7 Best Puppy Training Treats for Positive Reinforcement in 2026

As a dog owner, you know that choosing the right training treats can make or break your puppy’s progress, especially with so many options promising positive reinforcement. In 2026, the best treats focus on natural, wholesome ingredients, low calories, and flavors like chicken, beef, or salmon—perfect for keeping your pup motivated without overloading on junk. Think small, soft treats that can be broken easily and stored in resealable pouches to keep freshness. Curious about which options really stand out and how they can improve your training game?

Buddy Biscuits Trainers Dog Treats, Beef, 10 oz

If you want a dog treat that works well for training and everyone loves, Buddy Biscuits Trainers Dog Treats in Beef flavor are a good choice. These treats are soft and chewy, making them easy for dogs of all ages and sizes to enjoy. They come in a 10 oz bag with over 500 treats, so you have plenty for training sessions.

These treats are made with real beef and pork liver. They taste great and are easy for your dog to chew. Since each treat has only 1.5 calories, you can give treats often without worrying about overeating. They are baked in the oven and don’t have any artificial ingredients. That makes them a healthy reward for your dog.

These treats are perfect if you want a tasty and healthy option. They are soft and easy to break into smaller pieces. This makes them good for puppies and older dogs who might have trouble chewing hard treats.

However, they only come in beef flavor. Some dogs might want a different taste. The bag size is 10 oz, so if you have many dogs or use treats often, you might run out fast. Also, because they don’t have sweet or savory added flavors, some dogs may not be as excited about them as treats with added flavors.

Buddy Biscuits Bacon Flavor Dog Training Treats

Buddy Biscuits Bacon Flavor Dog Training Treats are great for training your dog. They are soft and chewy, making them easy for dogs to eat. Each treat is made with natural pork liver and bacon flavor, so dogs love the taste. The ingredients are simple and do not include fillers like corn or soy.

Each treat has about 1.5 calories. This makes them good for giving lots of treats without making your dog gain weight. They come in a 10 oz. pouch with around 500 treats. That means you won’t run out during long training sessions.

Dogs get excited about the bacon smell, which helps make training more fun. These treats are perfect for small or sensitive dogs because they are easy to chew and gentle.

Best for: Dog owners and trainers who want tasty, low-calorie treats for small or sensitive dogs during training.

Pros:

• Made with natural ingredients, including pork liver and bacon flavor.
• Low in calories, about 1.5 per treat.
• Comes in a resealable pouch with about 500 treats.

Cons:

• The treats are small, so big dogs may need more than one at a time.
• Some dogs might prefer stronger flavors or different scents.
• Currently, the treats only come in bacon flavor.

These treats are simple, tasty, and easy to use. They can help you reward your dog and make training a little easier and a lot more fun.

Wellness Puppy Treats, Grain-Free Lamb & Salmon

Looking for a healthy treat to reward your puppy? Wellness Puppy Treats in Grain-Free Lamb & Salmon are a great choice. These treats are soft and small, making them easy for training. They are made with simple, natural ingredients, and they only contain high-quality lamb and salmon.

Since they are grain-free, they don’t have corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors. They’re made in the USA using ingredients from around the world. The treats have added vitamins, which help support your puppy’s growth and brain development. Each treat has about six calories, so you can give them often without worry.

These treats are good for puppies of all breeds and activity levels. They are easy to chew and perfect for training sessions. Just keep in mind that they are treats, not a full meal. It’s best to give them as a reward or a small snack.

Pros:

• Made with high-quality lamb and salmon
• Soft and small for easy training and chewing
• Free from grains and artificial ingredients

Cons:

• Around 6 calories per treat, so don’t overdo it
• Not a full meal, just a snack
• Only available in Lamb & Salmon flavor

If you want a healthy, tasty treat for your puppy, these Wellness treats are a good pick. They support health and are easy to give during training or fun times.

Blue Buffalo Puppy Training Treats with Chicken

Blue Buffalo Puppy Training Treats with Chicken are a great choice if you want healthy and tasty rewards for your puppy. These treats are made with real chicken as the main ingredient. That means your pup gets high-quality protein to help build strong muscles and stay healthy. The treats are soft and easy to bite, perfect for training sessions. They are also enriched with DHA, which helps your puppy’s brain grow and stay sharp. Plus, these treats have no artificial preservatives, colors, corn, wheat, or soy. That makes them good for puppies with sensitive stomachs. They come in a small 4-ounce bag, so they are easy to carry with you everywhere. Use these treats to keep your puppy happy and motivated during training.

Best for: Puppies of all sizes who need tasty, healthy treats to learn and grow.

Pros:

• Made with real chicken for good protein.
• Enriched with DHA for brain growth.
• Free from artificial stuff, corn, wheat, and soy.

Cons:

• Small treats may not be best for large dogs with big mouths.
• Only available in a small 4-ounce bag.
• These treats are for training, not for feeding your puppy as a main food.

Pupford Freeze-Dried Dog & Puppy Training Treats

If you want treats that help train your dog and keep them healthy, try Pupford Freeze-Dried Dog & Puppy Training Treats. These treats are all-natural. They are made with just chicken and maybe some extras. This makes them low in calories and good for your dog.

