Have you stood in a pet shop aisle staring at row after row of dog treats, wondering which ones are actually worth buying? You're not alone. New Zealand dog owners are spoiled for choice these days, but more options don't always make the decision easier. Some treats are little more than flavoured fillers. Others are genuinely good for your dog's health, dental hygiene, or training progress.
This guide cuts through the noise. We've broken down the main types of dog treats available in NZ, what to look for on the label, which situations call for which treat, and some practical tips to make sure treat time stays a healthy habit rather than a sneaky source of excess calories.
Whether you've got a bouncy puppy learning basic commands, a senior dog with sensitive teeth, or just a very enthusiastic Labrador who lives for snack time, there's the right treat for every dog.
Why the Type of Treat Actually Matters
Not all dog treats serve the same purpose, and choosing the wrong one for the situation can cause more problems than you'd expect. A high-calorie reward treat given too freely to a less active dog can contribute to weight gain over time. A crunchy biscuit given to a dog with sore gums does more harm than good. And a treat with artificial colours and fillers might satisfy your dog at the moment, while doing nothing useful for their health.
The good news is that once you understand what each treat category does best, shopping becomes a lot easier.
Types of Dog Treats: A Practical Breakdown
Biscuits and Crunchy Treats
These are the everyday workhorses of the treat world. Biscuits are easy to handle, tend to be lower in fat than meaty treats, and most dogs love the satisfying crunch. They're great for training because you can break them into smaller pieces, and they're shelf-stable, making them convenient to keep on hand.
When choosing biscuits, look for options with real protein (chicken, beef, fish, or lamb) listed near the top of the ingredients. Avoid anything that relies heavily on corn syrup, artificial flavours, or vague ingredients like "meat by-products" without further description.
We stock a range of biscuits and meaty treats for different life stages and preferences, making it a good place to start if you're unsure what suits your dog.
Meaty and Soft Treats
Soft, meaty treats tend to be higher value rewards, meaning dogs usually find them more exciting than a dry biscuit. That makes them particularly useful for training, especially when you're working on recall, distraction-proofing, or introducing your dog to something stressful like a vet visit or a nail trim.
Because they're often more calorie-dense, it's worth being a bit more mindful about portion size. If your dog is already getting a good amount of food each day, treats should generally make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake, though your vet can give specific advice based on your dog's size and activity level.
Dental Treats
Dental treats occupy their own special category because they do something different. Rather than just tasting good, a quality dental treat is designed to mechanically clean teeth as your dog chews, helping to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Many also contain ingredients that support fresher breath.
Dental health is genuinely important for dogs. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, and, in more severe cases, affect your dog's overall well-being. Daily dental care at home is ideal, and while brushing your dog's teeth is the gold standard, not every dog or owner is up for that. Dental treats offer a more practical daily option for many households.
Greenies is among the best-known dental treat brands in NZ. They come in different sizes to suit dogs from small to large and are formulated specifically to clean teeth as your dog chews. We carry them alongside other dental treat options, so it's worth exploring if dental hygiene is a priority for your dog.
Natural and Single-Ingredient Treats
There's been a real shift in the NZ pet food market toward more natural, minimally processed treats. Single-ingredient options like dried chicken, fish, or beef liver have become increasingly popular, and for good reason.
With a single-ingredient treat, you know exactly what you're feeding your dog without hidden fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavours. For dogs with food sensitivities or intolerances, this kind of treat can be a safer choice than something with a long ingredient list where the culprit is harder to identify.
They also tend to be very high in value for dogs, since the smell and flavour are much more intense than those of a processed biscuit. The downside is they can be pricier, and some (particularly fish-based ones) have a fairly powerful aroma. Worth it for most dogs, though.
Functional Treats
Increasingly common in the NZ market are treats that deliver a specific health benefit beyond basic nutrition. You'll find treats designed to support joint health, calm anxious dogs, aid digestion, or promote a healthy coat. These aren't magic bullets, but when formulated well, they can be a useful complement to a balanced diet, particularly for dogs with specific health needs.
If your dog has joint stiffness, some treats contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which support cartilage health. If you're unsure whether a functional treat would benefit your dog, checking in with your vet is always a smart first step before adding something new to their routine.
What to Look for on a Dog Treat Label
Reading pet food labels can feel like translating a foreign language, but there are a few key things to look for.
Ingredients list: Ingredients are listed in order of weight. Look for a named protein source, such as chicken, lamb, or salmon, near the top. If the first several ingredients are grains or fillers, the treat is likely low in actual meat content.
Preservatives: Natural preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), are fine. Artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT are worth avoiding where possible, as there is ongoing debate about their long-term safety in pet foods.
Additives and colours: Artificial colours serve no nutritional purpose. A treat that looks like a rainbow might appeal to humans, but dogs don't care what colour their food is.
Calorie content: If you can find it on the pack, calorie information helps you factor treats into your dog's daily intake more accurately. This matters more for small dogs and less active breeds.
Size appropriateness: A treat designed for a large breed given to a small dog can be a choking hazard. Always check that the size is appropriate, especially with dental treats or chews.
