Best Foods for Dog Training: Healthy Treats & Tips!

The feedback dogs receive from rewards can elicit astonishing behaviors from them. This is why dogs like drug detection and rescue dogs are trained using this mechanism.

So, what is the reward that dogs prefer the most? Of course, it's food, and when it comes to food, nothing beats meat in terms of effectiveness.

But that doesn't mean other types of food aren't just as good. To help you understand the pros and cons of each type of food more clearly, please refer to the information below.

Meat

As previously mentioned, meat is the favorite food of dogs. It's best to serve it cooked and lean to avoid any concerns about overeating and potential issues. Among all meats, chicken breast is highly recommended—it's both affordable and easy to store.

Chicken is also a great choice for dogs as it's highly digestible and contains omega6 fatty acids, which are excellent for maintaining healthy skin and fur. Fish is another good option, though it requires a bit more cooking than chicken. Beef is the best choice, but it comes with a higher price tag.

Dog Food

That's right; dog food can be a rewarding treat as well. A highquality dog food can stimulate a dog's brain through its scent, making it irresistible to the canine. Once a dog catches a whiff of this scent, their brain will prompt all parts of their body to cooperate with their owner.

But how much dog food should you use? For most dogs, just one kibble as a reward is usually sufficient. Don't think it's too little; remember, a dog's nose is incredibly sensitive. It can amplify the scent of that single kibble, so a small handful before training should be enough.

Incidentally, at international events like Westminster, handlers often bring a handful of dog food or divide a piece of meat into small pieces to keep the dog's attention focused on them.

Peanut Butter

Those who watch foreign dog training shows are familiar with the fact that peanut butter is a frequent guest in these programs.

However, most peanut butters on the market aren't suitable for training dogs, as they often contain xylitol or have too much sugar.

Squash

Dehydrated squash is convenient to carry and has a sweet taste that you can enjoy too. It's rich in fiber and vitamins, making it an excellent supplement for a dog's coat. Plus, squash is incredibly affordable compared to the other options mentioned.

Apple

Apples are slightly more expensive than squash but are more portable. Typically, apples can be used as they are, sliced and pitted, without needing to be dried.

Apples are also beneficial as they can help remove tartar from a dog's teeth. However, be aware that their high sugar content means they shouldn't be used as a reward too frequently.