10 Best High-Value Dog Treats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

owner giving treat to the labrador dogHigh-value dog treats are an indispensable tool to have on hand when you begin training your dog. The reason is simple: your dog will be much more motivated to perform the actions you’re asking them to if the reward they’re receiving in return is special and delicious. However, if you’re not sure what your dog considers to be “high value,” it can be challenging to motivate them to perform as expected. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the ten best high-value dog treats that nearly every dog will go wild for.

Read on to find our reviews for these 10 treats, as well as a thorough buying guide to help you choose the perfect one for your pup.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

RatingImageProductDetails

Best Overall

Winner

Stewart Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
Stewart Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
  • Single-ingredient recipe

  • Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients

  • Chock full of protein and fatty acids


  • Best Value

    Second place

    Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Bacon Flavor Dog Treats
    Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Bacon Flavor Dog Treats
  • Low calorie

  • No corn or soy

  • Made with natural pork liver


  • Premium Choice

    Third place

    Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats
    Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats
  • Large package size

  • Made with 100% beef trachea

  • May promote dental and joint health


  • Best for Puppies


    Zuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Training Dog Treats
    Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Training Dog Treats
  • Resealable bag

  • Great for all life stages

  • Made with real peanut butter


  • pawTree Freeze Dried Duck & Mangoes
    pawTree Freeze Dried Duck & Mangoes
  • High in protein

  • Highly digestible

  • Single-source protein formula

  • The 10 Best High-Value Dog Treats

    1. Stewart Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats – Best Overall

    Stewart Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

    Package size:12 oz
    Calories per treat:6 kcal
    Sourced from:United States

    If you’re looking for the most motivating and best overall high-value dog treat, you need to learn about the Stewart Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats.

    These single-ingredient treats are made from 100% pure beef liver and are therefore packed full of protein your dog needs to support their muscles. They also contain coat- and skin-supporting fatty acids and vitamin D. They are freeze-dried to preserve the nutrient integrity and ensure your pup gets the healthiest (and tastiest) reward for their hard work. Stewart manufactures these treats in America in small batches to ensure their freshness. They’re available in several flavor options, so if your dog isn’t wild about the beef liver flavor, you can try chicken liver, salmon, or chicken breast instead.

    The size of each treat can vary. Some consumers reported that their treats have been getting progressively smaller every time they order them, while others reported that they’re too big for their dogs.

    Pros
    • Single-ingredient recipe
    • Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients
    • Made in small batches
    • Available in other flavors
    • Chock full of protein and fatty acids
    Cons
    • Treat sizes can vary

    2. Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Bacon Flavor Dog Treats – Best Value

    Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Bacon Flavor Dog Treats

    Package size:10 oz
    Calories per treat:1.5 kcal
    Sourced from:United States

    Those on a tight budget want to buy the best high-value dog treat for the money, and the Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites Bacon Flavor Dog Treats provide just that.

    These low-calorie treats can be a guilt-free indulgence for your dog as they each contain just 1.5 calories. They’re made without corn, soy, or artificial flavorings and have a natural pork liver base that most dogs go wild for.

    The treats are pretty small and best suited for smaller breed dogs.

    Pros
    • Low calorie
    • No corn or soy
    • Made with natural pork liver
    • Highly palatable
    Cons
    • Treats are very small

    3. Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats – Premium Choice

    Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats

    Package size:50 count
    Calories per treat:50 kcal per 3 inches
    Sourced from:Brazil

    If you’re not working with a strict budget and don’t mind spending a little extra to help ensure the success of your pup’s training, the Best Bully Sticks Beef Trachea Dog Treats are a great pick.

    The beef trachea comes in a pack of 50 and is made with 100% free-range, grass-fed cattle. They do not contain any additives or preservatives. The trachea has a naturally grooved texture that may promote dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar. These sticks are a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine, natural compounds that can support joint function.

    The treats may be too large for smaller dogs to eat comfortably.

    Pros
    • Large package size
    • Made with 100% beef trachea
    • May promote dental and joint health
    Cons
    • Not recommended for smaller dogs

    4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Training Dog Treats – Best for Puppies

    Zuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Training Dog Treats

    Package size:6 oz
    Calories per treat:2 kcal
    Sourced from:N/A

    Growing puppies need a high-value treat that not only tastes good to get them interested in training but a treat that will promote health, too. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe Training Dog Treats are fortified with vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and zinc. These low-calorie treats feature real peanut butter as their first ingredient and are super soft and easy for your puppy to tear into. Your pup may want to keep using these for training sessions well into adulthood, too!

