all natural puppy training treats
The 12 best dog treats for training of 2023
One of the easiest ways to train a pup is by rewarding them with treats. But give your pup too many big cookies in a row and they're likely to fill up and lose interest before your training session is over. Instead, you'll want to give them some of the best dog treats for training.
One of the first things I learned as a professional dog trainer was that the smaller the treat and the more your dog loves the flavor, the more they'll be willing to work for another. Dr. Andrew Moffatt, a veterinarian and CEO of VetnCare, agrees. Training treats work best when they are "small, soft, and highly desirable to your pet," he says.
Following Moffat's advice, we rounded up the best dog treats to give your pup during training. These treats make it easy to teach new skills and reward positive behaviors. From the best organic dog treats to a lickable trainer favorite, these are the 12 best dog training treats.
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Soft, chewy Little-Jacs treats are ideal for dogs of all sizes and contain only 3 calories each.
Zukes Minis are soft, low-calorie treats that hold the attention of most dogs during training.
These training treats have omega fatty acids and yeast to support the heart, joints, and immune system.
Full Moon's sustainably sourced training treats are certified organic and only 2.5 calories each.
Bite-sized Sweet Potato Little Stars have just 1 calorie a piece and wont crumble in your pocket.
Trainers love to cut this dog food roll into delicious mini treats pups love.
Even picky dogs go wild for Gerber baby food. A quick lick from the jar is all the reward they need.
Merricks puppy kibble with chicken is a great training treat for young pups.
Fill a Kong toy with Wellness Lamb and Beef Stew and freeze it for a long-lasting training treat.
Fruitables Skinny Minis are high in fiber, easy to digest, and have only 3 calories each.
Despite their crunch, these treats can be eaten quickly enough to keep your training from stalling out.
Bocces Bakery treats are made from locally sourced ingredients in the US and are 4 calories each.
FAQs
Is it good to train dogs with treats?
Yes! Rewards are an important part of positive-reinforcement dog training, which is a humane, rewards-based approach to teaching a dog. Most dogs will work for treats, but rewards can also include playing tug or fetch with the best dog toys and giving physical affection. They are a convenient way to let a dog know they did something you like.
What makes a good dog training treat?
"Training treats need to be small and easy to handle and swallow," says Moffatt. "If your pet has to sit down and chew the treat for 30 seconds, it will distract from your training effort." He recommends going for soft treats in flavors that your dog really loves.
How many training treats can I give my dog a day?
Because they are often high in calories and seldom meet nutritional requirements for a well-balanced diet, Moffatt recommends using treats sparingly. "The best method is to remove a small handful of kibble from the pet's daily ration and use it throughout the day as treats," he said. "This way you don't add to the pet's daily calorie allowance." Our guide to the best dog food has plenty of veterinarian-approved kibble recommendations.
What treats can I give my puppy when training?
Puppies can eat the same treats as adult dogs. However, Moffatt recommends avoiding hard options like bully sticks and pig ears. "They can fracture teeth and cause obstructions if swallowed in large fragments," she says.
What are good treats for crate training?
When training a dog to be comfortable inside of a crate, a long-lasting food puzzle toy, like theKong Classic, can help them form positive associations with the space. However, be sure to watch out for the extra calories that certain foods may contain. Putting a portion of your dog's daily dry or wet food in the toy will help keep their daily calorie requirements on target.
What dog treats do vets recommend?
Instead of referring his clients to specific brands, Moffat recommends choosing sustainably sourced options that are manufactured in the United States. Stick to softer treats and avoid using hard, long-lasting chews like bully sticks and pigs ears. Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's diet overall.
Best Dog Training Treats Your Pet Will Love | Top Dog Training Treats
Best Dog Training Treats Your Pet Will Love | Top Dog Training Treats
Training your pup is no easy feat. Youll likely want to get into the habit of rewarding your dog for good behavior if you want to keep that good boy good. Training treats are an easy and convenient way to say job well done to your pooch. Your dog will learn to associate the tasty treat with their good behavior which will eventually reinforce that behavior/cue.
Training treats are also often used as a way to keep your pups attention during training exercises since that can also be an issue. The best treats will differ for each dog, but weve rounded up some of the top choices!
Dog training treats FAQsEverything you need to know about choosing the best treats for training your dog.
