Healthiest dog treats for training

Treats serve as a form of positive reinforcement, which means that when a dog performs a desired behavior, they are rewarded with a tasty treat. This encourages your pooch to behave the same way in the future.

The best treats for dog training are those that are both highly palatable to your pup and appropriately sized for quick consumption during training sessions. Here are some factors to consider when selecting treats for training and some popular options:

High Value and Palatability

Choose treats that your dog finds extremely enticing. Treats with a strong aroma and delicious flavours can help maintain your dog's attention and motivation during training.

Mitzi’s personal favourite is the paté from JR Pet Products. It comes in so many flavours and you can chop it up into small pieces and take it on walks with your pooch. Freeze it, keep it fresh or squash it onto a licky mat. Whatever works for you and your pooch.

Size Matters:

Select treats that can be quickly consumed so that training sessions flow smoothly. Small, bite-sized treats work best for this purpose.

Nutritional Value:

Opt for treats that are not overly high in calories to avoid overfeeding. Look for treats with balanced nutritional profiles.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions:

Be aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions your dog may have and choose treats accordingly. There are many hypoallergenic and limited-ingredient options available.

Soft and Chewy vs. Crunchy:

Soft and chewy treats are often preferred for training because they can be quickly eaten. However, some dogs may prefer crunchier treats, so consider your dog's preference.

Easy to Break into Smaller Pieces:

Some treats can be easily broken into smaller bits, which is useful when you want to provide multiple rewards during a single training session without overfeeding.\

No Artificial Additives:

Look for treats that are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Natural and minimally processed treats are generally a healthier choice.

Protein-Based Treats:

Many dogs are highly motivated by protein-rich treats, such as freeze-dried meat or high-quality jerky.

Variety:

To prevent your dog from becoming bored with the same treat, consider having a few different types of treats on hand to keep training sessions exciting.

One of mine and Mitzi’s all time favourite companies is JR Pet Products. JR Pet Products sell a range of products such as duck, goat, venison, chicken and salmon, as well as many more. From their paté which is perfect for training, to chews, treats and unique products, everything is 100% meat and super healthy for dogs.

Outside of JR Pet Products, there are a few different treats that you could use for training:

Zuke's Mini Naturals: These small, soft treats come in various flavours and are low in calories.
Blue Buffalo Bits: Blue Buffalo offers a variety of soft and chewy training treats with real meat as the main ingredient.
Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze-Dried Liver Treats: These are pure, single-ingredient liver treats that are highly palatable to most dogs.
Himalayan Dog Chews: These long-lasting chews can be broken into small pieces and are a great option for dogs with a love for cheese.

Remember that individual dogs have different tastes and preferences, so you may need to try a few different options to find the treats that your dog loves the most during training sessions.

It's important to use treats thoughtfully in training, considering factors like the type of treat, your dog's dietary needs, and the specific behaviour you are working on. Using treats in conjunction with other training methods, like praise and play, can help create a well-rounded and effective training program for your dog.

Additionally, always consider your dog's dietary needs and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the treats you choose for training.