Best Snacks and Treats to Fuel Your Dog’s Training Success

Training your dog is all about consistency, timing, and motivation—and the right treats can make all the difference. Whether you’re teaching basic commands or advanced skills, using the best snacks and treats helps reinforce good behavior, keep your dog focused, and build a stronger bond.

But not all treats are created equal. Some are better suited for quick rewards, while others are more satisfying for high-value moments. In this post, we’ll explore the best treats for training and how to use them for maximum success.

What Makes a Great Training Treat?

Before diving into specific options, here’s what to look for in a good training treat:

• Small & Soft: Training requires repetition. Treats should be bite-sized and easy to chew so your dog can eat them quickly and stay engaged.

• High-Value: Use treats your dog loves, especially when teaching new or difficult behaviors.

• Healthy Ingredients: Avoid treats high in fillers, sugars, and artificial additives. You want snacks that support your dog’s overall well-being.

• Low-Calorie: Since you’ll be giving multiple treats during a session, it’s important to keep the calorie count in check to avoid weight gain.

Top Training Treats for Dogs

1. Commercial Training Treats

Many reputable brands offer purpose-made training treats that are soft, small, and low in calories. Look for:

• Single-protein treats (like chicken or salmon)

• Grain-free or limited ingredient options for dogs with sensitivities

• Brands with transparent sourcing and high-quality ingredients

2. Boiled Chicken or Turkey

A classic high-value option. Lean, plain-cooked poultry is irresistible to most dogs and easy to cut into tiny pieces.

3. Cheese (in moderation)

Small bits of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, are a rich and flavorful treat. Use sparingly, as cheese is high in fat and may not suit all dogs.

4. Freeze-Dried Liver

Beef, chicken, or lamb liver is packed with nutrients and flavor. Freeze-dried versions are shelf-stable and easy to break into small chunks.

5. Dehydrated Fish or Meat Treats

Dehydrated salmon skin, cod, or duck are excellent options for dogs who crave variety. They’re high in protein and ideal for more intense training sessions.

6. Baby Carrots or Apple Slices

For dogs who enjoy crunchier textures, small carrot coins or apple chunks (without seeds) can work as refreshing, lower-calorie options.

7. Homemade Dog Treats

Making your own training treats allows full control over ingredients. Simple recipes using oats, pumpkin, peanut butter (xylitol-free), or banana can be baked into soft, bite-sized rewards.

How to Use Treats Effectively

• High-Frequency Rewards: Use smaller, less rich treats for basic training where you need to reward frequently.

• High-Value Moments: Save richer or favorite treats for new or more difficult behaviors.

• Mix It Up: Rotate treat types to prevent boredom and keep your dog guessing what’s coming next.

• Don’t Overfeed: Adjust your dog’s daily food intake to account for treats during training.

• Fade the Treats Over Time: As your dog masters commands, reduce treat frequency and replace with praise, toys, or affection.

Ready to unleash your dog’s potential? Visit Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads to explore our expert training programs that promise exceptional obedience and a strong bond with your canine companion. Whether you’re in the Hampton Roads area or NE North Carolina, our proven system will help your dog excel off-leash. Contact us today at (757) 296-8366 to start your journey towards a more obedient and joyful relationship with your dog