What is in my treat bag?

We all know how effective treats can be when teaching our dogs certain behaviors. However, have you ever noticed that your dog loves a particular treat at home but seems indifferent to it when you’re out and about? Or maybe after just 10 minutes of training, they lose interest in their favorite snack? When it comes to treats, variety truly is the spice of life! I always have at least three types of treats in my training bag to keep dogs engaged throughout the session.

So, What Treats Do I Use and Recommend?

If you’ve trained with me, you’ve likely heard me emphasize the importance of using “complete and balanced” food rather than traditional treats if you are going to be giving out a lot of food rewards. Dogs generally perceive this type of food as high value since it’s not their regular meal. Plus, I don’t have to worry about feeding too many treats because I know the food is nutritious (I just adjust their next meal accordingly).

Kiwi Kitchens Air-Dried Food

My top choice is Kiwi Kitchens Air-Dried (not their freeze-dried version which has a different texture that doesn’t hold together as well). These "treats" have a jerky-like consistency that’s moist and meaty, which dogs love. The pieces are perfectly sized for training and can easily be broken down for smaller dogs.

Rawbble and Nulo Freeze-Dried Foods

Both Rawbble and Nulo offer freeze-dried foods that many people use as kibble toppers. These "treats" have a fluffy texture and are easy to crumble, making them perfect for high-distraction scenarios or for picky eaters who need extra motivation. They’re great for quick, easy rewards during training sessions. There are many other brands that make a similar option that are just as good!

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs

Vital Essentials makes freeze-dried "mini nibs" that resemble kibble more than the Rawbble and Nulo options. They’re less crumbly, easy to transport, and relatively small, meaning you can give your dog multiple treats without filling them up too quickly.

Traditional Treats

When giving traditional treats, be sure to read the labels carefully. Many commercial treats contain added sugars (like honey or molasses), which you want to avoid. I also prefer to stay away from starchy treats, like biscuits, and keep things healthy and simple. Just remember that since these options are not "complete and balanced", they should not account for more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.

Single-Ingredient Freeze-Dried Treats

Another fantastic option is freeze-dried single-ingredient treats such as chicken, fish, beef liver, or heart. These "gross" animal parts are a hit with dogs! There are many brands to choose from, and you can find these treats almost anywhere. Some of my favorite brands include Kiwi Kitchens, Northwest Naturals, and Pure Bites. You can also find decent options at places like Trader Joe’s and Costco.

Single-Ingredient Air-Dried Treats

Real Dog Box is a company that offers a subscription box of high quality air-dried treats (and chews too, if you're interested). I use these treats for training and also as a meal topper to add some extra nutrition to my dogs' food bowls. Click the link to get a freebie with your first box!

Jerky Treats

For on-the-go convenience, jerky-style treats are great. You can grab one and break off pieces as needed, eliminating the mess of having lots of small treats floating around in your pocket. Bixbi Jerky Treats are softer than some other jerky options, which some dogs prefer. You can also find chicken jerky strips at most pet stores.

Keep It Interesting!

I’m always experimenting with new and different types of treats because dogs’ preferences can change from day to day or depending on the situation. Just like us, our dogs have their own likes and dislikes, so it’s important to keep things exciting. Keep searching for those irresistible treats that make your dog willing to do anything. Make it interesting and find what works best for your pup!