Best Training Treats for Dogs: Top Picks for Positive Reinforcement

Training treats are an essential tool for dog owners who want to teach their furry friends new tricks or reinforce good behavior. These treats are small, tasty, and easy to carry, making them perfect for training on the go. However, not all training treats are created equal, and it’s essential to choose the right type to ensure your dog’s success.

When selecting the best training treats for dogs, it’s crucial to consider the treat’s size, flavor, and nutritional value. The treat should be small enough to be eaten quickly, so your dog can stay focused on the training task at hand. It should also be flavorful enough to keep your dog interested and motivated. Finally, the treat should be made with high-quality ingredients and not contain any harmful additives or fillers.

We spent hours researching and testing various training treats to identify the best options for dog owners. After careful consideration, we’ve compiled a list of the top training treats that meet all the necessary criteria. Whether you’re training a new puppy or reinforcing good behavior in an older dog, these treats are sure to be a hit and help your furry friend succeed.

Best Training Treats for Dogs

We all love our furry friends and want to provide them with the best possible care. Training treats are an essential part of any dog owner’s toolkit. They are an effective way to reward good behavior and reinforce positive training. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best training treats for your furry friend. That’s why we have put together a list of the top training treats for dogs. Our selection criteria include taste, nutritional value, ingredients, and cost-effectiveness. Read on to find the perfect training treats for your furry friend.

1. Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

Blue buffalo blue bits natural soft-moist training dog treats

We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats for pet owners who are looking for a healthy and delicious training treat for their furry friends.

Pros

  • Made with real beef as the first ingredient
  • Bite-sized and perfect for training
  • Free from artificial preservatives and colors

Cons

  • May not be suitable for dogs with beef allergies
  • Some dogs may not like the taste
  • A bit pricey compared to other training treats

These training treats are soft, moist, and tasty, making them perfect for small, medium, and large dogs of all ages. We love that they are made with real beef as the first ingredient, which provides a high-quality source of protein for our furry friends. Plus, they contain DHA to support cognitive development, making them an ideal puppy treat.

We appreciate that these dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy. Additionally, they’re free from artificial preservatives like propylene glycol and colors like red dye 40, so we can feel good about feeding them to our furry friends.

The Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats are perfect for training, and their bite-sized morsels are the perfect size for rewarding good behavior. We also love that they come in a 19-oz bag, so we don’t have to worry about running out of treats anytime soon.

Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a healthy, natural, and nutritious reward that they will love.

2. Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs

Pet botanics training rewards treats for dogs

If you’re looking for a training treat that’s both delicious and effective, then Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

  • Made with real pork liver, these treats are incredibly tasty and irresistible to dogs.
  • They’re specifically designed to focus, motivate, and reward your dog, which speeds up the learning curve and makes training more effective.
  • These treats are free from BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin, which means they’re safe and healthy for your dog to eat.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported that these treats caused loose stools in their dogs.
  • The treats are quite small, which means they may not be suitable for larger dogs.
  • They can be a bit expensive compared to other training treats on the market.

We’ve been using Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs for a while now, and we’re extremely impressed with their effectiveness. Our dog loves the taste of these treats, and they’ve helped us to train him in a variety of different behaviors.

One of the things we love most about these treats is that they’re made with real pork liver, which gives them a rich and meaty flavor that dogs can’t resist. This makes them the perfect choice for training, as they help to keep your dog focused and motivated.

Another great thing about these treats is that they’re free from BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin, which are all potentially harmful additives that are often found in dog treats. This means that you can feel confident that you’re giving your dog a healthy and safe treat that won’t cause any long-term health problems.

However, it’s worth noting that some customers have reported that these treats caused loose stools in their dogs. While we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves, it’s something to keep in mind if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Overall, we highly recommend Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality training treat that’s both tasty and effective. They may be a bit expensive compared to other options on the market, but we think they’re well worth the investment.

3. Buddy Biscuits Training Bites with Natural Bacon

Buddy biscuits training bites with natural bacon

We highly recommend Buddy Biscuits Training Bites with Natural Bacon as a great addition to your dog’s training routine. These treats are highly palatable and low in calories, making them perfect for training sessions.

Pros

  • Highly palatable with natural pork liver base
  • 500 treats per bag!
  • Only 1.5 calories per treat

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the bacon flavor
  • Can be crumbly and messy
  • Not suitable for dogs with pork allergies

We have used these treats with our own dogs and have seen great results. The natural pork liver base makes them very appealing to dogs, and the small size and low calorie count mean you can use them for extended training sessions without worrying about overfeeding your dog. The 500 treats per bag also make them a great value for the price.

