Treats Are Training Tools

Treats aren’t just rewards—they’re part of your training toolkit. Choose wisely, and they’ll work for both training and health.

The 10% Rule

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. For a 30-lb dog eating 1 cup of food daily, that’s about 2-3 small treats.

Safe Store-Bought Options

Best Choices

  • Single-ingredient treats: Freeze-dried meat, liver
  • Dental chews: Help clean teeth
  • Training treats: Small, low-calorie, soft

Read the Label

Avoid treats with:

  • Artificial colors
  • BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin
  • Sugar or corn syrup in first three ingredients
  • Vague “meat” or “animal fat”

Healthy Human Foods

Safe for Dogs

  • Carrots: Low calorie, great for teeth
  • Apple slices: Remove seeds first!
  • Blueberries: Antioxidants, perfect training treats
  • Green beans: Low calorie, filling
  • Plain cooked chicken: High-value training reward
  • Sweet potato: Fiber and vitamins

Safe for Cats

  • Cooked chicken or fish: Small pieces only
  • Cooked egg: Occasional protein boost

Foods to NEVER Give

Always dangerous:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes/raisins
  • Onions/garlic
  • Xylitol (in sugar-free gum/candy)
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Macadamia nuts

Homemade Treats

Simple Dog Biscuits

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oats
1/3 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
1 egg
1 cup water

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes

Frozen Dog Treats

  • Plain yogurt + mashed banana
  • Freeze in ice cube trays
  • Perfect for hot days

Treat Puzzles and Stuffing

Make treats work harder:

  • Kong toys: Stuff with treats and freeze
  • Puzzle feeders: Mental stimulation
  • Snuffle mats: Forage for treats

Training Value Scale

Match treat value to difficulty:

  • Easy behaviors: Kibble or low-value treats
  • New behaviors: Medium-value treats
  • Difficult environments: High-value (meat, cheese)

Looking for breed-specific diet advice? Check our nutrition guides!