Key features of effective dog training treats

Dog training treats should have several important features to make sure they work well in teaching dogs good behaviors. These features include: - **Fast-eating**: Training treats should be easy and quick for the dog to eat. This helps keep the dog's interest and lets them practice more in less time. - **Small size**: Treats for training should be small, even for big dogs. Pea-sized treats are best because they give a reward without making the dog lose focus. Small treats also help control how many calories the dog eats during training. - **Soft and smelly**: Soft treats are better than crunchy ones because they are easier and faster for the dog to eat. This helps keep the training going smoothly. Smelly treats are more interesting to dogs, so they are more likely to pay attention. - **Variety**: Using different kinds of treats during training can help keep the dog interested and excited about their rewards. - **Easy to carry**: Treats that don't spoil and can be carried around easily are great for quick training sessions or rewarding good behavior. Examples include freeze-dried liver or jerky cut into tiny pieces. By using treats with these features, dog owners can help their pets stay focused during training. This leads to better results in teaching new behaviors or making old ones stronger.

Choosing the right treat for your dog's needs and likes

To pick the best treat for your dog's needs and likes, think about these things: - **Taste preferences**: Do a taste test by offering different treats and watching which one the dog likes most. This will help you find high-value, medium-value, and low-value treats for your dog. - **Size, age, and diet**: Think about your dog's size, age, and any special diet needs when picking treats. Smaller dogs might need even smaller pieces, while dogs with allergies might need certain ingredients. - **Training environment**: Use high-value treats for hard training sessions or when there are distractions. Medium-value treats can be used more often during training and everyday life. Low-value treats are good for practicing easy behaviors in calm settings. - **Nutrition**: Pick treats that are good for your dog, like low-fat options for overweight pets or protein-rich treats for active dogs. Talk to a vet to make sure the treats are right for your dog's needs.

How to avoid giving your dog too many treats

To keep from giving your dog too many treats, follow these steps: 1. **Limit treats to 10% of your dog's daily calories**: Treats should not be more than 10% of your dog's daily calories to avoid weight gain and health problems. 2. **Figure out your dog's daily treat amount**: Look at the feeding chart on your dog's food bag to see how much food they should get each day based on their weight. Find 10% of the suggested calories and use that as a limit for treats. 3. **Pick low-calorie treats**: Choose healthy, low-calorie treats when training your dog. Look for good ingredients that have little sugar and fat. 4. **Break big treats into smaller pieces**: If you use high-calorie or big treats, break them into smaller pieces to control how much your dog eats. 5. **Use non-food rewards**: Think about other ways to reward your dog during training, like playtime, kind words, petting, or favorite activities. 6. **Watch your dog's weight and health**: Keep an eye on your dog's weight and health to make sure they don't gain too much weight from training treats.

Training Treats in U.S.A

11 Best Dog Training Treats

The best dog training treats are fast-eating, small-sized, soft, smelly, varied, and easy to carry. Choosing the right treat involves considering your dog's taste preferences, size, age, diet, training environment, and nutrition. Monitor treat intake to ensure it doesn't exceed 10% of your dog's daily calories.

Why You Should Trust Us

Handpicked training treats. Our expert researchers, data analysts, and editors have put more than 23 hours of effort into researching the best available dog training treats in the United States. We had researched 335 training treats sold in 5 countries before handpicking the 11 best dog training treats.

Hours Researched: 23+
Products Researched: 335
Products Handpicked: 11
Acceptance Rate: 3.3%

Training treats by country:

How to choose The Best training treat:

When looking for the perfect dog training treats, there are a few key features to keep in mind. The treats should be very tasty and have a strong aroma. This will help grab your dog's attention and keep them focused during training sessions. It's also important that these treats are made from healthy, natural ingredients that are easy for your dog to digest. This way, you can be sure that you're not only rewarding your pet but also supporting their overall health.

Another essential aspect of good training treats is their size and texture. Small-sized treats work best because they allow your dog to quickly consume them without getting distracted by excessive chewing. Soft-textured treats are also ideal since they're easy for dogs to chew and swallow, which keeps the pace of the training session steady. Plus, small and soft treats tend to be more appealing to dogs than large or hard ones. When it comes to calories and packaging, it's important to choose low-calorie options since dogs may eat many treats during training sessions. This helps prevent weight gain while still effectively rewarding your pet.