One downside we noticed is that some dogs may not like the bacon flavor, so it’s important to introduce them slowly and see if your dog enjoys them. Additionally, the treats can be crumbly and messy, so it’s best to use them in a contained area. Lastly, if your dog has a pork allergy, these treats may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we think Buddy Biscuits Training Bites with Natural Bacon are a great choice for any dog owner looking for a tasty and healthy training treat option.

4. Wag Chicken Flavor Training Treats for Dogs

Wag chicken flavor training treats for dogs

We highly recommend the Wag Chicken Flavor Training Treats for Dogs for those who want a high-quality training treat for their furry friends.

Pros

  • The small size of the treats makes them perfect for bite-sized rewards during training.
  • American chicken is the #1 ingredient, ensuring that your dog gets a high-quality protein source.
  • No added corn, soy, or wheat, and no added colors or artificial flavors make these treats a healthy option for your dog.

Cons

  • The treats can become hard if not stored in an airtight container.
  • The size of the treats may be too big for smaller dogs.
  • The treats are slightly harder than other brands, which may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues.

We have used the Wag Chicken Flavor Training Treats for Dogs during our training sessions, and we found that our dogs loved the taste and texture of the treats. The small size of the treats made them perfect for training, and the fact that they are made in the USA with high-quality ingredients gave us peace of mind.

The only downside we found with these treats is that they can become hard if not stored properly. However, this is easily remedied by storing them in an airtight container. Additionally, the size of the treats may be too big for smaller dogs, and the treats are slightly harder than other brands, which may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues.

Overall, we highly recommend the Wag Chicken Flavor Training Treats for Dogs for those who want a high-quality, healthy training treat for their furry friends.

5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Wild Bits High Protein Grain Free Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

Blue buffalo wilderness trail treats wild bits high protein grain free soft-moist training dog treats

If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty treat for your dog that also helps with training, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Wild Bits High Protein Grain Free Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats are an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Made with real chicken that dogs love
  • Contains DHA that promotes cognitive development in canines
  • Grain-free and made with wholesome ingredients

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the taste
  • Slightly expensive compared to other training treats
  • May not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies

We recently tried these treats with our dog, and he absolutely loved them. The soft and moist texture makes them easy to chew, and the chicken flavor seemed to be a hit with him. The fact that they’re grain-free and made with wholesome ingredients is a big plus in our book.

Another great thing about these treats is that they contain DHA, which helps promote cognitive development in canines. This is especially important for puppies and senior dogs.

One downside to these treats is that some dogs may not like the taste. It’s always a good idea to try a small bag first to see if your dog likes them before committing to a larger bag. Additionally, they are slightly expensive compared to other training treats on the market.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Wild Bits High Protein Grain Free Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty treat for their furry friend.

6. Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Bites

Full moon all natural human grade dog treats, essential beef savory bites

If you want to treat your dog with high-quality, natural ingredients, Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Bites is a great option.

Pros

  • Made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients, and free-range beef raised on family farms.
  • Free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
  • Slow-cooked in small batches using time-honored techniques like smoking and roasting to retain more of the food’s nutritional value and flavor.

Cons

  • Made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients, and free-range beef raised on family farms.
  • Free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
  • Slow-cooked in small batches using time-honored techniques like smoking and roasting to retain more of the food’s nutritional value and flavor.
  • Some dogs may not like the taste of this treat.
  • It is a bit pricey compared to other dog treats in the market.
  • The treats are a bit hard, which may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues.

We have been using Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Bites for a while now, and we are impressed with the quality of the product. The treats are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients, and free-range beef raised on family farms. We love that the treats are free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.

What’s more, the treats are slow-cooked in small batches using time-honored techniques like smoking and roasting to retain more of the food’s nutritional value and flavor. Our dog loves the taste of these treats, and they are perfect for training sessions. However, some dogs may not like the taste of these treats, and they are a bit pricey compared to other dog treats in the market.

The only downside we have noticed is that the treats are a bit hard, which may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues. Overall, Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Bites is a great option if you want to treat your dog with high-quality, natural ingredients.

7. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Natural Grain-Free Treats for Training

Wellness soft puppy bites natural grain-free treats for training

If you’re looking for a natural and healthy puppy training treat, we highly recommend the Wellness Soft Puppy Bites.

