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Best Dog Treats in the UK: 2026 Edition

Writer: Claire Woosey
Claire Woosey
Aug 18
11 min read

Updated: Sep 10

We personally test every product featured in our review to provide accurate recommendations. Smart Bark is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more


Selection of the best dog treats in a hand
📷 Selection of dog treats during testing. Photograph: Smart Bark

Reaching for a dog treat should be simple, but between endless brands, baffling ingredients lists and your dog's very strong opinions, finding the best can feel like a full-time job.


Whether you want training treats that won't leave your pockets smelling like a fishmonger's bin, or healthy handouts you can give without a side of guilt, we have done the hard (and occasionally smelly) work for you.


We sniffed out, sampled and stress-tested well over 30 UK dog treat brands with a team of very enthusiastic four-legged testers, from hidden gems to reliable big names.


Only the best made it through. The rest? Let's just say some treats are better left on the shelf. Here are our tried, tested and tail-wagging winners.


⏰ UPDATED: AUGUST 2026 We've updated this review to make it shorter, sharper and easier to skim, with two brand-new brews on test: BrewBix eco biscuits and Forthglade's natural Natural Cuts.



TABLE OF CONTENTS





Our Top Picks for Dog Treats



Best Dog Treats Overall - Pooch & Mutt


healthy meaty dog treats from Pooch & Mutt
📷 Testing Pooch & Mutt's Meaty Treat range. Photograph: Smart Bark

Pooch & Mutt's Meaty range takes our top spot, and not just because it is cute.


Designed with vets and nutritionists, these hypoallergenic treats are formulated with probiotics targeting skin, coat, calm and digestion, so there is a job behind every bite.


Think Shrimp & Coconut, Turkey & Hemp and Salmon & Fennel, all free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, plus gluten, beef, soy and dairy.


In testing we loved the little flowers, diamonds and fish shapes, small enough to palm a handful for training on the go, and firmer than most soft treats so they don't crumble in the bag.


The catch? They are properly pongy, so a treat bag is a must unless you fancy smelly jeans.


Bottom line: a winner for training, big on flavour and pocket-friendly too.


For 20% OFF simply enter

discount code SMARTBARK20 at checkout



🍂 Shopping for the season? Don't miss our pick of the best new dog products for autumn 2026.




Best Soft Dog Treats - Forthglade


Forthglade's range of dog treats
📷 Forthglade's Soft Bite testing. Photograph: Smart Bark

Awarded Highly Commended in the Best Treat category by readers of Your Dog magazine, Forthglade's Multi-Functional Soft Bite Treats are gloriously soft and easy to swallow, perfect for rewarding then moving straight on to the next command.


The range runs from traditional Turkey, Lamb and Salmon to clever multi-functional recipes for Digestive Health, Joints & Bones, Rewards and Fresh Breath.


Each treat has a central groove so you can snap it in two and make it last twice as long (just don't let your dog see).


Forthglade Soft Bite dog treats
📷 Forthglade offering meat free and grain free treats. Photograph: Smart Bark

Our testers loved the fresh smell of the Calming and Fresh Breath treats, a welcome change from strong meaty whiffs. The trade-off for that lovely soft texture is crumbs, so a treat bag earns its keep here too.


Bottom line: soft, swallowable and brilliant for training.


Five Forthglade Natural Cuts pet treat bags on a kitchen counter with dried fish and meat, set against modern white cabinets.
📷 Testing the Natural Cuts. Photograph: Smart Bark

If you prefer a meatier, more natural treat, Forthglade's Natural Cuts range delivers single-ingredient, air-dried bites like chicken legs and beef tripe. In testing Freddie adored them, whisking each one off to a quiet corner as if we might steal them back. Always a good sign.


Buying Options


New customers save 40% with code SBFG40

Existing customers save 15% with code SBFG15



If you'd like to explore the full Forthglade range, from their wet food and cold pressed dry to their soft bite treats and dental products, take a look at our in-depth Forthglade review where we've tested it all.



Best 'Build Your Own Box' - PARK LiFE


Three colorful bags of Park Life dog treats on a counter, with bone-shaped biscuits in front.
📷 Breadth of PARK LiFE range. Photograph: Smart Bark

Treats are an everyday essential, and PARK LiFE covers every one of them.