Make sure the packaging is resealable so that the treats stay fresh over time and are convenient for transport or storage between sessions. By prioritizing these features – high palatability, healthy ingredients, small size with a soft texture, low calorie content, and resealable packaging – you'll not only make your training sessions more productive but also contribute positively to your pet's well-being and overall health.

in this article:

product ratings and reviews:

best overall — top 3 dog training treats
top 11 list — highest rated dog training treats

common questions about training treats:

Key Features of Effective Dog Training Treats
Choosing the Right Treat for Your Dog's Needs and Likes
How to Avoid Giving Your Dog Too Many Treats

Best Dog Training Treats

#1 — Milk-Bone Mini Flavor Snacks Dog Biscuits
Milk-Bone Mini Flavor Snacks Dog Biscuits
product rating:
- our rating
  98 out of 100
Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks dog biscuits provide a delightful way to enhance your dog's life. These treats come in five scrumptious flavors: beef, turkey, chicken, bacon, and sausage. They are filled with essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog's overall health. Additionally, the crunchy texture helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up.
The smaller size of Milk-Bone Minis Flavor Snacks Dog Treats makes them suitable for dogs of all sizes. Each treat contains only 5 calories, allowing you to treat your dog more often without worrying about overfeeding. These bite-sized treats are excellent for training or rewarding your beloved pet. Many pet owners find these smaller size treats perfect for their smaller dogs like Chihuahuas or Shih-Poos. Dogs enjoy these treats so much that some even hide them as their secret stash.
read more
Where to buy in U.S.A:
www.chewy.com
www.amazon.com
www.walmart.com
www.petsmart.com
www.petcarerx.com
Price range:
$15 - $18USD
What we like:
Essential vitamins and minerals
Dental hygiene benefits
Suitable for all dog sizes
Low calorie content
What could be better:
Artificial flavors
Allergen concerns
read more features and photos
#2 — Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries
Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries
product rating:
- our rating
  98 out of 100
When searching for the perfect treat for your dog, consider Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries. This product offers a delicious flavor and essential nutrients that contribute to your pet's overall well-being. The high-quality protein in these treats supports your dog's health, while the low calorie count of only 5 calories per treat makes them suitable for training purposes.
One notable aspect of Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats is their commitment to using natural ingredients. They are free from harmful additives such as chicken by-product meal, artificial flavors or colors, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, and soy protein. These treats ensure that your dog enjoys a healthy snack during training sessions or as a reward for good behavior. The small size of the cookies caters to pet owners with smaller dogs and those who prefer not to break up larger biscuits.
read more
Where to buy in U.S.A:
www.amazon.com
Price range:
$10 - $15USD
What we like:
Natural ingredients
Free from harmful additives
Low calorie count
Great for training and rewards
What could be better:
Limited flavor variety
Not suitable for berry allergies
read more features and photos
#3 — Milk-Bone Soft Chewy Beef Filet Mignon Dog Treats
Milk-Bone Soft Chewy Beef Filet Mignon Dog Treats
product rating:
- our rating
  96 out of 100
If you are searching for a tasty and nutritious treat for your dog, Milk-Bone Soft and Chewy Beef and Filet Mignon Recipe with Chuck Roast dog treats might be the perfect choice. These treats come in a 25-ounce container and contain real chuck roast, providing a soft and chewy texture that dogs adore. Additionally, they are fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy option for your pet. These treats cater to dogs of all sizes, even those who have had dental work or struggle with chewing harder bones and treats.
The appealing bacon-like scent of these dog treats has been well-received by both dogs and cats. The soft texture allows for easy breaking into smaller pieces, which is ideal for older dogs or those with dental issues. Many pet owners report that their dogs enjoy these treats so much they learn new tricks just to earn them as a reward. The soft texture also works well in treat puzzles or toys, keeping pets entertained and mentally stimulated. Considering their affordability and popularity among pets, Milk-Bone Soft and Chewy Beef and Filet Mignon Recipe with Chuck Roast dog treats are an excellent choice for pet owners seeking to provide their furry friends with a delectable and nutritious treat option.
read more
Where to buy in U.S.A:
www.amazon.com
Price range:
$15 - $20USD
What we like:
Real chuck roast
Soft and chewy
12 vitamins and minerals
For all dog sizes
What could be better:
Limited flavors
Not grain-free
read more features and photos

