The 9 Best Dog Training Treats to Reward and Motivate Your Pup (2024)

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To find the best dog training treats, consider high-value options like Pupford’s Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Treats or Wellness Soft Puppy Bites. Look for small, fast-eating treats that are soft and stinky to really grab your pup’s attention. Avoid high-fat treats and check ingredients for any allergies.

High-value treats are best for training, while you can use lower-value options for less critical situations. By understanding treat value and selecting the right rewards for your dog, you’ll be on your way to training success.

Top 9 Dog Training Treats

In the realm of canine education, you’ll find it indispensable to possess a diverse array of exceptional dog training treats. From crisp salmon morsels to delectable and tender liver delicacies, we shall delve into nine esteemed options that will undoubtedly sustain your furry companion’s enthusiasm and unwavering focus throughout training endeavors.

1. Pupford Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

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In terms of training your furry companion, Pupford Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are a game-changer. These treats are like the secret ingredient to holding your pup’s attention, due to their high-quality beef liver and heart components.

They’re freeze-dried to preserve their nutritional value, making them not only irresistible to dogs but also rich in nutrients. Additionally, with under 1 calorie per treat, you can keep those training sessions going without anxiety about overfeeding.

They’re ideal for dogs of all ages and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any training situation. Whether you’re teaching an older dog new tricks or training a puppy, these treats will keep tails wagging and noses active.

Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies, puppies, older dogs, and training sessions.

2. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb Salmon

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Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb Salmon are an exceptional pick for training your pup. These treats are soft and chewy, enabling them to be easily consumed and broken down by your pup.

They’re meticulously formulated for puppies less than 1 year of age, guaranteeing they receive the essential nutrients for their growth and development. The lamb salmon flavor isn’t just delicious but also packed with premium, all-natural ingredients.

These treats are devoid of artificial colors and flavors, making them a healthier alternative for your furry companion. Moreover, they’re grain-free and contain no corn, wheat, or dairy, which can be advantageous for pups with sensitive stomachs.

Best For: Puppies under 1 year old

3. Chewy Tricky Trainers Liver Dog Treats

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You’re in luck if your pup is a fan of liver-flavored treats! Chewy Tricky Trainers Liver Dog Treats are a soft and chewy option that won’t dry out, crumble, or leave greasy residue on your hands. These treats are perfect for small, medium, and large breeds** and come in a new formula with pork liver and peas instead of chicken liver.

While some dogs may not like the new formula, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique and has different preferences. If your pup experiences stomach upset from the new formula, consider trying a different treat or gradually introducing the new formula to their diet.

Best For: Dogs of all breeds who enjoy liver-flavored treats.

4. Full Moon Chicken Jerky Dog Treats

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Looking for a tasty and nutritious treat for your pup? Full Moon Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are a great choice! Made with real whole muscle chicken breast, these treats are soft and chewy, making them perfect for rewarding good behavior.

They’re also made with antibiotic-free turkey, so you can feel good about what you’re giving your furry friend. Plus, they’re free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors, so you don’t have to worry about any unwanted additives.

However, some customers have reported finding mold on the treats, and a few have mentioned that their dogs experienced diarrhea after eating them. Additionally, some have noted that the treats are harder and drier than expected.

Despite these minor issues, Full Moon Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are a delicious and nutritious snack that your pup is sure to love.

Best For: Dogs of all ages and breeds who enjoy tasty, nutritious treats.

5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Salmon Biscuits

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Salmon Biscuits are a high-protein, grain-free dog treat that your meat-loving dog will find irresistible. These biscuits are packed with real salmon as the first ingredient, providing a protein-rich treat that’s both tasty and healthy. The crunchy texture of the biscuits additionally satisfies your dog’s wild side and aids in cleaning their teeth.

These treats are formulated with wholesome ingredients, including duck, potatoes, and flaxseed, and are free from chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. They’re intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding and are available in a 24-ounce bag.

Blue Buffalo is a trusted brand that prioritizes the health and well-being of your dog. They use only the finest natural ingredients and adhere to strict quality standards. The treats are also suitable for dogs of all ages and lifestages, making them a versatile option for your furry friend.

Best For: Dogs of all ages and lifestages who love meaty treats.

6. Pet Botanics Bacon Flavor Dog Treats

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Pet Botanics Bacon Flavor Dog Treats are a popular choice for dog trainers due to their affordability and effectiveness in reward-based training. These treats are made with real pork liver and infused with natural smoke flavor, giving them an enticing bacon-like aroma that dogs love.

