The Best Training Treats for Puppies and Adult Dogs in Canada (Top Picks for Better Results)

The Best Training Treats for Puppies and Adult Dogs in Canada (Top Picks for Better Results)

Bringing home a new puppy? Trying to teach an older dog better manners? Working on recall so your dog actually comes when called?

There’s one training tool that can dramatically change your results:

The right training treat.

Most dog parents underestimate how much of a difference a dog treat can make during training. If your dog seems distracted, ignores commands, loses interest quickly, or only listens “when they feel like it,” your treats may actually be part of the problem.

The truth is, not all dog treats are created equal for training.

Some are too large. Some take too long to chew. Some simply aren’t exciting enough to hold your dog’s attention—especially around distractions. And others are loaded with fillers, artificial ingredients, or unnecessary calories that make frequent rewarding harder.

Whether you’re teaching a puppy to sit, working on leash manners, improving recall, or reinforcing good behaviour in an adult dog, choosing the right reward matters.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best training treats for puppies and adult dogs, what makes a treat effective, and which options work best for different training situations.

We’ll also share some of our favourite premium picks available in Canada—from soft training treats to freeze-dried rewards and low-calorie everyday options.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Training Treats for Dogs?

If you're short on time, here are our top picks depending on your dog’s needs:

The “best” option really depends on what you’re training and what motivates your dog—something we’ll explain below.

What Makes a Good Dog Training Treat?

A great training treat isn’t necessarily the healthiest-looking one on the shelf or the most expensive bag.

The best dog training treats usually share four important qualities:

1. Small and Quick to Eat

During training, speed matters. You don’t want your dog stopping for 30 seconds to chew a giant biscuit while losing focus on what they were learning.

Training rewards should be:

• Small
• Fast to chew
• Easy to repeat frequently
• Not messy in your pocket

This is especially important for puppies with shorter attention spans.

2. High Enough Value to Hold Attention

Some dogs will work for almost anything. Others? Not a chance.

If your dog ignores treats outside, becomes distracted around other dogs, or stops listening in exciting environments, you may need a higher-value reward.

High-value treats tend to be:

• Meat-based
• Strong smelling
• Freeze-dried
• Higher in protein

Think of them as the “jackpot” reward.

For example, a simple sit in your kitchen might earn a regular training treat, while coming back at the dog park deserves something extra exciting.

3. Low Calories for Repetition

Training often means giving dozens—or even hundreds—of treats.

Especially during:

• Puppy training
• Potty training
• Obedience classes
• Recall practice
• Leash training

If treats are too calorie-dense, they can add up fast.

That’s why bite-sized, lower-calorie options are often ideal for everyday reinforcement.

4. Quality Ingredients Matter

Many dog parents today are paying closer attention to ingredient labels—and for good reason.

Some lower-quality training treats contain:

• Artificial colours
• Preservatives
• Fillers
• Low-quality meat meals

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies, or picky eating habits, simpler ingredient lists often work best.

Premium training treats tend to focus on:

• Real meat proteins
• Limited ingredients
• Better digestibility
• Higher palatability

The Best Training Treats for Puppies and Adult Dogs

Now let’s get into the treats that actually work.

Best Overall Training Treat: Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy

If we had to recommend just one all-around training treat for most dogs?

Tricky Trainers Liver Soft & Chewy would be near the top of the list.

Why trainers and pet parents love them:

• Soft texture
• Small bite-sized pieces
• Easy for puppies and seniors
• Great for repeated rewards
• Strong smell without being overpowering

Soft treats tend to work especially well because dogs can eat them quickly and stay engaged in the session.

They’re particularly helpful for:

• Sit
• Stay
• Basic obedience
• Crate training
• Puppy classes

For puppies especially, the soft texture makes training easier since they can focus on learning instead of chewing.

Best Puppy Training Treat: Tricky Trainers Crunchy

Puppies need something a little different. Their mouths are smaller, their attention span is short, and training sessions involve a lot of repetition.

That’s why Tricky Trainers Salmon Crunchy stands out for young dogs.

Puppies benefit most from treats that are:

• Tiny
  
• Easy to swallow
• Highly motivating

You’ll likely be rewarding behaviours constantly in those first few months:

• Going potty outside
• Sitting politely
• Crate training
• Sleeping through the night
• Walking on leash

Having a crunchy, easy-to-use reward makes training smoother for both of you.

Best Low-Calorie Training Treat: Fruitables Skinny Minis

When you’re rewarding repeatedly, calories matter. This is where Fruitables Skinny Minis really shine.

Available in flavours like:

• Pumpkin & Berry
• Bison

These tiny treats are ideal for:

• Frequent rewards
• Multi-session training
• Small dogs
• Dogs watching weight

Many pet parents love them because they offer a good balance between motivation and moderation. Instead of feeling guilty about using lots of treats during training, lower-calorie options make consistency easier.

And consistency is what creates results.

Best High-Value Recall Treat: Vital Essentials Beef Tripe Bites

If your dog suddenly “forgets” commands outside, you’re not alone. Outdoor distractions are hard. Birds. Smells. Other dogs. Squirrels.

This is when high-value rewards become essential.

