The Best Dog Training Treats
Teaching your dog new tricks can seem tricky, but there's almost nothing a dog won't do for a tasty snack. That's why finding high-quality dog training treats is an essential part of pet ownership. They can help potty train your puppy or advance your show dog's skills. Best of all, there are so many sizes and flavors available, there's sure to be one for even the pickiest pooch.
What to Look For
Narrowing down which treats will work best for training your dog is as easy as figuring out which flavors they like and the quality of each option’s ingredients. We like to keep an eye on cost, too. The Pupford Freeze-Dried training treats, for example, are made of fresh meat and come in several varieties to help you find one your pup likes. However, they can be quite a bit pricier than the Wag training treats you can buy in bulk. No matter the breed or need of your pup, we have an option they will love on the list below.
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Training Treats
Soft and meaty
Tender beef is the first ingredient of these Blue Buffalo Blue Bits training treats. They don’t contain any poultry by-products or red dye, and they’re enhanced with DHA to support cognitive development. When you add that to the chewy texture and affordable cost, you get a yummy treat that few pups can resist.
Pros:
- A pungent smell and taste make these popular with most dogs and puppies, even those who tend to be pickier.
- The tiny size and soft texture make these treats an excellent choice for small breeds and puppies.
- They’re great for keeping your pup’s attention for extended training sessions.
Cons:
- They dry out quickly unless you put them in a different container.
Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
Freeze-dried meats are one of the safest treats for your pet, which is why we love these from Pupford. Several options are available, including chicken, liver, rabbit, salmon, and sweet potato, making it a breeze to find a flavor that your dog will love. Each one-calorie treat uses three ingredients or less, and they’re soft enough for small dogs and puppies.
Pros:
- Most dogs find these treats very high-value, making it easier to get them to learn new behaviors.
- The flavor options and minimal ingredients help you find an option for dogs with dietary restrictions.
- They’re tiny and low-calorie, making them ideal for long training sessions or overweight pets.
Cons:
- Sometimes they break up in the bag, leaving lots of small bits at the bottom.
Wag Training Treats
Wag training treats are an affordable option you can buy in one or two-pound resealable bags. They’re small, tasty, and best of all, they contain no added colors or artificial flavors. Depending on your dog’s preferences, you can get plain chicken, hip and joint, or peanut butter and banana, and the small size helps them gulp them down and get back on track with their training session.
Pros:
- The large bags help you save time and money by allowing you to get enough treats to last your dog weeks.
- Many dogs who dislike other options find these treats super tasty. That means they can help you train even the most stubborn pups.
- The hip and joint treats have added ingredients that help elderly dogs or giant breeds stay more comfortable over time.
Cons:
- They aren’t very soft, so tiny dogs can take longer to chew them.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats
Game time
Some dogs are very sensitive to by-products and fillers, while others are allergic to poultry and other common proteins. That’s when we turn to Zuke’s Mini Naturals training treats. They come in several formulas, including beef, pork, salmon, duck, and rabbit, and they have no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and flavors.
Pros:
- The premium ingredients make these treats easier on finicky tummies than competitors.
- They’re small enough for toy breeds, like chihuahuas and Pomeranians.
- Each one is soft and full of flavor, helping them attract your pup’s attention.
Cons:
- They’re so soft that they squish easily. You may not want to keep them in your pocket.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Chewy choice
Puppies are smaller and more sensitive than most adult dogs, which is why the Wellness Soft Puppy Bites can come in handy when bringing a new buddy home. The lamb and salmon flavors, soft texture, and added DHA and superfoods make them perfect for catching dogs’ attention. Best of all, they’re healthy and gentle enough for daily use without upsetting canine tummies.
Pros:
- Puppies tend to love these so much that you can make their training sessions longer without losing their attention.
- The small size is perfect for little pups, and they’re easy to break in half if you want to make them smaller.
- Premium ingredients and a fortified formula allow these treats to double up as supplements to your little dog’s food.
Cons:
- These can get flakey if they sit in your pocket too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes training treats different from regular treats?
Training treats are smaller and softer than most other dog treats. They’re designed to give the dog a little taste as a reward for good behavior while keeping them interested in you and the lesson.
How long should I make a training session?
The length of a training session varies based on your dog’s age and ability to focus. Puppies and high-energy dogs shouldn’t train for more than five to ten minutes at a time, while older, calmer dogs can train for up to half an hour based on their level of obedience.
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