The soft, chewy texture makes them easy to toss and suitable for all dogs, including small breeds. Each treat contains approximately three calories, making them a low-calorie option that won’t fill your dog up too quickly.

They’re available in 20-ounce bags, which contain an estimated 500 treats, ensuring you have plenty on hand for training sessions. These treats are a great choice for trainers looking for a cost-effective, high-value reward that dogs will find irresistible.

Best For: Dog trainers looking for a cost-effective, high-value reward.

7. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Dog Treats

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Regarding maintaining your canine companion’s enthusiasm and attention during training, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Dog Treats are a superb option. These treats are meticulously crafted with genuine chicken as the primary ingredient, guaranteeing an irresistible flavor that will send dogs into raptures.

The inclusion of wholesome foods like cherries imparts a simple yet delectable taste that’s difficult to dismiss. Furthermore, they’re replete with essential vitamins and minerals, bolstering your furry friend’s well-being. Boasting a mere two calories each, these chewy tidbits are ideal for prolonged training sessions without inducing feelings of guilt associated with excessive feeding.

However, it’s prudent to note that some pet owners have observed a shift in the treats’ consistency, from soft and malleable to dry, as well as a recipe modification that may not be to the liking of all dogs. Pay diligent attention to the ingredient list, particularly if your dog exhibits sensitivities, and bear in mind that a resealable pouch preserves these treats’ freshness and accessibility during any expedition.

Best For: Dogs of all sizes who enjoy tasty and nutritious treats.

8. Pet Botanics Training Rewards Dog Treats

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Pet Botanics Training Rewards Dog Treats are a must-have for any dog owner seeking to make their training sessions more fruitful and enjoyable. These treats aren’t only delectable and enticing to your pup, but they also come in a variety of sizes and flavors to cater to different training requirements.

The diminutive size of these treats makes them perfect for frequent rewards during training, guaranteeing your dog remains motivated and attentive. The tender, moist texture and tantalizing aroma are sure to make your dog’s tail wag vigorously, rendering the learning process more pleasurable and engaging.

Pet Botanics Training Rewards Dog Treats are crafted with genuine meat as the primary ingredient, ensuring your dog receives the essential nutrients for vibrant health. They additionally contain authentic bacon for an enhanced flavor that your dog will adore. The preservative system employed in these treats maintains their freshness and palatability, even after the package has been opened.

These treats are ideal for canines of all ages and stages, and they can be utilized for a wide range of training purposes, from imparting new behaviors to reinforcing existing ones. Keep a pouch of Pet Botanics Training Rewards Dog Treats within reach, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient dog trainer!

Best For: Dog owners seeking to enhance their training sessions with delectable, motivating, and nutritious treats.

9. Blue Buffalo Soft Moist Dog Treats Beef

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Blue Buffalo Soft Moist Dog Treats Beef are a superb option for dog training sessions. These treats are supple and moist, enabling dogs to consume them swiftly and effectively. They’re ideal for rewarding your pup instantly and maintaining their enthusiasm during training.

The beef flavor is also highly enticing to dogs, making them an excellent motivator. These treats are also devoid of chicken and poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, propylene glycol, and red dye 40. They’re available in a 9-oz bag, offering exceptional value for money.

However, it’s crucial to monitor your dog while consuming these treats and take into account their individual needs, as some dogs may have sensitive stomachs or be allergic to beef.

Best For: Dogs in training, puppies, and dogs with healthy stomachs who enjoy beef-flavored treats.

Understanding Treat Value

Choosing the right treats for your dog can make all the difference in effective training. Understanding the varying levels of treat value – high, medium, and low – will allow you to properly motivate your pup and keep them engaged during training sessions.

High-Value Treats

High-value treats are very important for maintaining enthusiasm during training sessions. They’re often used for behaviors that are new, for distractions, and for quick responses. Examples include turkey hotdogs, plain chicken, string cheese, liver treats, and high-value lung treats like lamb lung and dried lung. These treats help make sure training is effective and can be used together with toys for variety.

Medium-Value Treats

When selecting medium-value dog training treats, consider treat testing to gauge your pup’s interest. These treats are perfect for distraction training, maintaining learned behaviors, and as everyday training rewards. Keep them fresh in a treat pouch or treat bag, ensuring your dog’s training motivation stays high. Smart treat selection and storage are key to effective dog training nutrition.

