What if the secret to a perfectly trained pup was hiding in your refrigerator? Many dog owners struggle to find that one high-value treat that truly motivates their furry friend during training sessions. You want your dog to learn quickly, but standard kibble just isn’t cutting it. The frustration of repeating commands when your dog seems more interested in sniffing the grass than listening is real.
This is where cheese steps in! Cheese offers a powerful punch of flavor that can turn a distracted dog into a focused student. However, not all cheese is created equal for your canine companion. Some types can cause upset stomachs or are too high in salt. Choosing the wrong cheese can lead to digestive issues, defeating the purpose of using a special reward.
In this guide, we will break down the best and safest cheese options for dog training. You will learn exactly which cheeses pack the biggest motivational punch without harming your dog’s health. Keep reading to discover how to use this delicious dairy delight to achieve breakthrough moments in your next training session!
Top Cheese For Dog Training Recommendations
- RECOMMENDED BY PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS Professional trainers use and recommend Tricky Trainers for dog training & behavior aids.
- 2 CALORIES PER TREAT Ideal for small, medium, and large breeds, these tiny, low calorie treats won’t fill them up or cause weight gain. Perfect for long training sessions with 680 treats per bag!
- HIGHLY PALATABLE & MOTIVATING These high protein, crunchy training treats are made with real cheddar cheese that tastes and smells amazing, keeping your dog’s attention for successful training.
- FLAVORFUL TRAINING TREAT FOR DOGS OF ALL AGES Made with healthy ingredients, these canine training treats contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and no wheat, corn, dairy, or soy.
- HIGH VALUE REWARD Dogs of all life stages and all breeds develop good habits and behavior faster when rewarded with tasty treats they love.
- A healthier crunch: Bye bye, biscuits! Pupford Crunchies offer the crunch that pups love without all the extra fillers and additives like sugar and molasses.
- Real cheese = really tasty: These dog treats are made with 100% pure cheese, making them a delicious, healthy snack perfect for rewarding your furry friend.
- Packed with nutrients: Crunchies are full of essential nutrients, like protein and calcium, that contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of your pup - helping to build strong bones and muscles.
- A healthier pup: By treating your pup with wholesome, nutritious ingredients, you’re contributing to their overall health and longevity. We only use high quality, all natural ingredients, helping your pup live a longer, healthier life.
- Mix it up: Crunchies are a great supplemental treat to a well-balanced diet. They make a perfect reward or occasional snack, but make sure your pup gets some other nutrients too 😉
- These soft-baked 'B's are every doggy's favorite - from puppies, to picky eaters, to seniors with sensitive mouths, too! We baked a softer cookie with limited ingredients and all-natural preservatives - perfect for pups looking for a chewier bite.
- Perfect for Everyday Treating: With just 8 ingredients (like oat flour, cheese and rolled oats!) and only 9 calories per treat, you can feel good treating your favorite pup to this yummy recipe.
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA local to our bakeries.
- Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty.
- Our Story: Bocce’s was started in a tiny NYC kitchen with a mixer, an oven and a scruffy mutt named Bocce, with the belief that our furry friends (pups and kitty cats, too!) deserve better. Better food with fresher, simpler, all-natural ingredients.
- Perfect for Training - Reward the head of your household with soft, bite-sized treats for training time.
- All Natural- Made with premium, all natural ingredients and free from gelatin, corn, wheat & soy.
- Highly Palatable - Packed with flavor, low in calories.
- Easy on Bellies - Limited ingredients, great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
- Made in the USA - Etta Says is proud to use 100% USA ingredients sourced from American farms.
- Perfect for Training & Agility: Best Buddy Bits are ideal for training, road trips, long walks, and rewarding your dog with delicious, bite-sized treats that motivate and delight.
- Natural Ingredients: Made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients, with no animal parts or byproducts, so you can feel good about what you're giving your dog. No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
- Proudly Baked in the USA: Made in small batches in the USA, ensuring quality and freshness in every treat your dog enjoys.
- Easy to Digest: Perfect for dogs that struggle with larger treats, these bite-sized cookies are easy to chew, making them suitable for pups of all sizes.
- Cheese Flavor Dogs Love: Crunchy round bits with the great taste of cheese, making these treats irresistible for your dog, whether for training or just as a tasty snack.
- Start Off On the Right Paw: Perfect Trainers bring joy to everyday training and rewarding. Soft and chewy treats made with simple and healthy ingredients; Great for dog training and portion control; 6 Ounces, 1 Pouch
- Cheesy, Chickeny Bite-Sized Rewards: Drool-worthy soft dog and puppy training treats; All natural ingredients in a resealable bag make house training your pup a treat
- Dog Treats with No Artificial Anything: Blue Dog's Mission is to make pet treats with naturally sourced, healthy ingredients; There are no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or animal by-products in any of our treats
- USA Made with Ingredients from American Farms: All of our pet treats contain premium, healthy ingredients grown on American farms; We source only human-grade ingredients for all of our treats
- Healthy Dog Treat Alternative: In 1998, Blue Dog Bakery started making fresh-baked, healthy pet treats; We were the first all natural, premium and low fat dog treat option to be nationally distributed
- RECOMMENDED BY PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS Professional trainers use and recommend Tricky Trainers for dog training & behavior aids.
- 2 CALORIES PER TREAT Ideal for small, medium, and large breeds, these tiny, low calorie treats won’t fill them up or cause weight gain. Perfect for long training sessions with 450 treats per bag!
- HIGHLY PALATABLE & MOTIVATING These high protein, crunchy training treats are made with real cheddar cheese that tastes and smells amazing, keeping your dog’s attention for successful training.
- FLAVORFUL TRAINING TREAT FOR DOGS OF ALL AGES Made with healthy ingredients, these canine training treats contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and no wheat, corn, dairy, or soy.
