Treats and chews
What are the best training treats for dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
The best training treats are small, soft, low odor free enough to be eaten in one bite without chewing, since a dog that has to stop and gnaw loses training momentum. Soft treats around 2 to 4 kcal each, torn from a roll or a strip of plain cooked meat, tend to work better than crunchy biscuits, which take longer to eat and are harder to portion into tiny pieces.
Why soft beats crunchy for most training
A soft treat can be swallowed in under a second, letting a dog return attention to you almost immediately, while a crunchy biscuit often takes 5 to 10 seconds of chewing, breaking the rhythm of a fast paced session. Soft treats also tear easily into pea sized pieces, which matters when you might be delivering 20 or more rewards in a single session.
Picking the right value for the situation
Everyday treats like small pieces of the dog's regular kibble work fine for practicing known cues at home, while higher value options such as small pieces of plain cooked chicken or cheese, given occasionally and without seasoning, are better saved for teaching new behaviors or training around distractions, where the dog needs extra motivation to compete with the environment.
Practical features worth checking on the label
A treat that stays soft rather than crumbling to dust in a pocket, has minimal odor transfer to your hands and clothes, and lists a calorie count per piece makes daily training noticeably easier to manage. Treats under 5 kcal each give the most flexibility for longer sessions without quickly using up the day's calorie budget.
Key takeaways
- Soft treats that can be swallowed in one bite keep training sessions moving faster than crunchy ones.
- Everyday kibble works for known cues, while higher value treats suit new or distracting situations.
- Look for treats around 2 to 5 kcal each so sessions do not eat into the daily budget quickly.
- A treat that does not crumble and has low odor transfer is easier to carry and use.