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Looking for the best treats for Golden Retrievers? This list features 10 healthy, all-natural options that are safe, tasty, and perfect for training or daily rewards. Whether you’re managing food sensitivities or want better-quality snacks, these treats are made to support your Golden’s overall health.
Table of Contents
What To Consider When Choosing Treats For Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers can be prone to weight gain and food sensitivities, so it’s important to choose treats that are both healthy and safe. Here’s what to look for:
- Low in Fat and Calories: Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity. Choose treats that help maintain a healthy weight, especially during training.
- Limited Ingredients: Many Goldens have food allergies, especially to chicken. Look for single-protein or hypoallergenic treats made with fish, lamb, or other alternatives.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid treats with artificial colours, preservatives, or added sugars. These can impact your dog’s coat, digestion, and overall health.
- Real, Natural Ingredients: Choose treats made with whole food ingredients, like real meat, vegetables, or fruits. The fewer the ingredients, the better.
10 Best Treats For Golden Retrievers
Here are 10 healthy treats Golden Retrievers tend to love, all made with real, natural ingredients. My own Golden has tried most of these, and they’ve become regulars in our treat jar.
1. Nutri Bites Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Beef liver is the only ingredient in these high-protein treats, making them a great option for dogs with food sensitivities. They’re freeze-dried to retain nutrients and flavour, with less dust and crumbs than many other options. Great for training, rewards, or even meal toppers.
Details:
- 100% beef liver (single ingredient)
- Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients
- High in protein
- No grains, fillers, or preservatives
- Ideal for training, rewards, or meal toppers
- Large resealable bag (17.6 oz)
- Limited ingredient; great for food sensitivities
- Tasty and high in protein
- Less crumbly than other freeze-dried treats
- Some pieces may be too small or powdery
- Can be rich if overfed
2. Bocce’s Bakery Oven Baked Bedtime Tea Treats
These crunchy, all-natural biscuits feature banana, vanilla, and calming lavender. They’re wheat-free and only 12 calories each, great for dogs with sensitivities or as a bedtime treat. They smell amazing, but aren’t a guaranteed fix for anxiety and can be hard to break apart.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- All-natural, wheat-free biscuits
- Banana, vanilla & lavender
- 12 calories per treat
- Great for allergies/sensitivities
- Limited ingredients
- May help with anxiety
- Dogs love the taste
- Not a strong calming effect
- Hard to break into smaller pieces
3. Bocce’s Bakery Birthday Cake Treats
These festive peanut butter and vanilla biscuits are baked with just six simple ingredients. They’re wheat-free, only 12 calories each, and a great choice for Golden Retrievers with beef or chicken allergies. Perfect for birthdays or daily rewards, note that some dogs might not love the flavour, and a few pieces may come broken.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- All-natural, crunchy biscuits
- Only 6 ingredients
- No beef or chicken; allergy-friendly
- 12 calories per treat
- Fun flavour and smell
- Great for birthdays or everyday treats
- Ideal for dogs with protein sensitivities
- Not all dogs love the taste
- Some treats may arrive broken
4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats Real Peanut Butter
Soft and chewy, these small training treats pack real peanut butter and cherries into each bite. Low in calories and free from corn, wheat, and soy, they’re perfect for rewarding your Golden Retriever during training or outdoor adventures.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- Only 2 calories per treat
- Added vitamins & minerals
- Made in the USA
- Free from corn, wheat, and soy
- Easy to chew texture
- Suitable for frequent rewards
- Supports bonding during training
- Small size may not satisfy larger dogs
- Mild flavour might not appeal to all dogs
5. Nature Gnaws Turkey Tendons
Packed with protein and made with just two ingredients: turkey tendons and coconut glycerine, these chews are satisfying. Great for training and helping to reduce plaque and tartar, they’re ideal for all life stages and allergy-prone dogs. Just note that sizing can be inconsistent, and they don’t always last long; supervision is important.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- Only 2 ingredients
- High in protein
- Helps clean teeth
- Great for dogs with allergies
- Savoury and satisfying
- Supports dental health
- Limited ingredients
- Vary in size
- Not long-lasting
- Needs supervision
6. Farmland Traditions Dogs Love Chicken Jerky Treats
If you’re looking for a simple, high-protein reward, this chicken jerky delivers. With just two ingredients: chicken and vegetable glycerine, it’s a clean, low-fat option that’s great for training and everyday treating. The strips are easy to break apart, though they might be too tough for smaller dogs and cost a bit more than others.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- Only 2 ingredients
- Low fat & high protein
- Grain, soy & corn-free
- Good size for training or rewards
- Healthy and nutritious
- Simple ingredient list
- Breaks apart easily
- A bit pricey
- May be too tough for small dogs
7. Merrick Oven Baked Pumpkin Patch Dog Treats
