Good Training Treats for Dogs: What Works Best & Why

Finding the right natural treats can make all the difference in how quickly and happily your dog learns. The right reward keeps your dog motivated, strengthens your bond, and turns training into a positive experience for both of you. 

This guide explores how to select good training treats for dogs that meet their nutritional needs, establish an effective reward system, and safely incorporate these snacks in a balanced diet.

What Counts as a Good Training Treat for Dogs?

Good training treats are small, soft rewards your dog can eat quickly without losing focus, keeping sessions smooth.

Size and Texture That Keep Sessions Moving

Ideal treats are pea-sized and soft for frequent rewards without overfeeding or distracting the dog with chewing.

Key characteristics include:

• Small portions: Prevents getting full during training.

• Quick consumption: Keeps attention on you.

• Easy breaking: Allows portion size adjustment.

Ingredients Dogs Love and Tolerate

High-value proteins like beef or chicken are highly motivating. Single-ingredient options are best for dogs with food sensitivities. These simple ingredients align with natural pet food principles.

Calories and the Ten Percent Rule

To prevent weight gain, treats shouldn't exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake.1 During intensive training, reduce meal portions to account for the extra calories.

Best Types of Training Treats for Dogs

The best dog training treats are natural, nutritious, and motivating enough to keep your pup engaged through every session. Whether you prefer store-bought or homemade options, variety helps maintain focus and excitement. 

Below are some of the most effective and healthy types of training treats to try:

1. Freeze-Dried Raw Meat Treats: Freeze-dried beef, chicken, or salmon are high in protein and full of flavor. They fit well with a low-carb dog food diet and are easy to store and carry.

1. Try freeze-dried salmon dog treats for a lean, high-value option rich in omega-3s, or freeze-dried chicken hearts for a protein-dense, single-ingredient reward. You can also rotate liver treats for dogs to keep your dog excited about training sessions.

2. Soft Natural Treats: Soft treats are great for quick rewards during training. Look for ones made from real meat and without fillers, sugar, or artificial flavors.

3. Kibble: Regular kibble can work for simple commands or everyday reinforcement, though it may not excite dogs learning something new.

4. Healthy Human Foods: You can also use human foods for dogs as their treats. Safe options like cooked chicken or turkey offer lean protein, while apples are a light snack at only 30 calories per half-cup.2

5. Low-Carb Dog Food Bites: For dogs on special diets, you can make small training treats from their regular tasty dog food. This keeps their nutrition consistent while rewarding good behavior.

Smart Ways to Use Training Treats

Knowing how to use dog treats for training is also important to build a better relationship with your pet. Strategic timing and variety will keep your dog engaged.

Pay Scale and Treat Rotation

Use a "pay scale": low-value treats like kibble for known commands, and high-value treats like freeze-dried liver for new skills. Rotating flavors will prevent their boredom.

Timing and Micro Slicing for Efficiency

Reward your dog within seconds of the correct behavior; research shows shorter delays improve learning.3 Keep treats accessible and break them into tiny pieces to offer more rewards without excess calories.

When and How to Fade Food Rewards

Food rewards are temporary. Once a command is mastered, reward intermittently and pair treats with verbal praise. Eventually, praise alone can become the reward.

Storage and Safety Tips

Proper storage keeps treats fresh, safe, and ready.

On the Go Options That Stay Fresh

Shelf-stable, freeze-dried treats travel well and don't leave stains. Fresh treats like cheese or meat are for short sessions and must be used within hours to prevent spoilage.

Raw and Freeze Dried Handling

Refrigerate raw treats and use by their expiration date. When using raw treats, proper handling is crucial for safety. Since raw food can carry bacteria that may make your dog or cat sick, always store it in airtight containers.4 Following established guidelines for a raw dog food diet can help minimize risks.

Avoiding Upset Stomachs

Introduce new treats gradually. Rich, high-fat treats can cause problems; if so, switch to simpler options. It's best to avoid excessive treats or rich foods, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.5

Support Your Dog With Quality Food and Treats

Good nutrition supports training by contributing to a dog's energy and focus. A diet of fresh dog food can be complemented with dog treats made with human-quality ingredients.

For dogs with particular dietary requirements, a veterinarian can provide guidance. They may discuss various options, including specialized diets like therapeutic dog food.

Sources:

1. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Obesity and weight loss in dogs. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/obesity-and-weight-loss-dogs

2. Tufts University Petfoodology. Does an Apple a Day Keep the Vet Away? Harmful vs Healthy Foods for Pets. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2017/12/27/does-an-apple-a-day-keep-the-vet-away-harmful-vs-healthy-foods-for-pets/

3. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Effectiveness of marker training for detection dogs. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1538452/full

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Pet Food Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/pet-food-safety.html

5. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Diarrhea. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/diarrhea