Best Dog Training Treats UK: Rewards That Work

Best Dog Training Treats UK: Rewards That Work

Last updated: 11 May 2026 by Flyball Hub. All products tested by UK handlers and reviewed against veterinary guidance.

The best dog training treats are soft, small and worth working for. For recall, puppy class, flyball foundations and everyday focus, I want rewards that dogs can swallow quickly without upsetting their stomach or stopping the session.

Best dog training treats: quick answer

Best all-round training treat: Forthglade Soft Bites, broken into tiny pieces.

• Best for lots of repetitions: Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats.
• Best high-value recall reward: Thrive Air-Dried Chicken or cooked chicken.
• Best flyball reward: JR Pure Meat Sticks, cut small for fast resets.
• Best puppy training treat: Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites or Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats.

Protein-rich snacks for active dogs

Protein still matters for active dogs, recall and flyball, but it is a support feature rather than the main promise. JR Pure Meat Sticks, Thrive Air-Dried Chicken and Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky are useful when you need a stronger reward, as long as pieces stay tiny and easy to swallow.

For a deeper training-only breakdown, read our guide to high value dog treats for recall and flyball rewards.

Recommended dog treats UK: quick shortlist

Best all-round training treat: Forthglade Soft Bites. Soft, easy to break and gentle on most stomachs.

Best for high-repetition training: Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats. Tiny pieces, low calories and good value for club sessions.

Best high-value reward: Thrive Air-Dried Chicken. 100 percent meat, strong smell and useful for recall or jackpot moments.

Best budget treat: Wagg Training Treats or Tasty Bones. Cheap, easy to find and fine for dogs without sensitivities.

Best flyball treat: JR Pure Meat Sticks. Easy to cut small, high value and practical for box work and run-throughs.

Last updated: 11 May 2026. This guide is reviewed monthly and updated with new product releases, price changes, and veterinary feedback.

Best dog treats UK by use

• Everyday training: Forthglade Soft Bites or Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats.
• Puppy class: Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites, Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats or tiny pieces of normal food.
• Recall and flyball: JR Pure Meat Sticks or Thrive Air-Dried Chicken, cut small.
• Dental care: Whimzees small sizes, Greenies Teenie or Lily's Kitchen Dental Nibbles.
• Budget rewards: Wagg Training Treats or Harringtons Treats for dogs without sensitivities.

If you are looking for the tastiest dog treats for training, start with soft meat-based rewards that your dog will still choose around other dogs, jumps and distractions.

Best dog treats UK: quick picks

For most UK owners, our recommended dog treats are Forthglade Soft Bites for everyday training, Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats for high-repetition work, and JR Pure Meat Sticks for flyball or recall rewards. Choose soft, small treats when you need fast rewards. Use dental chews and long-lasting chews away from training, not during drills.

Best puppy treats: quick answer

If you are wondering which puppy treats are best, choose soft, tiny rewards that your puppy can swallow quickly and tolerate during repeat practice. For most UK puppies, the best puppy treats are soft, tiny and simple enough to use often. Start with Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites, Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats or pea-sized pieces of normal food. Use them for name response, recall, toilet training and puppy class focus. Avoid hard chews, rawhide, greasy scraps and anything that takes effort to swallow.

Best dental treats for small dogs: quick answer

For bite-size balance, Whimzees small sizes are the strongest proper dental-chew pick, Greenies Teenie suits dogs that tolerate wheat, and Lily's Kitchen Dental Nibbles are easier for tiny mouths when you want a smaller daily option. Check calories, supervise every chew and avoid anything your dog tries to swallow whole.

Why these are recommended:

• They are easy to portion, so you can reward often without overfeeding.
• They have clear ingredients and named protein sources.
• They suit common UK use cases: puppy classes, club training, recall practice, flyball and everyday walks.
• They are available from UK retailers, so handlers can replace a bag without hunting around.

What makes a good dog treat?

A good dog treat is small enough to reward often, soft enough to eat quickly and clear enough on ingredients that you know what your dog is getting. For everyday training, choose pea-sized pieces with named meat or fish and a calorie count on the pack. For recall or flyball, use a higher value treat such as JR Pure Meat Sticks or Thrive Air-Dried Chicken, cut into tiny pieces. Save dental chews and long-lasting chews for quiet time, not active training.

Good treats for most dogs should:

• Be easy to break into small pieces.
• Use named ingredients, not vague meat derivatives.
• Suit the job: soft for training, longer-lasting for settling, higher value for recall.
• Stay within the 10 percent treat-calorie rule.
• Be available from UK shops so owners can buy them again.