Treats for Different Life Stages
Puppies
Puppies can start having treats from around eight weeks old, once they're settled into their new home and eating solid food comfortably. Keep treats small, soft, and easy to chew, since puppy teeth and jaws aren't yet built for hard biscuits. Training treats are particularly useful at this stage because puppies learn quickly, and consistently rewarding the right behaviours makes a big difference.
Avoid treats with high salt content for young puppies, and be cautious with very rich or fatty treats that could upset a sensitive digestive system.
Adult Dogs
Most adult dogs can handle a wide variety of treats. The main considerations are calorie balance, especially for less active or desexed dogs who can be prone to weight gain, and matching the treat to its purpose. Daily dental treats, combined with occasional training rewards and maybe a natural chew for enrichment, are a solid approach for most healthy adult dogs.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs may have reduced kidney function, dental sensitivity, or digestive changes that make certain treats less appropriate. Softer treats are often easier for seniors with worn or missing teeth. Lower-sodium options are also worth looking for if your dog has any underlying health conditions. If you're unsure, a conversation with your vet will point you in the right direction.
How Many Treats Is Too Many?
This is one of the most common questions dog owners have, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. A general guideline often shared by vets is that treats should account for no more than around 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake, but this varies depending on the treat type, your dog's size, and how active they are.
A working dog that covers kilometres every day can afford more caloric treats than a small dog that spends most of their time on the couch. The key is watching your dog's weight over time. If they're gaining weight without a change in their regular food, treats are often the first place to look.
Using lower-calorie treats like pieces of cooked carrot or cucumber is a good option if you're a generous treat-giver. Most dogs enjoy them, and you can give more without worrying about the calorie count.
Treats to Avoid
A few foods are genuinely dangerous for dogs and worth knowing about. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage, even in small amounts. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Onion and garlic, even in powdered form, can damage red blood cells. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolise safely.
Xylitol is particularly important to watch for. It's a sweetener found in some sugar-free products and can be highly toxic to dogs even in small quantities. Always check the ingredients before sharing any human food with your dog, even if it seems harmless.
A Note on NZ-Sourced Treats
New Zealand has strong standards for pet food manufacturing, and many local brands use NZ-sourced proteins such as lamb, venison, and fish that are genuinely high quality. If supporting local matters is important to you, or if you prefer treats made to NZ food safety standards, it's worth checking the country of origin on the packaging.
Where to Buy the Best Dog Treats in NZ
Pet Supply is a good starting point for browsing a quality range of dog treats without wading through everything you'd find in a general supermarket. The dog treats collection is divided into biscuits and meaty treats, and dental treats, making it easy to find what you're after.
There's free shipping on orders over $100, which makes stocking up on a few different treat types at once a cost-effective option for NZ pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the healthiest dog treats in NZ?
The healthiest dog treats tend to have a short ingredient list with a named protein source near the top, minimal artificial additives, and are appropriate for your dog's life stage and size. Single-ingredient treats, such as dried meat or fish, are often a great option for dogs with sensitivities. Dental treats that support oral hygiene are also a worthwhile regular addition.
How often should I give my dog treats?
Most dogs can have treats daily, provided treat intake is factored into their overall calorie intake. A general guideline is that treats should account for no more than around 10% of a dog's daily calories. If you're training heavily and using a lot of small treats, choosing a lower-calorie option helps keep things balanced.
Are dental treats worth it for dogs?
Yes, for many dogs, dental treats offer a practical way to support oral hygiene between professional cleanings. They work by mechanically removing plaque and tartar through chewing. They're not a replacement for brushing, but for dogs who won't tolerate a toothbrush, a quality dental treat used daily makes a real difference.
What treats are good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Dogs with sensitive stomachs often do better with single-ingredient treats or those with limited, easily digestible ingredients. Chicken, fish, and sweet potato are generally well tolerated. Avoid anything high in fat or with a long list of additives. If your dog has recurring digestive issues, it's worth speaking with a vet about the underlying cause.
Can puppies have treats?
Yes, puppies can have treats from around 8 weeks of age. Choose small, soft treats that are easy to chew and gentle on a young digestive system. Training treats work particularly well at this stage. Avoid anything high in sodium or strongly seasoned.
What human foods are dangerous to give dogs as treats?
Some common human foods are toxic to dogs and should never be offered as treats. These include grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chocolate, and anything containing xylitol. When in doubt, stick to treats made specifically for dogs.
Are grain-free treats better for dogs?
Not necessarily. Grain-free treats are a sensible choice for dogs with confirmed grain sensitivities or allergies, but for most dogs, whole grains are a perfectly fine source of carbohydrates and fibre. If your dog doesn't have a diagnosed sensitivity, there's no specific need to avoid grains. The overall quality of the ingredients matters more than whether or not grains are present.
The Final Verdict
Treats are one of the most enjoyable parts of owning a dog. They're how we communicate, reward, build trust, and reinforce the behaviours we want to see more of. Used thoughtfully, they're a genuinely positive part of your dog's life.
The key is choosing treats that align with what you actually need, whether that's a reliable training reward, daily dental support, a wholesome, natural snack, or something specifically formulated for your dog's age or health needs.
If you're ready to find the right fit, browse our range of dog treats, including dental care, biscuits, meaty treats, and more.
