Training your dog can be a rewarding but sometimes challenging process, especially when it comes to keeping their attention and motivation high. Many owners struggle to find treats that are both enticing and healthy, while also being easy for dogs to chew and digest during frequent training sessions.
Soft training treats offer a practical solution by providing bite-sized rewards that are gentle on your dog’s teeth and easy to handle. In this guide, we’ve reviewed a range of soft training treats, focusing on ingredient quality, treat size, calorie content, and bag value. Whether you’re training a puppy or reinforcing good habits in an adult dog, you’ll find options that suit different needs and preferences.
Top 8 Best Soft Training Treats For Dogs
Finding the right Soft Training Treats For Dogs isn’t always straightforward. To simplify the process, we compared leading products and shortlisted the ones that truly stand out.
1. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Chicken Training Treats
Training young puppies requires treats that are gentle, palatable, and supportive of their development. Soft training treats like these help keep your puppy engaged and eager to learn without overwhelming their digestive system.
This Blue Buffalo option stands out for its focus on real chicken as the first ingredient and the inclusion of DHA, which supports cognitive development in puppies. It's a strong pick for new puppy owners who want a treat that rewards good behavior while also contributing to healthy growth.
- Real chicken first: Offers a high-quality protein source for taste and nutrition
- DHA for cognitive support: Supports brain development during early training
- No artificial preservatives or colors: Avoids common allergens and unnecessary additives
Compared to standard training treats, this product prioritizes wholesome ingredients and puppy-specific benefits. The main tradeoff is that it may not be as cost-effective for owners training multiple dogs or larger breeds.
- Real chicken as first ingredient
- Supports puppy brain development
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Soft, bite-sized pieces
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Not the largest bag size
- Higher price per ounce
2. Buddy Biscuits Trainers Soft & Chewy Bacon
Dog owners looking for simple, clean ingredients often struggle to find treats that are both healthy and appealing to their pets. Many training treats contain fillers or artificial flavors that can be problematic for sensitive dogs.
Buddy Biscuits Trainers Soft & Chewy Bacon treats are crafted with a focus on natural ingredients and minimal additives. With only 1.5 calories per treat and no corn, soy, or artificial flavors, these are ideal for frequent training sessions and dogs with dietary sensitivities.
- Natural pork liver base: Delivers strong palatability and protein
- Low calorie content: Supports longer training sessions without overfeeding
- No artificial flavors or fillers: Reduces risk of digestive upset
Compared to other treats, Buddy Biscuits emphasizes ingredient transparency and simplicity. The main limitation is that the bacon flavor may not appeal to all dogs, and the bag size is moderate.
- Clean, simple ingredients
- Low calorie per treat
- No corn or soy
- Natural bacon flavor
- High treat count per bag
- Flavor variety limited
- Bag size not the largest
3. Wellness Puppy Treats Lamb & Salmon Soft Bites
Puppy owners often need a larger supply of treats to support consistent training, especially during the early months. Running out of treats mid-session can disrupt progress and consistency.
Wellness Puppy Treats Lamb & Salmon Soft Bites offer a generous bag size and a protein-rich formula with added vitamins for puppies. These treats are grain-free and include DHA from salmon to aid brain development, making them a practical choice for extended training routines.
- Larger bag size: Reduces the need for frequent repurchasing
- Grain-free recipe: Suitable for dogs with common grain sensitivities
- DHA from salmon: Supports cognitive growth in puppies
Unlike smaller bags, this option is better suited for households with multiple puppies or for owners who train frequently. The tradeoff is a slightly higher calorie count per treat, which may require portion control for small breeds.
- Large bag for frequent training
- Grain-free formula
- Lamb and salmon proteins
- Added vitamins for puppies
- Made in the USA
- Higher calories per treat
- Not ideal for very small dogs
4. Pet Botanics Mini Soft & Chewy Training Treats Bacon
Daily training and enrichment activities require treats that are both low in calories and high in motivation. Many owners need a treat that works for everything from basic commands to puzzle toys.
