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Best Dog Training Treat Choices

dog training treats
When you're searching for the best dog training treat you'll soon find there are a ton of options out there... but not all of them are wise choices!

These are the important things to look for when you're comparing dog training treats....

  • Great Taste
    This is very important because you want your puppy or dog to be motivated to earn his treat! A 'ho-hum' treat won't get his attention the same way a yummy one will

  • Tiny Size
    The perfect treat for training will be small enough for your pet to just get a taste of how delicious it is, and for him to swallow whole very quickly.

    Keeping your puppy or dog motivated and interested is vital to the success of any training session, and if he gets distracted by a big treat that he has to chew up he'll lose focus. Not to mention he'll get 'full' faster which will disrupt your training efforts and maybe even impact his daily nutritional intake at mealtimes


  • Wholesome Ingredients
    You want to consider the ingredients in all types of dog treats as carefully as you do the ingredients in his dog food! If you're having regular daily training sessions (which is highly recommended), he may be eating quite a few of those treats and you don't want him ingesting a lot of fillers, artificial ingredients, chemicals or 'junk'.

    All natural dog treats that are free from artificial ingredients are best, and a dog training treat that has just one single protein source, is made from hypoallergenic ingredients, or is a grain free dog treat is the best choice for dogs who have food allergies or sensitivities.

    Personally I'd recommend these for ALL dogs, even those who seem to be able to eat anything and everything because they're simply better dogs in general.





Using Dog Training Treats Effectively

Positive rewards-based training is the only type of dog training that actually works, and most of the time a tasty dog training treat is the 'reward' part of the equation. dog training treats
Of course, your puppy or dog also needs some praise along with that treat, and a quick scratch between the ears and a 'good boy!' is very important too.

Some dog trainers and owners prefer to use praise only and that's a perfectly acceptable option and a personal choice, however with puppies in particular I've always found that a treat really helps to speed up the learning process :)

Occasionally a dog won't be especially food-motivated so a training treat isn't really the reward he's looking for. In this situation you can substitute a favorite toy for the treat, or just use lots of praise.

Tips for training with dog treats:

  • Reward your dog immediately after he's been successful - whether it's getting his little butt to hit the floor as he's learning to 'sit', or when he relinquishes his favorite toy when you say 'drop it!' or as he skids to a stop in front of you when you've called 'Come' (this one may take a while, but it will happen if you keep practicing).

    Puppies have short attention spans and memories, so if you don't give him the treat right away, by the time he gets it the cause-and-effect lesson will have been lost!


  • Praise your dog in a low but happy voice at the same time as you give the dog training treat. He needs to know that he's pleased you and that the treat is his reward.

  • Keep training sessions very short and always end on a positive note (ie when he's been successful). If you're struggling with a particular command, finish off the lesson with something he DOES know how to do well, so that he feels good about it. Several short daily training sessions are better than one long one, and for an 8 week old puppy 3 minutes at a time is plenty. You can extend the lessons as your pup matures.

  • To begin with you will need to give a dog training treat every time your pet is successful, but once he's mastered a command or skill and is reliable, start 'phasing out' the treats slowly. You don't need to stop giving them to him altogether, just make it more random so that he's not sure if this time is 'treat time' or not. It will keep him motivated and 'on his toes'.



The Best Dog Training Treat Reviews

So, now you know what to look for in dog training treats, and how to use them effectively, I've compiled a list of the best dog training treat choices.

Here are my Top 5 Dog Training Treats.....


Natural Balance Dog Treat Rolls


best dog training treat choices
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Duck & Potato Formula Treat Roll For Dogs

A dog treat roll is a healthy and inexpensive way to reward your puppy or dog for just about anything.

They make an excellent dog training treat because you'll need LOTS of treats when you're training and these won't break the bank.

Natural Balance Dog Treat Rolls don't just taste good to your pet, they're good FOR him too.

Scientifically formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists and containing only natural, wholesome ingredients this is a tasty, vitamin enriched and nutrient-dense goodie.

This type of dog training treat is one of my favorites because my dogs LOVE it, and it's so versatile too. Can be sliced, chopped or grated into pieces that are the perfect size to use as motivational treats or as a reward (you'll probably see improved focus and concentration as soon as your pup realizes what a tasty treat you're offering!). It's also a great way to disguise any type of medication that your dog needs but doesn't want.