Pumpkin lovers, take note: these crunchy, oven-baked treats are made with real pumpkin and just six simple ingredients. They’re free from artificial additives and come in fun shapes that are easy to break apart for training or light rewards. A healthy pick for sensitive dogs, though some may find the pumpkin flavour a bit too mild.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- Made with real pumpkin
- Only 6 ingredients
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- Crunchy and easy to break
- All-natural and allergy-friendly
- Fun shapes, good for training
- Breaks into smaller pieces
- Mild pumpkin flavour
- Not every dog will enjoy the taste
8. Full Moon All-Natural Essential Beef Savory Sticks
If you’re looking for a soft, easy-to-break treat, these beef sticks are a solid pick. Made with organic, natural ingredients and free from glycerine and artificial additives, they’re great for training and suitable for all life stages. Just note, they contain chicken and turkey, so they’re not ideal for dogs with poultry allergies.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- Organic & natural ingredients
- Soft and chewy texture
- No glycerine, artificial flavours, or preservatives
- Free from wheat, corn, and soy
- Easy to break into smaller pieces
- Great for training or rewards
- Good value and freshness
- Contains chicken and turkey
9. Icelandic+ Herring Whole Fish Dog Treat
Wild-caught and air-dried, these herring treats are loaded with omega-3s for skin and coat support and taurine for heart health. With just one ingredient and no preservatives, they’re fully digestible and perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. While the strong fishy smell might turn off humans, dogs typically go wild for them.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- Single-ingredient treat
- Wild-caught herring, air-dried
- Rich in omega-3 and taurine
- No preservatives
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar
- Great for dogs with food sensitivities
- Supports skin, coat, and heart health
- Fully digestible and crunchy
- Strong fish smell
- Pricey
- Some pieces may be clumped together
10. Gaines Family Farmstead Sweet Potato Chews
Made from 100% sweet potatoes, these chewy treats are a healthy, plant-based alternative to rawhide. Packed with essential vitamins and free from grains and additives, they’re a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Find them on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Details:
- Single-ingredient treat
- Vegetarian rawhide alternative
- Rich in vitamins A, C, B, & Iron
- Grain-free with no additives or fillers
- Great for digestion and immune support
- Ideal for dogs with allergies
- Helps satisfy chewing needs
- May be too hard for smaller dogs
- Can vary in size and thickness
How To Use Treats Effectively For Golden Retrievers
Make the most of treat time by using these simple tips:
- Use treats for training: Pick small, low-calorie treats to reward good behaviour, like recall or leash walking.
- Control portions: Break larger treats into smaller pieces to avoid overfeeding.
- Reward at the right time: Timing matters; offer the treat right after your dog does the desired action.
- Positive reinforcement works best: Use treats to reinforce calm, focused behaviour.
- Try long-lasting chews: Great for crate time or when your dog needs to stay busy. Many also support dental health by helping to reduce plaque buildup. Just remember, chews shouldn’t replace regular teeth brushing. Here’s a simple guide to brushing your Golden Retriever’s teeth if you’re not sure where to start.
Other Healthy Treat Options
In addition to packaged treats, you can offer your Golden Retriever simple, healthy foods you likely already have at home. These options are low in calories and full of nutrients:
- Apple Slices: A low-calorie treat rich in vitamins. Remove the seeds and core before giving to your dog.
- Carrot Sticks: Great for teeth and low in calories, carrots provide a satisfying crunch.
- Green Beans: A fiber-rich, low-fat option most dogs enjoy.
- Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants. Serve fresh or frozen as a quick treat.
- Watermelon: Hydrating and refreshing. Remove the rind and seeds first.
- Pumpkin: Rich in fiber and great for digestion. Use plain, cooked pumpkin with no added sugar or spices.
FAQs
Got questions about giving treats to your Golden Retriever? Here are quick answers to the most common ones.
1. How Many Treats Can I Give My Golden Retriever Each Day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your Golden Retriever’s daily calories. The other 90% should come from balanced dog food. To learn more about the 90/10 rule, check out this article from the American Kennel Club.
2. What Treats Are Best For Training?
Small, low-calorie treats like freeze-dried liver or soft, easy-to-chew options are ideal for training sessions.
3. Can Golden Retrievers Have Allergies To Certain Treats?
Yes, some Goldens are sensitive to common ingredients like chicken or grains. Try limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic treats if your dog has sensitivities.
4. How Do I Know If A Treat Is Healthy For My Dog?
Look for treats with real, natural ingredients, and avoid ones with artificial preservatives, colours, or fillers.
5. What Ingredients Should I Avoid In Dog Treats For Golden Retrievers?
Avoid treats with artificial preservatives, flavours, and colours. Steer clear of ingredients like BHA, BHT, propylene glycol, and excessive salt or sugar. It’s also a good idea to avoid treats made with low-quality by-products or unnamed meat sources.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best treats for Golden Retrievers means picking options that support their health, not just taste good.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Stick to all-natural treats with simple, limited ingredients.
