Top Dog Training Treats in the UK: A Buyer’s Guide

Finding the perfect reward to keep your dog focused during training can be a challenge. With so many options on the shelves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You want a treat that is motivating enough to hold their attention but also aligns with their dietary needs and your own values regarding health and ingredients.

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the market. This guide offers practical advice on what to look for in dog training treats and presents a selection of products that cater to different needs, from puppies just starting out to dogs with specific dietary requirements.

What to Look for When Choosing Dog Training Treats

Before we look at specific products, here are a few key factors to consider. Keeping these in mind will help you make a more informed choice for your canine companion.

1. Ingredient Quality and Transparency

The foundation of any healthy dog treat is its ingredient list. Look for treats with a short, understandable list of ingredients. High-quality protein sources, whether animal-based like chicken or plant-based like peas, should feature prominently. Many owners now prefer natural dog treats that are free from artificial colours, flavours and unnecessary fillers. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, opting for grain free dog treats can be a sensible choice to avoid potential digestive upset.

2. Texture and Size

For training purposes, you need a treat that can be given quickly and frequently without disrupting the flow of the session. Soft dog treats are often ideal as they are easy to chew and swallow. They are also a great option for puppy training treats or for senior dogs with dental issues. The treat should be small or easily breakable into smaller pieces to manage calorie intake and avoid overfeeding.

3. Specific Dietary Needs

Every dog is an individual. Some may thrive on a high protein dog treat to support an active lifestyle, while others might require a plant-based or low-fat option. If you are raising your dog on a specific diet, looking for certified vegan dog treats ensures you can reward them without compromising their nutritional plan. Always check the composition and analytical constituents to ensure it suits your dog's health profile.

Our Top Product Recommendations

Here are a few recommendations that stand out for their ingredients, texture and suitability for training.

Scrumbles Softies Plant Based Training Treats

Why It Stands Out: These treats are designed for the eco-conscious pet owner. The 100% vegan recipe is crafted with responsibly sourced ingredients and comes in a compostable bag, minimising its environmental footprint.

• Pros:

  • Soft, chewy texture: Gently baked for a soft bite that is easy for dogs of all ages to manage.
  • Plant-based recipe: Made with oats, peas, sweet potato and apple, making it a great vegan dog treat.
  • Gentle on digestion: The inclusion of slippery elm bark can aid digestive health.
  • Low fat content: With 8% fat, it's a suitable option for dogs needing a lower-fat diet, such as those with pancreatitis.

• Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for owners seeking a plant-based or vegetarian option, as well as for puppies from 8 weeks, senior dogs or any dog that benefits from a softer, low-fat treat.

Forthglade Functional Natural Soft Bite Training Treats

Why It Stands Out: These treats are formulated specifically for training, with a high meat content to make them highly palatable and motivating. The grain-free recipe is ideal for dogs with sensitivities.

• Pros:

  • High meat content: Contains 34% chicken, making it a flavourful and desirable chicken dog treat.
  • Grain-free formula: Free from grains, junk and fillers, making it gentle on sensitive stomachs.
  • Soft and breakable: The soft-bite texture is easy for dogs to chew, and the treats can be broken in half for smaller dogs or for portion control during training.
  • Added functional ingredients: Enriched with linseed for omega-3 and yucca extract to support digestion.

• Who is it for? Perfect for owners who need a high-value, meat-based reward to keep their dog engaged during training sessions. It's suitable for dogs from 2 months old, including those requiring a grain-free diet.

MeatyWay Chicken Jerky Tender Dog Treats

Why It Stands Out: With 100% real chicken as the primary ingredient and a minimal ingredient list, these jerky tenders offer a simple, high-protein snack that is easy to digest.

• Pros:

  • Single-source protein: Made with 100% real chicken, making it a straightforward and high protein dog treat (30% min. protein).
  • Minimal ingredients: Free from grains, additives and fillers for a natural and healthy reward.
  • Supports dental health: The chewy jerky texture can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup as the dog chews.
  • Versatile: The soft jerky can be easily torn into smaller pieces for training or given whole as a satisfying snack.

• Who is it for? Ideal for dog owners who prioritise minimal, natural ingredients and want a high-protein, meaty treat. It's suitable for dogs of all life stages and is particularly good for those with sensitive stomachs due to its simple formulation.

Looking for More Options?

If these selections aren't the perfect fit for your dog, or if you'd like to explore a wider variety of flavours and formulas, there are many other choices available.

Discover our full collection of Dog Training Treats

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good dog training treat?

A good training treat is typically small, highly palatable to keep your dog motivated and relatively low in calories so you can reward them frequently. Look for treats with healthy, natural ingredients and a texture that is quick and easy for your dog to eat, such as soft dog treats.

How many training treats can I give my dog each day?

A general guideline is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake. Always check the feeding instructions on the product packaging for specific advice. To maintain a healthy weight, remember to adjust your dog's main meals accordingly if you are giving them multiple treats throughout the day.

Are grain-free dog treats better for training?

Grain free dog treats are essential for dogs with a diagnosed grain allergy or sensitivity. For other dogs, the presence of grains is not necessarily a problem. The most important factor is the overall quality of the ingredients. Whether you choose grain-free or not, focus on treats that are made with high-quality protein and are free from artificial additives.