Top 6 Best Science Diet Dog Treats

James Vega | 05-02-2026

Finding the right dog treat can be overwhelming, especially when you want to balance taste, nutrition, and your dog’s specific dietary needs. Many treats on the market are packed with fillers or artificial ingredients, making it tough to reward your dog without worry.

Science Diet dog treats offer a range of options designed for different preferences and health goals. In this guide, we review the top Science Diet treats, highlighting what makes each one unique and helping you choose the best fit for your dog’s routine.

Editor's Choice
Hill's Natural Soft Savories Peanut Butter & Banana
Hill's Natural Soft Savories Peanut Butter & Banana
Premium Pick
Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Beef & Sweet
Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Beef & Sweet
Budget Pick
Hill's Natural Flexi-Stix Jerky Beef
Hill's Natural Flexi-Stix Jerky Beef

Top 6 Science Diet Dog Treats

Choosing the right Science Diet Dog Treats can be confusing, so we compared the most popular options and narrowed it down to the best ones for you.

1. Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Beef & Sweet

Best Grain-Free Option
Hill's Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals Beef & Sweet

For dogs with sensitivities or owners seeking a grain-free reward, this treat offers a gentle alternative to traditional snacks. Grain-free treats can be important for dogs with allergies or digestive concerns, providing peace of mind during snack time.

This soft, baked treat is made with real beef, delivering a satisfying flavor that appeals to most dogs. It's a strong choice for those prioritizing ingredient simplicity and a softer texture, especially for older dogs or those with dental issues.

  • Grain-free formula: Suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies
  • Soft baked texture: Easy to chew for dogs of all ages
  • No artificial preservatives: Focuses on natural ingredients for daily use Compared to standard crunchy treats, this option prioritizes digestibility and a gentle bite. The main tradeoff is that it may not satisfy dogs who prefer a crunchy texture.
Strength
  • Grain-free recipe
  • Soft and easy to chew
  • Made with real beef
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Suitable for sensitive dogs
Weakness
  • Not crunchy
  • Limited flavor variety

2. Hill's Natural Soft Savories Peanut Butter & Banana

Best for Flavor Variety
Hill's Natural Soft Savories Peanut Butter & Banana

If your dog is a picky eater or you want to keep treat time interesting, a treat with unique flavors can make a difference. Dogs often respond well to new tastes, which can be helpful for training or positive reinforcement.

This treat combines real peanut butter and banana for a flavor profile that stands out from standard meat-based snacks. It's ideal for owners who want to offer something different or have dogs who enjoy sweet and savory combinations.

  • Peanut butter as first ingredient: Appeals to most dogs' taste preferences
  • Soft texture: Good for dogs of all ages and sizes
  • No artificial flavors: Focuses on natural taste and nutrition Compared to more traditional treats, this option brings more variety and excitement to treat time. The tradeoff is that it may not be suitable for dogs with peanut allergies.
Strength
  • Unique flavor combination
  • Soft and chewy
  • Natural ingredients
  • Good for training
  • No artificial flavors
Weakness
  • Contains peanuts
  • Not grain-free

3. Hill's Natural Baked Light Biscuits Mini Chicken

Best Low-Calorie Mini Treat
Hill's Natural Baked Light Biscuits Mini Chicken

Managing your dog's weight can be challenging, especially when treats are part of daily routines. Low-calorie options help you reward your dog without overfeeding.

This mini biscuit is baked and made with real chicken, offering a crunchy texture in a portion-controlled size. It's best for training, small breeds, or dogs on calorie-restricted diets.

  • Low-calorie formula: Supports weight management and frequent treating
  • Mini size: Ideal for training and small dogs
  • Crunchy texture: Helps satisfy dogs who prefer a crisp bite Compared to larger or richer treats, this biscuit prioritizes calorie control and portion size. The main tradeoff is a smaller size that may not be as satisfying for larger dogs.
Strength
  • Low in calories
  • Mini size for training
  • Crunchy texture
  • Made with real chicken
Weakness
  • Small portion size
  • Not grain-free

4. Hill's Natural Flexi-Stix Jerky Beef

Best for Joint Support
Hill's Natural Flexi-Stix Jerky Beef

Some dogs, especially as they age, need extra support for joint health. Treats that include joint-supporting ingredients can be a convenient way to supplement your dog's diet.

This soft jerky stick is made with real beef and includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to support joint health. It's a strong choice for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.

