Last updated: June 13, 2026 · 8-minute read
What Are the Best Treats for Large Dogs? The Short Answer
The best treats for large dogs are single-ingredient, fully digestible chews that are big enough to last and contain 100% real meat with no rawhide. At Bully Sticks Central, our top picks for big breeds are thick bully sticks, beef cheek rolls, cow ears, and beef trachea — all ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed. Match the treat's size and toughness to your dog's jaw strength, and skip anything with fillers, chemicals, or mystery ingredients.
Key takeaways
- Pick treats sized for big jaws — thicker, longer chews like 12-inch Monster Bully Sticks last longer and reduce choking risk.
- Choose single-ingredient, fully digestible chews — no rawhide, no chemicals, no fillers.
- Rotate textures (bully sticks, cheek rolls, cow ears, trachea) to keep treat time engaging and support dental health.
- Watch calories: large dogs need more food, but treats should still stay under 10% of daily intake.
- Always supervise chewing and offer fresh water alongside any chew.
What Makes a Treat Right for a Large Dog?
Large and giant breeds have powerful jaws and burn through flimsy treats in seconds, which can become a choking hazard. The right treat is durable enough to deliver real chew time while being fully digestible so it breaks down safely. We make every chew from a single ingredient — 100% real meat, no rawhide, and ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. That means you always know exactly what your dog is eating.
For most big dogs, our 12-inch Monster Bully Sticks and Beef Cheek Rolls are the gold standard: long-lasting, protein-rich, and clean.
Which BSC Chews Are Best for Large Dogs?
Here's how our most popular large-dog chews compare so you can match the right one to your dog's chewing style and the duration you want.
| Chew | Best for | Chew duration | Toughness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Inch Monster Bully Sticks | Power chewers & giant breeds | Long | High |
| 6-Inch Standard Bully Sticks | Everyday chewing | Medium | Medium |
| Beef Cheek Rolls | Rawhide-free alternative | Long | High |
| Cow Ears | Lighter, quick treat | Short | Low |
| Beef Trachea Tubes | Joint support (natural chondroitin) | Medium | Medium |
| Beef Tendons | Softer chewers & seniors | Medium | Medium |
| 10-Inch Tripe Twist Sticks | Picky eaters | Medium | Medium |
Browse the full range in our natural dog treats and chews collection.
How Many Treats Can a Large Dog Have Per Day?
Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories, even for big breeds. Use this rough guide and adjust for your individual dog's activity level and weight.
| Dog weight | Approx. daily treat calories | Suggested chews/day |
|---|---|---|
| 50–70 lbs | 120–170 kcal | 1 medium chew |
| 70–90 lbs | 170–220 kcal | 1 large chew |
| 90+ lbs | 220–300 kcal | 1 large chew + 1 light treat |
Can You Make Homemade Treats for Large Dogs?
Yes. Homemade treats let you control every ingredient. Here's a simple, large-dog-friendly recipe using pantry staples — no additives, no fillers.
Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Power Bites
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup oat flour, ½ cup pure pumpkin purée, and ¼ cup unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough to about ½-inch thick and cut into large-breed-sized squares.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and golden.
- Cool completely before serving, and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Pair homemade bites with a long-lasting single-ingredient chew like a 6-Inch Standard Bully Stick for balanced treat time.
What Treats Should Large Dogs Avoid?
Skip rawhide, which swells and is hard to digest, along with anything containing artificial colors, preservatives, or vague "animal by-product" labels. Avoid undersized treats that a big dog can swallow whole, and cooked bones that can splinter. When in doubt, choose single-ingredient, fully digestible chews you can read the entire label of in one breath.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best long-lasting treat for a large dog?
For most big dogs, a thick 12-Inch Monster Bully Stick or a Beef Cheek Roll offers the longest, safest chew because both are dense, single-ingredient, and fully digestible.
Are bully sticks safe for large dogs?
Yes. Bully sticks are 100% real beef, single-ingredient, and fully digestible — unlike rawhide. Choose a thicker, longer size for big breeds and always supervise chewing.
Is rawhide okay for big dogs?
We don't recommend it. Rawhide is harder to digest and can swell in the stomach. Every BSC chew is a rawhide-free, single-ingredient alternative.
How big should a treat be for a large dog?
Big enough that your dog cannot swallow it whole. Long chews like 10–12 inch bully sticks or cheek rolls are ideal for large and giant breeds.
Are these treats good for a large dog's joints?
Beef Trachea Tubes naturally contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint and cartilage health — helpful for heavier breeds.
How often can I give my large dog a chew?
Once daily is fine for most dogs, keeping total treats under about 10% of daily calories. Reduce frequency if your dog gains weight.
Are your treats made in the USA?
Our chews are ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and are 100% high-quality guaranteed, with no added chemicals.
What's a good treat for a senior large dog?
Softer single-ingredient options like Beef Tendons are easier on aging teeth while staying clean and digestible.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. He started BSC because he couldn't find single-ingredient, fully digestible chews he trusted to give his own dogs — no rawhide, no chemicals, no mystery ingredients. He writes about dog nutrition, safe chews, and the practical side of feeding dogs well. Read more about Preston →
This post was last updated at June 22, 2026 19:16
