Rewarding your dog is the best way to recognize its efforts whenever it does a job excellently or learns a new lesson. While giving compliments is also a heart-fluttering option, providing them with delightful foods to enjoy will make them feel more excited and active to do more. In this case, selecting at least one of the best training treats for big dogs will create a more thrilling training session with your furry friend.
If you still do not know where to start, this article will help you find your dog’s perfect bite by providing the best dog treats for training. Read on to get us rolling!
11 Best Training Treats For Big Dogs
You can find many brands on the market, but here are some of the best dog training treats you can choose from today. They can have different features and benefits, so check the pros and cons carefully to see whether or not they suit your big friend.
| Product Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, Beef Nibs | A limited ingredient dog treat made with meat, bones, and vital organs in a resealable pouch | 4.7 |
| Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Beef Liver Grain Free Dog Treat | Made with 100% freeze-dried beef liver to preserve nutrients and freshness | 4.7 |
| Northwest Naturals Raw Rewards Freeze-Dried Treats for Dogs and Cats | Chewy and flavorful taste in a perfect-sized piece suitable for dogs and cats | 4.6 |
| Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Rewards Beef | Protein-rich dog snack with 96% meat, bones, and organs of New Zealand grass-fed and free-range beef | 4.6 |
| Best Bully Sticks 100% Natural 6-inch Bully Sticks | With 100% natural and USDA-approved ingredients for an enhanced overall health | 4.6 |
| Lick You Silly-Grain Free, All-Natural Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats Full of Vital Essentials | With USDA-inspected ingredients that do not require refrigeration | 4.5 |
| Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Training Dog Treats | Wholesome tender mini bites with real chicken as the main ingredient | 4.5 |
| Redbarn Protein Puffs for Dogs | The official dog treats of a non-profit organization training service dogs called Dogs4Diabetics | 4.5 |
| 9. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Heart Treats | A natural training dog treat with 100% pure freeze-dried raw beef hearts made in the USA | 4.5 |
| 10. Rocco & Roxie – Jerky Dog Treats Made in The USA – Puppy Supplies | Underwent 10 hours of roasting process to develop a chewy and soft texture | 4.4 |
| 11. BIXBI Pocket Trainers, Bacon Small Training Treats for Dogs | Bite-sized treats sweetened with real maple syrup for extra flavor | 4.4 |
1. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, Beef Nibs
No products found.
Let us start the list with Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, a protein-rich dog snack with a balanced nutritional value and flavorful taste. It contains limited ingredients, such as meat, vital organs, and bones, with no added fruits, vegetables, and artificial additives. Moreover, you will not find fillers, dyes, and by-products in its content.
In terms of its health benefits, Vital Essentials is a raw dog treat that allows dogs to absorb essential nutrients easier, maintain healthy skin, and enhance dental health. It also gives your dog an ideal weight and firm muscle tone. Nevertheless, even though this dog treat comes in a resealable and lightweight pouch, it can leave an unpleasant smell in your hands in the long run.
Pros
- With limited ingredients
- Portable and lightweight pack for training dogs anywhere
- Enhance overall health
- No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- High protein
Cons
- The dog treat can leave an unpleasant smell on your hands.
2. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Training Dog Treats
If your furry friend loves chicken, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Training Dog Treats can be its newest favorite! With real chicken as its first ingredient, this product has wholesome, tender mini bites with less than three calories per piece. You can freely reward your dog with Zuke’s dog treat this because it will not add too much weight!
Aside from the chicken, this training dog treat also contains natural ingredients, such as whole food berries. Its filler-free pieces are easy to break into smaller ones whenever necessary. Nonetheless, if you do not store and reseal its pouch tightly, it can dry out and become uninteresting for your dog to chew.
Pros
- Wide range of flavor options
- Made in the USA
- With natural and nutritious ingredients
- Small sizes perfect for training sessions
Cons
- It can lead your dog to stomach upset.
- The pieces can dry out if you fail to store them properly.
3. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Rewards Beef
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Rewards is one of the best training treats for dogs due to its high protein content. It contains 96% meat, organ, and bone of New Zealand grass-fed and free-range beef. Furthermore, 10% of its ingredients consist of superfoods for omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for maximum nutritional value.
Your dog’s allergies and sensitive stomach will not be a hindrance because this dog treat is suitable for those. Since it has no added carbohydrates, fillers, and grains, canines of all breeds and ages can give it a bite. Still and all, its features come with one downfall: it is pretty expensive than other options.