  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin: Supports healthy joints
  • Soft stick shape: Easy to break for portion control
  • Made with real beef: Appeals to most dogs' taste preferences Compared to standard treats, this option adds functional benefits for joint care. The tradeoff is that it may not be necessary for young or highly active dogs without joint concerns.
Strength
  • Joint-supporting ingredients
  • Soft and breakable
  • Real beef flavor
  • Good for senior dogs
Weakness
  • Not crunchy
  • May not suit all ages

5. Hill's Natural Jerky Strips Beef

Best Classic Jerky Treat
Hill's Natural Jerky Strips Beef

Many dogs love the taste and texture of jerky treats, making them a go-to option for rewarding good behavior. Jerky treats are also easy to portion and carry for on-the-go rewards.

This treat features real beef in a classic jerky strip, offering a familiar and satisfying chew. It's best for owners who want a straightforward, meaty treat without added complexity.

  • Jerky strip format: Satisfies dogs who like to chew
  • Made with real beef: Delivers a rich, natural flavor
  • No artificial preservatives: Focuses on simple ingredients Compared to softer or grain-free treats, this jerky prioritizes a classic texture and taste. The tradeoff is that it may not be suitable for dogs with chewing difficulties.
Strength
  • Classic jerky texture
  • Rich beef flavor
  • Natural ingredients
  • Easy to portion
Weakness
  • Not suitable for all dental needs
  • Single flavor option

6. Hill's Natural Fruity Crunchy Snacks Apples & Oatmeal

Best Crunchy Fruit-Based Treat
Hill's Natural Fruity Crunchy Snacks Apples & Oatmeal

For dogs who enjoy a bit of variety or owners looking to add fruit-based nutrition, a crunchy snack with real fruit can be a welcome change. Fruit-based treats also appeal to dogs with a sweet tooth.

This treat combines apples and oatmeal in a crunchy format, with added flaxseed to support skin and coat health. It's a good fit for dogs who like crisp textures and owners seeking more than just meat-based snacks.

  • Real fruit pieces: Adds natural sweetness and variety
  • Crunchy texture: Satisfies dogs who enjoy a crisp bite
  • Flaxseed included: Supports healthy skin and coat Compared to soft or meat-heavy treats, this option prioritizes variety and texture. The tradeoff is that it may not appeal to dogs who prefer savory flavors.
Strength
  • Fruit-based ingredients
  • Crunchy texture
  • Supports skin and coat
  • No artificial preservatives
Weakness
  • Not grain-free
  • Less appealing to meat lovers

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Science Diet Dog Treats

Science Diet dog treats come in a variety of types, each designed to address different needs such as dietary sensitivities, training, or supporting specific aspects of your dog's health. Buyers often face tradeoffs between flavor, texture, ingredient lists, and functional benefits. A common misunderstanding is assuming all treats are interchangeable or equally healthy—ingredient quality, calorie content, and intended use can vary widely.

Choosing Between Soft and Crunchy Treats

The main decision for many owners is whether to go with a soft or crunchy treat. Soft treats are ideal for training, puppies, or dogs with sensitive teeth, while crunchy options can provide a satisfying texture for dogs who like to chew.

Considering Grain-Free and Alternative Proteins

If your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, grain-free treats or those with alternative proteins like duck can be a smart choice. These options help avoid common allergens and add variety to your dog's diet.

Matching Treat Size and Calorie Content to Your Dog

Treat size and calorie count matter, especially for training or small breeds. Mini or low-calorie treats allow for frequent rewards without risking weight gain, while larger treats may be better as occasional snacks.

Functional and Specialty Ingredients

Some treats go beyond basic nutrition, offering added benefits like joint support or skin and coat health. Consider these if your dog is aging, has specific health needs, or you want to supplement their diet.

Final Buying Advice

Choosing the right Science Diet dog treat comes down to your dog's specific needs and preferences. Focus on ingredient quality, intended use, and any dietary restrictions before making a decision.

FAQ For Science Diet Dog Treats

1. Are Science Diet dog treats suitable for dogs with allergies?

Some Science Diet treats are grain-free or use alternative proteins, making them suitable for dogs with certain allergies. Always check the ingredient list for specific allergens.

2. Can I use these treats for training my puppy?

Yes, several options such as soft or mini treats are ideal for training puppies due to their small size and easy-to-chew texture.

3. How often can I give my dog these treats?

Treats should be given in moderation and factored into your dog's daily calorie intake. Low-calorie options are better for frequent rewards.

4. Are any of these treats good for senior dogs?

Soft treats and those with joint-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are especially suitable for senior dogs.

5. Do Science Diet treats contain artificial preservatives or flavors?

No, the treats listed here do not contain artificial preservatives or flavors. They focus on natural ingredients.

6. What is the difference between soft and crunchy treats?

Soft treats are easier to chew and break apart, making them good for training or dogs with dental issues. Crunchy treats provide a satisfying texture for dogs who like to chew.

James Vega

Related Posts