Is there such thing as a "good" dog treat? Now before I get lectured on how that is not the right way to train, they should only eat once a day etc. I know all of that - but from time to time I just want to give my buddy a little treat. So I am looking for something that is easy to carry around, isn't to fattening, wont hurt him, and tastes good. Basically looking for the least harmful commercially available treat. Any Ideas?

I give my dog treats all the time, msotly for good behavior rewards and in training, but sometimes just because. I've trained them to crate up in the morning by giving them a treat to go in their kennels, for example. Now they see me headed for the fridge after I get dressed for work, and they head right for their kennels.

As for treats...it's not like you're feeding the dog loads of junk for a meal or something. I use anything that's safe for them to eat from storebought stuff, to gourmet dog treats my wife gets at events, to pieces of hot dog or cheese or bread, or even saved bits of safe to eat table scraps. Just don't load em up with it, and its fine.

there's a couple of brands that specialize in dehydrated foods. the jerky is usually cheaper than made-for-humans jerky. for some reason my dog really likes sweet potato.

[This message has been edited by Walter Kovacs (edited 7/12/2013 7:11p).]

As far as treats we give our dogs a variety and probably more than we should. That said if you want something not fattening I have yet to meet a dog that doesn't love carrots.

How about something like Cheerios? I've never tried them, but you'd get lots of "treats" for a few bucks.

Use their regular kibble as treats. I make a lot of money off people giving their dogs stuff they don't need, and treats, people food, etc are common offenders. They can be very convincing that they need more. I would avoid the jerky type treats as well since they seem to be the most frequently recalled pet food/treats on recall lists.

hmm, maybe that's why i've seen a few brands disappear from my local pet store

Hell our dogs love getting a piece of lettuce. They'll eat any of your typical salad ingredients, and they really love watermelon and strawberries.

Ok. How about good old "milk bones" and other common brands from the store? What about the ones that "clean their teeth"? Are any of those harmful in moderation?

I give my dog sweet potatoes wrapped in chicken jerky. Low fat and high protein.

Commercially bought dog treats are a ripoff, my dog has food allergies and the vet only allows dried yam treats. PETCO and Petsmart charge $30 for a 4 lb bag that consists of nothing but dehydrated yams.