Best dog treats for training: quick answer

For most UK training sessions, Forthglade Soft Bites are the safest all-round pick because they are soft, easy to break and gentle on the stomach. Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats are better for high-repetition work because they are tiny and low calorie. Thrive Air-Dried Chicken or JR Pure Meat Sticks work best as jackpot rewards for recall, box training or dogs that need extra motivation.

For fussy dogs, the tastiest training treats are usually softer and smellier than everyday biscuits. JR Pure Meat Sticks and Thrive Air-Dried Chicken are better jackpot rewards, while Forthglade and Bounce and Bella work well when you need lots of small repeats.

What are the best puppy treats for training?

The best puppy treats for training are soft, tiny, easy to swallow and gentle on young stomachs. For most UK puppies, start with Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites, Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats, pea-sized pieces of normal food or another simple named-protein treat. Keep them smaller and calmer than an adult flyball jackpot reward. Young dogs need repeatable rewards they can eat quickly without getting overexcited.

Flyball note: for box work and run-throughs, choose soft treats that can be swallowed fast. Hard biscuits, dental chews and greasy fish skins slow the session down or distract other dogs. See the flyball section lower down for reward timing and competition-day advice.

Best Treats for Dogs: What to Look For

The best treats for dogs depend on your dog's size, age, and activity level. Before buying, check the first five ingredients: named meat or fish should come first, and avoid artificial colours, BHA, BHT, and excessive salt. UK handlers on flyball teams often favour single-protein or grain-free options for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Think about purpose as well as taste. Dental chews support gum health, while long-lasting chews keep high-drive dogs occupied between training sessions. For flyball practice, small, soft treats that can be swallowed quickly work best. Budget options like Wagg Tasty Bones suit everyday use, while premium picks such as Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky are ideal for jackpot rewards.

How we choose our top rated dog treats

Every treat in this guide is checked for ingredient quality, training practicality, dog response, value and safety. A top rated treat should have named meat or fish, a clear recipe, no artificial colours and no BHA or BHT.

Training practicality matters as much as taste. We favour soft textures, pieces that break cleanly, rewards dogs can swallow quickly and treats that do not turn pockets or pouches greasy.

Dog response is checked across pet dogs and working dogs, including high-distraction flyball settings. Value is judged by price per treat, not just price per bag.

Safety checks cover portion size, calorie load, chewing risk and veterinary guidance where dental, digestive or joint claims are involved.

A top rated dog treat is not just the one dogs grab first. It also needs to be safe to feed often, easy to portion, clear on ingredients and suited to the job. A soft training treat can be top rated for puppy class or flyball practice, while a dental chew may be top rated for teeth but useless during a fast training session.

How Much Do the Best Dog Treats Cost?

Price per kilogram is useful for comparing bags, but most handlers think in treats per day. Here is what each product works out to per individual piece.

Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky: ~18p per treat. Premium ingredients, high palatability, grain-free. Best as a high-value reward, not bulk feeding.

Forthglade Soft Bites: ~12p per treat. Good mid-range option, easy to break into smaller pieces. Popular with flyball handlers for quick rewards.

Wagg Tasty Bones: ~3p per treat. Budget bulk option, widely available. Fine for everyday dogs without sensitivities.

Harringtons Grain-Free Treats: ~8p per treat. Good balance of quality and price. A solid everyday choice for medium breeds.

Whimzees Dental Chews: ~45p per chew. Specialist dental product, VOHC accepted. One per day is the recommended dose.

Yakers Yak Milk Bar: ~£2.50 per bar. Long-lasting chew, breaks into small pieces over hours. Cost per minute of occupation is very low.

Thrive Air-Dried Chicken: ~£1.20 per 25g serving. Ultra-premium, 100% meat. Use sparingly as a jackpot reward.

Prices updated weekly from Pets at Home, Amazon UK, and direct brand sites. Prices may vary by region and retailer.

What Makes the Best Dog Treats in 2026?

Finding the best dog treats is not about picking the most expensive bag on the shelf. It is about matching the treat to your dog's health, your budget, and the situation. Some dogs need gentle, single-protein snacks for sensitive stomachs. Others need dental chews that tackle tartar. Working dogs doing flyball or agility need tiny, high-value pieces they can swallow in one go. In this guide we compare the best dog treats available in the UK right now, with real price points, health ratings, and recommendations from handlers who use these products every week.

