Training your dog can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. One of the most effective ways to reinforce positive behaviors during training sessions is by using treats. However, not all treats are created equal. Some treats are high in fat and contain preservatives, which are not good for your dog’s health.
Opting for natural and healthy dog treats ensures that you reward your dog with snacks that contribute to their overall health. It's also important to understand the difference between dog chew and dog treats before using them for training.
Benefits of Using Natural and Healthy Treats for Training:
Using natural treats for training offers several advantages. They are typically free from artificial additives and preservatives that can be harmful to your dog's health. Natural treats are also often more delicious and appealing to dogs, making them more effective as rewards during training sessions. Additionally, these treats are rawhide free and often contain high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients, supporting your dog's health and vitality.
8 Best Natural and Healthy Dog Training Treats
- Yak Cheese Puffs
- Cheese Cubes
- Cooked Lean Meat
- Peanut Butter
- Pumpkin
- Apple Slices
- Sweet Potato Slices
- Cooked Fish
Yak Cheese Puffs
Yak cheese puffs are bite-sized snacks made from premium yak cheese sourced from the Himalayas. These all natural treats are free from artificial additives and preservatives. They are hand-crafted from a unique blend of limited ingredients: yak milk, cow milk, salt, and lime juice.
Yak cheese puff treats can be used as a tasty reward to reinforce positive behaviors during training. Their crunchy texture makes them appealing to dogs and can help keep them engaged and focused on learning commands or tricks.
These treats are low in fat and rich in protein, offering dogs a digestible snack while promoting overall health and well-being. While crunchy cheese puffs are generally safe for dogs, offering them in moderation is important, especially for dogs with lactose intolerance.
Cheese Cubes
Cheese cubes can be used as a quick and convenient reward during training sessions. Their size makes them easy to dispense, and their savory flavor appeals to most dogs, making them an effective motivator for learning new behaviors.
Cheese cubes are a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for muscle growth and bone health in dogs. However, it's important to use them in moderation, especially for dogs with lactose intolerance or those prone to weight gain.
Cooked Lean Meat
Cooked lean meat like chicken, turkey, or lean cuts of beef can be used as a high-value reward during training sessions, especially for dogs with a strong preference for meaty treats. Offer small pieces of slightly seasoned cooked meat as a special incentive for completing training tasks.
Lean meats are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall health in dogs. Additionally, they provide important vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc, that support various bodily functions.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be used as a tasty reward for dogs during training sessions. You can spread it on a toy or treat dispenser to keep your dog engaged and motivated during training exercises.
Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins like vitamin E. However, choosing natural peanut butter without added sugar or xylitol is important, as it can be toxic to dogs. (Source)
Pumpkin
Pumpkin can be used as a low-calorie treat option during training sessions. You can offer small amounts of cooked pumpkin as a reward for desired behaviors or mix it with other treats to add bulk without excess calories.
Pumpkin is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it beneficial for digestive health and immune function in dogs. It can also help regulate bowel movements and alleviate digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation. (Source)
Apple Slices
Apple slices can be used as a healthy and low-calorie reward during training sessions. Their crunchy texture and natural sweetness make them appealing to dogs and can help reinforce positive behaviors.
Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which supports digestive health and immune function in dogs. They also help clean teeth and freshen breath as dogs chew. Remove the seeds and core from apple slices before offering them to your dog, as apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide which can be harmful if consumed frequently. (Source)
Sweet Potato Slices
Sweet potato slices can be used as a healthy and satisfying reward during training sessions. Their chewy texture and natural sweetness make them appealing to dogs and can help reinforce positive behaviors.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants, which support overall health and immune function in dogs. They also provide a source of energy and help regulate blood sugar levels. Ensure that sweet potato slices are fully cooked or dehydrated to prevent digestive upset.
Cooked Fish
Cooked fish without bones or skins can be used as a high-value reward during training sessions, especially for dogs who enjoy the taste of fish. Offer small pieces of cooked fish as a special incentive for completing training tasks.
Fish is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients like vitamin D and selenium, which support heart health, joint function, and overall well-being in dogs. It's also easily digestible and suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. But you should avoid feeding fish that has been heavily seasoned or prepared with ingredients that may be harmful to dogs
Common queries regarding dog training treats
Is it better to train a dog with or without Treats?
Training with treats can be highly effective in motivating and reinforcing desired behaviors in dogs. However, your dog should not solely depend on treats for desired actions. Using other forms of positive reinforcement, such as praise and play, can help create a well-rounded training experience for your dog.
What are the best treats to use for daily training?
The best treats for daily training are those that are small, tasty, and easily digestible. Opt for treats that your dog finds highly rewarding but are also healthy and made from natural ingredients. This ensures that you can reward your dog frequently during training sessions without overloading them with calories or unhealthy additives.
What do professional dog trainers use for treats?
Professional dog trainers often use a variety of treats during training sessions, depending on the individual dog's preferences and dietary needs. Many trainers prefer natural treats made from high-quality ingredients, as these are generally well-received by dogs and contribute to positive reinforcement.
Am I giving my dog too many treats when training?
It's essential to monitor the number of treats you're giving your dog during training to prevent overeating. Treats should not consume more than 10% of your dog’s total calorie intake. If you feel like you are giving meat and dietary-based treats highly, switch to vegetable and fruit treats to balance out treat intake.
Conclusion
Incorporating natural and healthy treats into your dog's training can enhance the learning experience and strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. By choosing treats that are nutritious and free from artificial additives, you can reward your dog with snacks that contribute to their overall health and well-being. Remember to use treats in moderation and supplement them with other forms of positive reinforcement for a well-rounded training approach.