Pros
- Low in calories
- You can easily break the pieces into smaller ones when training.
- Made from high-quality meat and ingredients
- Soft to chew
- With a flavorful taste that dogs like
Cons
- It is on the expensive side.
4. Lick You Silly-Grain Free, All-Natural Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats Full of Vital Essentials
If you do not have a refrigerator at home, you can opt for Lick You Silly Grain Free, All-Natural Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats. It is a soft, tasty, and protein-rich snack that does not require refrigeration. You can also give this to your dog guilt-free because it only contains four calories per piece.
Moreover, Lick You Silly contains USDA-inspected ingredients, such as chicken or beef liver, depending on your chosen flavor variant. You can find 200 pieces in one pack, which suit puppies and dogs of all breeds and ages. Nonetheless, you will need to break these pieces into smaller ones because they can be too big for training sessions.
Pros
- With a flavorful taste that dogs like
- Suitable for dogs with allergies
- Made with a single-ingredient recipe
- Made in the USA
- They donate a portion of its sales to animal shelters
Cons
- It can be expensive to use as a daily training treat.
- You will need to break the pieces into smaller pieces before the training.
5. Northwest Naturals Raw Rewards Freeze-Dried Treats for Dogs and Cats
Northwest Naturals Raw Rewards Freeze-Dried Treats is a pet training treat and a dog and cat snack in one pack! It contains natural ingredients in a chewy, flavorful, and perfect-sized piece that can attract even those training pets that are picky eaters. Furthermore, eating this snack will give them the protein and energy they need to be active throughout the day.
This dog treat is also free from harmful ingredients, such as grains, gluten, hormones, and added antibiotics. Aside from that, if your dog’s favorite flavor varies daily, you can choose from Northwest Naturals‘ eleven flavor options. The only problem is that its inconsistency can lead to crumbly or dusty pieces.
Pros
- Made with muscle meat, organ meats, vegetables, and fruits
- Balanced flavor and nutritional value
- With a convenient and portable pack
- You can break the pieces into smaller ones when needed
Cons
- The dog treat can become crumbly and turn into dust.
- With inconsistent quality
6. Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Beef Liver Grain Free Dog Treat
Bid goodbye to your dog’s food allergies and sensitive stomachs because Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats only has a single ingredient for food sensitivities. It consists of 100% pure beef liver that enhances muscles and maintains healthy eyes. Moreover, the manufacturers freeze-dried the content to preserve the nutrients and freshness.
Even though this protein-rich dog treat contains 4 kcal, you can break the pieces easily to keep the count lower. You can also crumble it to serve as a highly-palatable topper in your dog’s meals. Nevertheless, its excellent features require more pennies because it is more expensive than other options.
Pros
- Made with 100% beef liver in the USA
- You can break or crumble the pieces easily.
- Nutrient-dense
- No artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors
- Five package size options
Cons
- It is on the expensive side.
7. Best Bully Sticks 100% Natural 6-inch Bully Sticks
If you have a hyperactive, bored, or anxious furry friend, you can give Best Bully Sticks to combat these feelings and divert their attention. This protein-rich dog treat contains 100% natural and USDA-approved ingredients that are easy to digest. Furthermore, you can choose from its multiple shapes, including spirals, bows, braids, and pretzels.
Best Bully Sticks is also an odor-free dog treat that enhances brain, skin, coat, oral, and muscle health. The chewing process your dog does whenever it eats this product also prevents tartar build-up and bad breath. Lastly, it contains essential vitamins and is free from rawhide, hormones, and unhealthy chemicals.
Pros
- Helps clean teeth
- Easy to digest
- Lasts long
- No unpleasant odor
- No harmful ingredients and artificial additives
Cons
- You will need to look for other options if you have dogs of larger breeds.
- Slightly expensive
8. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Heart Treats
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Treats make one of the best healthy dog training treats due to their wide range of nutritional benefits. Since it only contains 100% pure freeze-dried raw beef hearts, you can worry less about your furry friend’s food sensitivities, allergies, and limited ingredient diet.
Aside from that, this dog treat manufactured in the USA also excludes gluten, grain, and poultry. It maintains healthy digestion, vibrant skin and coat, and strong teeth and gums. Nonetheless, even though it promotes stamina and vitality, some pet owners say that their dogs have suffered from vomiting and diarrhea due to their incompatibility with this product.
