Does your dog ignore your best commands during training, no matter how tasty you think your rewards are? You spend time practicing, but progress feels slow. Many dog owners face this struggle. Choosing the perfect training treat feels like a guessing game. Should it be crunchy, soft, smelly, or small? The wrong treat can derail your hard work, leaving both you and your furry friend frustrated.
We understand the confusion. You want treats that motivate your dog without filling them up too fast or causing tummy troubles. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a training treat effective. You will learn how to match the treat to the training goal and your dog’s unique needs. Keep reading to discover the secrets to finding treats that make training sessions exciting, successful, and delicious for your best friend.
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
- 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 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
- 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 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 Buying Guide for Dog Training Treats
Choosing the right training treats makes a huge difference when teaching your dog new tricks or reinforcing good behavior. The best treats motivate your dog without causing tummy troubles. This guide helps you pick the perfect reward for your furry student.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features:
- Size and Portability: Training often happens on the go. Treats should be small—pea-sized or even smaller. Small treats mean you can reward frequently without overfeeding. Look for treats that are easy to break apart.
- High Value vs. Low Value: Not all treats are equal. High-value treats (like small pieces of real chicken or cheese) are used for hard commands (like recall). Low-value treats (like basic biscuits) work for easy tasks in quiet environments.
- Texture: Soft, chewy treats are usually best for training. Dogs can chew soft treats quickly and get back to training faster. Hard biscuits take too long to crunch.
- Aroma: Strong-smelling treats grab a dog’s attention immediately. If the treat smells good to your dog, they will focus better on you.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What’s inside the treat matters for your dog’s health and training success.
Protein Source
Good training treats usually list a quality protein source first. Look for things like chicken, salmon, beef, or turkey. These natural ingredients offer great motivation.
Avoid Fillers and Artificial Additives
Low-quality treats use lots of cheap fillers. Avoid treats with high amounts of corn, wheat, or soy if your dog has sensitivities. Artificial colors and preservatives should also be avoided. They offer no nutritional benefit.
Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)
If your dog has allergies, search for LID treats. These contain only a few ingredients, making it easier to avoid triggers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the treat directly impacts how well your dog learns.
Quality Boosters (Improves Quality)
- Freeze-Dried Options: Freeze-drying locks in nutrients and creates an intense smell. These are often the highest value treats.
- Natural Preservation: Treats preserved naturally (like with Vitamin E) are generally better quality than those relying on artificial chemicals.
- Sourcing Transparency: Companies that clearly state where their ingredients come from often produce higher quality products.
Quality Reducers (Reduces Quality)
- High Moisture Content: Treats that are too moist can spoil quickly or crumble messily in your pocket.
- Hardness: Very hard treats slow down the training pace significantly.
- Unknown By-Products: If the ingredient list mentions “meat by-products” without specifying the source, the quality is likely lower.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat shapes your training session.
On-the-Go Training
For park training or puppy classes, you need mess-free packaging. Pouches or small containers that attach to your belt are very useful. You should be able to grab a treat with one hand quickly.
Addressing Specific Needs
Different situations call for different treats. Use high-value treats when practicing distractions, like walking past other dogs. Use lower-value treats for easy maintenance behaviors, like sitting politely by the door.
Remember, the best treat is the one your dog loves most but that doesn’t upset their stomach. Keep your treat supply varied to keep your dog engaged!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Training Treats
Q: How often should I give training treats?
A: During active training sessions, you should reward frequently—sometimes every few seconds when teaching something brand new. Always reward the instant your dog does the desired action.
Q: Can training treats make my dog gain weight?
A: Yes, they can. You must account for training treats in your dog’s daily calorie intake. Always use the smallest possible pieces for training.
Q: Should I use human food as training treats?
A: Sometimes! Small pieces of cooked chicken, carrots, or cheese work wonderfully as high-value rewards. Always ensure the human food is safe for dogs.
Q: What is the difference between training treats and regular dog biscuits?
A: Training treats are usually softer, smellier, and smaller than regular biscuits. Biscuits are often used as snacks, not for rapid-fire reinforcement during learning.
Q: How do I know if a treat is “high value” for my dog?
A: A high-value treat is one your dog will work very hard for, even when distracted. Test a few different strong-smelling items to see what your dog prefers most.
Q: Are grain-free training treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free is only necessary if your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy. Many dogs do perfectly well with quality grain-inclusive treats.
Q: How long do soft training treats stay fresh?
A: This varies widely by brand. Always check the packaging. Many soft treats need refrigeration after opening, or they spoil within a week or two.
Q: Should I stop using treats once my dog learns a command?
A: No. You should transition from rewarding every time to rewarding randomly (intermittent reinforcement). This keeps the behavior strong and exciting for the dog.
Q: What if my puppy has a sensitive stomach?
A: Look for single-ingredient treats, like plain dried liver or sweet potato chews. Introduce any new treat very slowly, giving only tiny amounts at first.
Q: Can I use the same treats for potty training and obedience training?
A: You can, but it is smart to use a slightly lower-value treat for easy tasks (like house training) and save the absolute best treats for hard tasks (like walking past squirrels).