Best Dog Treats by Size of Dog

The best dog treats for a chihuahua are not the same as the best dog treats for a German shepherd. Size, jaw strength, and calorie needs all change what works.

Best dog treats for small breeds

Small dogs have tiny mouths and lower calorie budgets. A single large dental chew can be half their daily intake. Forthglade Soft Bites broken into quarters, Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky pieces, and Thrive Air-Dried cut small are all strong choices. Avoid anything hard enough to crack teeth. Health rating priority: soft texture, low calorie per piece, named meat first.

For dental treats, small dogs need the smallest size in the range, not a cut-down large chew. Look for pieces that let the dog chew from the side rather than gulp, and count the calories because dental chews are often richer than training treats. Whimzees, Greenies and Lily's Kitchen are easy to buy from UK retailers, but the right choice depends on mouth size and chewing style.

Top pick: Forthglade Soft Bites , gentle, grain-free, easy to portion.

Budget pick: Wagg Training Treats , tiny baked biscuits, under £2 per bag.

Premium pick: Thrive Air-Dried Chicken , 100% meat, break into any size.

Best dog treats for medium breeds

Medium breeds like border collies, spaniels, and whippets make up most flyball teams. They are active, food-motivated, and need treats that work for both training and everyday reward. The sweet spot is a treat that is small enough for high-rep sessions but satisfying enough to feel like a real reward.

Top pick: Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky , high palatability, grain-free, UK-made.

Training pick: Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats , small, low-calorie, great value at £8 for 500g.

Dental pick: Whimzees Dental Chews , VOHC accepted, available in small medium size.

Best dog treats for large breeds

Large dogs burn more calories and can handle bigger treats, but the same rules apply. Named meat first, no artificial junk, and portion control. A Labrador getting four big biscuits a day on top of meals will gain weight fast. The best dog treats for large breeds are still modest in size but high in quality.

Top pick: Harringtons Grain-Free Treats , good ingredient list, widely available, affordable in volume.

Long-lasting pick: Yakers Yak Milk Bar , hours of occupation, low fat, safe digestion.

High-value pick: JR Pure Meat Sticks , air-dried, 100% meat, irresistible to most dogs.

Best Dog Treats for Health Conditions

Some dogs need more than just a tasty snack. They need treats that support a specific health goal. Here are the best dog treats for common conditions.

Overweight or dieting dogs

The best dog treats for weight loss are low in fat and calories but still feel rewarding. Air-popped popcorn without salt or butter is a hack many handlers use, but commercial options exist too. Look for under 3 kcal per treat and reduce meal portions to match total intake.

Pick: Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats , around 2 kcal each.

Tip: Weigh treats on kitchen scales. It is easy to overestimate a handful. Fifty small treats can be 100+ calories.

Dogs with kidney or liver issues

Dogs with organ issues typically need low-protein, low-phosphorus diets. Most commercial treats are too rich. The best dog treats for these dogs are usually prescription-grade from your vet, or homemade options like steamed courgette slices or small pieces of boiled white fish.

Always consult your vet before changing treats for a dog with kidney or liver disease. Treats are part of the daily nutrient total.

Dogs with skin allergies or itchiness

Skin issues are often linked to food intolerances. The best dog treats for itchy dogs have a single protein source and no common allergens like wheat, soya, or dairy. Novel proteins like duck or venison are less likely to trigger reactions than chicken or beef.

Pick: Thrive Air-Dried Duck , single protein, no fillers, minimal ingredients.

Pick: Lily's Kitchen Salmon Treats , omega-3 from fish supports skin and coat health.

Best Dog Treats UK by Budget

You do not need to spend a fortune to get decent treats, but the cheapest options often cut corners on ingredients. Here is the breakdown.

Under £2 per bag

At this price point you are looking at supermarket staples. Wagg Tasty Bones and supermarket own-brand biscuits dominate. Ingredients usually include cereals and unspecified meat derivatives, but no artificial colours. Fine for everyday dogs with no health issues. Avoid for puppies or sensitive dogs.

£2 to £5 per bag

This is the sweet spot. Harringtons, Pets at Home Wainwrights, and Forthglade all sit here. You get named meat or fish as the first ingredient, grain-free options, and UK manufacturing. The best dog treats in this bracket offer 90% of the quality of premium brands at half the price.

£5 to £10 per bag

Premium territory. Lily's Kitchen, Scrumbles, and Bounce and Bella live here. Expect 70-85% named meat, no artificial anything, and often UK-made. These are the best dog treats for handlers who want top nutrition without going fully raw or air-dried.