    There appears to be some consistency issues with the packaging. Some bags have a poor seal, so when they arrived on the consumer’s doorstep, they were dried out and stale. The packaging is resealable, however, so once you open them, they can be resealed to maintain their freshness.

    Pros
    • Low-calorie treat
    • Soft texture
    • Made with real peanut butter
    • Great for all life stages
    • Resealable bag
    Cons
    • Poor quality packaging at times

    5. pawTree Freeze Dried Duck & Mangoes

    Freeze Dried Duck & Mangoes

    Package size:71 grams
    Calories per treat:7 kcal
    Sourced from:N/A

    The pawTree Freeze Dried Duck & Mangoes treats are a limited-ingredient option that’s as highly digestible as they are tasty. Their digestibility makes them excellent treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They’re high in protein thanks to their single-source protein formula. Since they’re freeze-dried to preserve nutrient integrity and don’t have any fillers or artificial additives, pawTree’s treats are a guilt-free option for health-conscious dog owners.

    These treats may be hard to find in stores or online and are higher priced than some of the other options on our list.

    Pros
    • Single-source protein formula
    • Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
    • Highly digestible
    • High in protein
    Cons
    • Can be hard to find
    • Expensive

    6. Vital Essentials Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

    Vital Essentials Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

    Package size:1.9 oz
    Calories per treat:107 kcal per oz
    Sourced from:United States

    Vital Essentials Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are a single-ingredient option, offering a preservative-free treat for your hardworking pup. The treats are frozen at peak freshness, so you always have a tasty, fresh treat on hand for your pup’s training sessions. They’re naturally abrasive in texture, which may promote teeth and gum health. The treats are low in calories and high in protein. Because they’re made with chicken hearts, they offer a good source of micronutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

    The treats may be too crunchy for some dogs, and since they’re pretty small, they may not be suitable for larger breeds.

    Pros
    • High in protein
    • Single-ingredient formulation
    • Frozen at peak freshness
    • Low in calories
    • Good source of micronutrients
    Cons
    • May be too crunchy
    • Too small for larger breeds

    7. Dr. Marty Tilly’s Treasures Beef Liver Dog Treat

    Dr. Marty Tilly's Treasures Beef Liver Dog Treat

    Package size:4 oz
    Calories per treat:186 kcal per cup
    Sourced from:N/A

    Dr.Marty Tilly’s Treasures Beef Liver Dog Treat is a freeze-dried raw beef liver treat great for owners looking for high-quality nutrition wrapped up in a tasty package. These bites contain just one ingredient and are chock full of nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamins A and B.

    There is no per-treat calorie count available. Owners whose pups are on a diet may need to reach out to the company directly to find out how many calories are in each treat. Additionally, they are priced relatively high, which may make them inaccessible for some dog owners.

    Pros
    • Single-ingredient treat
    • High in protein
    • Good source of vitamins A and B
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • No caloric information

    8. Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

    Stella & Chewy's Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

    Package size:3 oz
    Calories per treat:119 kcal per oz
    Sourced from:Various

    Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Hearts Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are another single-ingredient treat fantastic for pups with food sensitivities. These 100% freeze-dried raw chicken hearts offer your pup a hefty dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins. They’re made without any artificial ingredients and are easily digestible. Though the source is not named, the company says their meats are all responsibly sourced and do not contain added hormones or antibiotics.

    The treats may be too big right out of the bag and may need to be chopped up before your training sessions. Some consumers reported the treats can be dusty and flaky.

    Pros
    • Offers a good dose of zinc and iron
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Easily digestible
    • Single-ingredient formulation
    Cons
    • May need to be cut up
    • Flaky and dusty
    • Unclear where meat is sourced from

    9. Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor Dog Treats

    Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor Dog Treats

    Package size:567 g
    Calories per treat:3 kcal
    Sourced from:N/A

    The Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor Dog Treats are a low-calorie, high-value treat that’s perfectly sized for repetitive rewards. The packaging is easy to carry in your pocket, and the treats’ moist texture makes them easy to eat and chew. The treats are made from real pork liver and enhanced with vitamins and the manufacturer’s BotaniFits™, a proprietary blend of botanicals like chamomile and rosemary. No artificial flavors or colors were added to this product.

    The ingredient list is quite long, which may be off-putting for some dog owners and pups with allergies. Additionally, they do contain added sugar to help maintain their texture.

