Best Dog Treats Australia
Dog treats serve three jobs — training reinforcement, dental maintenance and everyday bonding — and each requires a different type of treat. Australian dog owners have strong access to locally made, single-ingredient treats thanks to a robust pet food manufacturing sector. We compared natural treats available on Amazon Australia across training, dental and chew categories, focusing on ingredient transparency and value per gram.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1For training, use small soft treats that dogs can eat in under 2 seconds — if they stop to chew, you lose the timing window that links the treat to the behaviour
- 2Check the ingredient list for single-protein or limited-ingredient treats if your dog has allergies — chicken and beef are the most common Australian dog allergens
- 3Australian-made treats follow AAFCO and PFIAA standards, which means stricter sourcing than many imported alternatives — look for 'Product of Australia' on packaging
- 4Dental chews should carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal to guarantee they actually reduce plaque — many brands claim dental benefits without clinical evidence
- 5Store dried treats in airtight containers — Australian humidity, especially in QLD and NT, causes mould growth faster than you'd expect on natural treats without preservatives
Top 5 Pets Picks for Australia
Ziwi Peak
Ziwi Peak Good Dog Rewards
| protein_source | Beef, lamb, venison or mackerel |
| weight | 85g pouch |
| grain_free | Yes |
| origin | New Zealand |
Pros
- Air-dried process preserves nutrients without artificial preservatives
- Small bite size perfect for training — no breaking needed
- Multiple protein options including venison and lamb
- Grain-free and suitable for dogs with common allergies
Cons
- Premium price per gram compared to local alternatives
- Strong smell that some owners find unpleasant
Verdict
Air-dried, single-protein training treats from New Zealand that are small enough for rapid-fire reward during training sessions.
Greenies
Greenies Original Dental Treats
| type | Dental chew |
| sizes | Teenie, Petite, Regular, Large, Jumbo |
| VOHC_accepted | Yes |
| calories | 27-137 per treat depending on size |
Pros
- VOHC seal of acceptance — clinically proven to reduce tartar
- Flexible texture cleans down to the gumline
- Available in 5 sizes from teenie to large
- Added vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Higher calorie count — counts significantly toward daily intake
- Some dogs swallow large chunks if given the wrong size
Verdict
VOHC-accepted dental chew that mechanically cleans teeth as the dog chews — one of the few treats with clinical backing for plaque reduction.
Aussie Natural
Aussie Natural Kangaroo Jerky
| protein_source | 100% kangaroo |
| weight | 200g bag |
| grain_free | Yes |
| origin | Australia |
Pros
- Single ingredient — just kangaroo meat
- Very low fat content compared to beef or chicken jerky
- Novel protein for dogs with common meat allergies
- Australian sourced and manufactured
Cons
- Hard texture — not suitable for very young puppies or senior dogs with dental issues
- Strips vary in size within the same bag
Verdict
100% Australian kangaroo jerky with nothing added — a lean, novel protein that suits allergy-prone dogs.
Vitapet
Vitapet Jerhigh Chicken Sticks
| protein_source | Chicken |
| weight | 400g pack |
| grain_free | No |
| texture | Soft stick |
Pros
- Soft texture breaks easily into training-sized pieces
- Widely available across Australian retailers
- Dogs find the chicken flavour highly motivating
- Good value — large pack lasts 3-4 weeks of training
Cons
- Contains some fillers alongside chicken — not single ingredient
- Higher moisture content means shorter shelf life once opened
Verdict
Soft chicken sticks that are easy to break into small pieces for training and affordable enough for daily use.
Whimzees
Whimzees Natural Dental Chews
| type | Vegetable dental chew |
| sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| grain_free | Yes |
| calories | 15-75 per chew depending on size |
Pros
- Made from potato starch and plant-based ingredients
- Unique brushzees shape cleans multiple tooth surfaces
- Lower calorie than meat-based dental alternatives
- No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Cons
- Some dogs are less motivated by vegetable-based chews than meat
- Not suitable for dogs under 5kg or puppies under 9 months
Verdict
Vegetable-based dental chew with a unique shape that creates more cleaning surfaces than standard stick-style chews.
Editor's Note
The Australian pet treat market has shifted heavily toward single-ingredient, locally sourced options since the 2018-2019 import scares around jerky treats. Brands like Loyalty Pet Treats and Freeze Dry Australia are manufactured domestically and widely available. For training, budget roughly $15-20 per month; for dental chews given daily, expect $25-35 per month for a medium-sized dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the healthiest dog treats in Australia?
Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats (like liver, chicken breast or kangaroo) are the healthiest option — no fillers, preservatives or added sugar. Look for treats with one item on the ingredient list. Australian-made freeze-dried treats from brands like Loyalty Pet Treats use locally sourced meat.
How many treats can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. For a 15kg dog eating 800 calories per day, that's about 80 calories in treats — roughly 8-10 small training treats or 1 medium dental chew. Adjust meal portions down on heavy training days.
Are kangaroo treats good for dogs?
Kangaroo is an excellent treat protein — it's lean (around 2% fat), high in iron, and is a novel protein for most dogs, making it suitable for dogs with chicken or beef allergies. It's also sustainably sourced in Australia and widely available as jerky or freeze-dried strips.
Should I avoid grain-free dog treats?
Grain-free treats are fine for most dogs and essential for dogs with confirmed grain allergies. The FDA concern about grain-free diets and heart disease relates to complete diets (main meals), not occasional treats. If your dog tolerates grains, there's no need to avoid them in treats either.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all picks are based on genuine research.