The 5 Best Dog Bits For Making Snack Time Even Better
Nothing beats a small handful of dog bits for a quick, tasty treat.
It almost goes without saying that a cache of treats is an essential item for any dog owner’s pantry. Whether you want to reward your pup for learning something new or just feel like sharing your friendship, a good treat can brighten both you and your dog’s day. We love using dog bits for these purposes because they’re affordable, convenient to carry around, and hit a great balance between nutrition and taste.
That said, not all dog bits will be worthy of making this list—your dog deserves only the best, after all. That’s why we went through and found all the bits we found fit to recommend, from the healthiest to the purely decadent. Read on and get ready to raise your snack game to a whole new level.
Best Dog Bits to Consider
While all dog bits are going to have their various pluses and minuses, there are a few things we made sure hit a minimum standard with each purchase. Whether your dog thinks the treat tastes good is obviously going to be a major consideration. If any dog bits were poorly textured, made using subpar ingredients, or created any dietary concerns, it likely didn’t make the cut on our list.
We also had to make sure our favorite dog bits didn’t sacrifice nutrition in pursuit of a delicious taste. After all, if the treat is going to cause health issues if consumed over the long term, having good flavoring definitely isn’t worth the tradeoff. We gave special consideration to dog bits that weren’t bad for our dogs—or, even better, may have health benefits of their own.
Finally, we wanted these dog bits to not simply be beloved by your dog, but to make things easy on you as well. Any dog bits that were relatively affordable, easy to break into smaller chunks, simple to store, or all of the above, got priority over those that couldn’t claim the same.
These were our major must-haves, but all of these dog bits have other excellent qualities as well. Read on to see what treat time has in store for your canine companion.
Blue Buffalo Dog Bits
These excellent dog bits make hitting the perfect sweet spot between flavor and nutrition look like an easy task. Not only is each bit made from real beef, but they also include an extra dose of DHA, a naturally occurring chemical that helps with cognitive development. To top it off, the semi-moist texture ensures the whole thing will go down smoothly.
These beef-flavored dog bits also come in a chicken variant and can be ordered in 19, 11, and four-ounce bags respectively.
Pros:
- Great for training
- Soft texture
- Good for puppies
Cons:
- Crumbly when broken up
Nutri Bites Dog Bits
Natural protein is the name of the game when it comes to these superb dog bits. Every single bite is filled with genuine beef liver, and freeze-dried to ensure that not a single drop of nutrition or flavor goes to waste over time. And with no artificial preservatives or additives, you know your dog is getting a quality snack. For healthy dog bits with an equally fantastic taste, these ones are hard to top.
Nutri Bites are also available with salmon flavoring.
Pros:
- Safe for cats to eat too
- Mild scent
- Easy to cut up
Cons:
- Notably expensive
A Better Treat Dog Bits
Nothing but the freshest ingredients were used for these dog bits, making them one of the healthiest choices you can find. These treats are made from 100% salmon, meaning they consist of absolutely nothing but healthy nutrients—like lean protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and more–and that fishy goodness dogs love. Each bit is freeze-dried as well, meaning both flavor and nutrition stay preserved for longer than average. If nutrition takes priority over all other snack elements, look no further than these robust dog bits.
Pros:
- Ideal for diabetic dogs
- Great for skin and coat
- Cats can have too
Cons:
- Can crumble easily
Zuke’s Dog Bits
Dog bits with softer texture are generally easier to consume, which is just one of the things that make these treats so great. The rich taste of peanut butter and oats combines with a tender outer shell to make a treat that’s as decadent as it is nutritious. And coming in at less than three calories each, packing pounds on your pooch needn’t be a concern. We wish more human snacks could combine taste and nutrition as well as these dog bits manage to.
Zuke’s Minis also come in salmon, beef, and chicken flavors.
Pros:
- Small but hearty
- Good for puppies and seniors
- High fruit content
Cons:
- Too many can cause tummy aches
Exclusively Dog Bits
Great dog bits don’t have to come at a high price, as Exclusively Pet capably proves. With entirely human-grade ingredients and less than two calories per treat, the quality of these dog bits is pretty remarkable considering how inexpensive they are. They’re also free of fillers and preservatives, meaning they’re less likely to upset your dog’s tummy or cause allergic reactions. If you’d like to treat your dog but only have a few dollars to spare, give these dog bits a shot.
These treats also come in chicken and beef & liver flavors.
Pros:
- Good for puppies
- Works well for training
- Compact and portable bag
Cons:
- High sodium content
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the difference between dog treats and dog bits?
Dog bits are, in essence, just another type of dog treats with a few small differences. And “small” is really a crucial word here—bits tend to be tiny but dense treats that can be anywhere from as large as your thumb to as small as a piece of kibble. They also tend to be very soft to help with ease of consumption.
What should I be on the lookout for when shopping for dog bits?
It’s always best to prioritize the bits with a maximum amount of fresh, natural ingredients and a minimum of fillers and preservatives. This is because not only do fresh ingredients taste better to your dog, but they’re also less likely to bother its stomach or activate any potential allergies. It can be hard to gauge what any random chemical means, but you always know what you’re getting with fresh beef or peanut butter.
Is there any age limit for how old or young a dog can be to enjoy dog bits?
With very few exceptions, the vast majority of dog bits will be appropriate to consume for all ages of dogs. The more critical issue is to check whether your dog bits have any allergens that might put your dog in harm’s way. If your dog seems to be having negative health reactions after you start giving them a type of dog bits, discontinue feeding them the treats and ask your veterinarian what might be causing the issue.
What’s the best protein to look for in dog bits?
Many dog owners prefer to buy dog bits made from fish and poultry protein since these tend to be lean meats with many nutritional benefits. If your dog has meat allergies, peanut butter and fruit can also make for a tasty, energizing snack. Of course, anything you know about your dog’s preferences for taste should help you decide what to get too. We’ve seen dog bits made from bison meat and even New Zealand brushtails, so feel free to shop around and experiment with what flavors and textures your dog might enjoy most.
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