Best high-value treats for training dogs
Made of one ingredient: lamb lung | Thick, strong-smelling pieces may be too dense for small or senior dogs | Approx. $2.33 per ounce (non-sale price)
Fraser told us, “High-value treats are great for rewarding skills in high-distraction situations, for rewarding super-important skills like coming when called, and for behavior modification where we are trying to positively change a dog’s emotional and physiological response to stressful triggers.” She loves using Barkworthies Lamb Lung Treats as a high-value reward because, unlike a lot of higher-value treats like fresh chicken or cheese, “lamb lung isn’t perishable, meaning you can keep it stocked in a treat jar or your treat pouch without worrying about it going bad.”
Made with pumpkin, carrot, oats, and cricket protein | Small and squishy with a strong smell | Approx. $1.50 per ounce
Cricket treats are higher in protein and more nutrient dense than beef or chicken treats, and they require fewer resources like land, water, and energy to raise (so they result in much lower carbon emissions), plus Uli is obsessed with them. They are among the only treats she actively seeks out on the shelf in my kitchen, barking and pawing at the bag. Ellis is also a fan: “If you have a dog with a ton of allergies but want a high amount of nutrients,” she says, “you might want to consider a cricket protein treat” like Jiminy’s — though she notes that “not all dogs love them.” Ironically enough, Ellis’s picky eater loves these, but her other dog that will eat almost anything “won’t touch them.”
Fruits and vegetables dogs can eat
Your pet might not jump up and down with excitement over a stray broccoli floret, but small amounts of fruits and vegetables rank among some of the best types of people snacks for your pet. Experiment to find what your pet enjoys most and be sure to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables first. By offering fresh produce as occasional dog treats, youre providing a healthy addition to your pets diet, rather than simply filling him up with less nutritious snacks.
Some safe snack ideas to try:
While most types of meat are generally recognized as safe for pets in small amounts, bear in mind a couple of important criteria: youll want to ensure that the portions are small and free of bones that can pose a dangerous choking hazard and youll also want to be sure that your meat doesnt contain onion or garlic. Avoid raw, spicy and fatty meats and resist feeding the skin to your pet, as it is high in fat. Salmon is a great source of omega 3 fatty acid, which can be beneficial to your pets skin and coat.
Some meat your dog can eat:
Rice and pasta are pet-friendly favorites, but, again, watch the ingredients and opt for plain versions that dont include ingredients that could be toxic to your pet. Cooked oatmeal is a great form of soluble fiber that can be especially helpful for older dogs or dogs with a wheat allergy.
As long as your pet isnt lactose intolerant, most cheeses are okay to feed your pet in small amounts. Yogurt that contains active bacteria, with no artificial sweeteners or added sugars, is high in calcium and protein. And of course, plain nut butters can be options as well, but feed them sparingly as nuts are high in calories and oil. 
Salmon is great for your dogs skin & coat, making this tasty treat an extra special snack for dogs. It even supports those with allergies. Although this treat needs to be cooked (there is potential for parasites in raw salmon that can make Fido sick), the little extra work will go a long way! Full of Omega-3 and fats, this treat supports your pups immune system!! Win-win!
Are you the kind of pet parent that wants to give a special treat to you pet this Holiday season?? I know I am! Treats, however, can be very high in calories and potentially FULL of preservatives. I rethink these things in my diet all the time, so why not for my own furry family member? What are some good alternative treats to give to the family pup, instead of the treats from the pet store?
Although this is a fatty treat, and again everything is better in moderation, peanut butter is full of natural fats and protein that your dog will love! Plus, watching a dog eat peanut butter is a joy of life! This treat is also perfect for putting in a Kong. If your pup has diabetes please consult with your Vet before offering them this special snack. Also, while most peanut butter is safe for dogs, the sweetener, Xylitol is deadly! Make sure to check the ingredients before watching them smack away.
This is a high-calorie treat and should be treated as such, but dogs do love a nibble of cheese (dont we all!). This can be a reward for a job well done or for celebrating the holiday. Softer unripened cheeses do have the ability to upset Fidos stomach, so stick to a harder cheese for the ultimate snack.
This snack is simple and healthy! Slice and dehydrate your sweet potatoes from the grocery store for a delicious and nutritious treat. This snack is packed with great things for your pup, including dietary fiber, amino acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin C. However, this treat should only be given in moderation and dogs that are prone to yeast allergies should choose something different. The sugar in sweet potatoes feed yeast.