£10+ per bag

Ultra-premium and air-dried. Thrive, JR Pet Products, and some specialist brands charge premium prices for 100% meat products. A 50g bag of Thrive costs £4-£5, which works out to roughly £80-£100 per kilogram. The quality is exceptional, but you pay for it. Best used as high-value training rewards, not bulk everyday treats.

Quick Picks: Expert Recommendations

If you want the short answer, here are the treats we rate highest after testing with working dogs, flyball teams and everyday pets.

Top rated for training: Forthglade Soft Bites. Soft, easy to break and gentle enough for most dogs.

Top rated natural pick: Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky. Strong smell, good ingredients and best kept for higher value rewards.

Top rated budget pick: Wagg Tasty Bones. Under £2 per bag, widely available and fine for dogs without sensitivities.

Top rated dental pick: Whimzees Natural Dental Chews. VOHC accepted, vegetarian and useful away from active training.

Top rated long-lasting chew: Yakers Yak Milk Bar. Better for crate time or post-training settling than live drills.

Top rated for puppies: Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites. Gentle texture, small pieces and simple recipes.

Top rated for sensitive stomachs: Scrumbles Gut-Friendly Bites. Probiotic, limited ingredients and UK-made.

What to Look For in the Best Dog Treats UK

Good treats share a few traits. Bad treats share warning signs. Here is what we check before recommending anything.

Named meat first: the first ingredient should be a specific meat (e.g. chicken, lamb, salmon), not vague 'meat and animal derivatives'.

No artificial preservatives: avoid BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. Natural preservation with tocopherols or rosemary extract is preferable.

Calorie awareness: treats should be under 10 percent of daily calories. Low-calorie options help maintain weight.

UK-made or EU-sourced: supports local brands and reduces supply-chain risks. It also tends to mean stricter welfare and hygiene standards.

Texture match: soft for training, firm for dental health, dense for long-lasting occupation.

Health and Safety Ratings: What to Avoid

Not every treat on the shelf is safe. These are the red flags we look for and the products we steer clear of.

Rawhide: choking and intestinal blockage risk. We do not recommend rawhide chews under any circumstance.

Xylitol: toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Check labels on 'sugar-free' or dental products.

Cooked bones: splinter and cause perforations. Never give cooked chicken, turkey, or pork bones.

Excessive salt and fat: can trigger pancreatitis. Avoid heavily processed human snacks like crisps or bacon rinds.

Vague labelling: if the ingredient list hides behind 'cereals' or 'meat and animal derivatives', the manufacturer is cutting corners.

Our health rating system is simple. Every treat in our comparison gets a score from 1 to 5 based on ingredient quality, sourcing transparency, calorie density, and safety record. A 5 means top-tier nutrition and sourcing. A 1 means we would not feed it to our own dogs.

Best dog treats for training comparison

Puppy class: choose soft, pea-sized rewards that do not crumble in a pocket and are gentle enough for short sessions.

Recall: use stronger-smelling, higher-value treats in tiny portions so the dog wants to turn back even around distractions.

Flyball foundations: pick fast-swallowing rewards that do not interrupt focus, resets or box work.

High-repetition drills: use lower calorie treats or part of the dog's normal food allowance so you can reward often without overfeeding.

Sensitive stomachs: choose simple, single-protein treats where the ingredients are easy to track.

Everyday rewards: keep dental chews and long-lasting chews for quiet time, not for fast feedback during training.

Training treat buying checklist

Soft enough to swallow quickly.

Small enough for 20 to 40 rewards in a session.

Smelly enough to matter around other dogs.

Easy to carry without turning pockets greasy.

Clear ingredients, especially for puppies and sensitive stomachs.

Not a dental chew or long-lasting chew when you need fast feedback.

Best Dog Treats UK: Comparison Table

This table compares the top UK treats across type, price, grain-free status, UK manufacturing, and our health rating.

Best Everyday Dog Treats UK

Everyday treats are the workhorses: given casually, used for light reward, and consumed in volume. The best everyday treats balance palatability, price, and decent ingredients.

Wagg Tasty Bones

Wagg is the supermarket staple most UK owners recognise. Tasty Bones come in chicken, beef, and bacon flavours. They are baked, not soft, so they last a few seconds in the mouth. The ingredient list is longer than premium brands and includes grains, but there are no artificial colours. At around £1.50 per 150g bag, they are unbeatable for budget. Health rating: 3/5.

