Ever wonder why your pup ignores a tasty snack when a squirrel darts by? Training a dog takes patience, consistency, and, most importantly, the right motivation. Finding those perfect training treats can feel like a treasure hunt in a crowded store. You want something your dog loves, but you also worry about unhealthy ingredients or treats that crumble too fast during a quick “sit” command.
Many dog owners face this frustration. We want effective training tools, but the market is flooded with choices. How do you balance high-value rewards with healthy options that don’t spoil your dog’s diet? It’s a constant balancing act between motivation and nutrition.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a training treat successful. You will learn how to choose treats that maximize focus, fit your training goals, and keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Get ready to transform those training sessions from frustrating to fantastic!
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 makes teaching your dog new tricks much easier. Good treats motivate your furry friend. This guide helps you pick the best ones for successful training sessions.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for specific features that make a treat excellent for training. These treats need to be special. They should not be everyday snacks.
- Size Matters: Training treats should be small. Think pea-sized or slightly larger. Dogs eat many treats during a short session. Small treats prevent your dog from getting full too quickly. They also keep training time focused.
- High Value: A high-value treat is something your dog absolutely loves. This treat motivates them, even with distractions around. If your dog ignores the treat, it is not high value enough for tough training.
- Soft Texture: Soft, chewy treats work best. Dogs can chew and swallow them fast. Quick consumption means you can mark the behavior and move to the next repetition without long breaks.
- Easy to Break: You should be able to break the treat into tiny pieces easily, even with one hand. This allows for variable reinforcement—rewarding a perfect sit with a bigger piece and a good try with a tiny crumb.
2. Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat affects your dog’s health and training focus. Always check the ingredient list first.
Healthy Core Ingredients:
Look for treats where the first ingredient is a real source of protein. Good choices include real chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey. These smell strong and taste great to dogs.
Ingredients to Use Sparingly or Avoid:
Some ingredients lower the quality of the treat for training purposes.
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy are often used as cheap fillers. They do not offer much nutritional value. They can also make some dogs feel bloated.
- Artificial Additives: Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and unnecessary preservatives. Natural preservatives like Vitamin E are better choices.
- High Fat/Grease: Treats that leave greasy residue on your fingers are messy. They can also upset a dog’s stomach if given frequently throughout a long session.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the treat directly impacts how effective your training is.
Quality Boosters:
Treats made with simple, recognizable ingredients usually rate higher. Single-ingredient treats (like dried liver or sweet potato) are often excellent quality. They are less likely to cause allergies.
Quality Reducers:
If a treat crumbles into dust easily, it reduces quality. Dry, hard biscuits are difficult for rapid rewarding. If your dog needs to spend a lot of time crunching, the training flow breaks down.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat defines its success in real-life training situations.
Best Use Cases:
- High-Distraction Environments: Use your absolute highest-value treats (like small pieces of cheese or cooked chicken) when training in a busy park. This helps your dog focus despite exciting smells or other dogs.
- New Skill Acquisition: When teaching a brand-new command, use soft, quick treats. You need to reward immediately after the desired action.
- Maintenance Training: Once a skill is learned, you can switch to lower-value, everyday biscuits or kibble. This saves money and keeps the high-value treats special for hard work.
Handling and Storage:
Good training treats should come in packaging that allows easy access. You should be able to grab one quickly without fumbling. Also, check the storage needs. Since you carry these treats with you, they should hold up well outside a sealed bag for a short time without spoiling or melting.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Training Treats
Q: How often should I give my dog training treats?
A: During active training sessions, you might give many small treats. For new skills, reward every successful attempt initially. As the dog learns, switch to rewarding intermittently.
Q: Can I use my dog’s regular kibble as a training treat?
A: Yes, you can, especially if your dog loves their kibble. However, for difficult tasks or high distractions, you usually need something tastier than their standard meal.
Q: Should training treats be soft or hard?
A: Soft treats are generally better for training. They allow for faster delivery and consumption, keeping the training momentum going.
Q: How big should a training treat be?
A: Aim for very small—about the size of a pea or your pinky fingernail. You want them to be a quick reward, not a meal replacement.
Q: Will my dog get overweight if I use many training treats?
A: This is possible if you are not careful. Always subtract the calories from the training treats from your dog’s daily food allowance to prevent weight gain.
Q: What if my dog isn’t interested in the treats I bought?
A: If your dog ignores the treat, it is not high-value enough for the current situation. Try something smellier or tastier, like a small piece of hot dog or cheese, for that specific training session.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for training?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free is only better if your dog has a specific grain allergy. Focus more on high-quality protein sources rather than just avoiding grains.
Q: How do I keep soft treats fresh in my pocket during a walk?
A: Use a dedicated treat pouch that closes tightly. This keeps crumbs contained and protects the treats from moisture or heat.
Q: What is “variable reinforcement”?
A: Variable reinforcement means you stop rewarding every single time. You reward randomly—sometimes after one sit, sometimes after three in a row. This makes the behavior stronger.
Q: Are expensive training treats worth the extra cost?
A: Often, yes. Higher-priced treats usually mean better, cleaner ingredients. Cleaner ingredients mean a happier stomach and better focus for your dog.