How to Choose Dog Treats: Complete Australian Guide 2026
How to Choose Dog Treats: Complete Australian Guide 2026
Last Updated: 7 March 2026 | 8 min read
By Bark with Buster
Choosing the right dog treats can feel confusing. Walk into almost any pet store in Australia or browse online and you’ll find hundreds of options — biscuits, jerky, dental chews, training rewards and long-lasting chews.
With so many products claiming to be natural or healthy, it can be difficult to know which treats are actually good for your dog.
Some treats are heavily processed and filled with additives, while others are made with simple ingredients that better support a dog’s natural diet.
Understanding what goes into your dog’s treats can make a big difference to their health, digestion and training success.
If you’re already looking for better options, you can explore the Bark with Buster range of natural dog treats made in Australia here:
https://www.barkwithbuster.com.au/collections/natural-dog-treats-australia
In this guide we’ll explain how to choose dog treats, what ingredients to look for, what to avoid, and how to select treats suited to your dog’s age, training needs and dietary requirements.
Quick Answer: How to Choose the Best Dog Treats
The best dog treats are made from simple, natural ingredients with minimal processing. Look for treats that contain real meat proteins such as chicken, beef or kangaroo, avoid artificial preservatives or fillers, and choose options suited to your dog’s size, age and dietary needs.
Many dog owners now choose natural dog treats in Australia made from real meat because they offer better ingredient transparency and strong natural flavour that dogs love.
Explore Natural Dog Treats Made in Australia
If you're looking for simple, high-quality options, explore our natural dog treats made in Australia crafted from real Australian proteins and gently air-dehydrated for flavour and nutrition.
Browse the Bark with Buster natural dog treat range here:
https://www.barkwithbuster.com.au/collections/natural-dog-treats-australia
What Are the Best Dog Treats for Dogs?
The best dog treats are typically protein-rich options made with natural ingredients and minimal processing.
Many pet owners prefer single ingredient dog treats such as beef liver, kangaroo lung or chicken necks because they provide clear nutrition without unnecessary additives.
Simple treats allow dog owners to know exactly what their pets are eating while still providing a rewarding snack for training or bonding.
If you’d like a deeper look at healthy treat choices, our guide explaining what treats are good for dogs explores the different types of treats available and when to use them:
https://www.barkwithbuster.com.au/blogs/natural-dog-treats-australia/what-treats-are-good-for-dogs
Healthy Dog Treats in Australia: What to Look For
Dog owners across the country are becoming more aware of the importance of choosing healthy dog treats in Australia.
Healthy treats typically contain real meat proteins, minimal processing and no artificial preservatives, colours or fillers.
When selecting healthy treats for your dog, look for products that are:
• made from real meat proteins
• produced using minimal processing methods
• free from artificial preservatives or colours
• clearly labelled with identifiable ingredients
• sourced from reputable suppliers
These characteristics help ensure that treats support your dog’s nutrition rather than simply adding unnecessary calories.
Why Choosing the Right Dog Treats Matters
Dog treats are more than just rewards. They contribute to your dog’s daily calorie intake and can influence their weight, digestion and energy levels.
Most veterinarians recommend that treats make up no more than about ten percent of your dog’s daily calories.
Choosing better treats can help:
• support balanced nutrition
• reduce exposure to artificial additives
• prevent unnecessary weight gain
• improve training success with high-value rewards
• provide chewing enrichment and stimulation
Start With the Ingredient List
One of the easiest ways to judge the quality of a dog treat is by reading the ingredient list.
High-quality treats usually have short ingredient lists made from recognisable foods.
Ingredients to Look For
• single-ingredient treats such as beef liver or kangaroo
• clearly labelled proteins like chicken, lamb or fish
• minimal ingredient lists
• whole food ingredients
• Australian meat sources where possible
Many pet owners prefer Australian made dog treats because local manufacturing often follows strict food safety standards and transparent ingredient sourcing.
Ingredients to Avoid
• artificial preservatives such as BHA or BHT
• artificial colours or flavour enhancers
• vague labels such as “meat by-products”
• fillers such as corn, wheat or soy
• added sugars or syrups
• artificial sweeteners such as xylitol
Preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic chemicals sometimes used in processed pet foods to extend shelf life.
Many dog owners prefer treats preserved naturally through processes such as air-dehydration instead.
Looking for Simple Ingredient Treats?
Many dog owners prefer single ingredient natural dog treats because they provide clear nutrition without fillers or artificial additives.