Harringtons Treats

Harringtons sits in the sweet spot between Wagg and Lily's Kitchen. The grain-free variants use sweet potato and pea as binders, and the meat content is respectable for the price. Available in most supermarkets and online. Expect to pay around £2-£3 per 200g bag. Health rating: 4/5.

Pets at Home Wainwrights

Wainwrights is the Pets at Home own-brand natural line. Grain-free, no artificial additives, and competitively priced. The range includes training bites, dental chews, and longer bars. A 200g bag of training treats costs roughly £2.50. Health rating: 4/5.

Best natural training treats for dogs UK

Natural treats start with named meat and avoid fillers. Grain-free is not automatically healthier, but it helps dogs with sensitive digestion or known intolerances. For training, Lily's Kitchen suits dogs that need a richer mini jerky reward, Forthglade works as a soft everyday option, and Bounce and Bella is best when you need lots of tiny rewards without pushing calories too high.

Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky

Lily's Kitchen is the benchmark for UK natural treats. The mini jerky is 80 percent meat, grain-free, and made without artificial preservatives. The smell is strong, which dogs love. At roughly £3-£4 per 70g bag, it is premium priced. We rate it 5/5 for ingredient quality and sourcing.

Forthglade Soft Bites

Forthglade is Devon-based and focuses on natural, UK-sourced ingredients. The soft bites are grain-free, easy to break, and gentle on stomachs. They work well for training and everyday reward. Around £2.50 per 90g bag. Health rating: 5/5.

Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats

Bounce and Bella is an independent UK brand with a strong online following. Their grain-free training treats are small, low-calorie, and free from artificial additives. A 500g bag costs around £8, which is good value for a natural product. Health rating: 4/5.

Best Dental Chews for Dogs UK

Dental chews can reduce tartar buildup, but they are not a substitute for brushing. Look for VOHC-accepted products and supervise chewing. For small dogs, size matters as much as ingredients: the chew should be big enough to encourage chewing but small enough that the calories and jaw effort stay sensible. The best option is not always the smallest treat, because small dogs still need to chew rather than gulp.

Dental treats for small dogs: bite-size comparison

Whimzees Natural Dental Chews

Whimzees are vegetarian, gluten-free, and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for tartar control. The shapes (alligators, toothbrushes) help clean between teeth. They last 5-10 minutes depending on the dog. Expect to pay £10-£15 for a large bag. Health rating: 4/5.

Greenies Dental Treats

Greenies are widely available and have a VOHC seal for plaque and tartar control. The texture is designed to bend around teeth rather than snap. They are more processed than Whimzees and contain wheat, so avoid if your dog is grain-sensitive. Health rating: 3/5.

Lily's Kitchen Dental Nibbles

A natural alternative to mainstream dental chews. These are smaller, meat-based nibbles with added parsley and peppermint for breath freshness. They will not replace a proper dental chew for tartar, but they are a good daily addition. Health rating: 4/5.

Best Long-Lasting Chews UK

Long-lasting chews keep dogs occupied and can reduce anxiety. The best options are natural, digestible, and low in fat. For dogs that need mental stimulation alongside chewing, see our guide to the best tug toys for dogs UK.

Yakers Yak Milk Bar

Yak bars are hardened cheese made from yak and cow milk. They last hours, are low in fat, and high in protein. When the piece gets small, you can microwave it for 30 seconds to puff it into a crunchy snack. Health rating: 4/5.

Antlers

Naturally shed deer or elk antlers are long-lasting and rich in minerals. They do not splinter like cooked bones. Supervise closely, as hard chewers can crack teeth on antlers. Health rating: 3/5 due to dental risk.

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are dried beef pizzle. They are highly palatable, fully digestible, and last 15-45 minutes depending on size. They are high in protein but also high in calories, so limit frequency. Health rating: 4/5.

Best puppy training treats: soft rewards for young dogs

The best treats for puppies are soft, small and simple. A puppy does not need a rich adult chew or a huge biscuit to feel rewarded. For early recall, toilet training, handling and settling work, choose treats that can be broken into pea-sized pieces and swallowed quickly. Keep puppy treats a little calmer than adult flyball jackpot treats because young dogs need steady, repeatable rewards before they need maximum excitement.

For 8 to 12 week puppies, start with very soft puppy treats or tiny pieces of their normal food so you can reward often without upsetting their stomach. From 12 to 16 weeks, add gentle puppy training treats with named meat or fish and short ingredient lists. From 4 to 6 months, you can test slightly firmer treats, but they should still break cleanly and suit short sessions.