Bite-sized rewards, calming chews, long-lasting enrichment and dental sticks all sit under one roof, and the genius Pick 'n' Bix option lets you mix and match any 10 treats and save.


During testing our top pick was the Calming range, packed with soothing chamomile, green tea, valerian root and passionflower, perfect before bedtime or a firework fright.


Park Life dog biscuits
📷 Testing palatability of PARK LiFE dental range. Photograph: Smart Bark

The Dental collection impressed too, especially the softer new Brushies for sensitive mouths. And the tiny Nibbles, just 2 calories each and 100 to a bag, were ideal for recall practice and snuffle-mat enrichment without piling on the calories.


Range of Park Life Nibbles in testing
📷 Testing Nibbles treats with enrichment toys. Photograph: Smart Bark

Oh! and let's not forget their new Dog Crisps. They're exactly what they sound like: proper crisps, made dog safe. Thin slices of potato, hand cooked in small batches, in a Roast Chicken flavour.


Brown poodle watches a hand holding a dog potato crisp beside Crisps Roast Chicken snack bags and white flowers in a vase.
📷 Drooling over the new Dog Friendly Crisps. Photograph: Smart Bark

The clever bit is what’s left out. There’s no added salt, no sugar, no lactose and no artificial additives. Genius idea.


Bottom line : We adore their range, it's fun, unique and the build-your-own box let's you take control of your order.



There's far more to explore, too. Read our full PARK LiFE dog treats review for the complete range, crisps and all.



Best Long-Lasting Dog Treats - Hollings


long lasting dog treats from Hollings
📷 Testing Hollings dog treat range. Photograph: Smart Bark

Looking for a reward that lasts longer than a few seconds? Hollings is a UK brand specialising in natural, gently air-dried snacks and chews, with simple ingredients and no artificial additives.


What we love is the balance: long-lasting chews for lounging and nibbling, alongside high-value treats for training.


Our top pick was hands-down the 'Filled with Flavour' range, bones, smoked bones and hooves stuffed with meat. On a dreary, rainy February day, Freddie was happily busy for over an hour and there was still work to be done.


Hollings range of all natural dog treats
📷 Filled with Flavour - Hollings dog treats. Photograph: Smart Bark

That chew time matters, because chewing calms, mentally stimulates and works with your dog's instincts. Offer one before the tricky moments, guests arriving or the pre-dinner witching hour, and you have essentially found their off switch.


Bottom line: proper long-lasting, calming chew time. Always supervise, and skip for teething pups or delicate teeth.


Buying Options





Best for Poop - Scrumbles


Forthglade's range of dog treats
📷 Testing palatability of Scrumbles range. Photograph: Smart Bark

Scrumbles hits the jackpot for gut-friendly goodness. A popular pick among owners who prioritise natural nutrition, they skip artificial colours, flavours and preservatives in favour of wholesome ingredients.


Their Postbiotic Nibbles pair tasty chicken with gut-loving postbiotics that support good bacteria, better digestion, less gas and firmer, friendlier stools, exactly what we all want.


Scrumbles healthy dog treat collection in testing
📷 Gut friendly Scrumbles treats. Photograph: Smart Bark

In testing we found the Nibbles at the crunchy end of the scale, so they suit a bedtime treat better than a quick-fire training session.


If you want something softer for training, their Chonks are super soft, naturally grain-free and made with limited ingredients, so they are kind to sensitive stomachs. Bonus points for resealable bags and recyclable packaging that keep treats fresher for longer.


Bottom line: tummy-tastic and additive-free, with a soft Chonks option for training.


Buying Options



Best High Protein Treats - It's The Dogs


It's the Dogs high protein dog treats
📷 Testing It's the Dogs. Photograph: Smart Bark

From the award-winning creators of protein balls for humans, It's the Dogs brings the same quality to canine snacking.


These all-natural treats are protein-rich and low in fat, great for building muscle, boosting energy and supporting a glossy coat, while added prebiotics help digestion and immunity.


peanut butter dog treats
📷 Testing palatability of It's the Dogs treats. Photograph: Smart Bark

At 33 calories each they are soft enough to break into smaller pieces, making them versatile for dogs of all sizes, and there are no fillers or artificial ingredients in sight.


