Today, we’re taking a tail-wagging tour of the best dog training treats of 2024! As pet parents, we know that training our furry friends is an art and a science, blending patience with the right kind of rewards — but just what exactly makes the perfect training treat?
Here’s what to consider:
- Flavor Variety: From classic chicken liver to unique peanut butter and sweet potato, choose flavors that tantalize your dog’s taste buds.
- Nutritional Content: Look for health-boosting ingredients like fatty acids, antioxidants, and human-grade components, ensuring each treat is a step toward wellness.
- Appropriate Size: Whether it’s small pieces for tiny pups or chunkier bites for larger breeds, the right size ensures ease of feeding and a mess-free experience.
- Special Dietary Needs: Options like grain-free, low-calorie, and freeze-dried treats cater to dogs with sensitive stomachs and specific dietary requirements.
- Quality and Safety: Aim for high-quality, high-value treats without fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. This promotes safety and health.
Our guide promises to be your one-stop resource, whether you’re scrolling through Amazon, seeking advice from professional dog trainers, or browsing the aisles of Petco. Let’s find the perfect training rewards that keep your dog healthy, happy, and eager to learn. Get ready for a journey filled with chewy, crunchy, and irresistibly healthy choices!
Best for All-Around Training and Health Support: Blue Buffalo Bits Soft-Moist Dog Training Treats
Key specs: Chicken-flavored, semi-moist, suitable for all life stages
Blue Buffalo Bits combines nutrition with training, offering a delectable and healthy choice for pet parents.
Pros
These treats shine with dual functionality. The main ingredient, real chicken, is a hit with dogs, ensuring they’re eager for more. Perfect for quick rewards, their soft texture is easy on canine teeth.
Ideal for small to medium breeds, they can be broken into smaller pieces for portion control. Health-wise, they’re packed with DHA for cognitive development and ingredients that support digestive health and a glossy coat.
Cons
The downside? They’re a bit messy. The beefy residue can be troublesome for on-the-go training, requiring frequent clean-ups.
Best for Training Reinforcement: Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Training Treats for Dogs
Key specs: Liver flavor, suitable for all life stages, 2 calories per treat, 450 treats per bag
Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are designed to captivate and motivate your dog throughout training sessions.
Pros
Their liver flavor is irresistible to dogs, aiding in maintaining focus during training. Each treat, containing only 2 calories, is ideal for extended sessions without overfeeding concerns. The natural, USA-made treats come in a generous count of 450 per bag. They’re a perfect blend of taste and nutrition, reinforcing good dog behavior.
Cons
However, their tendency to crumble is a drawback. The crumbly nature can lead to a mess in treat pouches and potential inaccuracies in treat counts. This minor issue slightly mars an otherwise excellent training aid.
Best for Tail-Wagging Training Sessions: Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats
Key specs: Human-grade, all-natural ingredients, free-range beef
Tempt your four-legged friend with Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, a high-value training snack that’s as appealing to pet parents as it is to pooches.
Pros
These training treats are a hit with dogs and owners alike, thanks to their uncompromising quality. They’re crafted from 100% all-natural ingredients and U.S.-grown free-range beef, meeting rigorous USDA standards. Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies, they avoid common irritants like glycerin, grains, and soy.
The inclusion of nutrient-rich cassava root and rosemary extract elevates these treats from mere snacks to a wholesome training aid. They’re a perfect combination of delicious and nutritious, making every training session a delightful experience for your furry companion.
Cons
These treats might not be suitable for dogs with specific protein allergies, as they contain a blend of meats despite the “all beef” label. They also come with a premium price tag.
Best for Puppy Training and Overall Wellness: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Treats for Training
Key specs: Lamb and salmon flavor, grain-free, all-natural ingredients, 6 calories per treat
Elevate your puppy’s training with Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, where nutritious meets delicious in every bite-sized treat.
Pros
These soft treats are a jackpot for puppy training. They’re packed with lamb and salmon, offering high-quality proteins vital for your puppy’s growth. The salmon also provides DHA, an essential nutrient for brain health.
They’re grain-free, making them a safe option for puppies with allergies or sensitive stomachs. The ingredient list includes healthy additions like chickpeas, carrots, and blueberries, creating a treat that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
And with only 6 calories per treat, they’re great for maintaining a balanced diet during training. Plus, their small size is perfect for tiny mouths, and being made in the USA, quality is assured.
