Training Treats for dogs
Dog training treats are one of the most important tools for any owner who works with their dog—whether it’s basic obedience at home, agility, or even nosework. They’re not just a tasty treat for the dog, but a well-thought-out tool for positive reinforcement. A good training treat must meet clear criteria: it should be small, easily digestible, have a strong scent, and motivate the dog enough to make it worth the effort. When choosing training treats, it’s worth focusing on size, ingredients, and how your specific dog reacts to a given treat—because motivational value is always individual.
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DOG TREATS JERKY FULL OF MEATA tasty meat reward enriched with rose hips, cranberries, glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. We've selected the highest quality...
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What Makes a Good Training Treat
The key is a small size—the treat should be small enough for the dog to swallow in a second and be ready for the next command immediately. The ideal size is about the size of a thumb joint or smaller. The texture should be soft or semi-soft—this prevents the dog from eating the treat too quickly or gulping it down; a hard treat, on the other hand, would unnecessarily delay training. A strong meat aroma is a major advantage, especially when training in a busier environment full of distractions. The same rule applies to the ingredients as with other treats—the higher the meat content and the shorter the ingredient list, the better. For dogs with allergies or sensitive digestion, natural treats or single-protein options with one source of protein are suitable.
When choosing, we recommend focusing mainly on three things
Dog size and training intensity – for small breeds, choose the smallest sizes; for larger dogs, slightly larger pieces may be suitable. The more intense and longer the training, the more important it is for the treat to be low in calories to prevent overfeeding.
Motivational value – not every treat excites every dog equally. Dogs with lower food motivation often need to be enticed with more distinctive and aromatic varieties, such as those with salmon, duck, or venison.
Ingredients – look for treats free of glycerin, gluten, and unnecessary preservatives. Digestibility is also important – during training, dogs consume treats in larger quantities, so they shouldn’t be hard on the digestive system
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a dog training treat be?
The rule is simple – the smaller, the better. The ideal training treat should be small enough for the dog to swallow in a second or two without having to chew. For small breeds, these can be pieces with a diameter of 5–8 mm; for larger dogs, slightly larger. If you have a larger treat, feel free to cut or tear it into smaller pieces.
How many training treats can a dog receive during a single training session?
It depends on the length of the training session, the dog’s size, and the treat’s caloric value. Training treats should not exceed approximately 10% of the dog’s daily energy intake. If you train intensively or daily, subtract the corresponding amount from the dog’s regular food portion to prevent weight gain.
Why doesn’t my dog respond to treats during training?
There could be several reasons—the treat simply doesn’t interest him, he’s too full, or his surroundings distract him more than the reward. Try swapping the treat for a more aromatic option—natural treats made from dried meat with a strong scent work great, for example. Reduce the amount of food before training and start in a quieter environment without distractions. Some dogs respond better to play than to food—for them, it’s good to combine both types of rewards.
Are training treats suitable for puppies too?
Yes, and for puppies, they are actually one of the most important training tools. For puppies, choose the softest and smallest options—ideal are soft dog treats labeled by the manufacturer as suitable for young dogs. Always introduce a new treat gradually and monitor their digestive response.
Can I use part of their regular meal as a training treat?
Yes, and for dogs with lower motivation for treats, this can actually be more effective—the dog receives something it would eat anyway for following a command. Simply set aside part of the morning or evening kibble portion in a treat pouch and use it during training. The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about extra calorie intake.
How can you practically carry treats during training?
A treat pouch is ideal—a special pouch that attaches to your belt or pants and allows for quick one-handed access. A plastic bag in your pocket works too, but it’s less practical. For treats that can get squished or are greasy, you’ll appreciate a sturdier container with a lid.