When it comes to dog training, we all know that it helps to have some tasty treats in your back pocket.
All dogs — whether they’re the smallest chihuahua, a mini husky or a hulking great dane — will have a certain treat that they go absolutely nuts for. Different dogs love different tastes, but most pups can’t get enough of treats that are both moist and flavorful, and often meaty!
But while taste is important, so is the nutrition factor.
When we’re using treats for training, we want to make sure that our dogs are getting small bites of healthy goodness that aren’t simply empty calories.
Ideally, treats for dog training should be bite-sized, natural, and perhaps even fortified with extra proteins and vitamins.
What to Avoid…
Definitely avoid any treats that contain any artificial colors and preservatives. If your dog suffers from allergies or digestive problems, you may also want to avoid treats containing gluten, soy or wheat as well.
Many treats are formulated in bite size chunks in order to be best sized for dog training. If they’re too big, your dog could be taking in lots of extra unnecessary calories, especially if they’re on a regular training routine. Some treats, however, are soft enough to be divided into smaller pieces which will do just fine.
7 Of The Best Healthy Treats For Dog Training
Natural Rapport All Natural Freeze-Dried Beef Bites
- Made of 100% meat
- No fillers, additives, gluten, wheat, preservatives, antibiotics, steroids or flavors
- Bite size
- Made in the USA with 100% USDA approved meat
- No refrigeration required so great for traveling
- 8oz of meat per bag – the equivalent of 2lbs of meat
Primal Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Munchies
- High in protein
- Deliciously crunchy
- No preservatives, grain, gluten or antibiotics
- Beef raised in the USA without hormones
- No added salt or sugar
- Lots of different flavors
- Slow-cooked and slow-roasted for healthy flavor
- Single source protein so ideal for dogs suffering from allergies
Nourish Natural Himalayan Nuggets
- Fat-free
- Vegetarian
- Contains 73 grams of protein
- Easy to digest
- Free from gluten, lactose, grains, additives and binding agents
- All-natural
- Provide support to homeless dogs for every item purchased
Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Chicken Strip Dog Treats
- Made of 100% human grade ingredients
- Chickens are farm-raised and cage-free in the USA
- Free from grains, glycerin and fillers
- Comes in 4 different sizes
- USDA certified
- Chicken breast is slow cooked for maximum flavor
- Break apart easily so great for training
Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats
- All natural
- Oven baked
- Lots of different flavors, including peanut butter, liver, chicken and apples, and bacon and cheese
- Bite size
- Deliciously crunchy
- Fun dog bone shape
- No artificial preservatives
- Affiliated with the Well Pet Foundation
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Treats
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Free from grains, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives
- Comes in lots of different meaty flavors, including sweet potato and venison, brown rice and lamb, and potato and duck
- Easy to digest
- Crunchy texture
- Support a limited ingredient diet so great for dogs with allergies
Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats
- All natural with no artificial colors and flavors, corn or soy
- Made in the USA
- Bite size so perfect for training
- Lots of different flavors, each combining two different types of meat – delicious!
- Soft and easy to chew
- Also includes a blend of healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, blueberries, apples and flaxseed
Which healthy treats for dog training are your favorite?