Pros

  • These treats are made with all-natural, high-quality ingredients, including real meat and superfoods like blueberries and sweet potatoes.
  • They are specially formulated for puppies under 1 year old and contain a natural source of DHA to promote healthy brain development.
  • The soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for training and rewarding good behavior.

Cons

  • Some puppies may not like the flavor or texture of these treats.
  • They are a bit more expensive than some other puppy training treats on the market.
  • The bag is relatively small, so you may need to purchase multiple bags if you have a larger puppy or are doing a lot of training.

We’ve used these treats with our own puppies and have been very happy with the results. They are easy to break into smaller pieces for training, and our puppies always seem to love the taste. Plus, we feel good about giving them a treat that is made with high-quality, natural ingredients.

In addition to being a great training treat, these bites can also be used as a general reward or snack for your puppy. They are available in a variety of flavors, so you can find one that your puppy loves.

Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness Soft Puppy Bites for anyone looking for a natural and healthy training treat for their puppy.

8. Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats, Real Beef Recipe

Merrick power bites dog treats, real beef recipe

If you’re looking for a natural, meaty dog treat that packs a big taste and high protein, then Merrick Power Bites Real Beef Dog Treats is a great option.

Pros

  • Made with real deboned beef as the first ingredient for healthy muscle tissue and energy levels
  • Soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for rewarding or training
  • Contains Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health

Cons

  • May be too small for larger dogs
  • Some dogs may not like the strong beef smell
  • Slightly more expensive than other dog treats

We recently tried Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats on our furry friend and were impressed with the quality and taste. The real beef flavor was evident and our dog loved the soft and chewy texture. We also appreciated that they are made with natural ingredients and contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

While the size of the treats may be too small for larger dogs, they are perfect for smaller breeds or as a quick training reward. The strong beef smell may also be off-putting for some dogs, but our pup didn’t seem to mind. The price point is slightly higher than other dog treats, but we believe the quality and natural ingredients are worth the extra cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Merrick Power Bites Real Beef Dog Treats for dog owners looking for a tasty and healthy treat for their furry friend.

9. Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats

Cloud star tricky trainers soft & chewy dog training treats

If you’re looking for a tasty and low-calorie training treat for your furry friend, Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats could be a great option.

Pros

  • Highly palatable and motivating
  • Low-calorie
  • Soft and chewy texture

Cons

  • Strong smell
  • Some treats may be pulverized
  • A bit pricey

We’ve been using these treats for our dog’s training sessions, and they’ve been a hit. The peanut butter flavor is irresistible to our pup, and the soft and chewy texture keeps her attention focused on the task at hand. Plus, at only 3 calories per treat, we don’t have to worry about her getting too full or gaining weight.

One thing to note is that the treats do have a strong smell, which might be a bit overwhelming for some people. Additionally, we did notice that some of the treats in the bag were pulverized into dust, which made them unusable. Finally, while the treats are a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, we think they’re worth it for the quality ingredients and effective results.

Overall, if you’re looking for a tasty and effective training treat for your dog, Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats could be a great choice.

10. Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats 16 Oz., Bacon Regular Bacon 1 Pound (Pack of 1)

Crazy dog training reward dog treats

If you’re looking for a tasty and effective training treat for your furry friend, you might want to try Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats.

Pros

  • These treats are the perfect size for training and rewarding your dog.
  • They contain vitamins and approximately 18% protein, which makes them a healthy choice.
  • The resealable pouch keeps the treats fresh and makes them easy to carry around.

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the bacon flavor.
  • The treats are a bit soft, which may make them crumble in your pocket.
  • They may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We’ve been using Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats for a while now, and we’re quite happy with them. The treats are small and easy to handle, which makes them perfect for training sessions. They’re also quite tasty, which makes them a great motivator for our dog.

One of the things we like about these treats is that they contain vitamins and protein, which makes them a healthy choice for our furry friend. We also appreciate the fact that they come in a resealable pouch, which keeps them fresh and makes them easy to carry around.

However, we’ve noticed that the treats are a bit soft, which may make them crumble in our pocket. Also, some dogs may not like the bacon flavor, so it’s worth trying out a small pack before committing to a larger one. Finally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, these treats may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we would recommend Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats to anyone who’s looking for a tasty and effective training treat for their furry friend. They’re healthy, convenient, and quite tasty, which makes them a great choice for any dog owner.