- Choose options that support your dog’s specific needs (like allergies or dental health).
- Use treats wisely; keep portions small and follow the 90/10 rule.
- Add healthy, fresh foods like carrots or blueberries for variety.
Treats can play a big role in your Golden’s well-being when chosen wisely.
Has your Golden tried any of these treats? Share your favourites in the comments.
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
This is so awesome! Thank you for sharing the best treats for Golden Retrievers. I think more so the best treats for dogs in general.
I have a Pomeranian Shih Tzu and we give him treats. There are 2 on your list that we have: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats AND Merrick Power Bites Real Rabbit Dog Treats!
He absolutely loves them. Usually, we give treats before we leave the house and after a good walk or training!
Hi Lorenz,
Yes, these treats are the best for all dogs, because they are healthy and made using all-natural ingredients.
I’m so glad your dog enjoys his treats. I use the Merrick Power Bites as well, the Rabbit ones and my Ellie loves them too! It’s so challenging to find treats that don’t contain certain ingredients, in my case free from chicken and beef, as my dog is allergic to both. The Rabbit treats are a great option.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
I hate dog treats that are loaded with sugar. I don’t know why some companies go this route. It’s totally unnecessary and I’m glad you put a warning about that in this article. The Grammy’s Pot Pie dog treats look good and I hadn’t heard of them before. I think I might give those a try.
Hi Alicia,
Yes, so many companies put sugar and other bad stuff in dog treats, you really need to look hard for ones that don’t have anything bad in them. But, this list of treats are all healthy, some still have a small amount of sugar in them, however, the ingredient is listed further down.
The Grammy’s Pot Pie ones are a great choice, containing all-natural ingredients that are simple and that you can actually pronounce. I’m sure your dog will enjoy them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
Hello –
What is the best bone to give to my English cream golden that will be long-lasting? Antlers – deer/elk/moose I heard one time. Need to know what’s best for my fur baby. Any insight would be helpful. Thank you.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for asking this great question. I do not have any experience with antlers, I have never given my dog an antler to chew on. I am a bit hesitant to recommend antlers to you because I have heard many things about them. A lot of dogs have chipped or broken their teeth on antlers because they are extremely hard, and they should NEVER be given to a puppy! The last thing you want is for your dog to break his/her teeth, not only is it traumatic, but I imagine it is a very expensive fix!
Many people love to give their dog Bully Sticks (Pizzle Sticks), they are a great long-lasting chew for your dog to safely enjoy.
Other great long-lasting chews are duck necks & duck feet, these are chewy and long-lasting and they are also safe for puppies.
You can also give raw bones to your dog, but never give chicken bones as they can splinter and are dangerous! Beef bones are a good choice, but just be aware that they can sometimes have a lot of fat on them and be too rich for your dog, resulting in diarrhea or stomach upset.
There are many options for long-lasting chews and bones for your dog. I give my dog Ellie a raw lamb femur bone, it usually takes her 20-30 minutes to chew. I give lamb because she is allergic to beef. She also enjoys chewing on rabbit feet, they are great for the digestive system, although they don’t take long to chew.
Other options are nylon bones, or rubber chew toys. Giving your dog something healthy and tasty to chew on will satisfy your dog’s urge to chew as well as promote good oral hygiene!
I hope this helps you and gives you some options, if you have any more questions please ask!
Take care,
Jenny.
It is true that Golden Retrievers seem to have a tendency to easily get overweight. I have no Golden Retriever, but I have seen several fat ones 😉 I like treats with natural ingredients, and my favourite here is the sweet potato one, it has only one ingredient, and my dogs will love it, I know 😉 I also give them carrot pieces sometimes and they just eat it all. The fish skin rolls also look good, and just like the sweet potato treat they only have one ingredient. What is their shelf life approximately? Why should you never give rawhide to your dog? Are they not good?
Hi Christine,
Natural and healthy dog treats are the way to go! Dog breeds such as the Golden Retriever are prone to obesity, so feeding them healthy treats will help to maintain their ideal weight.
Thank you for asking such great questions. The fish skin rolls are dehydrated which makes their shelf life longer, and they come in a resealable package. I am sure the package would have an expiry date printed on it to indicate their best before date. I would say on average dehydrated treats will last longer than 2-3 weeks, possibly a month. Maybe more, I can’t be certain. Because they are completely natural and do not contain any preservatives, they would not last as long as other treats that have preservatives. Keeping them in their sealed package or an airtight container will help keep them longer. But, given how much dogs love them, they probably won’t last too long.
In regards to rawhides, they are not good for your dog. They are toxic! They are bleached and held together with glue, some rawhides are even coloured to give them a more natural look. They are extremely dangerous to dogs, causing choking and intestinal blockage. Dogs break off pieces of rawhide and could choke, and the rawhide is not easily digested. I advise any dog owner to stay away from them. There are many safer and healthier alternatives to rawhides!
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and comments.
Jenny.