Quick answer
The Treat Index is a free tool that scores pet treats on ingredient purity (0-10) and shows true price-per-ounce. Rankings are algorithmic, not paid. Prices update daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what pet parents ask us most. For the full breakdown of our scoring system, see the methodology page.
How does The Treat Index work?
We pull ingredient lists and prices from brand websites, then run every product through an algorithmic scoring engine. The engine assigns an ingredient purity score (0-10) based on what is in the treat and calculates the true price-per-ounce so you can compare across formats. No human opinion enters the score.
Is The Treat Index free to use?
Completely free. Every score, price breakdown, and promo code is visible without creating an account or paying anything. We earn revenue through affiliate commissions when you buy through our links, but the rankings and data are always open.
How do you calculate price per ounce?
We divide the one-time retail price by total weight in ounces. For subscription-only products, we use the subscription price. For products sold in multiple sizes, we display the best-value variant so a small trial bag doesn't inflate the number.
What does it take for a treat to score 9 or above?
A 9+ treat typically has five or fewer ingredients, all from named protein sources, with zero fillers, artificial preservatives, or unnamed meals. Single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried beef liver consistently hit this range because there is nothing to penalize.
How often do prices and scores update?
Our scraper runs daily to check prices and stock status. When a brand changes its formula or ingredient list, we re-ingest the product and the score recalculates automatically. Out-of-stock items are flagged and hidden from the main ranking.
Do you test the treats yourselves?
We don't do palatability or taste testing. Dog preferences are subjective and not reproducible. Instead, we focus on what is measurable: the published ingredient list, certifications, and retail price. This keeps the data consistent and bias-free.
Can I use discount codes from The Treat Index?
Yes. When a brand provides a promo code, we display it on the product card. Click to copy and apply it at checkout. We never charge brands to list codes and never charge you to use them. The discount is real and comes directly from the brand.
Do you cover cats and other pets?
We started with dog treats because that is the largest and most confusing market. Cat treats are on our roadmap, and the scoring engine already supports multiple species. We will announce coverage expansions as they go live.