What Makes a Good Training Treat for Dogs?

Training can turn into a lot of treats, very quickly. One for sitting, one for coming when called, one because your dog looked vaguely interested in listening. Suddenly you have handed out half the treat jar and you are wondering whether those rewards should be smaller.

What makes a good training treat for dogs? A useful training treat is small enough to give repeatedly in appropriate portions, easy for your dog to eat and made with ingredients that fit their diet. Your dog also needs to find it rewarding. The best choice is not necessarily the fanciest biscuit; it is one that works for your dog and your training routine.

Should training treats be small?

Usually, yes. Training often involves frequent rewards, so smaller pieces can help prevent treats from adding up too fast. Adapt the size to your dog's size and chewing ability, and consider their total daily calorie intake. If you are training regularly, ask your veterinarian about appropriate treat allowances for your dog.

Are soft treats better for training than crunchy treats?

Soft treats may be convenient because some dogs can eat them quickly, but crunchy treats can also work when portions are small and the dog enjoys them. Speed is not the only consideration. If your dog pauses for a long time to chew every reward, you might need a smaller piece or another texture. For more on the difference, see our soft versus crunchy dog treats guide.

Can I break regular dog biscuits into training rewards?

Often, yes, as long as you can make pieces appropriately sized and the resulting bits are safe for your dog to eat. Our Buff Nutter Bones are bone-shaped crunchy peanut butter biscuits that can be snapped into smaller portions. The size of each piece still matters, especially for small dogs.

Which Buff Cake treats might fit shorter training sessions?

Pawfect Apple Treats are bite-sized crunchy apple-cinnamon treats, and Pumped Up PB Pumpkin are mini pumpkin-shaped crunchy biscuits. Buff Nutter Bones can be broken into smaller pieces. Depending on the dog, you may prefer a softer texture such as Berry Dawgnuts, which are made fresh to order. We don't claim that any of these is a specially formulated training product; they are everyday treats you can portion appropriately.

Should I use different treats for harder training tasks?

Some dogs work harder for a reward they especially enjoy. You can experiment with approved foods and different rewards, including praise or play, while keeping their diet in mind. If your dog has sensitivities, consistency and ingredient suitability come first. Our ingredient-selection guide covers what to check.

How do I avoid overfeeding treats during training?

Plan for how many repetitions you will do, use small pieces and count training rewards as part of your dog's daily treats. Treats should supplement a complete and balanced diet, not replace it. If you need to use lots of rewards, your veterinarian can help you adjust the amount for your dog's size and health needs.

Where should I start if I want to try Buff Cake treats?

If you are looking for small crunchy pieces, start by comparing Pawfect Apple Treats and Pumped Up PB Pumpkin. If you prefer a biscuit you can break apart, consider Buff Nutter Bones. You can review all available flavors and ingredient lists in the crunchy treats collection before ordering.

Your dog does not need to know how much thought went into the reward. As far as they're concerned, getting paid for sitting is an excellent arrangement.