Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best grain-free dog treats for rewarding your pooch

Your dog is showing symptoms of food allergies like excessive scratching and unexplainable red skin. Switch to grain-free dog treats if you suspect that corn, wheat, oats, and other similar ingredients might be the culprit. We’ve researched the most balanced recipes on the market and listed the top ones here to help you choose.

A grain-free diet consists of treats and food rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. Unfortunately, many dog food brands substitute these important ingredients with lower and more inexpensive alternatives like grain byproducts. This is especially true for small treats that dogs readily eat every day. All-natural grain free dog treats include jerky, bone marrow, vegetables and seeds, and other combinations of veggies, meats, and fats. Grain-free dog training is also ideal to prevent a preference for less nutritious food in general. Whether you’re a new owner or an experienced fur baby parent, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in.

Old Mother Hubbard Natural Dog Treats

Best for Training

The wheat-free doggy treats from Old Mother Hubbard are our best pick for training, thanks to a sweet mix of carrot and pumpkin fortified by hearty flaxseed. A mini bone-shaped size makes these crunchy biscuits easy to stash in a jar or in a pouch when you’re on a walk. The small size also makes these great for young pups in training.

Wellness Core Marrow Roasts Dog Treats

Best Protein

The Wellness Core treats provide energy-boosting protein to keep your pet’s muscles strong and healthy. Each pint-sized jerky treat contains zero grain and 100% high-quality beef. This product is made in the USA and sourced from trusted global partners. Other wholesome ingredients include chickpea flour, flaxseed, chicken fat, rosemary extract, and sweet potatoes.

HILL'S Soft-Baked Naturals Dog Treats

Best Value

HILL’s dog delights are made of duck meat, chicken fat, pumpkin, potatoes, peas, pork gelatin, and natural flavors, providing your pet with more than 50 nutrients. The soft-baked treats are cooked without common grains like soy, corn, or wheat. Additionally, no preservatives or synthetic flavors can be found in these healthy treats.

Make obedience training a breeze with a bag of grain-free dog treats your pet will work hard for. If you’re searching for grain-free dog treats for teeth and overall oral health, we recommend trying out dental-specific treats, which are available in chewy or tough stick form. Otherwise, all the treats on our list help fulfill your dog’s daily nutrient requirements with premium quality ingredients.

PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
It's usually just the weather, but you should look for signs of dehydration or excess thirst
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more
Why do German shepherds have such a short lifespan?
Here's what you can do to keep this pup healthy
A German shepherd in the backyard

German shepherds are one of the larger dog breeds — females are typically around 50 to 70 pounds and males can go up to 90 pounds. However, these lovable pups are truly gentle giants. They’re affectionate and make good family dogs. They’re also whip-smart, adaptable, and highly trainable. For these reasons, German shepherds are often working dogs and heroes who serve as first responders, military members, and service animals.
Your German shepherd may not receive any medals of honor, but they're certainly the top dog in your book. Understandably, you can’t imagine life without your German shepherd. Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t live as long as some other popular ones. It’s a tough reality. Knowing it can help you give your dog the best life possible, though.
Let’s dig into the German shepherd’s lifespan and how to keep them healthy for as long as you can.

What is the average German shepherd lifespan?
According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds typically live 7 to 10 years. To put that in perspective, the average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years. Chihuahuas typically live 15 to 17 years, Biewer terriers’ lifespan is about 16 years, and Pyrenean shepherds can stick around until they are nearly 20 years old.

Read more
The best oversized dog beds your pup will love
One of these dog beds will help your puppers have a good night's sleep
Dog in bed with white blanket over his head

If you’ve ever come home from work and caught your pup snoozing on your bed, you know. Dogs like a soft place to lie down every bit as much as we do. And why not? They spend as much as 18 hours a day sleeping.

Big dogs, in particular, can develop health-related problems, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint pain, as they age. Not only does the right bed provide comfort and support, but it also enhances good sleep, which is equally important for their cognitive health. The right bed is also one that gives your pooch plenty of room to stretch out comfortably.
Our top recommendations
So, how big should a dog bed be? Take a look at these oversized dog beds for your favorite pup.
FunnyFuzzy Large Dog Cushion Bed

Read more