The treats are small. They are easy to carry and don’t make a mess. You won’t get oily hands or crumbs everywhere. They are perfect for training when you’re out and about. Whether you have a tiny puppy or a big dog, these treats work for all ages and sizes. They taste good and motivate dogs to learn. The lightweight design means you can carry many treats without it adding weight to your pocket.

Best for: Dog owners who want healthy, easy-to-carry treats that encourage their dogs during training. These treats are good for puppies and grown-up dogs of all sizes.

Pros:

• Made with simple, natural ingredients, mainly chicken. They are healthy and safe.
• Small, light, and mess-free. Great for quick rewards.
• Tasty flavor that encourages even picky dogs to pay attention.

Cons:

• Mostly chicken flavor, so your dog might want different tastes too.
• You might need extra treats for long training sessions.
• The package is small, so active households may need to buy more often.

Wellness Puppy Treats, Grain-Free Chicken & Carrot

When you train your puppy, using treats helps a lot. Wellness Puppy Treats in Grain-Free Chicken & Carrot are a good choice. They are made with natural ingredients and are good for puppies under one year. These treats are crunchy and small enough for training. They have DHA, which helps your puppy’s brain grow.

The treats are made with real meat, blueberries, and sweet potatoes. No artificial colors or flavors are added. This helps your puppy get healthy, natural food during training. They work well for all kinds of dogs and all flavors.

Good for: Pet owners who want natural, grain-free treats. They help puppy’s brain and body grow strong, especially during the early months.

Pros:

• Made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables.
• Helps brain growth with DHA.
• Suitable for any dog breed or preference.

Cons:

• Costs more than regular treats because they use high-quality ingredients.
• Crunchy size might be tough for puppies with sensitive gums.
• The bag is small (about 6.1 ounces), so you may need to buy more if your puppy loves treats.

These treats are a great way to reward your puppy and support their growth. They taste good and help teach good habits.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats with Real Chicken

If you want treats that help keep training fun and positive, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats with Real Chicken are a great choice. These small, soft treats come in a big 16-ounce resealable bag. The bag helps keep the treats fresh, and you can take it with you anywhere. They are made in the USA and include real chicken, cherries, and vitamins. They don’t have corn, wheat, or soy, which is good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Each treat has only 2 calories, so you can give many without making your dog gain weight. These treats are good for all ages and sizes. You can use them for training, bonding, or just as a quick snack. Their natural ingredients remind us of outdoor adventures, which inspired the flavor.

Who this is for: Dog owners who want healthy, tasty treats for training that are easy to carry and good for all dogs.

Pros:

• Made with real chicken, cherries, and vitamins for good nutrition
• Very low in calories, so you can give many treats
• Free from common allergens like corn, wheat,, and soy, which helps dogs with sensitive stomachs

Cons:

• May be too small for big dogs that want bigger treats
• The resealable bag might not stay leak-proof forever
• Some dogs might not like cherries or other flavors in the treats

These treats help reward your dog without overfeeding. They are small, healthy, and easy to carry. Perfect for training runs and quick snacks on busy days.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Puppy Training Treats for Positive Reinforcement

When selecting puppy training treats, you’ll want to think about a few key factors that influence both effectiveness and your pup’s health. Think about the size and bite comfort—tiny, easy-to-chew treats prevent choking and make quick rewards effortless—and check ingredient quality standards to avoid artificial additives or fillers. Don’t forget the calorie count per treat to keep training sessions guilt-free and focus on flavor and texture that appeal to your pup’s palate while being easy to chew or bite into; after all, a satisfied pup is more inclined to learn!

Size and Bite Comfort

Choosing the right treats for your puppy is important. The treats should be small and easy to chew. Big treats can make puppies stop and hesitate, which slows down training. Soft treats are best because puppies with new teeth find them easier to bite and chew. Hard treats can be hard on their little jaws and teeth.

Make sure all treats are the same size. This makes giving rewards quick and simple. When treats are all the same size, your puppy knows what to expect. It helps keep training smooth and fun.

Treats should be easy to carry in one hand. You don’t want to struggle or drop treats while training. Simple shapes and sizes let you reward your puppy fast and keep the fun going. Good treats make training easier and more enjoyable for both you and your puppy.

Ingredient Quality Standards

Good-quality puppy treats are made from simple, easy-to-recognize ingredients. Look for treats with a few whole ingredients, and stay away from those with fake flavors, colors, or preservatives. Puppies don’t need these fillers. The main ingredients should be natural proteins like chicken, lamb, or salmon. These help your puppy grow strong and stay active. If your puppy has food sensitivities, try grain-free treats that include healthy fruits and vegetables. Some treats also have added DHA or fatty acids. These help your puppy’s brain grow and learn faster. Always check that the treats are safe and don’t contain meat by-products. Giving your puppy good ingredients makes training fun and safe.

