The Best Dog Treats for Training

The Best Dog Treats for Training: Training is one of the most important aspects of a dog’s life. Whether you’re housebreaking a puppy, teaching your dog to sit, or perfecting off-leash recall, using treats as a training tool is highly effective. But not all treats are created equal. The best dog treats for training strike a balance between taste, size, nutrition, and ease of use.

This guide explores why treats work, how to choose the right ones, and our top picks for different training needs from puppies to picky eaters and everything in between.

Why Use Treats for Training?

Dogs are motivated by rewards. For most, food is the most powerful and immediate incentive. When used correctly, treats can:

• Reinforce desired behaviors quickly
• Create positive associations with new environments or commands
• Accelerate learning and engagement
• Help build a trusting relationship between dog and trainer

Treat-based positive reinforcement training is recommended by vets and behaviorists alike because it’s humane, effective, and fun.

What Makes a Good Training Treat?

When choosing training treats, consider the following characteristics:

1. High Value

A training treat should be irresistible. For your dog, that might mean something smelly or savory — think liver, cheese, or freeze-dried meat. Higher-value treats are especially important when training in distracting environments.

2. Small and Soft

Training involves repetition. You’ll be giving many treats in a single session, so they should be small (pea-sized) and soft enough to eat quickly without chewing. This keeps the training pace brisk and your dog focused.

3. Low in Calories

Training treats should be healthy and low-calorie to avoid weight gain. Dogs can receive dozens of treats a day during training, so every calorie counts.

4. Easy to Handle

You’ll want treats that don’t crumble in your pocket or leave a greasy residue on your hands. Pre-cut, non-messy treats are ideal for outdoor and on-the-go sessions.

Categories of the Best Training Treats

1. Commercial Training Treats

These are treats specifically formulated for training: small, soft, and low-calorie.

Top Picks:

• Zuke’s Mini Naturals
  Made with real meat, only 2–3 calories each, and available in flavors like salmon, chicken, and peanut butter. A favorite among professional trainers.
• Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
  Ideal for puppies. Grain-free, soft, and full of DHA for brain development.
• Blue Buffalo Bits
  Soft and moist, fortified with vitamins and omega fatty acids, suitable for small dogs or puppies.

2. Freeze-Dried Treats

These are typically single-ingredient treats that retain the natural aroma and flavor of raw meat — highly motivating and perfect for picky eaters.

Top Picks:

• Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
  Made from 100% raw beef liver, chicken, or salmon. No fillers or additives, just protein.
• PureBites Freeze-Dried Liver Treats
  Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. One ingredient only, very high-value.

3. Homemade Dog Treats

If you prefer knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s treats, homemade is a great option.

Easy DIY Training Treat Ideas:

• Boiled Chicken: Dice into small pieces and refrigerate. Easy, affordable, and healthy.
• Cheese Cubes: Use low-fat mozzarella or cheddar; a small amount goes a long way.
• Baked Liver Bites: Blend liver, oats, and eggs, then bake into small cubes.

Homemade treats should be stored in airtight containers and used within a few days unless frozen.

4. Jerky and Chewy Treats

Best for intermediate to advanced training when you need a slightly longer-lasting treat as a reward.

Top Picks:

• Rocco & Roxie Jerky Sticks
  Soft, smoky, and easy to tear into training-sized bites.
• Tylee’s Human-Grade Jerky
  Made with clean ingredients like chicken or beef, these treats are wholesome and chewy.

5. Treats for Special Diets

For dogs with allergies or dietary restrictions, hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient treats are essential.

Top Picks:

• Natural Balance L.I.T. Treats
  Limited ingredients and available in sweet potato & venison or duck flavors.
• Fruitables Skinny Minis
  Low-calorie, grain-free treats made with fruits and vegetables. Dogs love the pumpkin-banana flavor.

READ ALSO: 10 Tips for Caring for a Pregnant Dog

Matching Treats to Training Situations

For Puppies:

• Go for soft, small, and easily digestible treats
• Use variety to keep your puppy interested

Try: Wellness Puppy Bites, diced boiled chicken

For Basic Obedience:

• Medium value treats work well for home training

Try: Zuke’s Mini Naturals, cheese cubes, small jerky pieces

For Distractions and Outdoor Training:

• Use high-value, smelly treats to keep attention

Try: Freeze-dried liver, salmon treats, Rocco & Roxie Jerky

For Clicker or Marker Training:

• Treats should be tiny and fast to eat to match the timing of the click or cue

Try: Zuke’s, PureBites, or homemade chicken bits

Tips for Effective Treat Use in Training

• Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) to maintain attention
• Reward immediately after the desired behavior for clarity
• Use variable reinforcement as your dog learns: not every success needs a treat
• Mix treat values: save the best for breakthroughs or difficult commands
• Keep treats varied to prevent boredom and increase drive

Portion Control and Health

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. If you’re training intensely, reduce their kibble slightly to balance the calories. Overfeeding, even with healthy treats, can lead to weight gain and joint problems.

Use a treat pouch to keep portions consistent and avoid grabbing handfuls from a bag. Break larger treats into tiny bits — your dog doesn’t need a large portion to feel rewarded.

Training Treat Storage and Handling

• Refrigerate fresh treats like chicken, cheese, or homemade bites
• Use airtight containers to keep treats soft and prevent spoilage
• Carry training treats in pouches that clip to your waist for convenience
• Wash your hands before and after handling meat-based treats

Some commercial treats come in resealable bags, but if you’re training frequently, consider transferring them into a smaller container for quick access.

FAQs

How many training treats can I give my dog per day?

It depends on the size and activity level of your dog. As a general rule, treats should account for less than 10% of daily calories. For small dogs, this might mean 20–30 small treats per day, while large active dogs can have more.

Are training treats necessary, or can I use regular kibble?

You can use kibble for easy or familiar commands, but high-value treats are more effective for new or challenging training. Reserve extra tasty rewards for moments when you need your dog’s full attention.

Can I use people food as training treats?

Yes — in moderation and with safe choices like boiled chicken, turkey, cheese, or cooked vegetables (like green beans or carrots). Avoid salty, spicy, or processed human foods.

My dog is picky — what kind of treats should I use?

Try freeze-dried meat treats or jerky. Smelly, soft treats like liver, tripe, or salmon are often irresistible to picky eaters. Rotate between flavors and types until you find what excites your dog most.

Can I make training treats at home?

Absolutely! Boiled chicken, beef, turkey, or baked liver are easy and affordable. Just keep the pieces small and store them properly.

What treats are best for overweight dogs?

Use low-calorie treats like carrots, green beans, or training-specific treats labeled “light” or “skinny.” You can also use a portion of their daily kibble as a treat reward.