Our testers went wild for the peanut butter flavour and the moreish smell. The downsides are worth noting: the bag isn't resealable, so decant leftovers into an airtight container, and peanut butter is currently the only flavour on offer.


Bottom line: high protein, high praise, with an easy-to-portion, all-natural bite.


Buying Options



Best Plant-Based Treats - Soopa


Dog with Soopa low calorie dog treats
📷 Testing palatability of Soopa range. Photograph: Smart Bark

With vets estimating nearly half of UK dogs are overweight, it is worryingly easy to over-treat with highly processed snacks. Soopa's plant-based range is very low in calories, so you can reward without the guilt, and being plant-based they help shrink your pup's carbon pawprint too.


The Healthy Bites come in gorgeous combinations like Banana & Peanut Butter, Apple & Blueberry and Carrot & Pumpkin, with 50 superfood bites per pack and a size small enough to hide several in your hand for reward-based training.


Soopa chews for healthy dogs
📷 Testing Soopa Chews. Photograph: Smart Bark

For larger dogs or longer-lasting rewards, their air-dried Coconut, Papaya and Sweet Potato chews are a great rawhide alternative, though in testing our fussy Cockapoo only fell for the Coconut.


One tip: remove the silica sachet from the vacuum-packed chews before serving.


Bottom line: low-calorie, lovely-smelling and planet-friendly rewarding.


Buying Options



Best Grain-Free Dog Treats - Walker & Drake


Walker & Drake dog treat range
📷 Walker & drake grain-free dog treat range. Photograph: Smart Bark

Better known for their innovative cold-pressed dry food, Walker & Drake also make four tempting varieties of grain-free treat.


Made with simple, natural ingredients, these soft treats suit dogs with food sensitivities, and the eye-catching packaging is bold, modern and 100% recyclable.


The styling continues to the treats themselves, paw-shaped and perfectly sized for rewarding. Choose from Lamb with Mint & Parsley, Chicken with Carrot & Kale, Peanut Butter & Blueberry, and Beef with Gravy & Sweet Potato.


Walker & Drake dog treats with a cockapoo
📷 The sniff test. Photograph: Smart Bark

In testing we could clearly detect the mint and blueberry notes, and the meaty varieties were pleasantly less whiffy than many rivals.


Free from artificial flavours, colours and added sugar, they break in half easily, so they suit quick repeat-reward training where your dog doesn't need to crunch through them.


Bottom line: stylish, grain-free and made right here in the UK.




Best Eco-friendly Dog Treats - BrewBix


Mr Bug dog treats
📷 Brew Bix dog treats. Photograph: Smart Bark

If you want a treat that is great for your dog and the planet, BrewBix is a genuinely clever idea.


This new UK company upcycles leftover ingredients from craft breweries into biscuits with a green paw print.


Just five simple ingredients go in, brewers spent grain, brewers yeast, wholemeal flour, linseed and peanut butter, and they are vegan too. High in fibre, they support a healthy gut and can help firm up your dog's poo, while the linseed helps maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin.


In testing we found them packed with flavour despite a subtle aroma, with the satisfying crunch of a small biscuit that breaks neatly into bite-sized pieces for training. Most importantly, our furry taste testers absolutely loved them.


Bottom line: sustainably brilliant, upcycled from brewery leftovers, and a hit with our tasters. Save with Subscribe & Save or larger orders.


Buying Options




dog paw graphic


Our Verdict


There is no one-size-fits-all treat, because no two dogs are alike, and the sheer variety on the UK market reflects exactly that.


Just as devoted owners have their own favourites, we have developed ours across this review, showcasing a diverse range to suit all sorts of furry friends and their humans, drawbacks and all.


That said, Pooch & Mutt Treats earned our top spot for overall value. They offer a wide variety of flavours and textures, break easily into smaller pieces for training, and prioritise healthy, nutritious ingredients, all at a budget-friendly price. You, of course, may have other ideas.




dog paw graphic


How We Chose the Best Dog Treats


We began by hunting down treats suited to training: relatively small, healthy with no harmful additives, and kind to your pocket.


We made sure to include single-ingredient treats for dogs with allergies, then weighed up texture and that all-important aroma. We looked for the best options across small and large breeds, and treats suitable for raw-fed dogs.


