Does your dog turn their nose up at boring old kibble during training sessions? You want your furry friend to learn fast, but finding treats that truly motivate them can feel like a treasure hunt! Many dog owners struggle with finding high-value rewards that keep their pup focused and eager to please, especially when teaching tricky new commands. You worry about giving them treats that might upset their stomach or are just plain unhealthy.
That’s where cheese steps in! This delicious dairy delight is a secret weapon for many successful dog trainers. But not all cheese is created equal for your canine companion. Choosing the wrong kind could lead to tummy troubles or unnecessary calories.
In this post, we will explore the best types of cheese to use as training treats, how much is too much, and the simple steps to introduce it safely. Get ready to unlock a new level of focus and excitement in your next training session!
Top Cheese For Dog Training Recommendations
- 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 😉
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 😉
- HUMAN GRADE SINGLE INGREDIENT CHEESE: Made with just one ingredient: real cheese. These freeze-dried dog treats are crafted from human-grade Wisconsin cheddar with no fillers, additives, or preservatives. Designed for pet parents who read labels, WagWell cheese treats keep things simple and transparent. No artificial flavors, no mystery ingredients, just clean dairy protein in a form dogs love. A straightforward option for training, rewarding, or adding something special to everyday meals.
- PASTEURIZED AND SAFETY TESTED FOR PEACE OF MIND: Your dog’s treats should meet the same standards as your own food. That’s why WagWell freeze-dried cheese treats are pasteurized and microbe tested for quality and safety. This extra step helps ensure consistency and care in every batch. Made in the USA using regulated processes, these treats are designed for pet parents who prioritize trust, sourcing, and responsible manufacturing alongside taste and nutrition.
- HIGH PROTEIN TREATS FOR TRAINING AND TOPPING: Naturally high in protein, these freeze-dried cheese dog treats are perfect for training sessions, enrichment toys, or sprinkling over meals as a topper. The gentle freeze-drying process helps preserve natural nutrients and creates a light texture that’s easy to break into smaller pieces for portion control and simple digestion. Whether rewarding good behavior or adding extra excitement to mealtime, these versatile cheese bites fit seamlessly into your dog’s daily routine.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS PET PARENTS CAN TRUST: WagWell treats are made without grains, preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, or soy. Every recipe reflects our commitment to clean, minimal ingredients and honest labeling. Designed for dogs of all ages and sizes, these freeze-dried treats offer a simple option for pet parents looking to avoid unnecessary additives while still giving their dogs something crave-worthy and satisfying.
- MADE IN THE USA WITH TRANSPARENT STANDARDS: Proudly made in the USA, WagWell freeze-dried treats are produced with quality, sourcing, and consistency in mind. From ingredient selection to final packaging, every step is thoughtfully managed to meet high standards pet parents expect. Simple recipes, responsible processes, and real ingredients come together in a treat you can feel confident reaching for every day.
- Sit, stay, treat! Our chewy, low-calorie training bites make for the best rewards (... or, simply, extra treating!) - from teaching tricks to incentivizing good behavior to hiding inside puzzle toys, too!
- Perfectly sized training bites (4 calories each!) to reward all those sitting doggies, those Instagram posting mutts, and the slightly naughtier puppies who need a little daily bribing.
- 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 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.
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Training Cheese
Choosing the right cheese for training your dog can make a big difference. High-value treats keep your dog focused and eager to learn. This guide helps you pick the best cheesy reward for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When buying cheese for training, you need treats that grab your dog’s attention quickly. Think small, smelly, and easy to eat.
1. Size and Shape
- Small Pieces: Treats should be tiny, like a pea. Dogs eat them fast, so training keeps moving. Big chunks make dogs full too quickly.
- Easy to Break: If you buy a block, make sure you can easily cut it into small, uniform pieces.
2. Texture and Durability
- Firmness: Harder cheeses hold their shape better. Soft, crumbly cheese might turn into a mushy mess in your pocket.
- Low Moisture: Very wet cheese can leave greasy stains on your hands or training pouch.
3. Smell Factor (High Value)
- The stronger the smell, the better the reward! Dogs rely on scent. A pungent cheese gets their attention even in noisy parks.
Important Materials: What Kind of Cheese Works Best?
Not all cheeses are created equal for dog training. You want cheeses that are low in lactose and salt.
Low-Lactose Options
Most adult dogs have trouble digesting lactose. Choose cheeses naturally low in it.
- Aged Cheeses: Cheeses aged longer, like sharp cheddar or Parmesan, have less lactose. These are often excellent choices.
- Hard Cheeses: Swiss or Provolone are often well-tolerated in small amounts.
What to Avoid
Steer clear of fresh, high-lactose cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese. These can sometimes upset your dog’s stomach.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the cheese affects how well your dog performs.
Improving Quality (Good Choices)
- Plain Cheese: Always choose plain cheese. Added ingredients like onions, garlic powder, or chives are toxic to dogs and severely reduce quality.
- Freshness: Use cheese that smells fresh. Old or moldy cheese should never be given to your dog.
Reducing Quality (Bad Choices)
- Processed Cheese: Slices of processed cheese often contain too many additives and preservatives. They are less appealing to dogs than real cheese.
- High Sodium: Very salty cheeses should be avoided or used only in tiny quantities.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cheese matters for successful training sessions.
Ideal Use Cases
- High-Distraction Environments: Use cheese when teaching “Stay” near squirrels or during busy park training. Its high value overcomes distractions.
- New Tricks: When teaching complex new behaviors, cheese motivates the dog to try harder.
Handling Tips
Keep your training cheese separate from your snacks. Cut the cheese into small cubes *before* you leave the house. This prevents you from fumbling with a block of cheese while trying to reward a perfect recall.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Training Cheese
Q: Can my dog eat cheese every day?
A: Cheese should only be a small part of their diet. Use it only for training sessions. Too much cheese can lead to weight gain or tummy upset.
Q: What is the best cheese for puppies?
A: Puppies have very sensitive stomachs. Start with very mild, low-lactose options like a tiny bit of mild cheddar. Watch for any digestive issues.
Q: Is Parmesan cheese safe for dogs?
A: Yes, Parmesan is generally safe because it is aged and low in lactose. It has a strong smell, which dogs love. Use it sparingly because it is high in salt.
Q: How much cheese should I give my dog per session?
A: The total amount of cheese given during one training session should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie needs. Think tiny rewards, not a meal.
Q: What cheese should I absolutely never use?
A: Never use cheese that contains garlic, onion, or mold (like blue cheese). These ingredients are toxic to dogs.
Q: Does the temperature of the cheese matter?
A: Yes. Cold cheese from the fridge is firmer and easier to handle. Warm cheese becomes soft and messy quickly.
Q: What if my dog gets an upset stomach from the cheese?
A: Stop using cheese immediately. Switch to a different high-value treat, like small pieces of cooked chicken or hot dogs.
Q: Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubed cheese?
A: Shredded cheese is fine, but it can be very crumbly. Cubes or small sticks hold their shape better during active training.
Q: Is cheese a healthy reward?
A: Cheese is high in fat and salt, so it is not the healthiest option. It is best reserved for when you need a very high-value reward to overcome tough training hurdles.
Q: How should I store cheese for training?
A: Keep your training cheese in a small, sealed container in the refrigerator until you are ready to go out. Never leave it in a hot car or your pocket for too long.