Calorie Count Per Treat

Have you ever thought about how many calories are in your puppy’s treats? The number of calories in each treat is important. Low-calorie treats have about 1 to 3 calories. Using these helps prevent your puppy from gaining too much weight. If you give treats often, low-calorie options are a good choice. They let you reward your puppy a lot without overfeeding.

High-calorie treats may seem tempting. But they can cause your puppy to gain weight. They also make it hard to control how many treats you give. Always check the label. The label shows how many calories are in each treat. That way, you know exactly what your puppy eats.

Choosing treats with fewer calories helps you reward your puppy more often. You can say please more often, keep your puppy happy, and stay healthy. Remember, a healthy puppy is a happy puppy. Keep an eye on the calories, and your puppy will do great!

Flavor and Palatability

When choosing treats for training, flavor and how good they taste matter a lot. If your puppy isn’t excited about the treat, training won’t work as well. Puppies love treats made with real meat or fish because they smell and taste great naturally. Treats with bacon, beef, chicken, or salmon make your puppy want to eat them more. These ingredients make the treats more appealing and help motivate your puppy. Soft and chewy treats are easier for puppies to eat quickly. Their scent is also important because a strong smell gets your puppy’s attention faster. To keep your puppy interested, offer different flavors now and then. This makes training fun and keeps your puppy excited to get each reward.

Texture Suitability

Choosing treats with the right texture can help make training your puppy easier. Soft and chewy treats are best because they are easy for puppies to bite and swallow fast. This keeps the training quick and fun.

It is also important that treats are similar in size and texture. Small, uniform pieces make it easier for puppies to chew and understand what they are getting. When treats are all the same, puppies feel more comfortable and stay focused.

Avoid hard or crunchy treats for puppies. They can hurt new teeth or make chewing hard and frustrating. Instead, choose moist and tender treats. These are gentler for teething puppies and help them feel good while learning.

In short, pick treats that are easy to chew, the same size, and quick for puppies to eat. These treats help you reward them fast. This makes training smooth and keeps your puppy happy and eager to learn.

Allergen-Free Options

Want to give your puppy treats but avoid causing allergies? Look for treats made without wheat, soy, or corn. These are common causes of food sensitivities in dogs. Instead, pick treats made with salmon, lamb, or duck. These proteins are gentler on pups with allergies.

Check the ingredient list. Good allergen-free treats avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They are healthier for your puppy. Always start with a small piece first. Watch for reactions like itchy skin or stomach upset. Sometimes, reactions can take days or weeks to show.

Take it slow. Doing this helps keep your puppy safe and happy. Picking the right treats makes training fun and safe. It shows you care about their health and needs. Now you can reward your pup without worry, knowing you are helping keep them healthy and happy.

Packaging Freshness

Packaging helps keep your puppy’s treats fresh and tasty. Resealable bags, like zippered pouches, lock in moisture. They stop treats from drying out or becoming stale. Airtight containers also keep treats flavorful for a longer time. Store them in a cool, dry place. Bright, tamper-proof packaging looks nice and keeps treats clean until you are ready to open them. Clear packaging lets you see if treats are still fresh without opening the bag. This makes treats look appealing during training. Durable, leak-proof containers are good for on-the-go training. They prevent spills and keep treats dry wherever you take your puppy.

Training Effectiveness

When choosing treats for training your puppy, focus on how well they work. The best treats are small and soft. They are easy for your puppy to chew quickly. This helps your puppy stay focused during training without getting distracted.

High-value treats with tasty flavors make your puppy more excited to learn. They motivate your puppy to try new commands. Low-calorie treats are good if you want to give many rewards without making your puppy gain weight. This keeps your puppy healthy and happy.

Use treats that look and taste the same every time. This helps your puppy learn clear signals. Consistent treats help your puppy connect the right behavior with the reward. Natural ingredients are best because they are gentle on your puppy’s tummy and build trust.

When treats meet these needs, training gets easier. It becomes quicker and more fun for both you and your puppy.

FAQs

Are There Allergy-Friendly Training Treats for Puppies?

Yes, many allergy-friendly training treats for puppies exist, including options made from hypoallergenic ingredients like sweet potatoes, salmon, or duck. Always check labels carefully, consult your vet, and introduce new treats gradually to prevent adverse reactions.

How Many Treats Can I Give My Puppy Daily During Training?

You should give your puppy about 5-10 treats daily during training, depending on their size and energy level. Slightly reduce their regular meals to prevent overfeeding, and always prioritize healthy, allergy-friendly options to keep them safe.

Do Training Treats Work Equally Well for All Breeds?

Training treats work well for most breeds, but effectiveness varies. You notice some puppies respond better to certain flavors or textures, so you might need to experiment to find what motivates your specific breed effectively.

Are Natural or Organic Treats More Effective for Training?

Natural or organic treats can be more effective for training because they often contain fewer artificial ingredients, making them healthier and more appealing to your puppy, encouraging better focus and positive reinforcement during training sessions.

Can Treats Be Used for Training Older Dogs as Well?

Yes, treats work well for training older dogs too. You can use appealing, healthy treats to reinforce good behavior, build trust, and keep your dog motivated during training sessions, regardless of their age.

Last update on 2026-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API