Picking a treat to give your dog while training can be tricky. You want to find something super tasty to encourage them to learn, but you don’t want to give them a treat filled with calories. Especially since you’ll be offering many at a time. Small, chewy treats are usually the best training treats for dogs, but because every dog is different, you might want to opt for another type of treat. You might also want to give them an all-natural option, meaning there are no artificial flavors or colors, especially if they have a sensitive tummy.
There’s lots to think about. For these reasons, it’s important to read the labels of every food-related item you purchase, including training treats for dogs. Plus, how many training treats do dogs need? Let’s look at the best training treats for puppies and dogs and how to use them effectively.
| Best Overall | Freeze-Dried | High-Smell | Puppies | Grain-Free | Crunchy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Zuke’s | Pupford | Pet Botanics | Wellness | Fruitables | Old Mother Hubbard |
| View on Amazon | View on Pupford | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
What Are Dog Training Treats?
You’re not alone if you’re wondering about the difference between regular dog treats and dog-training treats. Dog training treats need to be small and easy to eat quickly, which is why the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) suggests using small, chewy treats. If they’re small, your dog can eat them quickly. You can also be generous and give more treats because the smaller the treat typically means fewer calories. You don’t want to make your dog overweight by providing too many large treats! Besides, your dog doesn’t care how big the bites are. They just love that they’re getting so many and your attention.
Training treats should also be chewy rather than crumbly in texture. Chewy treats are easier to chew and swallow, and your dog won’t spend time hoovering the treat crumbs. The less time they spend licking treat crumbs, the more time they can spend learning during their training session. High-rate reinforcement, which is lots of little treats in a short time, is often the best and fastest way to reinforce good behavior.
If you need a handy carrying case for your treats during training, I recommend this Mighty Paw Treat Bag. It is small and convenient, and the drawstring bag can hold up to two cups of treats.
How To Train Your Dog Using Treats: 4 Factors
You need to know how to implement training with tasty bites to get the most out of your training session. Here are the four primary considerations when using treats to train your dog:
- Positive Reinforcement. Rewards for good behavior are much more effective than punishment, and giving them treats works with most dogs.
- Timing Is Key. You should give the reward immediately so they can associate good behavior with the treats. Even a short delay might mean they don’t understand what you’re rewarding them for.
- Use Short Commands. Dogs understand words rather than sentences, so pick one or two words to encourage good behavior rather than use them in a sentence.
- Be Consistent. Using the same command rather than a mixture of words is essential. For example, if you want your dog to come to you, use either “come,” “here,” or “to me,” and always use the same word every time. The whole family needs to use the same command.
Watch the short video below for more information on how to train your dog using treats.
9 Best Training Treats For Dogs
Considering all of the above, I have found the best training treats for dogs. Most of my choices are small, chewy, all-natural and low-calorie. But because every dog is different, I have also chosen a few other options. My recommendations have been personally tested by our team or highly rated by other customers for training purposes. So, let’s take a look.
Best Overall: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Soft Dog Treats Review
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I’ve chosen Zuke’s treats as the best dog treats for training. They offer a great natural product for a very competitive price and contain around 650 bites per one-pound bag. The treats are soft, small, and moist, making them ideal for training sessions. This salmon recipe lists salmon as the first ingredient, making it good quality, high in protein, and irresistible. Each treat is small and contains two calories, so you can give them plenty without worrying about becoming overweight.
This dog training treat bag also comes in six other flavors: chicken, duck, peanut butter, pork, wild rabbit, and exotic. None of these products contain wheat, corn, or soy, so if your dog has an allergy or is intolerant to one of those ingredients, these are a safe pick. The treats are pea-sized and remain soft if you seal the package properly. These treats are suitable for all ages and crafted in the U.S.A.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-reward treat | Only a few reviews mention they are hard |
| They are made with real salmon | |
| It contains 650 small bites per bag | |
| Only 2 calories per treat | |
| They do not contain wheat, corn, or soy | |
| Suitable for all ages |
Our Personal Experience With Zuke’s Mini Naturals
We’ve used Zuke’s to train our dog, and they’re perfect because of how tiny they are. You don’t have to break up bigger treats into smaller, digestible pieces. They’re not crumbly either, so you can carry a lot at a time and not worry about crumbs or parts breaking off. Our dog loves them because they’re tasty and easy to chew.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier Dog Parent & Creative Marketing For Canine Journal
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Best Freeze-Dried Training Treats: Pupford Dog Training Treats Review
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Pupford’s training treats come in five freeze-dried flavors: beef, chicken, rabbit, salmon, and sweet potato. Freeze-dried meat ingredients mean they are incredibly high in protein and are also high-reward training treats. They contain just two ingredients: meat protein and mixed tocopherols, a natural preservative to keep them fresh. They are soft but low in moisture and only contain one calorie per treat, making these great for dogs who need low-calorie training treats.
