Top Dog Treats for Training and Rewards
Training your dog is one of the most important aspects of being a responsible pet owner.
Whether you’re teaching them basic commands like “sit” and “stay” or more advanced tricks, the process of training helps you bond with your dog and ensures they’re well-behaved.
But, let’s face it, training isn’t always easy. It takes time, patience, and above all, motivation for your dog.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top treats that are perfect for training, what to look for in a training treat, and why using treats in your training routine can make all the difference. So, let’s get started!
Why Use Treats for Training?
Before we dive into the best dog treats for training, let’s talk about why treats are so effective. The primary reason treats work so well is due to positive reinforcement. This means you are rewarding your dog for displaying the correct behavior, making them more likely to repeat it in the future.
Imagine you’re learning a new skill. If someone rewarded you every time you did something right, you’d be far more motivated to keep learning, right? Dogs are the same way! They love to please their owners, and when they get a tasty treat after doing something right, they associate the action with something positive. Over time, this leads to more consistent behavior and faster learning.
Using treats can be especially helpful when you’re starting with a new puppy or working with a dog that needs to unlearn bad habits. Treats provide that extra push to focus and perform, making the learning process fun and engaging for both you and your dog.
Key Features to Look for in Training Treats
Photo Credit – Pexels
When choosing the best treats for training your dog, it’s not just about picking any snack. There are some specific features that make a treat better suited for training sessions.
1. Size
Training treats should be small, usually bite-sized. You’ll be giving your dog many treats during a single session, so you want to make sure that the treat is small enough to be consumed quickly.
If a treat is too big, your dog may get distracted by trying to chew and swallow it. The idea is to keep the session flowing smoothly, and smaller treats help with that.
Small treats prevent overfeeding, especially if you’re doing multiple training sessions in a day. A treat that’s too big will fill your dog up too fast, and they may lose interest in training.
2. Calorie Count
Along with size, you should consider the calorie content of the treats. Even if the treats are small, giving your dog too many treats that are high in calories can lead to weight gain. Ideally, you want to use low-calorie treats that allow you to reward your dog frequently without affecting their overall health.
Many training treats on the market are designed to be low-calorie, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the label. Look for treats that are under 5 calories per piece, especially for small dogs or puppies.
3. Taste
Let’s be real; if your dog doesn’t love the treat, they won’t be as excited to work for it. That’s why taste is crucial. You want to find a treat that your dog goes crazy for. Every dog has different preferences, so it may take a little trial and error to find the perfect one.
Meat-based treats are usually a good bet, as most dogs find them irresistible. You can also experiment with different flavors like chicken, beef, salmon, or even peanut butter to see what your dog responds to best.
4. Ingredients
When it comes to dog treats, quality matters. The best treats are made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers. Ideally, look for treats that have real meat or vegetables as the first ingredient. Avoid treats that contain a lot of sugar, salt, or artificial colors.
If your dog has any food sensitivities or allergies, be extra careful to choose treats that won’t cause any reactions. There are plenty of treats available that cater to dogs with special dietary needs, such as grain-free, gluten-free, or limited-ingredient options.
5. Softness
Soft treats are ideal for training because they are easier and faster for your dog to chew. This keeps the momentum of the training session going. Soft treats also work well for puppies or senior dogs who might have dental issues or sensitive teeth.
Hard treats, on the other hand, can take longer for your dog to eat, which can disrupt the flow of training. While crunchy treats have their place (like for dental health), soft treats are typically the best option for training purposes.
Top Dog Treats for Training
Now that you know what to look for in a training treat, let’s take a closer look at some of the best treats available on the market. These treats not only meet the criteria above but have been tried and tested by dog owners and trainers alike.
1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals
Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a staple in the world of dog training. These treats are small, soft, and low in calories, making them perfect for frequent rewards during training sessions. What sets Zuke’s apart is that they come in a variety of flavors, such as chicken, duck, salmon, and peanut butter, so you can easily find a flavor your dog loves.
Why We Love It:
- Only 3 calories per treat
- Small, bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew
- Free from artificial flavors and colors
- Perfect for dogs of all sizes, especially puppies and small breeds
Zuke’s Mini Naturals are ideal for training sessions that require lots of repetitions, as you can give your dog plenty of treats without worrying about overfeeding.
2. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits
Blue Buffalo is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, and their Blue Bits treats are just as high-quality as their food. These treats are made with real meat as the first ingredient and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Why We Love It:
- Made with real chicken, salmon, or turkey
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Soft and moist for easy chewing
- Comes in a variety of flavors
The small size and soft texture of Blue Bits make them a great choice for training. They’re also packed with protein, making them a nutritious option for your dog.
3. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
When it comes to training puppies, Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are a fantastic option. These treats are specially formulated for young dogs, ensuring they get the nutrients they need while enjoying a delicious reward.
Why We Love It:
- Soft texture, perfect for puppy teeth
- Made with high-quality proteins like lamb and salmon
- Contains DHA for healthy brain development
- No corn, soy, or artificial colors
These treats come in small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for puppies to chew and digest. Plus, they’re packed with essential nutrients like DHA, which supports healthy brain and eye development in growing puppies.
4. Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Treats
Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Treats are made with real, slow-smoked meat, making them irresistible to most dogs. While these treats are a bit larger than others on this list, they can easily be broken into smaller pieces for training.
Why We Love It:
- Made from high-quality beef, chicken, or turkey
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers
- Soft and easy to break into small pieces
- Naturally smoked for extra flavor
These treats are great for dogs that need a high-value reward, especially during more challenging training sessions. If your dog tends to lose focus or is easily distracted, Rocco & Roxie’s jerky treats might be just the motivation they need.
5. Charlee Bear Dog Treats
Charlee Bear Dog Treats are a crunchy option for training and are popular for their low-calorie content and natural ingredients. They’re perfect for long training sessions where you need to give frequent rewards without filling your dog up too quickly.
Why We Love It:
- Less than 3 calories per treat
- Made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables
- Available in a variety of flavors
- Crunchy texture that some dogs prefer
Because they’re low in calories, you can give Charlee Bear treats throughout your training session without worrying about weight gain. Plus, their crunchy texture makes them a favorite for dogs that enjoy a bit of crunch in their treats.
6. Bil-Jac Little Jacs Small Dog Training Treats
Photo Credit – Pexels
Bil-Jac Little Jacs are specifically designed for small dogs and puppies, but they’re also suitable for larger dogs if you want to give frequent rewards without overfeeding. These treats are made with chicken liver, which dogs find irresistible.
Why We Love It:
- Only 2.5 calories per treat
- Soft and easy to chew
- Rich in chicken liver for a flavor dogs love
- Small enough for frequent rewards
These treats are perfect for use during obedience training, as they’re small enough to be given frequently without filling your dog up too quickly.
7. Merrick Power Bites
Merrick Power Bites are made with real deboned meat and are packed with protein, making them a great option for dogs that need a nutritious, high-value reward. These treats are also grain-free, which makes them an excellent option for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Why We Love It:
- Made with real deboned beef, chicken, or turkey
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- High in protein
- Bite-sized and easy to chew
Power Bites are great for both training and as an occasional reward. Their high protein content also makes them ideal for active dogs or dogs that require a lot of mental stimulation during training.
8. Pet Botanics Training Reward Treats
Pet Botanics Training Reward Treats are designed specifically for training, and their small size and irresistible flavor make them a favorite among professional dog trainers. These treats are made with real pork liver and come in a variety of flavors.
Why We Love It:
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Made with real pork liver
- Available in different flavors
- Soft and easy to chew
Because these treats are so small and low in calories, you can use them during long training sessions without worrying about overfeeding. They’re perfect for dogs that need a lot of repetition in their training routine.
Conclusion
Training your dog is an essential part of being a pet owner, and using the right treats can make all the difference.
Whether you’re working on basic commands, advanced tricks, or simply reinforcing good behavior, having a high-value reward helps keep your dog focused and motivated.
Remember, the key to successful training is consistency, and choosing the right treat is just one piece of the puzzle. Try out a few of the options above, and see which one your dog loves best.
Most importantly, have fun with your dog! Training is a fantastic way to bond and strengthen your relationship, all while teaching valuable skills.
Happy training!
Main Photo Credit – Pexels