Check texture before ingredients. Safe treats for puppies should be soft, easy to split and never brittle or rock hard. Avoid artificial colours, very salty treats and rich fatty pieces that can cause loose stools. Keep treats under 10 percent of daily calories and cut each reward smaller when you are doing lots of repetitions.

For teething puppies, avoid antlers, hard yak bars, rawhide and tough dental chews unless your vet has told you they are suitable. Young teeth and gums need gentle rewards. If a treat takes effort to crack, it is not the right choice for early puppy training.

For more training options, see our dog training treats guide, but keep puppy training treats softer, smaller and lower excitement than the rewards you would use for an adult flyball dog. Build focus first. Save the bigger jackpot feeling for later foundation work.dog training treats guide, but keep puppy training treats softer and smaller than the rewards you would use for an adult flyball dog.

Which puppy treats are best for different jobs?

For puppy classes, use soft puppy bites or tiny pieces of normal food. For recall, use a slightly smellier soft meat treat cut very small. For handling practice, keep the reward calm and easy to chew. For early flyball foundations, avoid rich jackpot treats until your puppy can stay focused without getting overexcited.

Puppy treat comparison

Puppy training treat checklist

Use this quick checklist before buying puppy training treats for repeated reward sessions.

• Texture: choose soft treats that a young puppy can chew and swallow quickly.
• Size: break rewards into pea-sized pieces for recall, toilet training and puppy class focus.
• Calories: keep pieces tiny so training rewards stay within the daily food allowance.
• Named protein: look for chicken, turkey, fish, lamb or another clear protein rather than vague meat derivatives.
• Gentle ingredients: avoid rich, fatty or highly processed treats while digestion is still settling.
• Teething safety: skip hard chews, antlers, rawhide and tough dental bars for early training.
• Easy portioning: pick treats you can split cleanly without crumbs filling your pocket.
• Session fit: choose rewards that work for short repeated jobs like crate settling, lead walking and handling practice.

Puppy training treats by age

Age | Best treat type | What to avoid | Example use
8 to 12 weeks | Very soft puppy treats or tiny pieces of normal food | Hard chews, fatty scraps and large biscuits | Toilet training, name response and crate settling
12 to 16 weeks | Gentle puppy training treats with named meat or fish | Rich adult rewards and anything slow to chew | Puppy class focus, recall and handling practice
4 to 6 months | Soft treats that still break into pea-sized pieces | Tough dental chews and treats that crumble into dust | Lead walking, polite greetings and longer recall games
6 months plus | Small training treats, soft meat strips or low-calorie bites | Overfeeding during longer sessions | Recall, loose lead work and early sport foundations

Do not use hard adult chews as puppy training treats. They are too slow for training and can be risky for young teeth.

Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites

Softer than the adult version and sized for small mouths. Single protein options reduce allergy risk. Around £2.50 per 90g bag. Health rating: 5/5.

Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats

Grain-free, natural, and made without artificial additives. The texture is gentle enough for teething puppies. Expect to pay £3-£4 per 100g bag. Health rating: 5/5.

Best Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

Sensitive dogs need limited ingredients, single protein sources, and no common triggers like wheat, soya, or dairy.

Scrumbles Gut-Friendly Bites

Scrumbles adds probiotics to support digestion. The ingredient list is short, the protein source is named, and the treats are baked not fried. UK-made and independently owned. Around £3 per 100g bag. Health rating: 5/5.

Thrive Air-Dried Protein

Thrive offers 100 percent single-protein air-dried treats. Chicken, duck, and fish variants are available. No fillers, no grains, no preservatives. The air-drying process retains nutrients. Expect to pay £4-£5 per 50g bag. Health rating: 5/5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dental treats are best for small dogs in the UK?

Whimzees small sizes, Greenies Teenie and Lily's Kitchen Dental Nibbles are the easiest UK options to compare. Pick by mouth size, chewing style, calories and ingredients. Supervise every dental chew and keep brushing in the routine because chews do not clean every tooth surface.

What are the best dog treats for training?

The best dog treats for training are soft, small, low in calories and tasty enough to beat distractions. Forthglade Soft Bites are a good all-round UK option, Bounce and Bella suits high-repetition work, and JR Pure Meat Sticks or Thrive Air-Dried Chicken are better as high-value rewards for recall, flyball drills and harder distractions.

What are the top rated dog treats in the UK?