    Pros
    • Low calorie
    • Made with real pork liver
    • Small, easy-to-carry packaging
    Cons
    • Long ingredient list
    • Contains added sugar

    10. Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

    Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

    Package size:4 oz
    Calories per treat:1 kcal
    Sourced from:United States

    The Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are freeze-dried and made in the USA. They contain beef liver and beef heart to offer a protein- and vitamin-rich treat that’s as healthy as it is tasty. They don’t contain any chemicals, colors, or fillers, and each treat contains one calorie or less, so you can feel good about giving them to your pup.

    These treats may be too hard and small for some dogs to eat. Additionally, they’re pretty expensive for the size of the bag.

    Pros
    • Made with real beef liver and heart
    • High in protein
    • No chemicals or fillers
    Cons
    • May be too hard and small for some breeds
    • A little on the expensive

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    Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best High-Value Dog Treats

    What Are High-Value Treats?

    High-value dog treats are any food or treat that your dog loves but doesn’t get very often. They’re something your pup goes wild for and will do almost anything for. Essentially, high-value treats are extremely valuable because they’re special and occasional. It is imperative not to give them to your dog too often; otherwise, they’ll lose their value.

    woman giving treat to a dog
    Image Credit: EugeneEdge, Shutterstock

    Factors to Consider When Shopping for High-Value Dog Treats

    Flavor

    The flavor of your dog’s treats will be a huge deciding factor in which you choose. You know your dog and their preferences best, so choose a flavor they’ve already expressed interest in. If you don’t know which your pup prefers just yet, accept that you may need to do some trial and error to see which they prefer.

    Nutrients

    When we think about treats for ourselves, our minds typically first go to things like cookies and ice cream or otherwise delicious and calorically dense foods. However, our dogs don’t need these kinds of foods that are lacking in nutrients. That’s why the treats on our list aren’t chock full of unnecessary fillers or preservatives and instead focus primarily on optimizing your pup’s tradition.

    That said, some of the treats on our list are more nutrient-dense options than others, particularly those that are made with just one ingredient. But don’t let “nutrient-dense” trick you into thinking these treats are less tasty and won’t be as rewarding for your pup.

    Smell

    A dog’s sense of smell is incredibly strong. As a result, you may find your pup more interested in treats with an odorous, meaty scent. The stronger smelling your treats are, the more motivated your dog will be to perform as you want them to.

    Please note that you may find that the treats smell incredibly offensive, but remember, these are for your dog and not you.

    Texture

    Some of the training treats on our list are hard, while others are soft and moist. The texture you choose will depend on what type your pup prefers.

    The treat’s texture can also determine how easy it is to deliver them. Some of the options above are nice and moist, which makes breaking them in two super easy to do while you’re on the go. Others are hard and may require cutting beforehand if you need to break them down for your smaller dog to eat safely.

    Size

    Not all training treats are the same size or consistency, so consider your pup’s breed before deciding which treats to try. In our reviews, we mentioned that some may be too small for larger breeds or too big for smaller breeds, so keep that in mind before you buy.

    owner giving dog on leash a treat
    Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock

    When to Use a High-Value Treat

    High-value treats should be reserved to reward good behavior and reinforce your training sessions.

    Some examples of perfect times to offer high-value treats include:
    • When your dog is in a highly distracting environment (e.g. when training recall outdoors)
    • When teaching them a new command
    • During exposure training for puppies
    • When introducing new behaviors
    • When responding to a cue quickly

    What Are Other High-Value Treat Options?

    If you don’t want to buy dog treats to use as high-value rewards, there are plenty of other foods you can offer your pup to reinforce the behaviors you’re seeking. In many cases, dogs are highly motivated by human food.

    Some of the most popular high-value human foods include:
    • Cheese
    • Plain, roasted chicken
    • Scrambled eggs
    • Beef jerky (unsalted and unseasoned)
    • Peanut butter
    • Salmon jerky (unsalted and unseasoned)
    • Apples
    • Carrots

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    Conclusion

    For the best overall high-value dog treat, Stewart’s Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Treats are great for their freshness, nutritional integrity, and single-ingredient recipe. Folks looking for a budget-friendly option should consider Buddy Biscuits Trainers Training Bites for their affordability and low-calorie count.

    We hope our reviews have helped you find the best training treat for your pup. Remember, to amplify your training success, reserve these treats for outstanding behavior only. Offering them too often will lessen their “sparkle.”


    Featured Image Credit: Lepale, Pixabay

    The post 10 Best High-Value Dog Treats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks appeared first on PangoVet.

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