11. A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats

A better treat – freeze dried organic pumpkin dog and cat treats

If you are looking for a natural and healthy treat for your furry friend, A Better Treat’s Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

  • Dogs and cats love the taste and texture of these treats.
  • Made with 100% organic pumpkin, these treats are excellent for pets with allergies, sensitive stomachs, diabetes, or dietary requirements.
  • Pumpkin is a natural prebiotic and high in fiber, providing stomach soothing and digestive support.

Cons

  • The treats are a bit pricey for the amount you get in the bag.
  • The treats may be too small for larger dogs.
  • Some customers may prefer treats with more variety in flavors.

We have been using A Better Treat’s Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats for a few weeks now, and we are very impressed with the quality and nutritional value of these treats. Our dog loves the taste and texture of these treats, and we feel good about giving her a healthy and natural snack.

One of the best things about these treats is that they are made with 100% organic pumpkin, which makes them an excellent choice for pets with allergies, sensitive stomachs, diabetes, or dietary requirements. Pumpkin is a natural prebiotic and high in fiber, which provides stomach soothing and digestive support for your furry friend.

Another great feature of A Better Treat’s Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats is that they are low calorie, making them perfect for training and weight management. At only 0.2 calories per treat, you can feel good about giving your pet a snack that supports their stomach and digestive system.

The only downside to these treats is that they may be a bit pricey for the amount you get in the bag. Additionally, the treats may be too small for larger dogs, and some customers may prefer treats with more variety in flavors. Overall, we highly recommend A Better Treat’s Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats for anyone looking for a natural and healthy treat for their furry friend.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best training treats for your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some features to consider before making a purchase:

Ingredients

The first thing to look at is the ingredient list. It’s important to choose treats with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid treats that contain fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives. Look for treats that use real meat or fish as the main ingredient, as these are often the most appealing to dogs.

Size and Texture

The size and texture of the treat are also important. You want to choose a treat that is small enough to be given frequently during training sessions, but not so small that your dog can swallow it whole. The texture should also be appropriate for your dog’s age and dental health. For example, older dogs may benefit from softer treats, while younger dogs may benefit from harder treats that help with teething.

Flavor

The flavor of the treat is another important consideration. You want to choose a flavor that your dog loves and finds motivating. Some dogs prefer meat-based flavors, while others prefer sweeter flavors like peanut butter or apple.

Price

Lastly, consider the price of the treats. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, keep in mind that high-quality treats may be more expensive. However, investing in high-quality treats can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for veterinary care and training sessions.

Here is a table summarizing the key features to consider when choosing training treats:

FeatureConsiderations
IngredientsHigh-quality, natural ingredients; real meat or fish as main ingredient
Size and TextureSmall enough for frequent training; appropriate texture for age and dental health
FlavorChoose a flavor your dog loves and finds motivating
PriceConsider investing in high-quality treats to save money in the long run

By considering these features, you can choose the best training treats for your dog that will help them learn and stay motivated during training sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the healthiest dog training treats available?

When it comes to healthy dog training treats, we recommend looking for options that are made with natural ingredients and free from additives and preservatives. Some popular options include Zuke’s Mini Naturals, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats, and Wellness Soft Puppy Bites.

What are some of the best smelly dog treats for training?

Dogs are often motivated by strong smells, so smelly treats can be a great option for training. We recommend trying options like Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Liver Treats, Plato Pet Treats Organic Chicken Strips, and Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Dog Treats.

What are Zuke’s Training Treats and are they effective?

Zuke’s Training Treats are small, soft, and chewy treats that are designed specifically for training purposes. They are made with natural ingredients and come in a variety of flavors. Many dog owners have found them to be effective for training, but it’s important to keep in mind that every dog is different and may respond differently to different types of treats.

What are some affordable dog training treats available at Walmart?

Walmart offers a range of affordable dog training treats, including options like Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe, Purina Beggin’ Strips, and Old Mother Hubbard Classic Crunchy Natural Dog Treats.

What are some training treats suitable for puppies under 3 months?

When it comes to training treats for puppies under 3 months, it’s important to choose options that are soft and easy to chew. Some good options include Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats, and Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Chewy Dog Treats.

Which online retailers offer a good selection of dog training treats?

There are many online retailers that offer a great selection of dog training treats, including Chewy, Amazon, and Petco. These retailers offer a wide variety of options, making it easy to find the perfect treat for your dog’s training needs.