Finding the right treat for your medium-sized dog can be a challenge, especially if your pup has sensitivities or you want to avoid grains and artificial additives. Many popular dog treats contain fillers or ingredients that may not agree with every dog’s digestive system, leading to discomfort or allergic reactions.
This guide reviews the best grain free dog treats for medium dogs, focusing on products with simple, wholesome ingredients and a variety of textures and flavors. Whether your dog prefers crunchy biscuits or soft chews, you’ll find options here that cater to different dietary needs and preferences, making treat time both safe and enjoyable.
Top 10 Best Grain Free Dog Treats For Medium Dogs
We analyzed the top brands and best-selling products in the Best Grain Free Dog Treats For Medium Dogs category to bring you a carefully curated list of recommendations.
1. Cloud Star Buddy Biscuits Grain Free Peanut Butter
Many dog owners worry about unnecessary fillers and artificial additives in treats, especially for pets with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Choosing a treat with minimal, recognizable ingredients can help support your dog's health and avoid unwanted reactions.
Cloud Star Buddy Biscuits Grain Free Peanut Butter offers a straightforward, crunchy snack made with only nine simple ingredients. It's ideal for pet parents who want transparency and simplicity in their dog's treats, and its peanut butter flavor appeals to most dogs.
- Grain Free Formula: No corn, soy, or artificial flavors for sensitive dogs
- Oven Baked in the USA: Supports quality and freshness
- Recyclable Packaging: Easy disposal and eco-friendly
Compared to typical treats with longer ingredient lists, Buddy Biscuits prioritizes simplicity and recognizable components. The tradeoff is a classic, no-frills recipe without added functional ingredients.
- Only nine ingredients
- Crunchy texture dogs enjoy
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Oven baked in the USA
- Recyclable carton
- Limited flavor variety
- Not suitable for dogs avoiding peanut butter
2. Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter & Apples
Some dogs, especially seniors or those with dental sensitivities, need a softer treat that’s easy to chew. Grain-free options can be harder to find in soft textures, making this type of product valuable for many households.
Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter & Apples provides a gentle, chewy treat free from wheat, corn, and soy. It's a good fit for dogs who prefer or require a softer bite, and the combination of peanut butter and apples offers a natural, appealing flavor.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Suitable for dogs with dental issues or picky eaters
- Grain and Gluten Free: Reduces risk of digestive upset
- Minimally Processed: Focuses on simple, natural ingredients
Unlike crunchy biscuits, this treat prioritizes easy chewing and a moist consistency. The main tradeoff is a shorter shelf life once opened compared to hard treats.
- Soft and easy to chew
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- Natural peanut butter and apples
- Oven baked in the USA
- May dry out if not sealed
- Limited protein variety
3. Portland Pet Food Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs require treats that avoid common triggers like wheat, dairy, and chicken. Many standard treats contain these ingredients, making it difficult for owners to find safe options.
Portland Pet Food Pumpkin Dog Biscuits are crafted with organic pumpkin and a short list of allergy-friendly ingredients. They’re especially suitable for dogs with multiple sensitivities, as well as for pet parents who want a vegan, plant-based treat.
- Limited Ingredients: Only 7 or fewer, with no wheat, dairy, or chicken
- Double Baked Crunch: Light texture that can be broken into smaller pieces
- USA Sourced and Made: Ingredients grown and processed in the USA
Compared to conventional treats, these biscuits focus on allergy avoidance and simplicity. The tradeoff is a more specialized flavor profile that may not appeal to all dogs.
- Allergy-friendly recipe
- Organic pumpkin base
- Vegan and plant-based
- No preservatives or artificial colors
- Easy to break for training
- Pumpkin flavor may not suit all dogs
- Higher price point
4. Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Beef & Sweet
Grain-free treats are important for dogs with sensitivities or owners seeking a more natural diet. Many treats still contain grains or artificial preservatives, which can be problematic for some pets.
Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Beef & Sweet offers a soft, flavorful treat made with real beef and no grains. It's a strong choice for dogs who need a gentle, grain-free snack and for owners who value veterinarian-recommended products.
- Real Beef as Main Ingredient: Provides a savory, protein-rich bite
- Soft Baked Texture: Good for dogs of all ages and sizes
- No Artificial Preservatives: Focuses on natural nutrition
Unlike some crunchy alternatives, this treat emphasizes softness and simple nutrition. The main tradeoff is a limited range of flavors within this line.