Pros
- Wide range of flavor variants
- Perfect for dogs that are allergic to grains, dairy, or soy
- Easy to store and portable to bring
- Highly palatable
Cons
- Some pet owners report that their dogs suffer from vomiting and diarrhea.
- You can find ingredients not included in the ingredients list.
9. Rocco & Roxie – Jerky Dog Treats Made in The USA – Puppy Supplies
Have you ever encountered a dog treat that leaves stinky residues on clothes and hands? That is not a problem with Rocco & Roxie Jerky Dog Treats because it is mess-free! Even though the treat is smelly, it will not affect your hands and everything around you.
This nutritious, protein-rich, and chewy dog treat contains a natural smoke flavoring to attract your dog to be active in training. Rocco & Roxie also took ten hours to roast every piece to develop a soft texture. On the other hand, while this product is free from grains, gluten, and soy, it has garlic powder, which can harm your furry friend.
Pros
- The treat does not leave an unpleasant smell on your hands.
- Made with 100% grass-fed beef
- With a flavorful taste that dogs like
- Softer than other jerky-style dog treats
Cons
- It contains garlic powder, which can be harmful to dogs.
- You will need to tear the treat into smaller pieces before training.
10. BIXBI Pocket Trainers, Bacon Small Training Treats for Dogs
As its name suggests, BIXBI Pocket Trainers Small Training Treats for Dogs are bite-sized treats smaller than the usual ones. Since the manufacturers made them in the USA, you can ensure high-quality ingredients, such as real maple syrup as a sweetener. Also, they do not use artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
BIXBI Pocket Trainers come with a 6-ounce package. If your dog dislikes bacon, you can choose from three other flavors: peanut butter, chicken, and salmon. Unfortunately, since this product contains small-sized treats, you must find another option for your big dog. Moreover, it will not also suit you if you are not into stinky treats.
Pros
- More suitable for small breeds or puppies
- Low in calories
- Perfect for dogs with food sensitivities
- With a flavorful taste that dogs like
- You can break the pieces into smaller ones when training.
Cons
- The pieces can be too small for large dogs.
- You will need to wash the pouch frequently because it can be stinky for constant use.
11. Redbarn Protein Puffs for Dogs
Here are Redbarn Protein Puffs to wrap our list of good dog treats for training. This human-grade dog snack has 75% protein in every bite, making it one of the treats with the highest protein content. It is also the official dog treat of a non-profit organization training service dogs called Dogs4Diabetics.
Redbarn Protein Puffs also contain essential amino acids to develop your dog’s muscles. You can use it as a toothsome training treat, crunchy snack, or additional topper in dog meals. Lastly, this lightweight product has no artificial colors, unhealthy chemicals, hormones, and additives to prevent health issues.
Want to know more about Redbarn? We’ve reviewed Redbarn pet products.
Pros
- High protein content (75%)
- A human-grade dog treat
- With less than one calorie per piece
- Crunchy and flavorful
- Three flavor options
Cons
- Some dog owners say that this product leaves color stains
- Dogs can dislike the dog treat
How to Choose the Best Dog Training Treats for Big Dogs
Selecting the best dog training treats requires many considerations. For instance, Schleicher et al.‘s research on the determinants for pet food purchasing conditions states that pet owners look for health and nutrition, quality, ingredients, and freshness. On the other hand, Morelli et al.‘s research on dog owners’ attitudes towards treats shows that flavor, brand, and shape are also essential.
While this matter can confuse you, here are these factors to further explain them.
Size and Texture
The first two things you can notice on a dog treat are its size and texture. The latter can range from dry, semi-moist, wet, freeze-dried, or jerky treats, while the former can depend on your dog’s size and age.
If you have a dog of smaller breeds, you can choose a tinier, chewier treat because they cannot eat crunchy or hard snacks. Large dogs, on the other hand, can handle any size. Since you will use it for training your furry friend, you can worry less about giving them small pieces because that will help lower the calorie count and prevent getting full before the session ends.
Quality
When choosing a dog treat for big dogs, you must carefully check the quality of the list of ingredients the dog snack contains. For instance, cheap fillers and synthetic content can cause inflammation and gastrointestinal problems. They can also possess people’s food of a low quality that can harm their health.
The most advisable inclusions for dog treats are chicken breast, sweet potato, or beef liver. Limited ingredients also signify more nutritional value and less processed content. Meanwhile, crossing out something with uncommon materials, such as grain, by-products, or artificial additives, is the best way to prevent risky dog snacks.