These treats are free from mess, with next to no oil, grease, or crumbs. Pupford makes their treats in the U.S. and comes in two pack sizes. If you’re looking for non-freeze-dried treats, there are also three other Pupford recipes: duck and veggies, turkey and veggies, and a surf and turf flavor. Although some customers felt they were expensive compared to other options, most felt they were worth the additional cost and were a great training aid. You can save up to 25% if you subscribe to these treats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Freeze-dried treats are high in protein | More expensive than some other treats |
| They come in 5 flavor options | |
| Only 2 ingredients | |
| Low in calories | |
| Little mess or oil | |
| Most dogs think they’re super tasty | |
| Pupford offers a subscribe & save option |
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If you’re looking for other low-calorie options, check out our guide on the best low-calorie treats for dogs.
Best High-Smell Training Treats: Pet Botanics Training Rewards Review
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If your dog is driven by scent and aroma, you might find training success with Pet Botanic’s high-reward training treats. Customers say that their distinct smell encourages their pups to concentrate and learn. They come in three sizes: mini, regular, and large. You can also purchase a grain-free recipe, and they come in four flavors: duck and bacon, chicken, beef, and bacon. The ingredients are slightly different for each flavor, but the number one ingredient is always pork liver, which is tasty, nutritious, and aromatic.
These treats come in large bag sizes, which is handy for repetitive training. Each pea-sized bite is just over one calorie (more for the regular and large sizes). They contain salmon oil, cranberries, blueberries, and other nutritious ingredients to boost your dog’s health. Although they contain some artificial flavoring to increase their appeal and flavor, they are highly rated and recommended.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-reward training treats | Contains artificial flavors |
| It comes in different flavors | |
| Three different sizes are available | |
| The first ingredient is tasty pork liver | |
| Small, pea-size treats | |
| Starts at just 1.5 calories per treat |
Our Personal Experience With Pet Botanics Training Treats
When we adopted our 9-month-old-dog from our local rescue shelter, he was in dire need of some behavior training. Nothing motivates him more than food, so we use these small treats by Pet Botanics. They are the perfect low-calorie reward to keep him working towards his goals. The large quantity is also very convenient for repetitive training – no need to return to the store every week for more.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Co-Founder & Licensed Insurance Professional
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- Starts at $5.39 ($21.56 / lb)
Best For Training Treats For Puppies: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Review
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Wellness is a trusted brand that created these training treats with puppies in mind, although dogs of all ages can use them. Each training treat is rich in DHA from salmon oil, which is a crucial component of puppy diets. It supports healthy cognitive development and nourishes their skin and coat, among many other benefits. They are also rich in antioxidants, such as sweet potatoes and blueberries. These are a grain-free option, too.
I also like that these training bites come in two flavors and textures: soft lamb and salmon or crunchy chicken and carrot bites. This ensures that every preference is catered for. Each bite contains six calories, which is higher than others on my list, but puppies need a little extra energy. Lamb and salmon are the first two ingredients, making them high-quality and rich in meat protein. Only a few customers mentioned that the treats were broken on delivery.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for puppy training | A few customers complain that the treats were broken on delivery |
| Soft chews contain real lamb & salmon | |
| They are rich in DHA | |
| Contain antioxidants | |
| This is a grain-free option |
Our Personal Experience With Wellness Puppy Bites
I like that these treats are made in the U.S.A. They’re grain-free, have no artificial flavors, and have a natural source of DHA, which supports brain development. They’re also low-calorie, and the ingredients help support her immune system, skin, and coat.
– Kimberly Alt, Rescue Dog Mom & Pet Insurance Expert At Canine Journal
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Best Grain-Free Training Treats: Fruitables Skinny Minis Dog Treats Review
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This is another grain-free option, which could be better for adults looking for a grain-free training treat than Wellness’s puppy option. Fruitables Skinny Minis are only three calories per treat, meaning you have to worry less about filling your adult up with too many calories. These training treats are rich in natural antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber to keep your pup feeling healthy.
They come in six flavors: apple bacon, grilled bison, pumpkin and berry, pumpkin and mango, rotisserie chicken, and watermelon. The pumpkin flavors are ideal training treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs because pumpkin aids digestion. These natural treats contain no wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors or colors, making them a great option for owners looking for more natural training treats. Only a few customers said their dogs didn’t like them, but they are highly rated overall.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich in antioxidants, vitamins & minerals | Some customers said their dogs would not eat them |
| Made with all-natural ingredients | |
| Contain dietary fiber for a healthy gut | |
| It comes in 6 flavors | |
| Small & soft |
Our Personal Experience With Fruitables
I like that these are low-calorie and free of wheat, corn, and soy. Sally loves the taste of them, and they’re small and soft, so it’s easy for her to quickly eat them while I’m training her.
– Kimberly Alt, Rescue Dog Mom
Pricing
- Starts at $3.77 ($12.06 / lb)
Best Crunchy Training Treats: Old Mother Hubbard Classic Dog Treats Review
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Old Mother Hubbard’s mini biscuit assortment of treats is oven-baked and bone-shaped. Although they are crunchy, they are small enough to offer as a training treat, which is why they’re my top option as a crunchy training treat. Some dogs prefer crunchier bites for training sessions. The box includes four flavors: original, chicken, cheddar, and char-tar flavored bones.
