Best Training Treats for Dogs: What to Look For

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The best training treat is one your dog wants, that is safe, and that you can give in quantity. Small details such as size and texture matter more than the brand.

What to look for

• Small: tiny pieces or easy-to-break treats.
• Soft: quick to eat, so training flows.
• Smelly: strong aroma motivates many dogs.
• Simple ingredients: fewer additives are easier on the stomach.
• Low in calories: so you can reward often.

Commercial options

Soft, meaty training treats are widely available. Check the label for a clear ingredient list, and avoid treats with artificial colors or heavy sugar. Break large treats into small pieces. See how to read a dog food label.

Homemade options

Many owners use simple foods, cooked without seasoning:

• Small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey
• Plain cooked liver, in small amounts
• Small cubes of low-fat cheese, in moderation
• Pieces of cooked sweet potato
• Small pieces of carrot or cucumber for low-calorie rewards

Introduce new foods gradually, and remember that rich foods can upset digestion.

Foods to avoid

Never give:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions, garlic and chives
• Macadamia nuts
• Anything containing xylitol. See is xylitol toxic to dogs
• Cooked bones

If your dog eats something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison hotline.

Sensitive dogs

Dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs need limited-ingredient treats, or their regular kibble. See feeding a dog with food allergies. Ask your vet before trying new foods.

Counting calories

Treats add up. Keep them to a small share of the daily intake, and reduce meals to compensate. Overweight dogs benefit from using their kibble or low-calorie vegetables.

Matching treats to the task

• Easy tasks at home: kibble or small biscuits.
• Medium distractions: soft commercial treats.
• Hard tasks: cooked meat or cheese.

See how to use treats in dog training.

Common mistakes

• Using the same treat for everything. Variety keeps interest high.
• Treats too large. They fill up your dog.
• Dry, crumbly treats. They slow training.
• Ignoring dietary needs. Check with your vet if your dog has health issues.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog refuses treats. Try a different protein, or train before a meal.
• Your dog has diarrhea. Switch to plain food and slow down.
• Your dog gains weight. Reduce treat quantity, and use vegetables.
• Your dog guards treats. Seek help from a trainer.

Storage and prep

Keep treats in sealed containers, and refrigerate fresh foods. Cut them into small pieces ahead of time, and carry them in a pouch.

A sample menu

• Daily practice: part of the regular kibble.
• New skills: soft commercial treats.
• Distractions: cooked chicken or cheese.

Reading labels and choosing wisely

Look for treats with a named meat or fish as the first ingredient and a short ingredient list. Check that the treat is labeled as complete for dogs and that the calorie count is shown per treat. Treats high in salt, sugar or artificial preservatives are best avoided, especially for small dogs.

If your dog has health issues such as pancreatitis, kidney disease or diabetes, talk to your vet before choosing treats. Also remember that puppies and seniors have different needs, and small bites of their regular food may be the best option. When trying a new treat, offer a very small amount first, and watch for any stomach upset or itching over the next day or two.

The takeaway

Choose small, soft, safe treats, and match their value to the task. Keep an eye on calories and avoid risky foods.