Crunchy or Chewable
Dog treats for training can come with crunchy or chewable textures. While you can choose between the two to feed your dog, you must know those crunchy ones are more suitable for bigger dogs with strong teeth. On the other hand, chewable treats are for smaller pups or senior canines with oral or dental problems because they tend to be softer than crispy ones.
Still and all, if your dog likes the pleasurable experience of smacking the crispy bites, you can select the first option!
Portable
You may want to train your dog in different places or visit a friend’s house for doggy activities. Nonetheless, your getaway plans will never work if you have a large bag of dog treats you must bring for your furry friend. Thus, brands with portable packages are the best options in these specific situations.
You can find training dog treats with resealable packs, lightweight pouches, or smaller quantities. An easy-to-open one is also preferable for more convenient usage. Fortunately, some brands like Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats offer multiple package sizes to give you a wide range of portability options.
Price
You can find expensive dog treats on the market because they contain high-quality ingredients. While the quality is necessary, you must still consider the package size and the number of treats inside the pouch because they can be unnecessarily pricey. You must also pay attention to the frequency of your dog training, how long the treats last, and the estimated cost per piece.
For example, bully sticks can be more pricey because they last longer. On the flip side, puffs and crackers are less expensive because your dog can finish them in no time. The price varies, and you must also depend on your budget. You can still be practical, but do not sacrifice the nutritional value.
Nutritional Content
Rewarding your dog with a training dog treat must be for recognizing its excellent work. With that in mind, you must check whether or not a brand is safe and healthy for your pup’s health. You can look at the package and find its nutrition facts or read the label to know its content.
For instance, omega 3 or 6 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins are the best nutritional content you must look for in a dog treat. Minimal carbohydrates and minerals like potassium and magnesium are excellent options to keep your furry friend more active throughout the day.
Great Smell
While dogs like sniffing things, they can also get attracted to dog treats with a strong, pleasant smell. No matter how colorful a food package is, your fur baby will still boop their noses on the product to decide whether or not they will eat it. Hence, you can opt for stinky dog treats.
Despite that, you must still read reviews to see if the smell has downsides. In some cases, dog treat brands leave an unpleasant odor on your fingers or clothes whenever you use them constantly. They can also become unappetizing to eat or require frequent cleaning of the container to reduce the smell.
Dog’s Preference
According to Bremhorst et al.‘s research on the incentive motivation in pet dogs, there is an equal number of training dogs that prefer varied food rewards and their favorite dog treats. In this case, your canine friends can be either picky eater who wants the usual brands or adventurous pup who likes new ones.
If your fur baby is selective, you can list its favorites, rank them, and use that as your guide whenever you purchase dog treats. On the other hand, you can also keep things more thrilling by mixing the brands. That way, your dog can become more excited about accomplishing a task to know what you will give them.
Best Training Treats For Big Dogs: FAQ
Even after knowing some products and how to choose them, you can have additional questions in your mind right now. How frequently should you give a treat to your dog? Or how many are ‘too many?’
Here are the most asked questions about good dog training treats to answer your inquiries!
While this question varies depending on your dog’s health and preferences, the best training treats for big dogs can be a brand that is flavorful and large enough to motivate them to train and do tasks. The most advisable types are freeze-dried livers, peanut butter, or cheese. However, remember not to give your canine friend a massive treat because it can be a choking hazard.
When training dogs, trainers use small-sized treats to prevent these animals from getting stuffed during the session. Since they also need to balance the time, they select soft and chewable brands that dogs can easily swallow. Flavorful treats are also the best to attract them to engage in the activities.
The number of training treats to give a dog in a day depends on the product’s calorie content. If it only contains 3 to 5 calories per treat, you can reward your canine friend with a higher volume. Meanwhile, if it is a high-value snack with more calorie count, you must not exceed two treats per day because it can cause obesity.
You will not face such conflicts with feeding your dog bully sticks properly. Even though their texture can be solid, dogs of any age and breed can enjoy them because they are safe and healthy. Moreover, they do not cause internal problems, for they do not break into pieces or splinter.
Although you can give your dog training treats every time it does a job excellently, these snacks must not exceed 10% of your pup’s daily calories. Say, your canine friend should not receive more than 30 calories from dog treats if its diet only requires 300 calories per day.
Deciding which one to give your dog among the best treats for training can be a long game of choices. Once you have selected your best match, you can proceed to your thrilling training sessions with the most exciting dog snacks. That way, you can teach your furry friend while making it happy and satisfied with the food rewards.