Best Treats for Training Dogs: Size, Calories and the 10% Rule
What makes a good training treat, how to use high- and low-value rewards, and how to keep training from turning into weight gain.
The best training treats are tiny, soft, quick to eat and genuinely loved by your dog. Pea-sized pieces (smaller for little dogs) let you reward often without filling your dog up. Keep all treats, including training rewards, to about 10% of daily calories, and use part of your dog’s regular food when you can.
Treats are a core tool in positive reinforcement training, the approach recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Our guide to positive reinforcement training basics explains how rewards, timing and markers work together.
What makes a good training treat
| Quality | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Small | Many repetitions without excess calories; pea-sized or smaller |
| Soft | Eaten in a second, so training flows; hard biscuits slow sessions down |
| Strong-smelling, tasty | Holds attention, especially outdoors with distractions |
| Easy to break | You can cut one treat into many pieces |
| Not crumbly or greasy | Easier to carry in a pouch or pocket |
| Low in calories per piece | Keeps total daily calories on target |
| Agrees with your dog’s stomach | Introduce new treats slowly |
High-value vs low-value rewards
Dogs rank food. A piece of kibble might be enough at home, but on a busy street you may need something more exciting. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, high-value treats are useful during training but are often calorie-dense, while low-calorie foods your dog still enjoys let you reward more often.
- Low value (easy settings): your dog’s regular kibble, a lower-calorie commercial treat.
- Medium value: soft commercial training treats, small pieces of carrot, green bean or cucumber for dogs that like them.
- High value (hard settings, recall, new skills): tiny pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey, or a favorite soft treat.
Match the reward to the difficulty. Save the best treats for the hardest moments, such as coming back when called at the park.
Keeping calories under control
Training can add a surprising number of calories. VCA gives the example of a dog needing 550 calories a day, which would leave about 55 calories for treats. Practical ways to stay on budget:
- Use part of the day’s kibble as rewards. It is complete and balanced, so it doesn’t unbalance the diet.
- Cut treats tiny. Your dog cares about the number of rewards more than the size.
- Check the calorie count on the treat package (it’s often listed per treat).
- Measure a daily treat allowance into a container in the morning; when it’s gone, it’s gone.
- Reduce meals slightly on heavy training days if your vet agrees.
- Mix in non-food rewards like play, a toy or praise once a behavior is reliable.
Watch your dog’s body condition over time. If they start gaining, ask your vet how to adjust portions.
Homemade and whole-food options
Simple whole foods can work well, as long as they are plain and safe:
- small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey (no skin, bones or seasoning);
- plain cooked egg;
- carrot coins, green beans, cucumber or blueberries for dogs that enjoy them;
- small cubes of a homemade treat made with safe ingredients; see homemade dog treats with safe ingredients.
Avoid hot dogs, deli meats, cheese and other salty or fatty foods as everyday rewards. Never use chocolate, grapes or raisins, onion or garlic, or anything containing xylitol. For more, see fruits and vegetables dogs can eat.
Using treats effectively
- Timing: reward within a second or two of the behavior, or use a marker word like “yes” or a clicker and then deliver the treat.
- Short sessions: a few minutes several times a day works better than one long session.
- Train before meals, when your dog is a little hungry, not right after eating.
- Fade the lure: once your dog understands a cue, move from showing the treat to rewarding after the behavior, then reward some repetitions rather than every one.
Our step-by-step guide on how to teach a dog to sit shows how this works in practice.
Storing and carrying treats
Soft commercial treats can dry out once opened, so reseal the bag and follow the storage directions on the package. Fresh foods such as cooked chicken should be refrigerated and used within a few days; bring only what you need for a session in a small container. A treat pouch on your belt lets you reward quickly without fumbling in a pocket, which helps your timing. Wash pouches and containers regularly, especially after carrying moist foods.
Dogs with health conditions
If your dog has kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, food allergies or is on a prescription diet, ask your veterinarian which treats are safe. Some vets suggest using pieces of the prescription food itself as rewards.
Bottom line
Choose small, soft, tasty treats, match their value to the difficulty of the task, and count them toward your dog’s daily calories. Regular kibble and plain whole foods can cover a lot of training. Ask your vet if your dog has a health condition or is gaining weight.
FAQ
How many treats can I give during a training session?
There is no fixed number. What matters is the total daily calories from treats, which should stay around 10% or less.
My dog won’t take treats outside. What should I do?
Your dog may be too stressed or distracted. Move farther from distractions, try higher-value food, and keep sessions short. If your dog is very fearful, talk to your vet or a certified behavior professional.
Are training treats different from regular treats?
“Training treat” usually just means small and soft. Any safe treat you can cut tiny can work.
Will my dog only obey if I have food?
Not if you gradually switch to intermittent rewards and add praise, play and life rewards once behaviors are learned.