Finally, we explored larger, longer-lasting treats for those moments when you simply want to reward your dog for being your dog. Throughout, we kept the vets' guidance front of mind: at least 90% of your dog's daily calories should come from their main food, and 10% or less from treats.


Every treat here was put through its paces by our four-legged testers, from veteran Labrador Otis and German Shorthaired Pointer Hudley to first-timers Lulu, Smudge, Hetty, Daisy and Murphy, and of course Freddie, our 5-year-old Cockapoo who will happily test anything and everything for Smart Bark.





dog paw graphic


Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats



What are the healthiest dog treats in the UK?

The healthiest dog treats are those made with natural, single or limited ingredients, free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. In our testing, Hollings and Forthglade Natural Cuts both stood out for their single-ingredient, air-dried credentials, simple, protein-rich treats with nothing unnecessary added. Soopa also impressed for their plant-based, low-calorie bites that are kind to both your dog and the planet.


If you're looking for functional health benefits too, Pooch & Mutt offer a brilliant hypoallergenic range formulated with probiotics to support digestion, skin, coat and calm.



What are the best dog treats for training?

The best training treats are small, soft, smelly enough to grab your dog's attention, and quick to eat so you can keep the session flowing. Our top picks for training are Pooch & Mutt for their irresistible aroma and bite-sized shapes, and Forthglade Soft Bite Treats for their ultra-soft texture and clever breakable groove that makes them go twice as far.


 Walker & Drake and Park Life Nibbles are also excellent, particularly the Nibbles at just 2 calories each, ideal for high-repetition recall training without overdoing it on calories.



How many treats should I give my dog a day?

As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, with the remaining 90% coming from their main meals. The exact number will depend on the size of your dog and the calorie content of the treat so always check the feeding guide on the pack.


This is where low-calorie options like Soopa Healthy Bites and Park Life Nibbles really earn their place, as you can reward more freely without worrying about the calorie count adding up.



Are natural dog treats better for dogs?

Generally yes, natural dog treats with minimal processing and recognisable ingredients are easier for dogs to digest and less likely to trigger allergies or sensitivities.


Forthglade Natural Cuts and Hollings are both excellent examples of this done well. Single-ingredient, air-dried treats where the ingredient list is gloriously short and honest. They're particularly good for dogs whose owners are moving towards a more natural or raw feeding approach, as the treats complement that philosophy perfectly. You can find out more in our guide to raw dog food.



Can puppies have dog treats?

Yes, but choose carefully. Puppies have smaller stomachs and more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs, so stick to soft, easily digestible treats in small quantities.


Forthglade Soft Bite Treats are suitable from 2 months, as are treats from Pooch & Mutt from 12 weeks. Avoid hard or very chewy treats until your puppy's teeth and jaw are fully developed, and always supervise treat time with young pups.



What dog treats are best for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

For dogs with sensitive tummies, look for treats with limited ingredients, no artificial additives, and added digestive support. Scrumbles Postbiotic Nibbles are specifically formulated to support gut health, with postbiotics that promote good bacteria, reduce gas and help firm up stools. Single-ingredient treats from Hollings and Forthglade Natural Cuts are also a very safe bet.


When there's only one ingredient, you know exactly what your dog is eating and there's nowhere for hidden nasties to hide. Soopa plant-based bites are another gentle option, free from common allergens and low in calories too.


What are the best long-lasting dog treats?

If you're looking for a treat to keep your dog happily occupied for more than a few seconds, long-lasting chews are the answer. Hollings' Filled with Flavour range, stuffed bones, smoked bones and hooves kept our Cockapoo Freddie busy for over an hour during testing, which is practically a miracle. Plus Park Life's Brushies offer a softer long-lasting chew that also supports dental health.



dog paw graphic


Thanks for dropping by and reading our review of the Best Dog Treats in the UK: 2026 Edition

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Why Trust Smart Bark ?

​

Claire is the founder of Smart Bark and a lifelong dog lover.

 

With a 10 year background in retail buying for one of the UK’s major retailers, she brings a keen eye for quality and value to every dog product review.

 

Claire personally tests every item featured on Smart Bark with her own family dog and her team of dog testers—so you get honest, expert advice (not recycled marketing blurb) from someone who truly understands what works in real life (and what doesn’t).

 

No gimmicks. Just trusted recommendations backed by experience.

 

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