For most UK owners, the top rated dog treats are Forthglade Soft Bites for everyday training, Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats for low-calorie repetition work, Thrive Air-Dried Chicken for high-value rewards, and JR Pure Meat Sticks for flyball or recall. The best choice depends on your dog's size, stomach and training job.

What are the best puppy treats?

The best puppy treats are soft, tiny rewards that suit your puppy's age, stomach and training job. For most UK puppies, Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites, Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats and pea-sized pieces of normal food are good starting points. Keep treats small enough for repeat rewards, count them as part of daily food and avoid hard chews while your puppy is teething.

What are the best puppy training treats in the UK?

For most UK puppies, the best puppy training treats are soft, small and made with simple ingredients. Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites and Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats are good first picks, but tiny pieces of normal food can also work for easy sessions. Avoid hard chews, rawhide and fatty scraps while your puppy is teething or building digestive tolerance.

How many treats should a dog have per day?

Treats should not exceed 10 percent of daily calories. For a typical medium dog on 600 kcal per day, that is roughly 60 kcal from treats. Check the packaging for kcal per treat and adjust meal portions accordingly.

Are grain-free treats better for dogs?

Grain-free is only better if your dog has a confirmed grain intolerance. For most dogs, whole grains like brown rice or oats are fine and provide fibre. Focus on named meat as the first ingredient rather than grain presence.

Can puppies have adult dog treats?

Some adult treats are too hard or large for puppies. Choose treats labelled for puppies, or break soft adult treats into tiny pieces. Avoid high-fat treats while your puppy is still growing.

What are the best treats for dogs in the UK?

The healthiest UK treats are those with named meat as the first ingredient, no artificial preservatives, and minimal fillers. Our top picks are Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky, Forthglade Soft Bites, and Thrive Air-Dried Protein, all rated 5/5.

How should I store dog treats?

Keep treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Natural treats without preservatives should be used within a few weeks of opening. Freeze bulk bags in portions to maintain freshness.

Are dental chews a substitute for brushing?

No. Dental chews reduce tartar but do not clean every tooth surface. Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week with dog-safe toothpaste for full dental health.

What treats do vets recommend?

Vets generally recommend treats with a named meat or fish as the first ingredient, minimal fillers, and no artificial preservatives. Dental chews with VOHC acceptance, such as Whimzees or Greenies, are commonly suggested for oral health. For dogs with medical conditions, vets may prescribe specific treats or advise avoiding high-fat snacks altogether.

Are rawhide treats bad for dogs?

Rawhide can pose a choking risk and may contain chemical residues from processing. Some dogs also struggle to digest large pieces. While many dogs tolerate rawhide without issues, safer alternatives include Yakers Yak Bars, natural antlers, or air-dried meat strips. If you do use rawhide, choose high-quality UK-sourced products and supervise your dog closely.

Can I give my dog treats every day?

Yes, if you account for the calories. Treats should stay under ten percent of daily caloric intake. For a 600 kcal daily diet, that is roughly sixty treat calories. Spread them across training sessions and rewards rather than giving them all at once. Low-calorie options like Bounce and Bella training treats make daily treating easier without weight gain.

What are the best low calorie dog treats?

The best low-calorie dog treats UK handlers use are air-popped popcorn without salt, cucumber slices, or commercial training treats under three kcal each. Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats sit at roughly two kcal per piece, making them ideal for high-repetition training. JR Pure Meat Sticks can be sliced paper-thin for a high-value reward that still keeps calories low.

Best Dog Treats for Flyball and High-Drive Sports

Flyball dogs burn serious calories. A competition dog doing four-dog relay runs needs treats that hit three criteria: fast to eat, high value, and nutritionally dense. The wrong treat can slow a dog down at the box or cause stomach upset between heats. Here is how the treats we reviewed above map to flyball training, plus which ones to avoid on competition day. For a deeper breakdown of best training treats for flyball dogs, compare treat size, texture and reward value before choosing your training pouch. For active breeds, protein-rich dog snacks work best when they are small, soft enough to eat fast and made from named meat or fish.

Treat Timing in Flyball Training

In flyball, reward timing is everything. You want the dog to associate the return with an immediate payoff. That means treats need to be small enough to swallow in one bite and palatable enough to compete with the excitement of the line.

Pre-training: Use regular treats like Wagg Tasty Bones or Harringtons. You are building engagement, not max drive.