- Soft baked for easy chewing
- Made with real beef
- No grains or artificial preservatives
- Veterinarian recommended
- Made in the USA
- Not suitable for dogs avoiding beef
- Single flavor option
5. Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Grain Free Assorted
Dogs can get bored with the same treat every day, and owners with multiple pets may want to offer different flavors without buying several products. Variety packs solve this by providing multiple options in one box.
Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Grain Free Assorted delivers three distinct flavors—peanut butter & apples, beef, bacon & cheese, and turkey & cranberry—in a single package. This is ideal for multi-dog households or for keeping treat time interesting.
- Three Flavors in One Box: Satisfies different preferences
- Low Calorie Treats: Suitable for frequent rewarding
- Grain and Gluten Free: Avoids common allergens
Compared to single-flavor treats, this box prioritizes variety and flexibility. The tradeoff is that individual flavor quantities are smaller than in single-flavor bags.
- Multiple flavors per box
- Crunchy, oven-baked texture
- Low calorie per treat
- No corn, soy, or wheat
- Smaller quantity of each flavor
- Crunchy texture may not suit all dogs
6. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Treats
For dogs with extreme sensitivities or owners who want to avoid all additives, single-ingredient treats are the safest option. Many treats, even grain-free ones, still include multiple components that may cause issues.
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Treats are made from only one ingredient—premium beef liver—freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor. This makes them ideal for dogs with allergies, picky eaters, or those on limited ingredient diets.
- Single Ingredient: No fillers, grains, or artificial additives
- Freeze-Dried for Freshness: Locks in nutrients and taste
- Responsibly Sourced Beef: High protein from quality cuts
Compared to multi-ingredient treats, this product focuses on purity and protein. The tradeoff is a more intense flavor and aroma that may not appeal to all dogs or owners.
- Only one ingredient
- High protein content
- No fillers or preservatives
- Freeze-dried for freshness
- Great for allergies
- Strong liver aroma
- Higher cost per ounce
7. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Banana & Yogurt
Some dogs love a satisfying crunch, and owners may want treats with added nutritional benefits like antioxidants. Many crunchy treats, however, include grains or artificial ingredients.
Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Banana & Yogurt combine a crunchy texture with natural ingredients like oatmeal, bananas, and yogurt. Enhanced with vitamins and antioxidants, these treats are suitable for dogs who enjoy a biscuit-style snack and owners looking for extra nutritional value.
- Crunchy Baked Texture: Satisfies dogs who prefer a firmer bite
- Antioxidant-Enriched: Supports overall wellness
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy: Reduces risk of sensitivities
Compared to soft or chewy treats, these bars focus on crunch and added nutrients. The tradeoff is that they may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues.
- Crunchy biscuit texture
- Banana and yogurt flavor
- Enhanced with antioxidants
- No artificial preservatives
- Suitable for all breed sizes
- Contains oatmeal (not grain free)
- Not ideal for dogs with dental problems
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Salmon Dog Biscuits
Households with multiple dogs or those who use treats for frequent training sessions need larger bags to avoid constant repurchasing. Many standard treat bags are small, making them less economical for high-use scenarios.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Salmon Dog Biscuits come in a generous 24-ounce bag, providing a high-protein, grain-free option with real salmon as the first ingredient. This is well-suited for owners who want value and a meaty flavor profile.
- Large 24-Ounce Bag: Ideal for multi-dog homes or training
- Real Salmon First: Appeals to dogs who love fish flavors
- Grain-Free Recipe: Avoids common allergens
Compared to smaller bags, this product prioritizes quantity and protein content. The tradeoff is a firmer texture that may not be suitable for all dogs.
- Large bag size
- High protein from salmon
- Grain and gluten free
- No artificial preservatives
- Good for frequent treat use
- Crunchy texture may be too hard for some dogs
- Fish flavor not for every dog
9. Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Duck & Pumpkin
Dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef need alternative options. Many treats focus on standard meats, limiting choices for dogs with specific allergies.
Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Duck & Pumpkin uses real duck as the main protein, paired with pumpkin for added flavor and nutrition. This makes it a good fit for dogs needing a novel protein or for owners wanting to diversify their pet's diet.
- Duck as Main Protein: Suitable for dogs avoiding chicken or beef
- Soft Baked Texture: Easy for all ages to enjoy
- No Artificial Preservatives: Focuses on natural ingredients
Compared to treats with more common proteins, this product prioritizes dietary variety. The tradeoff is a narrower appeal for dogs who prefer classic flavors.