Check out the FAQS
Best Budget Dog Training Treats- GREAT PRICE
- SAID TO INCREASE FOCUS
Recommended by the pros, Pet Botanics Training Reward is a healthy, whole foods-forward option for your pup. The bacon flavor is made from real pork liver and enhanced with BotaniFits a natural nutrient blend to improve digestion. Pet Botanics boast claims that its bite-size Training Reward is said to provide focus, motivation, and a shorter learning...
Recommended by the pros, Pet Botanics Training Reward is a healthy, whole foods-forward option for your pup. The bacon flavor is made from real pork liver and enhanced with BotaniFits a natural nutrient blend to improve digestion. Pet Botanics boast claims that its bite-size Training Reward is said to provide focus, motivation, and a shorter learning curve. Reviewers suggest reading the ingredients with some advising that you not give your pup too many.
- GREAT PRICE
- SAID TO INCREASE FOCUS
Recommended by the pros, Pet Botanics Training Reward is a healthy, whole foods-forward option for your pup. The bacon f...
Recommended by the pros, Pet Botanics Training Reward is a healthy, whole foods-forward option for your pup. The bacon flavor is made from real pork liver and enhanced with BotaniFits a natural nutrient blend to improve digestion. Pet Botanics boast claims that its bite-size Training Reward is said to provide focus, motivation, and a shorter learning curve. Reviewers suggest reading the ingredients with some advising that you not give your pup too many.
Most Durable Dog Training Treats- Taste great
- Not made with filler ingredients
- Ingredients
- Great value
- Low cal
The Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are made with natural ingredients that your dog is sure to love. While the liver flavor may not make your mouth water, dogs love this real chicken liver goodness. Added bonus, these treats are made without corn, wheat, soy and artificial flavors and are less than 3 calories each. Reviewers love these Tricky Trainers treats and ...
The Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are made with natural ingredients that your dog is sure to love. While the liver flavor may not make your mouth water, dogs love this real chicken liver goodness. Added bonus, these treats are made without corn, wheat, soy and artificial flavors and are less than 3 calories each. Reviewers love these Tricky Trainers treats and say that the other flavors specifically cheddar are also worth purchasing.
Chicken liver makes an especially enticing flavor for dogs, and at just 3kcal per treat, theyll be able to look forward to longer training sessions.
Made of natural ingredients and free of fillers, these healthy training treats are a win-win, and they also come in a variety of other flavors like cheddar.
The Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are made with natural ingredients that your dog is sure to love. While the liver flavor m...
The Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are made with natural ingredients that your dog is sure to love. While the liver flavor may not make your mouth water, dogs love this real chicken liver goodness. Added bonus, these treats are made without corn, wheat, soy and artificial flavors and are less than 3 calories each. Reviewers love these Tricky Trainers treats and say that the other flavors specifically cheddar are also worth purchasing.
- Real beef versus filler ingredients
- Low cal
- Great packaging
- Perfect price
The Dingo Soft & Chewy Training Treats are a popular choice in this category. It ticks all of the boxes for dog training treats at a great price. The Dingo Soft & Chewy Training Treats is made from real beef and is gluten free. The treats are just 3.19 calories per gram so it's a great option when you want to reward your pup without upping their caloric inta...
The Dingo Soft & Chewy Training Treats are a popular choice in this category. It ticks all of the boxes for dog training treats at a great price. The Dingo Soft & Chewy Training Treats is made from real beef and is gluten free. The treats are just 3.19 calories per gram so it's a great option when you want to reward your pup without upping their caloric intake. Reviewers love the zip-to-close packaging noting that it helps ensure it stays fresh.
- Great packaging
- Perfect price
- Real beef versus filler ingredients
- Low cal
The Dingo Soft & Chewy Training Treats are a popular choice in this category. It ticks all of the boxes for dog training...
The Dingo Soft & Chewy Training Treats are a popular choice in this category. It ticks all of the boxes for dog training treats at a great price. The Dingo Soft & Chewy Training Treats is made from real beef and is gluten free. The treats are just 3.19 calories per gram so it's a great option when you want to reward your pup without upping their caloric intake. Reviewers love the zip-to-close packaging noting that it helps ensure it stays fresh.