Cons
These treats may not appeal to all dogs, especially larger breeds, who might find them less satisfying due to their small size. The absence of strong scents like corn or wheat might make them less attractive to some dogs.
Some puppies may not be enticed by the natural flavors, preferring more traditional tastes. While they promote health and wellness, their higher cost could be a hurdle for some dog owners.
Best for Rewarding and Training All Dog Breeds: Bocce’s Bakery Training Treats for Dogs
Key specs: Duck & blueberry flavor, all life stages, chewy, low-calorie
Bocce’s Bakery Training Treats, with their alluring Duck & Blueberry flavor, turn dog training into a delightful experience. Ideal for all dog breeds, they blend taste with health in each chewy, low-calorie morsel.
Pros
Bocce’s Bakery is the Picasso of dog treats, merging artistry with canine wellness. Each treat, a lightweight champion at only four calories, is a dream come true for pet parents mindful of their dog’s waistline.
They’re a culinary masterpiece of natural ingredients, free from wheat, corn, and soy — a blessing for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Crafted in the USA, these treats are a testament to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Plus, their petite size is perfect for any training scenario, ensuring even the tiniest of tricks is rewarded appropriately. Bocce’s origin story, blossoming from a New York kitchen, adds a sprinkle of charm, echoing a deep-rooted passion for pet health and happiness.
Cons
However, for the big boys and girls of the dog world, these treats might feel like a teaser rather than a full-fledged reward. Ideal for smaller breeds, their size could leave larger dogs craving more.
Best for All-Stage Canine Training: Rocco & Roxie Jerky Sticks
Key specs: Beef flavor, all-natural ingredients, suitable for all life stages
Rocco & Roxie’s Jerky Sticks are a feast for canines of all ages. Made from premium American beef and free from artificial additives, these treats are a healthy, chewy delight.
Pros
Rocco & Roxie’s Jerky Sticks are like a carnivore’s dream in snack form. Made with top-notch beef and zero artificial additives, they’re the epitome of a wholesome treat. And the slow roasting? It’s not just for show — it amps up the flavor and nails that chewy texture dogs can’t resist.
Perfect for training, these sticks double as an encouragement tool, making learning a tasty adventure. On the human side of the equation, they’re a clean treat, leaving no trace of grease or smell on your hands.
Cons
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The consistency of these sticks is off. Some show a shift toward tougher, less pliable textures. This inconsistency can throw a wrench in your training routine.
Best for Weight-Conscious Training: Nulo Freestyle Trainers Dog Treats
Key specs: Salmon flavor, low-calorie, grain-free, 4-ounce bag
Nulo Freestyle Trainers are the superheroes of the dog treat world, designed for those who value both waistline and wagging tails. Every bite is a fusion of flavor and health, with real salmon leading the charge.
Pros
Nulo’s treats are a masterstroke for the health-conscious: each treat is a mere 2 kcals, perfect for maintaining your dog’s sleek figure. The salmon-centric recipe is a flavor fest jazzed up with honey, cherries, and blueberries.
These grain-free gems cater to diverse canine diets, making them an inclusive choice. They’re like mini health packages, ensuring your dog’s training comes with a side of wellness.
Cons
However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dogs with special dietary needs might need to pass on these. Their irresistible taste can lead to a rapidly emptying bag, posing a challenge for budget-conscious pet parents or those with treat-loving pups. Ideal for sporadic treats, they may require rationing during extensive training sessions.
Best for Rewarding Bigger Breeds: Wag Training Treats for Dogs
Key specs: 1-pound bag, chicken flavor, pellet form
Wag Training Treats are the knights in shining armor for larger breeds, bringing both flavor and size to the training table. With their American chicken essence, they’re a serious contender in the treat arena.
Pros
These treats are a culinary delight, blending quality ingredients like chicken, pea starch, and blueberries minus any unwanted additives. They’re a mini feast, ensuring larger dogs remain engaged and well-behaved.
Produced in the USA, they offer a seal of trust and top-tier quality. The resealable pouch is a nifty bonus, ensuring freshness and a clutter-free kitchen.
