Ever wonder why your dog stares at you so intensely when you pull out that small, crunchy snack? That focused attention is the secret ingredient to successful dog training! Treats are more than just tasty rewards; they are powerful tools that shape behavior and build a stronger bond with your furry friend. But navigating the pet store aisles can feel overwhelming. Should you choose soft and chewy, hard and crunchy, or maybe something freeze-dried?
Choosing the wrong treat can lead to frustration. Some treats are too big, making training sessions long and messy. Others might not be exciting enough to motivate a stubborn pup, or worse, they might contain questionable ingredients. You want a treat that gets results fast without compromising your dog’s health. Finding that perfect balance between high-value reward and healthy snack is a common challenge for every dog owner.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a training treat effective, what ingredients to look for, and how to match the right reward to your specific training goals. Get ready to discover the treats that will have your dog eager to learn every single command.
Top Dog Training Treat 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
- 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.
- 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 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) 4-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe
- 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.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Training Treats
Training your dog requires patience, consistency, and, most importantly, the right motivation. Dog training treats are a powerful tool. They reward good behavior instantly. Finding the perfect treat can make training sessions much more effective and fun for both you and your pup. This guide helps you choose the best options.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for training treats, certain features stand out. These make the treats practical and appealing to your dog.
High Value vs. Low Value
- High-Value Treats: These are special, irresistible treats. Use them for tough new commands or in distracting environments. They should smell and taste amazing to your dog.
- Low-Value Treats: These are everyday, easy-to-eat snacks. Use them for easy, known commands in quiet settings.
Size and Portability
Training treats must be small. Dogs get full quickly, and large treats slow down the training pace. Look for treats that are pea-sized or smaller. They should easily fit into a treat pouch.
Texture
The best training treats break apart easily. Soft, chewy textures are usually preferred by dogs. Hard biscuits take too long to chew, interrupting the flow of training.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat directly affects its usefulness and your dog’s health.
Protein Source
High-quality protein makes a great treat. Look for real meat as the first ingredient. Common good sources include chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey. Avoid treats where “meat by-products” are listed first.
Natural vs. Artificial Additives
Always choose natural ingredients when possible. Artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives reduce the quality of the treat. Simple, recognizable ingredients are always better.
Allergens and Sensitivities
Many dogs have allergies. If your dog is sensitive, check for common allergens like wheat, corn, soy, or specific proteins. Grain-free options are popular, but ensure they use safe alternatives like sweet potato.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the treat impacts how effective your training will be.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Limited Ingredient Lists: Fewer ingredients usually mean higher quality and fewer potential irritants.
- Nutrient Density: Treats that offer some nutritional benefit (like omega fatty acids) are great bonuses.
- Freshness: Properly sealed packaging ensures the treats maintain their smell and texture.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- High Filler Content: Ingredients like corn syrup or excessive amounts of starch dilute the nutritional value and make the treat less exciting for your dog.
- Hardness: Very hard treats reduce training speed because the dog spends too much time crunching instead of focusing.
- Strong Artificial Smells: While a good smell is important, overly chemical smells often indicate poor-quality artificial enhancers.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats matters as much as what they are made of.
Ease of Use
A successful training session requires quick rewards. Treats should be easy to grab and dispense one-handed. Pouches or resealable bags that open quickly are essential for a smooth user experience.
Use Cases: Where to Use Them
- New Skill Introduction: Use high-value, soft treats when teaching “sit” or “stay” for the first time.
- Distraction Proofing: When practicing obedience at the park or around other dogs, use the absolute best treats your dog loves to maintain focus.
- Quick Positive Reinforcement: Use small, low-value treats frequently throughout the day for minor good behaviors, like sitting nicely before getting a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Training Treats
Q: How often should I give my dog training treats?
A: You should give treats immediately after the desired behavior occurs. For new skills, you might give many treats initially. As the dog learns, you fade the treats to intermittent rewards.
Q: Can I use my dog’s regular kibble as training treats?
A: Yes, you can, especially for low-value training or if your dog has a sensitive stomach. However, regular kibble often isn’t motivating enough for difficult training sessions outdoors.
Q: Are freeze-dried liver treats the best option?
A: Freeze-dried liver (like chicken or salmon) is often considered a top-tier, high-value treat. They are usually pure protein, highly palatable, and easily crumbled into small pieces.
Q: What size should a training treat be?
A: Ideally, a training treat should be no larger than your pinky fingernail or a pea. They should be consumed in one second or less.
Q: What should I do if my dog stops responding to the treats?
A: If your dog loses interest, the treat is likely not high-value enough for the current situation. Switch to something smellier or tastier, like tiny pieces of cheese or cooked chicken.
Q: How do I prevent my dog from gaining too much weight?
A: Always account for training treats in your dog’s daily calorie intake. Reduce the amount of their regular meals slightly to balance out the treats given during training.
Q: Are grain-free training treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free is only better if your specific dog has a diagnosed grain allergy. For most dogs, a treat containing healthy whole grains is perfectly fine.
Q: Should I use the same treat for everything?
A: No. Use a variety of treats. This keeps your dog engaged and helps them understand the difference between a normal reward and an extra special reward.
Q: Can I make my own training treats?
A: Absolutely! Homemade treats allow you complete control over the ingredients. Simple recipes using oats, pumpkin, and lean meat work very well.
Q: What is the difference between a training treat and a regular dog snack?
A: Training treats are designed to be small, easy to chew quickly, and highly motivating for instant rewards. Regular snacks or chews are meant to last longer for entertainment or satisfying chewing urges.