BEST DOG TREATS MONEY CAN BUY & SCARY ingredients most treats have!!
Are you the kind of pet parent that wants to give a special treat to you pet this Holiday season?? I know I am! Treats, however, can be very high in calories and potentially FULL of preservatives. I rethink these things in my diet all the time, so why not for my own furry family member? What are some good alternative treats to give to the family pup, instead of the treats from the pet store?
Please keep in mind when giving your dog human food, or treats in general, is the 10% rule. The 10% rule is, 90% real food, and ten percent treats. Dogs should not be receiving over 10% of their daily food intake in treats. Treats should always be treated as a special snack and not as a meal replacement.
These are great low-calorie snacks to give to Fido. They will love the crunch and snap, as well as the taste! There are only about 4 calories per baby carrot. Carrots support dental health, and are a great source for beta-carotene (why your parents said eating carrots will help your eyes), plus, vitamin A. Start slowly with carrots, as they can cause gas, and work your way up to larger amounts. Everything is better in moderation with your pup.
This yellow treat is not only a yummy option for your dog, but it also packed with vitamins and fiber! Not only will they love the taste, but they will also help keep their digestive track clean and moving. Pumpkin is even a remedy for mild diarrhea in dogs. However, all puppies who have diarrhea should be taken to a vet and considered an emergency. After consulting with a doctor, pumpkin, cleaned, and cooked, with no salt or seasonings added, is the perfect snack for your friend. It should be noted the vine of the pumpkin is mildly toxic, please do not feed any part of the vine to Fido.
While the core of an apple and the seeds (seeds contain cyanide) should never be given to your furry family member, the meat and skin of an apple are a delicious treat to be enjoyed. Apples contain vitamins A and C. They are the perfect crunch treat for Fido!
This epic treat is full of great protein and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a great source of Vitamin B3, B12, and D. Although these are salty treats, which your dog should want to gobble right up, trying rinsing off the fish before giving to your pup. This will help get any additional salt on the outside of the filet, off. Freeze them to add a little crunch. The whole sardine can be fed directly.
The only thing to keep in mind here is to choose a yogurt with low fat or fat free, and nothing with fat substitutes (Simplesse, Olestra), sugars or additional flavors (honey, vanilla, strawberry, etc.). Choose a yogurt with live active bacteria, which will act as a probiotic for Fido! This is also a sweet treat to freeze, especially during the summer.
Salmon is great for your dogs skin & coat, making this tasty treat an extra special snack for dogs. It even supports those with allergies. Although this treat needs to be cooked (there is potential for parasites in raw salmon that can make Fido sick), the little extra work will go a long way! Full of Omega-3 and fats, this treat supports your pups immune system!! Win-win!
This snack is simple and healthy! Slice and dehydrate your sweet potatoes from the grocery store for a delicious and nutritious treat. This snack is packed with great things for your pup, including dietary fiber, amino acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin C. However, this treat should only be given in moderation and dogs that are prone to yeast allergies should choose something different. The sugar in sweet potatoes feed yeast.
Although this is a fatty treat, and again everything is better in moderation, peanut butter is full of natural fats and protein that your dog will love! Plus, watching a dog eat peanut butter is a joy of life! This treat is also perfect for putting in a Kong. If your pup has diabetes please consult with your Vet before offering them this special snack. Also, while most peanut butter is safe for dogs, the sweetener, Xylitol is deadly! Make sure to check the ingredients before watching them smack away.
This includes, bananas, raspberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, mangoes, oranges, and pears. So what do you have in your house right now? Im sure there is a yummy delicious snack your dog will love to munch on!
This is a high-calorie treat and should be treated as such, but dogs do love a nibble of cheese (dont we all!). This can be a reward for a job well done or for celebrating the holiday. Softer unripened cheeses do have the ability to upset Fidos stomach, so stick to a harder cheese for the ultimate snack.
Try this enrichment activity for Fido! Put several different types of human treats in a muffin tin and let your pup explore the different smells and tastes. This activity allows for your dog to go on their own tasting adventure. They can learn new smells and tastes.
Disclaimer: You should always consult directly with your pets veterinarian for any medical advice. The information contained in this article are based on personal uses for my dog, Yogi, or researched material. This information is not intended to be used for treatment, diagnosis, or as a meal subsitute for animals.
Read more about different foods in the articles we found at I Heart Dogs, AKC, and HealthLine.