Cons
Yet, they might not be the go-to for smaller breeds or calorie-watchers. Larger than typical training treats, they could lead to an unintended calorie surplus. For those seeking frequent rewards, especially for smaller dogs, they might be a bit much.
While marketed as soft, some batches might not hit the mark in chewiness, potentially disappointing those who prefer gentler treats.
Best for All Dog Ages, Focused Training Sessions: Pupford Freeze Dried Dog Training Treats
Key specs: Shrimp flavor, suitable for all life stages, granule form, over 285 treats per bag
Unleash a new era of training efficiency with Pupford Freeze Dried Dog Training Treats. These shrimp-flavored morsels are the secret to keeping your dog focused and eager to learn.
Pros
Pupford’s shrimp treats are a culinary jackpot for your pooch. Healthy and low-calorie, they ditch the fillers for pure, flavor-packed goodness. Ideal for keeping your dog’s interest spiked during training sessions, they come generously packed with over 285 treats. Plus, their association with free training videos adds unbeatable value.
Cons
The crunch factor in these treats might not be ideal for puppies preferring chewy bites. The price tag is a bit hefty for a 4-ounce bag, and size inconsistency could lead to swift consumption, especially by larger breeds, impacting cost-conscious pet parents.
Best for Training and Frequent Treating: Old Mother Hubbard Training Bitz
Key specs: Bite-sized, 2 calories per treat, made in North America
Old Mother Hubbard Training Bitz are mini motivators. These bite-sized morsels, packing a savory punch, are perfect for keeping your dog focused without overfeeding.
Pros
These treats are a mix of taste and health, blending chicken, whole wheat, and natural extracts. Perfect for various training scenarios or as a quick snack, they uphold North American quality standards. Their crunchy texture is a dental hygiene bonus, doubling up the benefits of snack time.
Cons
These sizeable treats might challenge smaller breeds or training styles favoring smaller rewards. While excellent for a quick motivation boost, their size can slow down rapid reward-based training sessions.
Best for Enriched Training Sessions: iPaw Premium Dog Treats for Training
Key specs: Fish Bites flavor, suitable for all life stages, granule form
Discover iPaw Premium Dog Treats, the epitome of health and taste for your canine companion. These treats are full of nutritious goodness, catering to your dog’s wellness and taste preferences.
Pros
Why choose iPaw? Because they’re a cut above. High in protein and calcium, thanks to the bonito and cheese powder, these treats are a health fest in a bite. They’re perfect for any dog at any age, and their granular form ensures easy digestion. Moreover, they’re quite nutritious for your dog’s skin and coat, thanks to omega-3s and vitamins.
Cons
There’s a slight catch, though. These treats need a bit of preparation — chopping for smaller mouths or aged companions. This extra step could slow down an energetic training session.
Best for Home Baking Enthusiasts: YIGWANG 55 Pcs Dog Treat Maker, Make Your Own Dog Treats Kit
Key specs: Apple-flavored, 55-piece set with various molds and treat bags
Embrace the joy of baking with the YIGWANG Dog Treat Maker Kit, a gateway to creating delightful memories with your pet by your side.
Pros
This kit is a baking bonanza! The user-friendly design, with safe, plastic-covered handles, makes treat creation a breeze. Versatile silicone molds allow you to explore beyond dog treats, inviting the whole family into the fun.
Plus, the personalized treat bags add a touch of charm, making this set a wonderful gift for dog aficionados or a self-treat.
Cons
The drawback? Packaging woes. Some kits have arrived with scuffs and disheveled contents, a disappointment for those gifting this thoughtful item. A quick inspection upon delivery might be wise.
The Bottom Line
In the dynamic world of dog training treats, variety reigns supreme. Whether it’s health, flavor, or training effectiveness, these 12 options cater to every canine need. Choose wisely and turn every training session into a moment of bonding and delight for your furry friend.
Sources:
- 12 Health Benefits of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) | Healthline
- Specifications & U.S. Grade Standards | Food and Nutrition Service
- Pea Starch: A Growing Industry Aimed To Offer Alternative To Traditional Animal Feed And Modified Starch | Allied Market Research Blog
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids & the Important Role They Play | Cleveland Clinic
