncomfortable, stop giving them the treat and consult your veterinarian.
- Finally, remember that moderation is vital. Just like with people, you don’t want your dog to eat too many treats, no matter how good they are. So, make sure to limit the number of gourmet dog treats you give them. Save them for special occasions.