The Best Dog Training Treats

There are a few vital supplies that we always have around for the dog. One of them is dog training treats. For obedience, tricks, and correcting behavior, dog training treats are an important tool. When shopping around for a good quality treat, you can also use it as an opportunity to give your furry friend important nutrients. We've looked through ingredients lists and found the tastiest training treats that dogs love. Let's raise a paw, as we've found our favorites on the market.

What to Look For

To find the best dog training treats on the market, the taste test is key. It is also important that training treats fit the nutritional needs of your dog. Low calorie? High protein? Easy to digest? Grain-free? There are a lot of options to sift through and it is important to shop for the needs of your dog. For example, Blue Buffalo Wilderness offers a protein-packed treat. However, if you need a low protein dog treat that is easy to digest, try Pupums. Read on for more of our favorite treats.

Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs

The healthy value pack

With five hundred dog training treats per package, this option is health-conscious and budget-friendly.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

When looking for the best value dog training treat, Pet Botanics comes in as our overall favorite. Meat is the first ingredient and these treats are free of BHA, BHT, soy, and ethoxyquin. While not organic, they offer value without sacrificing a healthy dog treat. Plus, dogs love them.

Pros:

  • We love the texture of these treats. They are soft but don’t easily crumble.
  • These treats come in bacon flavor, which is always a dog favorite.
  • Given its price, the 20-ounce bag is a great value.

Cons:

  • These treats contain garlic. Consult your vet if you are concerned about this ingredient in your dog treats.

Bixbi Pocket Trainers Dog Training Treats

Calorie conscious

These dog training treats are all-natural, low-calorie, and grain-free.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

While more expensive, these treats are a great all-natural option, and the ingredient list is considerate of several food sensitivities that your dog might have. The dog training treats by Bixbi are gluten-free, grain-free, and free of artificial preservatives and flavors. They are also free of other allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. We also love that these treats are USA-made.

Pros:

  • These treats come in a variety of flavors, so you can find one that your pup will love.
  • The grain-free formula means that your pup gets only the best, with no fillers.
  • The treats are soft, making them great for teething puppies.

Cons:

  • For smaller dogs, you may want to consider breaking these treats in half.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats

Brain food

Formulated with important fatty acids and high in protein, these dog treats support brain function while training is in session.
High Protein

Find on Amazon

We love the way Blue Buffalo Wilderness always considers whole health in their formulas. Packed with protein and omega fatty acids, these treats are great for training while also helping brain development and longevity for dogs. Free of by-products and grains, these healthy dog training treats are made with salmon and loved by all.

Pros:

  • Thanks to the natural ingredients in this formula, we can train our dogs while nourishing their bodies as well.
  • If your pup is sensitive to byproducts and grains found in other treats, these are a great alternative.

Cons:

  • Some people may not enjoy the salmon breath your dog might have after enjoying these healthy treats.

Pupums Sweet Potato Dog Training Treats

Say goodbye to stomachaches

Gentle on the tummy, these treats are great for a sensitive stomach.
Best For Digestion

Find on Amazon

Pupums offers the only organic dog training treat on our list. Made in small batches, these high-quality treats are also high in fiber, aiding in your pup’s digestion. This low protein treat comes in flavors like sweet potato pie, crispy oatmeal chip, and peanut butter crunch — and dogs can’t get enough of them.

Pros:

  • With an unmatched ingredient list, these dog treats are human-grade quality.
  • We love that these treats are formulated with sensitive stomachs in mind.

Cons:

  • With one hundred and fifteen treats per package, they aren’t the most affordable on our list. However, we found the price point to be reasonable for the quality.

Charlee Bear Dog Training Treats

Got the munchies

Looking for a dog training treat? Furry friends love the taste and texture.
Best Crunchy Treat

Find on Amazon

Crunchy dog training treats are the delight of some dogs. These dog training treats from Charlee Bear are formulated to be “pocket-friendly” and won’t leave crumbs or smells in your favorite coat pocket. These natural treats are a nibble of protein without grains. They are great for dogs who like a light crunch.

Pros:

  • We appreciate that these are made with real ingredients, like chickpeas.
  • It’s great to be able to carry these around in our pockets since we don’t need a separate pouch for them.

Cons:

  • If you are looking for a high-protein dog training treat, meat isn’t the top ingredient on the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I avoid in dog treats?

While different formulas are important for the needs of different dogs, one across-the-board rule is to never feed your dog chocolate, grapes, or nuts. Consult your vet if you have questions or concerns about what your dog should or shouldn’t be eating.

Why are my dog’s treats so smelly?

If the treats smell like the first ingredient in the formula, then smelly treats are often a good sign. This means they are high-quality and good for your dog. Of course, for a full list of ingredients in your dog treats, you can always check the manufacturer’s packaging.

About the Author

Emily is a seasoned writer who’s passionate about dogs and dog owners. There are a lot of products out there, but Emily has got you covered. From kennels to dog bones, she’s committed to finding brands that deliver the best quality money can buy, so you can focus on what matters. After all, the most rewarding part of dog ownership is the time you spend together.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.