Box training: Use high-value soft bites: Forthglade Soft Bites, Lily's Kitchen Mini Jerky, or Thrive Air-Dried Protein. These are swallowed fast and do not sit in the mouth while the dog learns to trigger the box.

Run-throughs: Use your highest-value reward: JR Pure Meat Sticks or a tug toy (see our best tug toys for dogs UK guide). The reward must feel better than the run itself to build reliable recall past the jumps.

Cool-down: After a session, switch to long-lasting chews like Yakers Yak Bars or gentle dental chews. This occupies the dog, settles arousal, and cleans teeth after a high-saliva session.

Why Hard Treats and Dental Chews Fail During Flyball Practice

Hard treats take too long to eat. A dog holding a dental chew in its mouth cannot focus on commands. Worse, if the dog drops the chew mid-practice, it becomes a distraction for other dogs in the lane. Save dental chews and yak bars for the car journey home or crate time, not for active training.

Treating Between Heats at Competitions

At BFA competitions, dogs run multiple heats in quick succession. Treating between heats is common, but it is easy to overfeed. Use the 10 percent calorie rule: if a competition day spans six hours with four runs, keep treats under 40-60 kcal total for a medium dog. Air-dried protein strips are ideal here because they are light, high-value, and easy to snap into tiny portions.

Portable: Thrive Air-Dried strips fit in a pocket and do not crumble.

Non-greasy: Greasy treats transfer to the ball and box pads, making them slippery. Avoid oily fish skins on competition day.

Hydration pairing: High-protein treats increase thirst. Ensure water is available between heats, especially in summer venues.

When to Switch from Treats to Toys as Primary Reward

Most experienced flyball dogs do not get food rewards for completed runs. They get a tug toy or a ball toss. The transition happens around the time the dog reliably completes full runs without mistakes. Treats still have a role: they are used for warming up, for box-reminder drills, and for dogs that are toy-indifferent or overweight. If your dog is not toy-motivated, air-dried meat and training bites are your primary tools for building drive past the jumps.

What dog treats do you recommend for most UK dogs?

For most UK dogs, we recommend soft training treats that are small, easy to break and clear on ingredients. Forthglade Soft Bites are a safe all-round choice, Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats suit high-repetition sessions, and JR Pure Meat Sticks are useful when you need a stronger reward for recall or flyball. Pick dental chews or long-lasting chews for quiet time, not active training.

What are good treats for dog training and daily rewards?

Good treats for dog training are small, soft and quick to swallow. Forthglade Soft Bites work well for everyday training, Bounce and Bella Grain-Free Training Treats suit high-repetition sessions, and JR Pure Meat Sticks are a strong choice for recall or flyball. For daily rewards, keep pieces small and count treat calories as part of the dog's food for the day.

Dog training treats FAQ

What are the best dog training treats?

The best dog training treats are small, soft and high value enough to keep your dog engaged. Forthglade Soft Bites suit everyday work, Bounce and Bella helps with lots of repetitions, and JR Pure Meat Sticks or Thrive Air-Dried Chicken work well for recall and flyball jackpots.

Should dog training treats be soft or crunchy?

Soft treats are usually better for training because dogs can swallow them quickly and get back to work. Crunchy biscuits are fine for casual rewards, but they slow down recall, puppy class and flyball drills.

What treats are best for recall training?

For recall, use a treat that smells better than the distraction. Tiny pieces of cooked chicken, Thrive Air-Dried Chicken or JR Pure Meat Sticks are stronger than dry biscuits and still easy to portion.

What training treats are best for puppies?

Puppies do best with soft, pea-sized rewards such as Forthglade Puppy Soft Bites, Lily's Kitchen Puppy Treats or tiny pieces from their normal food allowance. Keep ingredients simple and sessions short.

How many training treats can a dog have in one session?

Use the smallest pieces you can and keep total treats under about ten percent of the dog's daily calories. For a busy session, 20 to 40 pea-sized rewards is normal for many dogs, but reduce the main meal if you have used a lot of food in training.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best dog treats UK comes down to matching the treat to your dog's needs. Use natural, high-quality treats for daily reward. Use dental chews as a supplement, not a replacement for brushing. Use long-lasting chews for mental stimulation and to protect your furniture. And always read the label: named meat first, no artificial junk, and a clear calorie count.

If you are training for flyball or agility, see our guide to the best dog training treats UK for small, high-value options that keep sessions moving. For gear recommendations, check our flyball gear guide.

Ready to find a team near you? Use the Flyball Hub app to search for clubs, track your training, and plan your competition season.