Ever watch your furry friend completely ignore a command, even when you have a treat in hand? It’s frustrating! Training a dog takes patience, and the right motivation is key. Many pet owners struggle to find treats that are both high-value enough to grab their dog’s attention and healthy enough for regular use. You want rewards that work, not just empty calories.
Choosing the perfect training treat can feel like navigating a maze of ingredients and sizes. Are soft treats better than crunchy ones? Should you spend a fortune on gourmet snacks? We understand the confusion. This post cuts through the noise.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what makes a treat effective for learning new skills. We will cover the best types of rewards for different training goals, helping you build a stronger bond with your dog. Get ready to turn those training sessions into successful, tasty adventures!
Top Dog Treats For 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.
- 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
- 2-pound bag of dog treats in a resealable pouch
- 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
- 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.
- Contains one (1) 36 ounce canister of mini dog biscuits in 3 tasty flavors: beef, chicken and bacon
- Tasty mini dog treats prepared with care and right-sized for treating more often
- Crunchy texture helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up, perfect for sloppy doggie kisses
- Wholesome goodness at only 5 calories per treat with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Bone-shaped deliciousness that makes dog life more fun
- 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) 11-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Training Treats
Finding the right training treats can make a huge difference when teaching your dog new tricks or good manners. Treats are powerful motivators! This guide helps you choose the best options for successful training sessions.
Key Features to Look For
Good training treats share several important features. These features help keep training sessions fast, fun, and effective.
Size Matters Most
- Small Bites: Training requires many repetitions. Treats must be very small—think pea-sized or smaller. Your dog should eat it quickly and immediately return focus to you. Large treats take too long to chew.
- Easy to Break: If you buy larger treats, make sure you can easily break them into tiny pieces without making a huge mess.
High Value vs. Low Value
- High Value: These are super yummy treats reserved for brand-new, difficult, or distracting training situations (like working near squirrels). Your dog must *really* want these.
- Low Value: These are everyday treats used for easy commands your dog already knows well, like “sit” in a quiet room.
Texture and Freshness
The best training treats often have a soft, chewy texture. Dogs gobble soft treats instantly. Stale, hard biscuits slow down the pace of training.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list tells you what your dog is eating. Always prioritize quality ingredients.
Protein Sources
- Look for real meat as the first ingredient. Good options include chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey. These provide the high-value motivation dogs crave.
- Avoid generic terms like “meat by-products” if possible.
Natural Additives
Healthy additions like sweet potatoes, carrots, or blueberries can boost flavor and nutrition. These are great for low-value treats.
What to Avoid
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: Your dog does not need bright red or blue colors. Skip these unnecessary additives.
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy are often used as cheap fillers. While not always harmful, they don’t offer much training reward value.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a training treat directly impacts your dog’s focus and health.
Quality Boosters
- Limited Ingredients: Treats with very short ingredient lists are often higher quality. They reduce the chance of tummy upset.
- Made in Reputable Countries: Treats manufactured under strict safety standards usually offer better quality control.
Quality Reducers
- High Fat Content: While fat adds flavor, too much fat in training treats can lead to an upset stomach or weight gain if you train frequently. Moderation is key.
- Hard, Crumbly Texture: These treats create crumbs that litter your treat pouch and take longer for your dog to consume, disrupting the flow of the training session.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats during training affects how well they work.
Convenience for the Trainer
- Treat Pouch Ready: Treats should easily fit into a treat pouch or pocket without leaving greasy residue. Soggy, sticky treats are frustrating to grab quickly.
- Easy Handling: You must be able to grab and dispense the treat in under one second.
Training Scenarios
- New Environments: When introducing a new skill outdoors or in a busy park, always use your highest-value treats.
- Proofing Behavior: Once your dog masters a command, you should “fade the lure” and start rewarding intermittently (sometimes with a treat, sometimes with praise). This keeps the behavior strong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dog Training Treats
Q: How often should I give my dog training treats?
A: During active training sessions, you should reward every successful attempt initially. However, because you are using tiny pieces, you can reward frequently without overfeeding calories.
Q: Can I use my dog’s regular kibble as a training treat?
A: Yes, you can! If your dog loves their regular food, it makes a great low-value treat for easy commands. Reserve special smelly treats for tough new lessons.
Q: Are soft treats better than hard biscuits for training?
A: Generally, yes. Soft treats are consumed faster, meaning the dog returns focus to you quicker, which speeds up the learning process.
Q: Should I worry about my dog gaining weight from training treats?
A: You must monitor calories. Since training involves many rewards, use the smallest pieces possible. If you give many treats, reduce the size of your dog’s regular meals slightly.
Q: What is a “high-value” treat?
A: A high-value treat is something your dog finds incredibly desirable—often something smelly or meaty that they only get during focused training.
Q: How long do soft training treats usually stay fresh?
A: This varies by brand and storage. Always check the packaging. Many soft treats need refrigeration after opening, or they mold quickly due to their low preservative content.
Q: Can I make my own training treats at home?
A: Absolutely! Homemade treats allow you to control every ingredient, ensuring high quality and avoiding unnecessary fillers or preservatives.
Q: What if my dog refuses the training treat?
A: If your dog refuses the treat, it means the treat isn’t valuable enough for the current distraction level, or the environment is too overwhelming. Try a smellier, better treat!
Q: Should I stop using treats once my dog learns the command?
A: No, you should not stop completely. Instead, switch to an intermittent reward schedule. Reward randomly to keep your dog guessing and motivated long-term.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for training?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free is only essential if your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy. For most dogs, a high-quality treat containing healthy grains is fine, provided the primary ingredient is quality protein.