For recall training, Vital Essentials Beef Tripe Bites are one of our favourite choices.

Why?

Because they’re:

• Extremely smelly (dogs love this)
• Protein-rich
• Freeze-dried
• Highly motivating

Recall is arguably the most important command your dog will ever learn.

And sometimes kibble - or boring treats - just won’t cut it.

A stronger reward can dramatically improve reliability.

Think of these as your: “Drop everything and come back to me” treat.

Best Freeze-Dried Premium Training Reward: Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers Freeze Dried Beef

Freeze-dried treats are becoming increasingly popular for training—and for good reason.

Dogs tend to go crazy for them.

Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers Freeze Dried Beef are an excellent option if you’re looking for:

• Limited ingredients
• High protein
• Premium quality
• Smaller training-sized rewards

Because freeze-dried treats are highly motivating, many trainers recommend saving them for:

• Difficult behaviours
• Recall work
• Reactive dog training
• Busy environments

Think of them as the dog equivalent of getting dessert.

Best Canadian-Made Training Treat: Tilted Barn Miniwags

If buying Canadian matters to you, Tilted Barn Miniwags deserve a spot on your list.

Available in:

• Canadian Bacon
• Bison
• Beef
• Lamb

These treats work particularly well for dogs that prefer stronger meat flavours.

They’re also a nice option if your dog gets bored easily and likes flavour variety.

Rotating proteins can actually help maintain excitement during training.

Best Functional Premium Treat: Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites

Some dogs need a little extra motivation. That’s where Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites can shine.

Available in:

• Salmon
• Chicken
• Beef

These nutrient-rich treats tend to appeal to pet parents looking for premium ingredients and functional nutrition.

They work particularly well as:

• High-value rewards
• “Jackpot” treats
• Motivation boosters

For stubborn or picky dogs, stronger-smelling premium treats can sometimes make all the difference.

Why Your Dog Might Not Be Listening (Hint: It Could Be the Treats)

Many dog parents assume: “My dog is stubborn.”

Sometimes? They’re just underpaid.

If the reward isn’t exciting enough, your dog may simply decide the environment is more interesting.

Here’s a simple rule: Easy Environment = Lower Value Treat

Examples:

• Living room
• Quiet backyard
• Familiar routine

Hard Environment = Higher Value Treat

Examples:

• Dog park
• Busy trails
• Around distractions
• Recall work

The more difficult the situation, the better the reward should be.

Puppy Training Treats vs Adult Dog Training Treats

Not every dog needs the same thing.

Puppies generally do best with soft, tiny rewards.

Adult dogs can often handle:

• Crunchy treats
• Freeze-dried rewards
• Larger flavour variety

Soft, Crunchy or Freeze-Dried: Which Training Treat Works Best?

Soft Treats

Best for:

• Puppies
• Fast repetitions
• Obedience sessions

Top pick: Tricky Trainers Soft

Crunchy Treats

Best for:

• Dogs that like texture
• Short sessions
• Lower mess

Top pick: Tricky Trainers Crunchy

Freeze-Dried Treats

Best for:

• Recall
• Reactive dogs
• Picky eaters
• Outdoor distractions

Top picks: Vital Essentials Beef Tripe Bites and Crumps Mini Trainers

The Best Treats for Different Training Goals

Potty Training

Best pick: Tricky Trainers Soft

Quick reward timing matters.

Recall Training

Best pick: Vital Essentials Beef Tripe Bites

Higher-value rewards improve reliability.

Leash Training

Best pick: Fruitables Skinny Minis

Lots of repetitions without excess calories.

Puppy Training

Best pick: Tricky Trainers Soft

Small mouths need soft rewards.

Picky Dogs

Best pick: Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites

More exciting flavours often help.

Are Training Treats Healthy?

They absolutely can be.

The key is choosing treats with:

• Quality ingredients
• Appropriate calories
• Real proteins
• Good digestibility

Training treats should complement—not replace—a balanced diet.

A helpful rule? Keep treats to roughly 10% or less of daily calories whenever possible.

If you're training heavily, consider slightly reducing meal portions to balance things out.

Where to Buy the Best Dog Training Treats in Canada

Finding premium dog training treats in Canada can sometimes be surprisingly frustrating.

Some brands are hard to find, frequently sell out, or only appear through large marketplaces with inconsistent stock.

At Brindle Pet Supplies, we focus on carrying a curated selection of premium dog training treats chosen for ingredient quality, effectiveness, and real-world use by dog parents.

Whether you're training a brand-new puppy or brushing up on recall with an adult dog, you'll find:

• Soft training treats
• Freeze-dried rewards
• Low-calorie options
• Limited ingredient choices
• Premium brands trusted by pet parents

Plus, we offer Canada-wide shipping and autoship options for products you use regularly.

Final Thoughts: The Best Training Treat Is the One Your Dog Will Work For

There’s no universal “perfect” training treat.

The best option depends on:

• Your dog’s personality
• Motivation level
• Training goal
• Sensitivities
• Environment

Sometimes, a small change in reward can completely change your dog’s training results.

And honestly? That can make training a whole lot more fun for both of you.