- ORGANIC
- NO PRESERVATIVES OR ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
- TASTY
- HUMAN-GRADE INGREDIENTS
- NO FILLER/PRESERVATIVES
The Full Moon Organic Chicken Training Treats is made from 100% organic, USA farm-raised, cage-free chicken and human-grade ingredients. And since these are fit for human consumption you'll be tempted to eat these yourself. These treats are also glycerin and grain free and don't contain any filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or pres...
The Full Moon Organic Chicken Training Treats is made from 100% organic, USA farm-raised, cage-free chicken and human-grade ingredients. And since these are fit for human consumption you'll be tempted to eat these yourself. These treats are also glycerin and grain free and don't contain any filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. Some reviews mention that while these are meant as training treats for younger dogs, older dogs appreciate how soft these are.
- HUMAN-GRADE INGREDIENTS
- NO FILLER/PRESERVATIVES
- ORGANIC
- NO PRESERVATIVES OR ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS
- TASTY
The Full Moon Organic Chicken Training Treats is made from 100% organic, USA farm-raised, cage-free chicken and human-gr...
The Full Moon Organic Chicken Training Treats is made from 100% organic, USA farm-raised, cage-free chicken and human-grade ingredients. And since these are fit for human consumption you'll be tempted to eat these yourself. These treats are also glycerin and grain free and don't contain any filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. Some reviews mention that while these are meant as training treats for younger dogs, older dogs appreciate how soft these are.
- Meaty
- Chewy treat
- Nutritious
- Low price
- DHA and fatty acids
Made with just three simple ingredients (chicken, sugar and salt), the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats will cure your dog's jerky craving without all the unnecessary added preservatives or unnatural ingredients. Your pup will love the benefits they'll get from this nutritious treat. The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats have DHA to support your puppy...
Made with just three simple ingredients (chicken, sugar and salt), the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats will cure your dog's jerky craving without all the unnecessary added preservatives or unnatural ingredients. Your pup will love the benefits they'll get from this nutritious treat. The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats have DHA to support your puppy's cognitive development, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Reviewers say their pups love chomping on this jerky.
- Low price
- DHA and fatty acids
- Meaty
- Chewy treat
- Nutritious
Made with just three simple ingredients (chicken, sugar and salt), the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats will cure yo...
Made with just three simple ingredients (chicken, sugar and salt), the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats will cure your dog's jerky craving without all the unnecessary added preservatives or unnatural ingredients. Your pup will love the benefits they'll get from this nutritious treat. The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats have DHA to support your puppy's cognitive development, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Reviewers say their pups love chomping on this jerky.
- SMOKED BACON FLAVOR
- REAL MEAT
- NO BHAS
- NICE PACKAGING
- NO BHAS
- TRAINER APPROVED
Approved and recommended by thousands of trainers, the Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats will help motivate your dog to learn new tricks. Train-Me! treats contain no corn, soy, BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin just delicious (according to pups) real meat and a smoked bacon flavor. Reviewers love that these come in a resealable bag so you can train on the ...
Approved and recommended by thousands of trainers, the Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats will help motivate your dog to learn new tricks. Train-Me! treats contain no corn, soy, BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin just delicious (according to pups) real meat and a smoked bacon flavor. Reviewers love that these come in a resealable bag so you can train on the go and place these back in your bag without worry. They also note that the resealable packaging keeps these fresh.
- NICE PACKAGING
- NO BHAS
- TRAINER APPROVED
- SMOKED BACON FLAVOR
- REAL MEAT
- NO BHAS
Approved and recommended by thousands of trainers, the Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats will help motivate...
Approved and recommended by thousands of trainers, the Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats will help motivate your dog to learn new tricks. Train-Me! treats contain no corn, soy, BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin just delicious (according to pups) real meat and a smoked bacon flavor. Reviewers love that these come in a resealable bag so you can train on the go and place these back in your bag without worry. They also note that the resealable packaging keeps these fresh.
- LOTS OF PROTEIN
- MADE WITH REAL BEEF
- GREAT NUTRITIOUS INGREDIENTS
- SOURCED LOCALLY
With real beef and the very first ingredient, the Merrick Grain Free Gluten Free Power Bites is a great pick for a training treat that packs a protein punch. Other ingredients include sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries all rich in antioxidants. Merrick is also known for sourcing its ingredients from local farmers. Reviewers note that these Power Bite...