Because they're made with hypoallergenic ingredients (duck and potato) these training treats are perfect for dogs who have dog food allergies or sensitivities. Contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors either.

IMPORTANT: These are dog TREAT rolls, not to be confused with Natural Balance dog FOOD rolls! Whereas the food rolls can be used as an integral part of a dogs daily diet, dog treat rolls don't provide a nutritionally complete diet and should be used as treats only.

Click here for more information or to purchase.




Gimborn Freeze-Dried Liver Dog Training Treats


best dog training treats
Gimborn Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Beef Liver Training Treats for Dogs

Another great all-natural dog training treat is freeze-dried liver (usually beef or chicken liver).

This type of treat is also a 'good for your dog' option as it's made from 100% raw liver which is high in protein. The liver is freeze-dried to maintain the full flavor and nutrient value, and contains no additives or preservatives.

Because there's just one ingredient, it can be also be a good choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to grain or other ingredients.

These treats are a bit 'crumbly' but they're so tasty that you just need a tiny piece makes a perfect dog training treat. I'd recommend either using a sharp knife to cut a larger treat into smaller pieces, or buy the size that's been specifically designed for puppies and small dogs.

In addition to the regular freeze-dried beef liver dog training treat featured, there are these options to choose from:

Gimborn Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats for Small Dogs and Puppies

Gimborn Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Chicken Liver Training Treats for Dogs

Click here to learn more or to purchase.




Wellness Pure Rewards Jerky Bits Dog Treats


all natural dog training treats
Wellness Pure Rewards All-Natural Delicious Chicken & Lamb Jerky Bits Dog Treats

If you're looking for a dog training treat that's quick and easy to use pulled right out of the bag - and tastes great to your dog, these are the perfect choice.

Jerky dog treats are a popular choice with many professional dog trainers and I always keep some handy for impromptu training sessions especially if we have a puppy in the house!

Wellness Pure Rewards are all-natural dog treats which contain 95% high-quality meat and are protein-packed tid-bits that can be given 'as is' or torn into smaller pieces if need be.

You won't find any by-products, 'fillers', artificial additives pr preservatives in one these, and they're also grain free.

They're also available in a range of delicious flavors, either singles such as Beef, Turkey or Venison, or in combinations including Turkey & Salmon, Chicken & Lamb, Venison & Salmon and more.

The Venison or Venison & Salmon are good choices for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities

Wellness Pure Rewards All-Natural Delicious Chicken & Lamb Jerky Bits Dog Treats

Click here to learn more or to purchase.




Old Mother Hubbard Soft & Chewy Bitz Peanut Butter flavor


top dog training treat choices
Old Mother Hubbard Soft & Chewy Bitz Peanut Butter Recipe Dog Treats

Do you have a dog who LOVES peanut butter? I do, Bonnie will do almost anything for a taste of the PB she adores, and a dog training treat like this is a favorite with her.

Made with peanut butter, brown rice and oatmeal these tiny dog treats are a healthy choice and work well as part of a vegetarian or allergy-free diet.

They're so tasty... and a little bit chewy, but small enough to be swallowed quickly therefore perfect for training sessions.

Also available in Liver Recipe and Chicken Recipe varieties.

Click here to learn more or to purchase.




Fruitables All-Natural Dog Treats


best training treats for dogs
Fruitables All Natural Pumpkin & Blueberry Flavored Dog Treats

A Fruitable all-natural dog training treat is a little bit different from your average meat-based dog treat, but most dogs love them and they make a nice change of taste.

These fruity goodies are made in the USA, with US-sourced natural ingredients of the highest quality. No artificial ingredients, no by-products and no wheat, corn or soy.

Packed full of natural anti-oxidants and vitamins to help keep your pet healthy.

Fruitables are perfect as a training treat because they're tiny, tasty and don't make a mess! No crumbling or tearing, and they even smell good too.

Also available in All Natural Pumpkin & Apple, All Natural Pumpkin & Cranberry and more.

Click here to learn more or to purchase.





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