Best Healthy Dog Treats for Training

I’m asked all the time by our foster dog adopters, ‘What are the best dog treats for training?’ I have several go-to brands that I like to recommend. These brands are known for their high-quality, limited-ingredient training treats.

Look for Healthy Dog Treats

Avoid dog treats full of food dye and other ingredients you can’t pronounce. Ever since we learned our dog Ginger has food allergies, I’ve become an ingredient label reader. And let me just say, it’s been an eye-opening experience.

You’d be amazed at some of the ingredients of some dog food brands. I have read all the labels for each of the training treats listed below to help you save time. 

The Ingredient List Facts

Another interesting fact I learned is that any ingredient listed after SALT is less than 1%. You’d be surprised at how many dog food companies claim to be full of fruits and veggies, yet those ingredients are often listed last. I actually try to avoid salt altogether; in my opinion, it’s an unnecessary ingredient for our dogs.

Avoid any packaging that says, “chicken flavor” or “bacon flavor”. This is usually a warning sign that it contains NO chicken or bacon. Read the label carefully before making a purchase.

If the first ingredient is sugar, run far, far away and fast. The first ingredient should always be the protein, or fruit in the case of the Fruitables treats.

What if My Dog Has Allergies?

I feel your frustration… It’s hard to find treats when your dog has food allergies. As I mentioned earlier, our dog Ginger does have allergies, so we closely monitor everything she eats. Many of the treats I’ve listed below are very limited-ingredient, but every dog is allergic to something different.

Dog Treats for Training List

Let’s get right into it. Here are my top dog treats for training. Most of these brands have several different protein options. If I list beef or salmon, simply click on the item, and you can search for other options. 

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

1. Fruitables

My absolute favorite for our dogs. One of the few options is that I can feed Ginger without worrying about her allergies. I like the minis for agility training, but I also use the crunchy treats for occasional training moments.

Crunchy Flavors Available: Pumpkin & Blueberry, Bacon & Apple, Pumpkin & Banana, Pumpkin & Apple, Pumpkin & Cranberry, Sweet Potato and Pecan, Strawberry Yogurt, Vanilla Yogurt, Coconut Yogurt,

Soft Skinny Mini Flavors Available: Pumpkin & Berry, Apple & Bacon, Grilled Bison, Chicken, Watermelon

2. PureBites Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

These are literally one-ingredient treats. They are easily broken into smaller pieces if desired. They are usually stinky, but that’s good for training!

Proteins Available: Chicken Breast, Beef Liver, Turkey, Salmon, Lamb, Cheddar Cheese, Ocean Whitefish

3. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Treats

Freeze-dried and available in many different unique proteins.

Proteins Available: Minnows, Rabbit, Chicken Hearts, Beef, Duck, Salmon, Beef Tripe, Turkey Giblets, Chicken Breast

4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats

Zuke’s has great natural ingredient dog training treats. I recommend the minis because they are small and the perfect size for training.

Flavors Available: Peanut butter and oats, Duck, Chicken, Pork, Salmon, Rabbit

5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Training Treats

Another great source for freeze-dried treats. While they aren’t one-ingredient, the other items are all healthy for your dog.

Proteins Available: Lamb Liver, Chicken Breast, Lamb Heart, Beef Heart

6. Stewart Pro-Treat

Steward Pro has single-ingredient and multi-ingredient freeze-dried dog treat options. We buy these every couple of months from Chewy.

Flavors Available: Beef liver, Chicken liver, Chicken breast, Duck liver, Lamb liver, Turkey liver, Beef with berries and flaxseed, Chicken with berries and flaxseed, Turkey with berries and flaxseed.

7. K9 Natural

Very limited ingredient with an interesting option of the green mussels.

Flavors Available: Green Mussels, Lamb, Beef, Chicken

8. Nulo FreeStyle Trainers

This is a new one to me and I can’t wait to try it. They are very small bites, making it perfect for agility training! They also offer jerky treats, so avoid using those for training.

Proteins Available: Salmon, Duck, Turkey

9. Plato Small Bites

Super small bites make it great for training.

Proteins Available: Organic Chicken, Duck, Salmon

Is It Okay to Train My Dog with Treats?

To be honest, there was a time I thought I would never use treats for training my dog. But I’ve learned over the years that treats are a great way to train a dog to love learning.

Make sure whatever treats you choose are small and can be easily and quickly chewed. You don’t want to interrupt quality training time with your dog chomping away at a big, crunchy biscuit. Plus, he will end up gaining a lot of weight if you feed him too much!

This brings me to another great point… if you are doing a lot of treat training, make sure to cut back on his regular kibble feedings. The last thing you want is an overweight and unhealthy dog.

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Finding Your Dogs’ High-Value Treat

If you’ve ever taken a dog training class, you’ve probably heard the trainer reference high-value treats. A high-value treat is one that YOUR dog can’t get enough of. It’s a treat that your dog will do anything for, drop what he’s doing, and run to you.

Think of your favorite food; is it chocolate, ice cream, pizza, or maybe lobster? Whatever it is, close your eyes and start thinking about this food. Does your mouth start to water? Are you craving this food now? This is the reaction you want your dog to have.

Find what your dog loves and use that treat only for training. It may take a few trial and errors, but that’s okay… it could be chicken, beef, or maybe a smelly freeze-dried fish treat. Whatever it is, this will help you get your dog to listen to you much quicker.

Now It’s Your Turn

I highly recommend buying 3-4 different brands and/or flavors and testing which your dog values the most. Rotate and switch flavors periodically to keep them engaged.

I would love to know if you have a favorite brand of dog training treats. And what are your dog’s favorites? Leave a comment below, it could help someone else looking for something new.

Next on your reading list:

5 Quick Ways to Train Your Dog in 3 Minutes a Day