Most dogs' ears prick up at the slightest sound of a bag rustling from across the house.
And their high-powered noses can pick up the scent of something delicious faster than you can say sit!
Because they naturally love food, it’s generally quite easy to train them with treats.
But some dogs are so distracted they need tasty treats to grab their attention for even the easiest of tricks.
If you need a tantalizing snack to keep your dog motivated, check out this list of our favourite 7 high value dog treats for training.
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What's Your Dog's Favorite Treat?
Our dogs tell us what their specific treat hierarchy is.
You can test out your dog’s order like this:
- Present them with 2 different treats and see which they eat first.
- Repeat this 3 to 5 times.
- If they are consistent, or after a couple of repetitions becomes consistent, you know that the treat your dog eats first is of higher value to them.
- If they aren't consistent, the treats are mostly equal to them.
Keep in mind that when training, we only need to use a pea-sized treat that is high enough in value that our dog will work for it. However, we want to really hit the brain with lots of reward, so don’t skimp on the frequency of your rewards when teaching a new behavior!
The more difficult the task or the stronger the association we are trying to make, the higher the value the treat should be. For training
purposes, it's helpful to make a list of your dog’s high value treats. List the treats from highest value to lowest.
Next, when you're working on harder training or in higher distraction areas look over the treats so you know which high value rewards your dog loves.
We’ve created this list to help you find the best high value dog treats for training. They're perfect for teaching everything from a reliable recall to your dog’s next big trick.
Which ones will your dog turn into a furry Einstein to earn?
1. Freeze Dried Liver
Freeze-dried liver is often considered the gold standard of high-value dog treats. It's packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an extremely nutritious option.
The intense meaty flavor is irresistible to most dogs, so it's perfect for training sessions or distracting your pup in challenging situations. Just remember to use small pieces since it’s really rich. A little goes a long way!
It's ideal for teaching new commands or rewarding calm behavior around triggers. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and break into tiny pieces to make it last longer.
Try Stewart's Raw Freeze Dried Beef Livers... My dog says YUM!
2. Cooked Chicken Breast
Lean, protein-rich, and low in fat, cooked chicken breast is a healthy and appealing treat for most dogs. It's easily digestible and can be a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Cut the chicken into small, pea-sized pieces for training or use larger chunks as a special reward. This tasty treat can be used for everything from basic obedience training to agility work.
Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before giving it to your dog. And avoid using seasoned chicken, as added salt, spices, or oils can be harmful to dogs.
3. Cheese
Who doesn’t love cheese? Most dogs go wild for it, making it a fantastic high-value treat!
It’s packed with protein and calcium but should be given in moderation because of the fat content. Low-fat options like mozzarella or cottage cheese are great choices. Cut it into tiny cubes or use string cheese for easy treating during training sessions.
Just keep an eye out if your pup is lactose intolerant. Cheese is perfect for those challenging training moments or as a special reward when they do something amazing!
4. Freeze-Dried Meat (Beef, Chicken, Turkey)
Now let’s talk about freeze-dried meat—these treats are super nutritious and have an intense flavor!
They’re lightweight, easy to carry around, and don’t need refrigeration. Awesome for on-the-go training.
Most of these treats are pure meat without any additives, so they’re healthy too! Break them into small pieces for training or use them as rewards during playtime. They're particularly useful for outdoor training or during walks where you need a portable, non-messy treat option.
My dogs go wild for these Freeze Dried Raw Chicken Hearts.
5. Hot Dogs (In Moderation)
Hot dogs are another crowd-pleaser with dogs thanks to their strong smell and taste!
Just keep in mind they should be used sparingly because they can be high in fat and sodium. Go for low-sodium, low-fat options when you can and cut them into tiny bits to keep calories in check. Hot dogs can be especially useful for outdoor training or in high-distraction environments where you need a particularly enticing treat.
Balance them out with healthier treats to keep things in check!
6. Peanut Butter
Oh man, peanut butter is a classic! It’s creamy, delicious, and packed with protein—what’s not to love?
Make sure you use unsalted and xylitol-free peanut butter to keep it safe for your pup. You can spread some on a lick mat or stuff it into a Kong toy for a fun activity that keeps them busy!
For training, you can use a squeeze tube to give quick rewards, like this easy sqeen peanut butter from Kong. Peanut butter is calorie-dense, so keep an eye on how much you give to avoid giving your pup too many calories.
7. Dehydrated Meat Treats
Dehydrated meat treats are super tasty and nutritious too!
They’re usually made from pure meat without any additives, which is fantastic for your dog’s health. These chewy snacks can be broken into smaller pieces for training or given whole as a longer-lasting reward. Use them during high-value training sessions or as an occasional treat to show your pup some love.
Check the label to make sure there aren’t any weird preservatives in there. Beef lung dehydrated dog treats are a tasty hit for most dogs.
8. Small Fish (Like Sardines or Anchovies)
Small fish like sardines or anchovies are packed with omega-3 fatty acids—great for shiny coats and overall health! They have a strong smell that most dogs find irresistible (just be prepared for some fishy breath!).
Use these sparingly because they pack quite the punch flavor-wise; cut them into small bits for training or offer whole ones as a special treat. They’re especially good if your dog needs extra support for their skin or joints.
If you don't fancy feeding the fish fresh, try these dehydrated sprats for cleaner hands.
9. Wet Dog Food (Canned or Packets)
Soft or canned dog food is also fantastic option for training treats! Dogs usually find the rich aroma and flavor irresistible, which helps keep their attention during sessions.
Plus, it’s nutritionally balanced, so you can use it without worrying about unhealthy ingredients—just adjust their regular meals accordingly. Many brands come in convenient packaging, and you can even use squeeze pouches for mess-free dispensing!
To keep things exciting, rotate flavors or brands and introduce new treats gradually. With its taste and health benefits, soft food can make training sessions enjoyable for your pup!
Why not try a variety pack to get started with these grain-free soft dog food pouches?
10. Commercial Soft Training Treats
Last but not least are commercial soft training treats—they might not be homemade but can still be pretty enticing! Look for ones with real meat as the first ingredient and minimal additives to keep things wholesome.
These treats are convenient and often sized just right for quick rewards during training sessions or walks. They’re especially handy when you need something that won’t crumble everywhere!
Even better?
They're ready straight out of the package for a no-fuss reward.
Both my dogs are big fans of Blue Buffalo Soft-Moist Training Treats.
The Bottom Line ððŧ
Who knew the path to a well-behaved pup could be paved with such delicious morsels?
Keep in mind that your dog's taste buds are as unique as their pawprint. Don't be afraid
to experiment with different flavors and textures. And always make sure to factor treats into your dog’s daily ration and reduce the size of meals to balance it out.
The key is finding that magical morsel that makes your pup motivated to keep learning.
Go ahead, get creative, and turn every training session into a flavor-packed adventure!
