What’s the secret ingredient to turning your playful pup into a perfectly behaved companion? Often, it’s something small, tasty, and held right in your hand! Training a dog takes patience, consistency, and, most importantly, motivation. If your dog isn’t responding to your cues, the problem might not be their listening skills—it might be the reward you’re offering.
Choosing the perfect training treat can feel overwhelming. Should you use store-bought biscuits, bits of cheese, or maybe some dried liver? The wrong choice can lead to a distracted dog, slow progress, or even upset tummies. We know you want rewards that grab your dog’s attention instantly but also keep them healthy during those long training sessions. Finding that sweet spot between high-value and healthy is the biggest challenge.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a training treat effective. You will learn the difference between a ‘jackpot’ reward and an everyday motivator. By the end of this post, you will have a clear roadmap for selecting treats that make training fun, fast, and effective for both you and your best friend. Let’s dive into how the right snack can unlock your dog’s full potential!
Top Treats For Dog Training Recommendations
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Bits dog training treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient making them an ideal reward for your best friend’s best behavior
- SOFT TRAINING TREATS: For dogs that love a soft treat, BLUE Bits are tender, bite-sized morsels that are the perfect size for training; plus, with DHA to help support cognitive development, they’re an ideal puppy treat
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like Propylene Glycol and colors like Red Dye 40
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains: One (1) 19-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- REAL BEEF FIRST: BLUE Bits dog training treats are made with delicious real beef as the first ingredient making them an ideal reward for your best friend’s best behavior
- SOFT TRAINING TREATS: For dogs that love a soft treat, BLUE Bits are tender, bite-sized morsels that are the perfect size for training; plus, with DHA to help support cognitive development, they’re an ideal puppy treat
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like Propylene Glycol and colors like Red Dye 40
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains: One (1) 19-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Beef Recipe
- Small treats for bite-sized rewards during training
- American chicken is the #1 ingredient
- No added corn, soy or wheat; No added colors or artificial flavors
- Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world
- 1-pound bag of dog treats in a resealable pouch
- BIG MOTIVATION IN EACH MINI BITE. Each of these 1.5 calorie treats are packed with flavor from pork liver, real bacon, and added botanicals that will keep dogs focused and eager to learn!
- TRAIN. ENRICH. TREAT. These low calorie training rewards are great for training sessions, enrichment activities such as puzzle toys and snuffle mats, and every day treating occasions.
- GREAT FOR SMALLER DOGS. These bite-sized treats are the perfect size for training and every day treating for smaller dogs. Each 10 oz bag includes approximately 500 treats
- REWARD THE EVERYDAY Pet Botanics healthy training rewards are perfect for training and treating every day in every way. These soft & chewy treats have no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
- PROUD MEMBER THE CLOUD STAR FAMILY. With Cloud Star products, you can spend less time worrying about what to feed your pet and spend more time Living Life with Your Dog by Your Side.
- BUDDY TRAINING BITES - These bite-sized treats are chock full of meaty flavor from appetizing pork liver as the 1st ingredient, so they are easy to eat and perfect for dogs of all ages.
- ALL THE GOOD STUFF - Our training treats are made in the USA and they are free of corn, soy, artificial flavors and preservatives. With Buddy, you can feel good about serving your best bud the treats they deserve!
- LOW CALORIE - Only 1.5 calories per treat to help make your dog training sessions last longer! The delicious aroma will have your pup coming back for more.
- 501 TREATS PER BAG - Reward your dog's good behavior with 500 treats per bag. Buddy is healthy, tasty & fun!
- EVERYBODY LOVES BUDDY: Buddy is the perfect companion for your best friend! Buddy's delicious flavors are sure bring your pup joy! Buddy has a range of treats - all made with real, simple ingredients that you can pronounce.
- Natural dog treats made with added vitamins and minerals and no corn, wheat, or soy at only 2 calories per treat
- Keeps dogs begging for more with soft dog treats featuring real ingredients like cherries and chicken
- Excellent dog training treats dogs can enjoy on the trail, or on any adventure, while encouraging bonding
- Chewy treats crafted in the USA using the Earth’s best ingredients
- Choose your adventure with other Zuke’s treats for dogs like Lil’ Links, Puppy Naturals, and Hip and Joint
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Training Treats
Finding the right treats makes training your dog much easier and more fun. Good training treats are small, tasty, and easy to give quickly. This guide helps you choose the best snacks for your furry student.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for specific features that make a treat effective for training.