Pet Botanics Mini Soft & Chewy Training Treats are designed for versatility, with a mini size and just 1.5 calories per treat. The bacon and pork liver flavor appeals to most dogs, and the bag contains approximately 500 treats, making it practical for regular use.
- Mini, low-calorie treats: Ideal for frequent rewards without overfeeding
- Versatile for training and enrichment: Suitable for sessions, toys, and everyday use
- No artificial flavors or preservatives: Focuses on wholesome ingredients
Compared to larger, higher-calorie treats, Pet Botanics offers more flexibility for daily routines. The main tradeoff is that the flavor selection is limited to bacon, which may not suit all preferences.
- Very low calorie per treat
- High treat count per bag
- Good for small dogs
- No artificial additives
- Made in the USA
- Limited flavor options
- Bag size smaller than some
5. Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Beef
Eco-conscious pet owners often look for products that minimize environmental impact without sacrificing quality. Many treat bags are not recyclable, adding to household waste.
Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Beef stand out with their store drop-off recyclable packaging, making them a responsible choice for sustainability-minded buyers. The treats themselves are low in calories and made with pork liver as the first ingredient, suitable for all ages.
- Sustainable packaging: Store drop-off recyclable pouch reduces waste
- Low calorie per treat: Allows for longer training sessions
- No corn, soy, or artificial flavors: Supports sensitive diets
Compared to conventional treat bags, this product prioritizes eco-friendly packaging. The tradeoff is that the bag size is moderate, so frequent trainers may need to restock more often.
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Low calorie per treat
- No artificial flavors
- Made in the USA
- Suitable for all ages
- Moderate bag size
- Flavor range limited
6. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Beef Training Treats
Some dogs have strong preferences for specific proteins, and beef is a popular choice for many. Owners seeking a beef-based training treat often find limited options that are both soft and healthy.
Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Beef Training Treats use real beef as the first ingredient and avoid common fillers and artificial additives. These treats are ideal for dogs who respond best to beef flavors and need a soft, easy-to-chew reward.
- Real beef as first ingredient: Appeals to beef-loving dogs
- No corn, wheat, or soy: Reduces risk of food sensitivities
- Soft, bite-sized morsels: Easy for all ages to chew
Compared to chicken-based treats, this option focuses on beef flavor and protein content. The tradeoff is a slightly smaller bag size than some bulk options.
- Beef-first ingredient list
- No artificial colors
- Free from common fillers
- Soft texture for easy chewing
- Supports cognitive development
- Bag size not the largest
- Limited protein variety
7. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Chicken Training Treats 11 oz
Puppy training requires treats that support both learning and healthy development. Many owners want a reward that goes beyond taste, offering nutritional benefits as well.
Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Chicken Training Treats in the 11 oz size include DHA for cognitive support and use real chicken as the first ingredient. This makes them a strong choice for owners focused on brain health during early training phases.
- DHA for cognitive support: Aids in puppy brain development
- No artificial preservatives: Reduces exposure to unnecessary additives
- Soft, easy-to-chew texture: Suitable for puppies and small breeds
Compared to standard treats, this product emphasizes cognitive support and wholesome ingredients. The smaller bag size may require more frequent restocking for active trainers.
- Supports brain development
- No artificial preservatives
- Real chicken as first ingredient
- Soft and bite-sized
- Free from corn, wheat, soy
- Smaller bag size
- Not ideal for multi-dog households
8. Buddy Biscuits Trainers Soft & Chewy Chicken 10 oz
Frequent trainers and multi-dog households need treats that last through many sessions. Small bags can run out quickly, disrupting training routines.
Buddy Biscuits Trainers Soft & Chewy Chicken offers a high treat count per bag, with 500 pieces and a low calorie content. The simple ingredient list and recyclable packaging make it a practical and responsible choice for regular use.
- 500 treats per bag: Reduces need for frequent repurchasing
- Low calorie per treat: Supports longer training without overfeeding
- No artificial flavors or preservatives: Suitable for sensitive dogs
Compared to smaller bags, this product is ideal for high-frequency training. The main tradeoff is that the flavor selection is limited to chicken in this variant.