Low-Value Treats

Low-value treats are ideal for generalized behaviors, low distractions, and phasing out treats once behaviors are established. Here are five options for low-value treats:

• Your dog’s regular food: Utilize kibble as a low-value treat.
• Interactive toys and puzzles: Engage your dog’s intellect with treat-dispensing toys.
• Wild Eats Sweet Potato treats: These treats are low-calorie and composed of natural ingredients.
• IMK9’s Mutt Love Coconuts: Fragment these treats for low-value rewards.
• FirstMate dry food: Employ small portions of your dog’s regular food as treats.

Bear in mind to trial treats, alternate options, and store them appropriately for best possible results.

Choosing the Right Treats for Your Dog

When training your pup, it’s important to choose the right treats that will keep them engaged and motivated. Fast-eating, small, and soft/stinky treats can all be effective tools in your training arsenal, so consider your dog’s preferences and the training context when selecting the best treats.

Discussion Points

When choosing the right dog training treats, consider treat storage and pouches. Opt for airtight containers for fresh treats and hands-free, sleek, and adjustable treat pouches.

Alternative treat bags should be sleeker than cup-style pouches, with sealable compartments for clean and dry storage.

Treat testing is essential to determine high-, medium-, and low-value options. Avoid high-fat treats and check ingredients for allergies or sensitivities.

Treat fading involves using low-value treats to phase out rewards once behaviors are established.

Fast-Eating Treats

Essential treats are critical for maintaining your dog’s attention and enthusiasm during training sessions. Here are four options to contemplate:

1. Peanut Butter: Spread a small amount on a treat-dispensing system for a reward that will last.
2. Treat-dispensing toys: Encourage your dog to work for the treat, keeping them occupied.
3. Moist dog treats: High-value options like liver bread or freeze-dried liver can be consumed quickly.
4. Medium-value dog treats: Bite-sized, moist treats like Zuke’s Mini Naturals or Redbarn’s Cheese Protein Puffs are easily devoured and motivating.

Small Dog Treats

Small dog treats are essential for keeping training sessions moving along. Pea-sized treats are sufficient for small dogs, and you can cut larger treats into small pieces to make them more manageable. These treats should be kinder to dogs’ waists and prevent them from getting full during training sessions.

Homemade treats can also be a great option, and you can find various recipes online that are easy to make and suitable for small dogs.

Soft and Stinky Treats

Soft and stinky treats are a great choice for training your dog. They’re easier and faster for dogs to eat, making them more distracting and motivating. Cheese and bacon flavors are popular choices.

Soft treats crumble less, making them ideal for quick consumption. Rollover dog food rolls and dried meat are examples of soft and stinky treats.

Use these treats to keep your dog engaged and motivated during training sessions.

Treat Ingredients and Allergies

When choosing dog treats, it’s important to avoid high-fat options like bacon or sausage, as these can be unhealthy for your pup. Additionally, always check the ingredient list to make sure the treats don’t contain any allergens or other substances that may be problematic for your dog.

Avoiding High-Fat Treats

When selecting treats for your dog, steer clear of high-fat ingredients that can lead to weight gain. Opt for low-fat options and healthy alternatives to keep your pup trim.

Consider treat substitutions that fit easily into a silicone reusable bag, cross-body bag with a belt clip option, or even your pockets—handy for poop bags too—instead of the usual sandwich bag.

Checking Treat Ingredients

When selecting dog training rewards, it’s essential to keep in mind your pup’s sensitivities and allergies. Here are four key points to bear in mind:

1. Avoid high-fat rewards: Choose low-fat options to prevent digestive problems.
2. Inspect reward ingredients: Look for potential allergens such as chicken, beef, or dairy.
3. Reward storage: Refrigerate or freeze certain rewards, like liver bread or lamb lung.
4. Reward variety: Switch up rewards to make sure your pup stays interested and motivated.

Treat Fading and Phasing Out Treats

As your dog’s training progresses, it’s important to gradually phase out the use of high-value treats. Instead, begin incorporating lower-value treats like your dog’s regular kibble to reinforce good behaviors and maintain their motivation.

Treat Fading

Treat fading is the process of gradually reducing the frequency and value of rewards during dog training. This technique helps maintain your dog’s focus on the task at hand.

To introduce treat fading, start by using low-value treats and gradually increase the duration between rewards. Rotate treats to prevent boredom and use homemade options for variety.

The timing of treat fading depends on the dog’s age, breed, and training progress. As your dog masters new behaviors, you can phase out treats altogether.

Using Low-Value Treats

When you’ve mastered the art of dog training, it’s time to gradually phase out high-value treats. This process is known as treat fading.

You can use low-value treats to maintain generalized behaviors and gradually phase out the high-value ones. This way, your pup stays motivated while you save on treats.

The goal is to keep your dog engaged and focused on the training process, not just the treats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)