- Alternative protein source
- Soft and chewy
- No grains or artificial preservatives
- Made in the USA
- Limited flavor options
- Not for dogs avoiding duck
9. Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Duck & Pumpkin
Dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef need alternative options. Many treats focus on standard meats, limiting choices for dogs with specific allergies.
Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Duck & Pumpkin uses real duck as the main protein, paired with pumpkin for added flavor and nutrition. This makes it a good fit for dogs needing a novel protein or for owners wanting to diversify their pet's diet.
- Duck as Main Protein: Suitable for dogs avoiding chicken or beef
- Soft Baked Texture: Easy for all ages to enjoy
- No Artificial Preservatives: Focuses on natural ingredients
Compared to treats with more common proteins, this product prioritizes dietary variety. The tradeoff is a narrower appeal for dogs who prefer classic flavors.
- Alternative protein source
- Soft and chewy
- No grains or artificial preservatives
- Made in the USA
- Limited flavor options
- Not for dogs avoiding duck
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Grain Free Dog Treats for Medium Dogs
Grain free dog treats are designed for pets with sensitivities or owners who want to avoid common fillers like wheat, corn, and soy. Choosing the right treat involves balancing ingredient simplicity, texture, protein source, and bag size. Many buyers assume all grain free treats are the same, but there are important differences in formulation, flavor, and suitability for specific health needs.
- Crunchy vs. Soft Treats: Crunchy biscuits are long-lasting and help clean teeth, while soft treats are easier for seniors or dogs with dental issues
- Single-Ingredient vs. Multi-Ingredient: Single-ingredient treats are best for extreme sensitivities, while multi-ingredient options offer more variety and flavor
- Protein Source Matters: Some dogs need alternative proteins (like duck or salmon) due to allergies to chicken or beef
- Bag Size and Value: Larger bags suit multi-dog homes or frequent treat use, while smaller bags are better for occasional rewards
- Flavor Variety: Variety packs can help prevent boredom, but individual flavors may be limited in quantity
- Misunderstanding Grain Free: Not all "grain free" treats are single-ingredient or allergy-friendly—always check for other potential allergens
- Texture Preferences: Some dogs strongly prefer crunchy or soft textures; choosing the wrong type can lead to wasted treats
Crunchy vs. Soft Treats: Matching Texture to Your Dog
Texture is a key decision point. Crunchy treats are ideal for dogs who enjoy chewing and can help with dental health, but may be too hard for seniors or dogs with dental sensitivities. Soft treats are easier to chew and often more aromatic, making them suitable for training or older dogs, but they may dry out faster after opening.
Ingredient Simplicity: When to Choose Single-Ingredient Treats
If your dog has multiple allergies or a very sensitive stomach, single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried beef liver are the safest bet. These treats avoid all fillers, grains, and artificial additives. However, they tend to have a stronger aroma and can be more expensive per ounce than multi-ingredient options.
Protein Source: Addressing Allergies and Preferences
Dogs with allergies to common proteins need treats made from alternative sources like duck, salmon, or turkey. Always check the ingredient list if your dog has known sensitivities. For most dogs, rotating protein sources can help prevent boredom and support a balanced diet.
Bag Size and Value: Choosing for Household Needs
Larger bags are more economical for multi-dog homes or frequent treat givers, but may not be ideal if your dog is picky or you want to try new flavors. Smaller bags or variety packs are better for sampling or for single-dog households.
Final Buying Advice
Choosing the right grain free treat for your medium dog comes down to understanding your dog's dietary needs, preferences, and your household's usage habits. Avoid assuming all grain free treats are equally suitable—read ingredient lists and consider texture and protein source.
- Match treat texture to your dog's chewing ability
- Check for single-ingredient options if allergies are a concern
- Select alternative proteins if your dog has sensitivities
- Buy larger bags only if you use treats frequently
- Don't overbuy on novelty flavors if your dog is picky
FAQ For Grain Free Dog Treats For Medium Dogs
1. Are grain free dog treats better for all dogs?
2. How do I know if my dog needs single-ingredient treats?
3. Can medium dogs eat treats made for all sizes?
4. How should I store soft dog treats to keep them fresh?
5. What protein sources are best for dogs with allergies?
6. Are crunchy treats safe for senior dogs?
James Vega
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