With real beef and the very first ingredient, the Merrick Grain Free Gluten Free Power Bites is a great pick for a training treat that packs a protein punch. Other ingredients include sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries all rich in antioxidants. Merrick is also known for sourcing its ingredients from local farmers. Reviewers note that these Power Bites come in a new larger size so make sure you pick up the smaller size if you intend to use these for training.
- GREAT NUTRITIOUS INGREDIENTS
- SOURCED LOCALLY
- LOTS OF PROTEIN
- MADE WITH REAL BEEF
With real beef and the very first ingredient, the Merrick Grain Free Gluten Free Power Bites is a great pick for a train...
With real beef and the very first ingredient, the Merrick Grain Free Gluten Free Power Bites is a great pick for a training treat that packs a protein punch. Other ingredients include sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries all rich in antioxidants. Merrick is also known for sourcing its ingredients from local farmers. Reviewers note that these Power Bites come in a new larger size so make sure you pick up the smaller size if you intend to use these for training.
- Salmon
- No filler
- Semi-moist
- No filler
- Great taste
- Quality ingredients
The Buckley Trainers Dog Training Treats are semi-moist, flavorful treats that your pooch will love. You'll get the best out of your dog when training with these high quality, tasty treats. With salmon as the first ingredient, the Buckley Trainers Dog Training Treats are made with everything your dog wants and needs, minus the filler. There's no wheat, corn,...
The Buckley Trainers Dog Training Treats are semi-moist, flavorful treats that your pooch will love. You'll get the best out of your dog when training with these high quality, tasty treats. With salmon as the first ingredient, the Buckley Trainers Dog Training Treats are made with everything your dog wants and needs, minus the filler. There's no wheat, corn, soy or sugar in this product. Reviewers say their pups love these training treats.
- No filler
- Great taste
- Quality ingredients
- Salmon
- No filler
- Semi-moist
The Buckley Trainers Dog Training Treats are semi-moist, flavorful treats that your pooch will love. You'll get the best...
The Buckley Trainers Dog Training Treats are semi-moist, flavorful treats that your pooch will love. You'll get the best out of your dog when training with these high quality, tasty treats. With salmon as the first ingredient, the Buckley Trainers Dog Training Treats are made with everything your dog wants and needs, minus the filler. There's no wheat, corn, soy or sugar in this product. Reviewers say their pups love these training treats.
- Great beef flavor
- No additives
- No additives
- Made in small batches
The Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers are made from freeze-dried Canadian beef and are packed with flavor. They are made in small batches in the Crumps' Naturals kitchen and are void of all additives, colors and preservatives. Dogs can smell the beef flavor and are said to focus better knowing the treat is ahead. Reviewers note that these treats are the perfect...
The Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers are made from freeze-dried Canadian beef and are packed with flavor. They are made in small batches in the Crumps' Naturals kitchen and are void of all additives, colors and preservatives. Dogs can smell the beef flavor and are said to focus better knowing the treat is ahead. Reviewers note that these treats are the perfect size for puppy training with other reviewers admitting they give these to their senior dogs as well.
- No additives
- Made in small batches
- Great beef flavor
- No additives
The Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers are made from freeze-dried Canadian beef and are packed with flavor. They are made in...
The Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers are made from freeze-dried Canadian beef and are packed with flavor. They are made in small batches in the Crumps' Naturals kitchen and are void of all additives, colors and preservatives. Dogs can smell the beef flavor and are said to focus better knowing the treat is ahead. Reviewers note that these treats are the perfect size for puppy training with other reviewers admitting they give these to their senior dogs as well.
What is a dog training treat?
A dog training treat is a small, meat-based, chewy treat used by trainers and pet owners when training a dog. They should be small enough to fit in your hand or pocket so you can entice the dog with the treat and get them to focus on the tasks/commands.With so many choices out there, how do you choose the best dog treats for your pup? For most dogs, food rewards are the most convenient and effective way to influence your dogs behavior. Before choosing any dog treat, make sure to review the ingredients list. Always consult with a veterinarian if your dog has food sensitivities, weight-related issues, or you have other concerns.
The best treats for dogs are usually the ones made with single, natural ingredients. It's best to avoid treats that are high in calories and made with preservatives.
A puppy can have any trainer or vet-approved treats or treats the owner deems right for the puppy based on their individual diet.
You should choose dog treats based on the treat that will work best for your pup's specific diet. The ones suggested above are all great options.
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