If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of keeping your pup’s attention during training. My Labrador, Max, is smart, energetic, and easily distracted—especially when he spots a squirrel! 🐿️ Training him was a challenge until I discovered the power of homemade training treats.

Store-bought treats often come with mystery ingredients, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers. I wanted better for Max, so I started making my own. And guess what? His training improved dramatically! The right treats keep him focused, engaged, and excited to learn.

In this guide, I’ll share the 7 best homemade dog treats for training—each one healthy, easy to make, and Labrador-approved!

🦴 Why Homemade Dog Treats for Training?

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk about why making your own dog treats is a game-changer for training:

✅ Healthier Ingredients – No artificial junk, just real, wholesome food.

✅ Customizable – Adjust recipes for allergies or dietary needs.

✅ Perfect Bite-Size – Training treats should be small and soft for quick rewards.

✅ Cost-Effective – A batch of homemade treats costs way less than premium store brands.

Pro Tip: Training treats should be small, soft, and low-calorie since you’ll be using a lot of them. Let’s get into the recipes!

🐾 7 Best Homemade Dog Treats for Training

1️⃣ Peanut Butter & Banana Training Bites (Max’s Favorite!)

💡 Soft, flavorful, and rich in protein—perfect for positive reinforcement!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Roll into tiny bite-sized balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until firm.
5. Let cool before treating your pup!

🔹 Storage: Stays fresh for 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

2️⃣ Chicken & Carrot Training Treats

💡 High in protein and packed with vitamins—great for active pups!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup water (if needed)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll out and cut into small training-sized pieces.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
5. Cool completely before serving.

🔹 Storage: Refrigerate for 1 week, freeze for 3 months.

3️⃣ No-Bake Pumpkin & Oat Balls

💡 No oven needed—just mix, roll, and go!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (pure, no sugar added)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 cup rolled oats

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Roll into small balls and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Use as needed for training.

🔹 Storage: Keep refrigerated for 1 week, freeze for 3 months.

4️⃣ Sweet Potato & Apple Soft Bites

💡 Soft, chewy, and loaded with fiber—perfect for puppies!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup oat flour

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll into small bite-sized balls.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Let cool before treating your pup!

5️⃣ Tuna Training Treats

💡 Super smelly (in a good way!)—dogs go crazy for these!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna (drained)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1 tbsp parsley (optional, for fresh breath)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend all ingredients into a thick paste.
3. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Cut into tiny squares once cooled.

6️⃣ Frozen Yogurt & Blueberry Training Bites

💡 A refreshing summer treat for hot training days!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mashed banana
• 1/4 cup blueberries

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Spoon into a silicone mold or ice cube tray.
3. Freeze for 2-3 hours.

7️⃣ Cheesy Oatmeal Training Bites

💡 Savory, cheesy, and totally irresistible!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water (if needed)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll into tiny balls.
4. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

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🐾 FAQ: Best Homemade Dog Treats for Training

What treats should I give my dog while training?

The best training treats are small, soft, and easy to chew so your dog stays focused. Homemade options like Peanut Butter & Banana Training Bites or Chicken & Carrot Training Treats work great. You can also use boiled chicken, cheese, or store-bought soft treats in moderation.

What makes good training treats for dogs?

A good training treat is:

✔️ Small & bite-sized – So your dog can eat quickly and stay engaged.

✔️ Soft & easy to chew – Hard treats slow down training.

✔️ High-value – Use treats your dog loves but doesn’t get often.

✔️ Low-calorie – Since you’ll be giving many treats, avoid high-fat options.

What is safe to put in homemade dog treats?

Safe ingredients include:

✔️ Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef, fish)

✔️ Healthy carbs (oats, sweet potatoes, brown rice)

✔️ Dog-safe fruits (bananas, blueberries, apples – no seeds!)

✔️ Natural fats (peanut butter, coconut oil, flaxseeds)

✔️ Eggs & dairy (in moderation)

What do most dog trainers use for treats?

Professional trainers often use:

✔️ Freeze-dried meats (chicken, beef, liver)

✔️ Soft training treats (easy to chew quickly)

✔️ Boiled chicken

✔️ Cheese cubes

What training treats do vets recommend?

Vets recommend low-calorie, high-protein treats like:

✔️ Boiled chicken or turkey

✔️ Sweet potatoes

✔️ Peanut butter (xylitol-free!)

✔️ Cucumber slices or carrots

✔️ Low-fat cheese

Is it better to train dogs without treats?

Using treats is one of the most effective ways to reinforce positive behavior. However, over time, you can transition to verbal praise, toys, or affection as rewards instead of food.

What are the best high-value treats for dog training?

High-value treats include:

🔥 Liver treats

🔥 Hot dogs (in small amounts)

🔥 Freeze-dried meats

🔥 Soft cheese

🔥 Salmon or tuna

How many training treats a day for a dog?

Use the 10% rule—treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

🔹 Can I store homemade dog treats at room temperature?

👉 Most homemade treats should be refrigerated to keep them fresh longer.

More Articles You Might Like

🐾 Transition Dog to New Food: Embracing Homemade Canine Cuisine

🐾 Safe Fruits for Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Canine Nutrition

🐾 Healthy Bites: What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat Every Day as Dog Treats

I hope you and your pup love these best homemade dog treats for training as much as Max and I do! Let me know which one your dog enjoys the most in the comments below. 🐶👇