Size Matters Most
- Small and Quick: Training requires giving many treats in a short time. Treats should be tiny, about the size of a pea or smaller. Your dog should eat them in one quick bite. This keeps the training session moving fast.
- Breakability: If you buy larger treats, ensure they snap easily into small pieces. You do not want to waste time breaking big chunks with your fingers.
Smell and Taste Appeal
- High Value: A training treat must be something your dog really loves. If the treat is boring, your dog might not care about learning a new trick. Chicken, liver, or cheese-flavored treats are often high value.
- Strong Aroma: A good smell helps get your dog’s attention, especially in distracting environments like parks.
Texture and Freshness
- Softness: Soft, chewy treats are usually best. Dogs can chew them quickly. Hard, crunchy biscuits take too long to eat.
- Consistency: The treat should not crumble into dust in the bag. Too many crumbs make a mess and waste food.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What goes into the treat affects how healthy it is for your dog.
Protein Sources
Look for treats where real meat or fish is listed as the first ingredient. Good sources include real chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey. These provide the best flavor and nutrition for active training.
What to Limit
- Fillers: Avoid treats loaded with cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy if your dog has allergies or if you want the highest quality fuel.
- Artificial Additives: Steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Natural preservatives, like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), are better choices.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a treat is made greatly affects its usefulness.
Quality Boosters
- Limited Ingredients: Treats with fewer ingredients are often higher quality. Simple recipes are easier to digest and reduce the risk of stomach upset during long training sessions.
- Nutrient Balance: While training treats are given often, they should still offer some nutritional value. Look for added vitamins or healthy fats like Omega-3s.
Quality Reducers
- High Fat Content: Treats that are too oily or greasy can cause stomach issues if fed frequently. They also leave greasy residue on your hands, which is messy.
- Hardness: Very hard biscuits reduce training speed because the dog spends time crunching instead of listening.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat shapes your experience.
Portability
You need treats that travel well. If you are training at home, any treat works. If you are at the park or on walks, the treat bag must be easy to open and close. Treats that stick together in humidity are frustrating.
Training Scenarios
- Beginner Training (Sit, Stay): Use high-value, soft treats. The dog needs maximum motivation for basic commands.
- Advanced Training (Distractions): When training outside, use the *highest* value treat possible—something your dog never gets otherwise. This makes ignoring squirrels worth it!
- Quick Rewards: For fast-paced work like agility, use very small, low-calorie treats so you can reward many times without overfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Training Treats
Q: How often should I give training treats?
A: During active training sessions, you should reward every successful action immediately. For basic obedience, this might mean 10 to 20 small treats in five minutes. Remember to balance this with their regular meals.
Q: Are training treats supposed to replace regular dog food?
A: No, they should not. Training treats are rewards, not full meals. They should only make up a small part of your dog’s total daily calories. Keep them small!
Q: What is the best texture for training treats?
A: Soft and chewy is usually the best texture. Dogs can swallow these quickly, allowing you to mark the behavior and move on to the next repetition right away.
Q: Can I use my dog’s regular kibble as a training treat?
A: Yes, you can use kibble for low-distraction training if your dog loves it. However, for harder tasks or new tricks, you need something tastier than their normal food.
Q: How do I stop giving too many treats?
A: Start “fading the lure.” This means you reward every correct response at first, then only every second correct response, then every third. Eventually, you switch to praise or a favorite toy as the main reward.
Q: Should I worry about the calorie count?
A: Yes, you should worry. Since you give many treats, their calories add up fast. Choose low-calorie options (usually tiny ones) so your dog does not gain weight.
Q: What is a “high-value” treat?
A: A high-value treat is something your dog finds extremely desirable—the best thing they can imagine eating. This is usually meat-based and soft.
Q: Can I use human food as training treats?
A: Some human foods are safe, like small pieces of cooked chicken or carrots. However, always check if the food is safe for dogs first, and keep portions tiny.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats good for training?
A: Freeze-dried meat treats are excellent. They are high value because they are pure meat, and they are easy to break into small, manageable pieces.
Q: Do I need different treats for different training goals?
A: Yes. Use high-value treats for difficult tasks (like recalls in a busy park) and lower-value, everyday treats for easy, known commands practiced at home.