Short answer: The right training treat is one your dog really wants, can finish in a few seconds and digests well. Start by choosing a protein source that suits your dog, then a format you can easily give in small pieces. With small pieces, fresh water and treats counted as part of the daily ration, training with treats is manageable for most dogs.
What makes a treat suitable for training?
A good training treat keeps the session flowing. That means little chewing, nothing sticky in your hand and a smell strong enough to keep your dog focused, even outdoors with distractions. Many trainers use a reward ladder: an ordinary treat for exercises your dog already knows, and an extra-tasty one for something new or difficult, such as recall in the woods.
Single-species treats have the advantage that you know exactly what your dog is eating. That helps if something doesn't agree with him.
Which training treat suits my dog?
This collection includes six types. The table shows which protein sources are available for each type and what they're useful for in practice.
| Type | Protein sources in this collection | Useful for |
|---|
| Take & Break | Ostrich, rabbit, duck, venison, horse, fish, lamb, turkey, chicken, tripe, beef | Variety in flavour; according to the label the base is beef meat meal with at least 4 per cent of the named flavour |
| Loops | Lamb, chicken, beef | Daily practice, good value per pack |
| Rolls | Beef, tripe, lamb, chicken | A smaller quantity for trying out a flavour |
| Longtrainers (dried and freeze-dried) | Beef, lamb, horse | Light and airy, easy to break into smaller pieces |
| Vistrainers | Anchovy | Dogs that love fish, training with distractions |
| Naturis Houdbaar Training | Beef or lamb, with sheep fat | A soft reward you cut to size yourself |
- Sensitive stomach or allergy: choose a treat whose label lists a single animal species, such as the lung trainers of beef, lamb or horse, or the fish trainers. Please note: according to the label, the Take & Break treats have a base of beef meat meal, including the ostrich, horse and rabbit flavours. Beef and chicken are the sources most often mentioned in research on food allergy, but that doesn't mean every dog reacts badly to them.
- Small dog or puppy: choose something you can easily make very small, such as lung or a soft reward.
- Lots of distractions: strong-smelling treats such as fish or tripe often hold attention better.
Are training treats safe for puppies and sensitive dogs?
For puppies, soft or airy treats in small pieces work best. To find out what's suitable at each age, take a look at our puppy products. Introduce a new treat gradually, one type at a time, and keep an eye on your dog's stools for a few days. If symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or itching persist, see your vet. You'll find more background in our article on treats and allergies.
Never give training treats in pieces so large that your dog could swallow them whole without chewing, and always make sure fresh water is available.
How do you give training treats without your dog putting on weight?
As a guideline, all treats together should make up no more than about 10 per cent of your dog's daily energy requirement. On an intensive training day, you therefore take a little away from the main food. In practice, it works like this:
- Break or cut the treats into pieces beforehand, roughly pea-sized for small dogs and slightly larger for big dogs.
- Put the day's allowance in a treat pouch; once it's gone, it's gone.
- For easy exercises, feel free to use some of the daily kibble and save the training treats for the moments that matter.
Nutritional values vary by type and by batch; the label on the packaging always takes precedence.
Ingrid's tip: When starting a new course, bring two types: an ordinary one and an extra-tasty one. If you notice your dog losing interest halfway through, switch to the tasty one rather than giving more. That way the quantity stays the same and motivation stays high.
How do you store training treats?
Store dried and freeze-dried treats in a dry place and well sealed, so they don't go soft or absorb moisture. For shelf-stable wet food, follow the instructions on the label, especially once opened. Empty and wash your treat pouch regularly, as crumbs and grease build up inside. Wash your hands after training, especially with raw or strong-smelling treats.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dried and freeze-dried Longtrainers?
Both are made from lung, but freeze-dried is lighter and more brittle, so it crumbles easily. That's handy for very small rewards, but less pleasant in a full trouser pocket.
Can I also give a training treat as a chew?
Training treats are designed to be eaten quickly and offer little chewing. If you want to keep your dog occupied for longer, take a look at our chews.
Can my dog have training treats if he needs to lose weight?
Yes, as long as you count them and adjust the main food. Choose small pieces and use some of the regular kibble for easy exercises.
Why do some training treats smell so strong?
Fish and tripe naturally have a pronounced smell. For many dogs, that's exactly what makes them more appealing, especially outdoors with distractions.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
Not sure which treat suits your dog? Try the treat guide →