You can explore the Bark with Buster range of natural dog treats made in Australia here:
https://www.barkwithbuster.com.au/collections/natural-dog-treats-australia
Natural Dog Treats vs Processed Dog Treats
| Feature | Natural Dog Treats | Highly Processed Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Real meat or single protein | Often mixed fillers |
| Additives | Minimal or none | Artificial colours and preservatives |
| Nutrition | High natural protein | Often lower nutritional value |
| Transparency | Clear ingredient lists | Often unclear sourcing |
Natural dog treats often retain stronger aroma and flavour, which can make them especially useful as dog training treats during reward-based training sessions.
Consider Your Dog’s Individual Needs
Every dog is different, so the best treat choice can depend on your dog’s age, size and health.
Puppies
Puppies benefit from small, soft treats that are easy to chew and digest. These are ideal for training sessions where frequent rewards are needed.
If you’re training a young dog, our guide to puppy training treats in Australia explains which options work best:
https://www.barkwithbuster.com.au/blogs/natural-dog-treats-australia/puppy-training-treats-australia
Senior Dogs
Older dogs may benefit from softer treats that are easier on their teeth while still providing good nutrition.
Dogs With Food Sensitivities
Dogs with sensitivities often benefit from limited-ingredient treats or novel proteins such as kangaroo.
Dogs Managing Weight
Lean protein treats can provide flavour and satisfaction without excessive calories.
Understanding How Dog Treats Are Made
The way dog treats are processed can influence both their nutritional value and digestibility.
Air-Dehydrated Treats
Air-dehydration removes moisture slowly at controlled temperatures while preserving flavour and nutrients.
This method often removes the need for artificial preservatives and helps maintain the natural aroma dogs love.
This is the process used for Bark with Buster treats.
Freeze-Dried Treats
Freeze-drying preserves nutrients while producing lightweight treats that store easily.
Baked Treats
Baked treats may include additional ingredients such as binders to maintain structure.
Highly Processed Treats
Some treats undergo multiple manufacturing stages and may contain artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
Types of Dog Treats and When to Use Them
Different treats serve different purposes depending on training, chewing behaviour or enrichment.
| Treat Type | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Training treats | Frequent rewards during training | Liver, jerky, lung crisps |
| Dental chews | Supporting oral health | Bones, ribs, tails |
| Long-lasting chews | Mental stimulation | Tendons, trachea |
| Everyday rewards | Positive reinforcement | Small jerky pieces |
Choosing the right treat type can support training while also providing enjoyment for your dog.
Best Dog Treats for Picky Eaters
Some dogs can become selective about food or lose interest in certain treats.
Dogs that are picky eaters often respond better to treats with a strong natural aroma. Air-dehydrated meat treats retain much of their original flavour and scent, making them particularly appealing.
Natural single-protein treats such as chicken, kangaroo or lamb are often a good option for fussy eaters.
Dogs that lose interest in their food may respond well to natural meat toppers. Adding flavour and aroma can make meals more exciting for picky eaters.
You can explore our natural pet meal toppers here:
https://www.barkwithbuster.com.au/collections/natural-pet-meal-toppers-australia
The 10 Percent Rule for Dog Treats
A commonly recommended guideline is the 10 percent rule.
Treats should make up no more than about ten percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
As a general guide:
Small dogs (5–10 kg): 2–5 small treats per day
Medium dogs (10–25 kg): 5–10 treats per day
Large dogs (25 kg or more): 10–15 treats per day
If you’re using treats frequently during training sessions, slightly reducing meal portions can help maintain balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats
What are the healthiest dog treats?
Healthy dog treats are usually made from real meat ingredients with minimal processing and no artificial additives. Single-ingredient treats such as beef liver, kangaroo or chicken are commonly considered healthy options.
Are natural dog treats better for dogs?
Natural dog treats can be a good choice because they often contain fewer additives and simpler ingredient lists.
How many treats should a dog have each day?
Treats should typically make up no more than about 10 percent of a dog’s daily calorie intake, depending on the dog’s size and activity level.
Are Australian-made dog treats safer?
Many dog owners prefer Australian-made treats because they often follow strict food safety standards and provide clearer ingredient sourcing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog treats doesn’t need to be complicated.
By focusing on simple ingredients, quality protein sources and treats suited to your dog’s needs, you can reward your dog while still supporting their health.
Many dog owners now prefer treats made with natural ingredients and minimal processing because they provide transparency and quality.
Ready to Choose Better Treats for Your Dog?
Choosing natural dog treats with simple ingredients is one of the easiest ways to support your dog’s health while still giving them something they love.
If you’d like to start with high-quality natural and healthy dog treat options made from real Australian meat, explore the award-winning Bark with Buster range of natural dog treats made in Australia.
Browse the full collection here:
https://www.barkwithbuster.com.au/collections/natural-dog-treats-australia