- High treat count
- Low calorie per piece
- Simple, clean ingredients
- Recyclable packaging
- Made in the USA
- Limited flavor options
- Bag size may be bulky
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soft Training Treats for Dogs
Soft training treats are a staple for dog owners who want to reinforce good behavior and accelerate learning. The technical nature of this category centers on ingredient quality, treat size, calorie content, and packaging convenience. Buyers often face tradeoffs between bag size, calorie count, ingredient transparency, and cost per treat. A common misunderstanding is assuming all soft treats are equally healthy or suitable for every dog—differences in protein sources, additives, and treat size can have a real impact on training results and your dog's well-being.
- Protein source matters: Treats with real meat as the first ingredient tend to be more palatable and nutritious
- Calorie content per treat: Low-calorie options allow for longer training sessions without overfeeding
- Bag size and treat count: Larger bags or higher treat counts are more practical for frequent trainers or multi-dog households
- Ingredient transparency: Clean formulas with minimal fillers and no artificial additives are better for sensitive dogs
- Packaging type: Resealable or recyclable packaging helps maintain freshness and reduces waste
- Specialized formulas: Some treats include DHA or vitamins for puppies, while others focus on human-grade or grain-free recipes
- Common misunderstanding: Not all soft treats are equally digestible or suitable for all life stages—always check the label
Choosing Between Bulk and Standard Bag Sizes
The choice between bulk bags and standard-sized pouches depends on your training frequency and the number of dogs in your household. Bulk options like WAG's 2-pound bag are cost-effective for multi-dog homes or daily trainers, while smaller bags are easier to store and carry for occasional use.
- Bulk bags: Better value for frequent trainers, but may be less portable
- Standard bags: Easier to handle and store, ideal for single-dog households or travel
Ingredient Quality and Dietary Sensitivities
Ingredient transparency is crucial, especially for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Treats with real meat, no artificial flavors, and no common allergens (corn, soy, wheat) are generally safer and healthier.
- Clean ingredient formulas: Reduce risk of digestive upset
- Human-grade options: Offer the highest standard of quality and sourcing
- Grain-free and limited ingredient: Suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs
Calorie Count and Treat Size
Low-calorie, bite-sized treats are ideal for training because they allow for frequent rewards without risking weight gain. Larger treats or those with higher calorie content may require more careful portion control, especially for small breeds or puppies.
- Low-calorie treats: Enable longer sessions and more repetitions
- Mini size: Best for small dogs or rapid-fire training
- Larger treats: May be better for big dogs but require breaking into pieces
Specialized Formulas for Puppies and Cognitive Support
Some treats are formulated with DHA or added vitamins to support puppy development and cognitive health. These are particularly useful during early training phases but may not be necessary for adult dogs.
- DHA-enriched treats: Support brain development in puppies
- Added vitamins: Contribute to overall puppy health
- Adult dogs: May not need specialized formulas
Packaging and Sustainability
Packaging type can affect both convenience and environmental impact. Resealable bags help keep treats fresh, while recyclable packaging appeals to eco-conscious buyers.
- Resealable pouches: Maintain freshness and reduce waste
- Recyclable packaging: Minimizes environmental footprint
- Bulk bags: May be harder to store but reduce packaging waste overall
Final Buying Advice
Selecting the right soft training treat comes down to matching your dog's needs, your training style, and your values regarding ingredients and sustainability. Avoid overbuying bulk bags if you train infrequently, and don't underestimate the importance of ingredient quality for sensitive dogs.
- Match treat size and calorie count to your dog's size and training frequency
- Choose ingredient formulas that align with your dog's dietary needs
- Consider bag size based on how often you train and how many dogs you have
- Opt for resealable or recyclable packaging for convenience and sustainability
- Don't assume all soft treats are equally healthy—read labels carefully before buying
FAQ For Soft Training Treats For Dogs
1. What makes a soft training treat better for dog training?
2. How many treats can I safely give my dog during training?
3. Are grain-free treats necessary for all dogs?
4. What should I look for in the ingredient list?
5. Is it safe to use puppy-specific treats for adult dogs?
6. How should I store soft training treats to keep them fresh?
James Vega
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