These treats are all-natural with no artificial preservatives. The first ingredient is wheat, but they also contain chicken, egg, apples, carrots, and turmeric, which all have health benefits. Old Mother Hubbard’s dog treats are made in North America and are highly rated by customers. Although some customers mention they are relatively hard in texture, this isn’t an issue for the mini biscuits, as you don’t need to break them into smaller bites.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Alternative crunchy texture | Some customers felt they were too hard |
| The mini bones are small for on-the-go training | |
| Features 4 flavors in 1 box | |
| They contain all-natural ingredients | |
| It comes in a large 3lb bag | |
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Best Budget Training Treats: Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Review
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These Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks are common training treats for puppies. Each box includes five flavors: bacon, beef, chicken, sausage, and turkey. This variety of flavors is one of the reasons why they are popular for training; dogs enjoy the surprise of flavors. They are crunchy, which can slow training sessions, but some dogs prefer crunchy texture. Since these are harder, they’re difficult to break into smaller pieces. But if you can manage it, you get about two treats out of each bone.
The treats include 12 minerals and vitamins to help keep your dog healthy, but they contain more preservatives than most of the treats I reviewed. The first ingredient is not a meat product, and it contains wheat. These training treats for puppies and adults are made in the U.S.A. They come in a substantial seven-pound box, making them the best budget option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains 5 flavors in 1 box | Contains artificial preservatives |
| Enriched with vitamins & minerals | The first ingredient is wheat |
| It comes in a large 7lb box | |
| Alternative crunchy texture | |
| Made for all life stages | |
| Budget-friendly |
Pricing
- Starts at Check Amazon for availability
Other Training Treats For Dogs
Although the following options didn’t make my top choices as dog training treats, they are still highly rated by other customers and might be the best option for your pup.
Greenies Pill Pockets Review
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These treats are made to put pills inside to make it easy to give dogs medicine. However, they’re also great dog treats for training. Greenies Pill Pockets treats are designed by vets and are made in the U.S.A. in Kansas City, Missouri. The treats are available in four flavors: chicken, cheese, peanut butter, and hickory smoke. They have fewer calories, less fat, and lower sodium than most human foods. These treats are also soft, so you can tear them apart easily to make them last a little longer. Some customers reported that a few pockets in the pack were broken. But this shouldn’t be an issue if you use them as training treats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They are soft and easy to break into smaller bites | More expensive than other options |
| Great for hiding tablets | Some of the pockets arrive broken |
| Chicken is the first ingredient | |
| They come in four flavors |
Pricing
- Start from $9.98 ($0.33 / Count)
Hill’s Science Diet Training Treats Review
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These Hill’s Science Training Treats are a great option for training sessions. They are natural and do not contain corn, soy, or artificial colors or flavors. The number one ingredient is chicken, and contains just over three calories per treat. They are made in the U.S.A. and designed by vets. The bag contains about 30-40 treats, and for best quality, you should use them up within three weeks of opening. This helps to keep the treats soft and fresh. However, some customers found that they were harder than expected.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The first ingredient is chicken | Some customers state they are harder than expected |
| Free from corn, soy & artificial colors and flavors | It comes in a small bag (85g) |
| The bag is sealable | |
| Designed by vets | |
| Contains 3.5 calories per treat |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our readers still have questions about the best dog-training treats and how to use them to train their dogs. If you don’t see your question below, let us know in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
Why Are Treats Effective For Training Dogs?
Studies show that positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative reinforcement. And what is better than a treat? I’ve never met a dog who doesn’t like tasty treats. Rewarding your dog for positive behaviors with yummy bites is much more effective than punishing them for negative ones.
What Do Professional Dog Trainers Use For Treats?
Trainers use treats appropriate to the dog they’re training and the task. This means that most dog trainers use small, soft treats that are easier for the dog to chew and swallow quickly, avoiding pauses in the training sessions. Some trainers pick high-reward or high-protein, whereas others might opt for an all-natural or grain-free option. Ultimately, you need to select a treat that appeals to your dog. Otherwise, the reward isn’t as appealing and won’t encourage them to learn.
Are Cheerios Good Training Treats For Dogs?
Sure, there are many things you can use as treats for your dog. Some people use marshmallows, hot dogs, or croutons, although we do not recommend these food items. Some dog owners use Cheerios, but I don’t recommend them, no matter how much your dog loves them. Cheerios contain sugar and salt, and nothing particularly beneficial for dogs. Although a few Cheerios won’t harm your dog, it’s much better to stick with dog training treats full of health benefits.
Learn More About Dog Training
Put your dog training treats to good use and read our guide on teaching your dog the basic commands or our 14 lessons on obedience training. If you’re new to dog training, why not get help from a convenient online dog training course? We have also reviewed Doggy Dan, a highly popular online dog trainer recommended by many of our team at Canine Journal.
Have you had any success using my best dog training treats? Perhaps you use another option you think I should consider adding to my list? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips, and both of them are highly motivated by tasty treats. Before joining the Canine Journal team, she was a professional dog walker and sitter who always had treats in her training pouch to reward good behavior. Emma is passionate about sharing her doggy experience with her readers to help them and their pups lead their best lives together.