- HIGH VALUE REWARD Dogs of all life stages and all breeds develop good habits and behavior faster when rewarded with tasty treats they love.
- HUMAN GRADE, SINGLE INGREDIENT TREATS: Made with wellness in mind, our freeze-dried cheese dog snacks are just that. Cheese. Single-ingredient and human-grade.
- PASTEURIZED AND MICROBE TESTED: Safety comes first in your dog’s wellness journey. That’s why our soft and crumbly cheese treats for dogs are pasteurized and microbe tested to ensure your dog gets the high-quality and nutritious treats they deserve.
- NO BS, ONLY THE GOOD STUFF: Our natural dog treats will have your dog’s tummy thanking you! Grain-free, preservative-free, and free from fillers, corn, wheat, soy, and common allergens: the ideal way to show love to your pup.
- HIGH PROTEIN AND VERSATILE: Our high-protein freeze-dried cheese treats are the perfect healthy dog treat for training, mealtime toppers, or just a snack. These high protein dog treats fit into every part of your dog’s day.
- CUSTOMER HAPPINESS GUARANTEE: If you or your pup aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for all our products
Choosing the Best Cheese for Your Dog Training Success
Cheese can be a fantastic, high-value reward for training your dog. Its strong smell and taste often motivate dogs more than regular kibble. However, not all cheese is created equal for your furry friend. This guide helps you pick the best options safely and effectively.
Key Features to Look For in Training Cheese
When you select cheese for training, focus on these important features:
- High Palatability: The cheese must smell and taste amazing to your dog. Stronger-smelling cheeses usually work best for quick recalls or difficult commands.
- Small Size Potential: You will give many treats during a short training session. The cheese must easily break or cut into tiny pieces—pea-sized is ideal.
- Low Moisture Content: Drier cheeses are easier to handle and less messy. Wet cheese sticks to your fingers and crumbles quickly.
- Easy Portability: You need to carry the cheese easily in a treat pouch without it melting or turning into a greasy mess.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The “material” of cheese is simply its composition. Focus on what the cheese does not contain.
Always choose plain, natural cheese. Avoid any cheese that has added ingredients like onion powder, garlic, chives, or excessive salt. These additives can upset your dog’s stomach or even be toxic.
Look for cheeses that are lower in lactose, especially if your dog has a sensitive tummy. While small amounts are usually fine, reducing lactose lowers the chance of diarrhea after training.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Cheese Quality for Training
The quality of your training cheese depends on how well it suits your dog’s needs and the training goal.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Hardness: Harder cheeses (like Parmesan) hold their shape well, making them easy to cube small. They also require a bit more chewing, which can sometimes slow down a fast eater, making the reward last longer.
- Aroma: A strong aroma helps your dog focus, especially outdoors where there are many distractions.
- Freshness: Fresh cheese tastes better and is generally easier to cut into uniform pieces.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- High Fat Content: Very high-fat cheeses should be given sparingly. Too much fat can lead to weight gain or, worse, pancreatitis over time.
- Softness/Melting: Very soft cheeses (like fresh mozzarella or Brie) become a gooey mess quickly, especially on a warm day. This makes them difficult to use during active training sessions.
- Excessive Salt: While some salt is natural, overly salted cheeses can lead to dehydration or high sodium intake if used frequently.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use cheese greatly impacts its effectiveness. Cheese shines in specific training scenarios.
Best Use Cases:
- High-Distraction Environments: Use cheese when teaching recall in the park or working around other dogs. The high reward value overcomes the distractions.
- Proofing Behaviors: When your dog knows a trick but struggles to do it reliably, switch to cheese to reinforce the perfect execution.
- Short, Intense Sessions: Because cheese is high-calorie, use it for quick, focused training bursts (like 5 minutes) rather than long, drawn-out sessions.
User Tip: Always cut cheese into very small pieces (the size of a pencil eraser). A large chunk of cheese is too filling and may make your dog full before training ends. Remember, cheese is a treat, not a meal replacement!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheese for Dog Training
Q: Is cheese safe for all dogs?
A: Most dogs tolerate small amounts of plain, low-lactose cheese. However, dogs that are overweight or have known digestive issues should avoid it or only receive tiny crumbs.
Q: Which types of cheese are the best for training?
A: Harder, aged cheeses like low-sodium cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan are usually excellent choices because they are less messy and lower in lactose.
Q: How much cheese can I give my dog daily?
A: Cheese should make up less than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. For most small to medium dogs, this means only a few small cubes spread across the entire day’s training.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: It is better to avoid pre-shredded cheese. Manufacturers often coat these shreds with anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that offer no nutritional value to your dog.
Q: What if my dog gets an upset stomach from cheese?
A: If your dog experiences soft stool or gas after cheese, stop using it immediately. Switch to a lower-fat, highly digestible treat, like plain boiled chicken breast.
Q: Does the cheese need to be cold?
A: While some people prefer cold cheese because it cuts cleaner, it is not necessary. Cheese straight from the fridge is easier to handle, though.
Q: How should I store cheese for training?
A: Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For training on the go, use a small, sealable plastic baggie within your treat pouch to prevent greasy residue.
Q: Is blue cheese okay for training?
A: No. Blue cheeses (like Gorgonzola or Roquefort) contain mold cultures that can be harmful or toxic to dogs. Avoid all moldy cheeses.
Q: Can I use cheese for puppy training?
A: Yes, but use it very sparingly. Puppies have very sensitive digestive systems, so start with the tiniest possible pieces and monitor them closely.
Q: Is it better than commercial soft treats?
A: For many dogs, yes. Cheese is considered a “high-value” reward, meaning it motivates them more than standard, boring dry treats, leading to faster learning.