11 Highest Rated Training Treats

Milk-Bone Mini Flavor Snacks Dog Biscuits
The treats provide essential vitamins, minerals, and promote dental hygiene with their crunchy texture.
- our rating
  98 out of 100
- price range:
  $15 - 18USD
Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries
Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats are made with natural ingredients and are free from harmful additives such as artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and common allergens.
- our rating
  98 out of 100
- price range:
  $10 - 15USD
Milk-Bone Soft Chewy Beef Filet Mignon Dog Treats
These soft treats work well in puzzles or toys, promoting mental stimulation and encouraging dogs to learn new tricks.
- our rating
  96 out of 100
- price range:
  $15 - 20USD
Pet Botanics Pork Liver Training Treats for Dogs
With only 1.5 calories per treat, these dog training treats allow for frequent rewards without overfeeding or weight gain concerns.
- our rating
  95 out of 100
- price range:
  $20 - 24USD
Blue Buffalo Soft-Moist Training Treats
These treats contain natural ingredients and exclude artificial preservatives and colors.
- our rating
  95 out of 100
- price range:
  $15 - 20USD
Cloud Star Chewy Liver Tricky Trainers Dog Treats
With only 3 calories per treat and no wheat, corn, artificial flavors, or colors, these treats promote canine health while supporting training sessions.
- our rating
  94 out of 100
- price range:
  $15 - 20USD
Buddy Biscuits Low Calorie Bacon Training Bites
These treats contain a natural pork liver base, 1.5 calories per treat, and are free of corn, soy, and artificial flavors.
- our rating
  94 out of 100
- price range:
  $10 - 12USD
Zuke's Mini Naturals Chicken Training Dog Treats
Made with real chicken and healthy ingredients like cherries, these treats offer a high-quality and nutritious option.
- our rating
  93 out of 100
- price range:
  $15 - 18USD
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats
Each treat has less than one calorie, allowing multiple rewards during training without exceeding daily intake.
- our rating
  90 out of 100
- price range:
  $20 - 24USD
Merrick Power Bites Recipe Dog Treats
The grain-free and gluten-free formula of Merrick Power Bites ensures suitability for dogs with sensitivities, preventing issues such as upset stomachs or itching.
- our rating
  89 out of 100
- price range:
  $10 - 12USD
Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Dog Training Treats
These treats come in three flavors with a crunchy texture, catering to various canine preferences and enhancing their appeal.
- our rating
  88 out of 100
- price range:
  $5 - 6USD

Other recommended dog treats:

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Questions About Training Treats

Key Features of Effective Dog Training Treats
Dog training treats should have several important features to make sure they work well in teaching dogs good behaviors. These features include:
Fast-eating: Training treats should be easy and quick for the dog to eat. This helps keep the dog's interest and lets them practice more in less time.
Small size: Treats for training should be small, even for big dogs. Pea-sized treats are best because they give a reward without making the dog lose focus. Small treats also help control how many calories the dog eats during training.
Soft and smelly: Soft treats are better than crunchy ones because they are easier and faster for the dog to eat. This helps keep the training going smoothly. Smelly treats are more interesting to dogs, so they are more likely to pay attention.
Variety: Using different kinds of treats during training can help keep the dog interested and excited about their rewards.
Easy to carry: Treats that don't spoil and can be carried around easily are great for quick training sessions or rewarding good behavior. Examples include freeze-dried liver or jerky cut into tiny pieces.
By using treats with these features, dog owners can help their pets stay focused during training. This leads to better results in teaching new behaviors or making old ones stronger.
read more
Choosing the Right Treat for Your Dog's Needs and Likes
To pick the best treat for your dog's needs and likes, think about these things:
Taste preferences: Do a taste test by offering different treats and watching which one the dog likes most. This will help you find high-value, medium-value, and low-value treats for your dog.
Size, age, and diet: Think about your dog's size, age, and any special diet needs when picking treats. Smaller dogs might need even smaller pieces, while dogs with allergies might need certain ingredients.
Training environment: Use high-value treats for hard training sessions or when there are distractions. Medium-value treats can be used more often during training and everyday life. Low-value treats are good for practicing easy behaviors in calm settings.
Nutrition: Pick treats that are good for your dog, like low-fat options for overweight pets or protein-rich treats for active dogs. Talk to a vet to make sure the treats are right for your dog's needs.
read more
How to Avoid Giving Your Dog Too Many Treats
To keep from giving your dog too many treats, follow these steps:
Limit treats to 10% of your dog's daily calories: Treats should not be more than 10% of your dog's daily calories to avoid weight gain and health problems.
Figure out your dog's daily treat amount: Look at the feeding chart on your dog's food bag to see how much food they should get each day based on their weight. Find 10% of the suggested calories and use that as a limit for treats.
Pick low-calorie treats: Choose healthy, low-calorie treats when training your dog. Look for good ingredients that have little sugar and fat.
Break big treats into smaller pieces: If you use high-calorie or big treats, break them into smaller pieces to control how much your dog eats.
Use non-food rewards: Think about other ways to reward your dog during training, like playtime, kind words, petting, or favorite activities.
Watch your dog's weight and health: Keep an eye on your dog's weight and health to make sure they don't gain too much weight from training treats.
read more