5 Best High Reward Dog Treats: Your Buying Guide

Ever watch your dog completely ignore a regular biscuit when a special snack appears? That moment shows just how powerful the right treat can be! Training a dog, whether you’re teaching a new trick or just reinforcing good behavior, often hinges on that perfect motivator. But let’s be honest: walking down the pet store aisle can feel overwhelming. You see bags promising everything, and knowing which treats truly pack the “high reward” punch—the ones that stop your dog in their tracks—is tough.

You want treats that work hard, but you also worry about ingredients, cost, and whether the reward is worth the hype. Settling for low-value snacks means training sessions can drag on, and you waste time and money on things your dog doesn’t care about. We understand that frustration.

This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a dog treat “high reward.” You will learn how to identify the best options for motivation, training success, and keeping your furry friend happy. Get ready to unlock peak performance from your pup!

Top High Reward Dog Treats Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Vital Essentials Single Ingredient Beef Liver Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

Bestseller No. 2

Stewart 100% Beef Liver Dog Treats, 4 oz Tub, ~90 Pieces, Freeze Dried Raw, Single Ingredient, 50% Protein Training Treats or Meal Topper, Grain Free, Gluten Free

Includes One 4 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 90 treats per tub
The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends

SaleBestseller No. 3

Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Bites, 14 Ounce

HUMAN-GRADE: If you wouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it? From the ingredients they’re made with to the kitchens they’re made in, our treats meet strict USDA standards fit for human consumption
ALL NATURAL: Our kitchen-crafted Essential Beef Savory Bites are made from quality, 100% all natural ingredients and free range beef raised on family farms; Tear open a bag for lots of doggy kisses!
HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Truth is our first ingredient; We carefully cook our natural Essential Beef Savory Bites in small batches using honest ingredients like free range beef, cassava root, ground celery, and rosemary extract—never any by-products or waste
NO GLYCERIN, GRAINS, CORN, WHEAT OR SOY: Our all natural treats are made from wholesome, healthy recipes; Every bite is free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors and chock full of real meat flavor
U.S-GROWN BEEF: Full Moon treats are proudly made in the United States using regionally sourced ingredients, including USDA approved free range beef

Bestseller No. 4

Vital Essentials Single Ingredient Chicken Hearts Dog Treats, 1.9 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN HEART DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken hearts.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Buddy Biscuits Trainers 10 Oz. Pouch of Training Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats Made with Bacon Flavor

Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
500 treats per bag!
Only 1.5 calories per treat
Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
Made with natural bacon

Bestseller No. 6

Vital Essentials Single Ingredient Chicken Breast Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN BREAST DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken breast.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

Bestseller No. 7

Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs, Made with Real Pork Liver, Focuses, Motivates, Rewards, Speeds Up Learning Curve, No BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Bacon, 20 oz (1 pack)

BIG MOTIVATION IN EACH MINI BITE. Each of these 3 calorie treats are packed with flavor from pork liver, real bacon, and added botanicals that will keep dogs focused and eager to learn!
TRAIN. ENRICH. TREAT. These low calorie training rewards are great for training sessions, enrichment activities such as puzzle toys and snuffle mats, and every day treating occasions.
GREAT FOR DOGS OF ALL SIZES. These bite-sized treats are the perfect size for training and every day treating for dogs of all sizes. Each 20 oz bag includes approximately 500 treats.
REWARD THE EVERYDAY Pet Botanics healthy training rewards are perfect for training and treating every day in every way. These soft & chewy treats have no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
PROUD MEMBER THE CLOUD STAR FAMILY. With Cloud Star products, you can spend less time worrying about what to feed your pet and spend more time Living Life with Your Dog by Your Side.

Bestseller No. 8

Vital Essentials Salmon Bites Dog Treats, 2.5 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Protein | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free

FREEZE-DRIED RAW SALMON DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut salmon.
BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for High Reward Dog Treats

Choosing the best high reward dog treats can make training sessions much more fun and effective. These aren’t your everyday snacks. High reward treats are special. They are what your dog works hardest for. This guide will help you pick the perfect ones.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for top-tier treats, look for these important signs:

High Palatability: Does your dog go crazy for it? If the treat smells and tastes amazing to your dog, it’s a high reward.
Small Size/Quick Consumption: For fast-paced training, you need treats your dog can eat quickly. They should not take long to chew. This keeps the training flow going.
High Value Ingredients: The best treats usually feature real meat, poultry, or fish as the very first ingredient.
Appropriate Texture: Some dogs prefer soft, chewy treats. Others love a satisfying crunch. Match the texture to what motivates your specific dog.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality

The ingredients list tells the whole story about quality.

Ingredients That Boost Quality:

Single-Source Proteins: Treats made from just one type of meat (like turkey or salmon) are often higher quality.
Natural Preservatives: Look for vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract to keep the treats fresh.
Whole Foods: Real vegetables or fruits add nutritional value.

Ingredients That Lower Quality:

Artificial Colors and Flavors: These offer no benefit to your dog. Avoid bright, unnatural colors.
Unnecessary Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy are often used to bulk up the treat cheaply. Many dogs do not need these.
By-Products: These are lower quality parts of the animal. High reward treats should use whole muscle meat.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the treat matters just as much as what it is made of. A high reward treat should be reserved for important moments.

When to Use High Reward Treats:

Proofing Behaviors: Use them when practicing known commands in distracting places, like a busy park.
Introducing New Skills: When teaching something hard, like a complex agility move, these treats provide maximum motivation.
Building Confidence: For shy or nervous dogs, a super tasty treat can build trust quickly during handling or vet visits.

A good user experience means the treat is easy to dispense. If you are training off-leash, you need to be able to grab and give the treat quickly without fumbling. Soft treats are often easier to break into tiny pieces for frequent rewarding.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About High Reward Dog Treats

Q: What makes a treat “high reward”?

A: A high reward treat is simply the most desirable food item your dog can get. It is much better than what they get every day.

Q: Should I use high reward treats for everyday training?

A: No, you should save them. If you use them all the time, your dog stops seeing them as special. Use lower value treats for easy, regular practice.

Q: Are freeze-dried meats the best high reward option?

A: Freeze-dried meats are excellent because they have a strong smell and taste. Many dogs find them irresistible, making them top-tier rewards.

Q: How small should I cut these treats?

A: Cut them very small—think the size of a pea or smaller. You want to reward often during hard training without overfeeding your dog.

Q: Can my dog be allergic to high reward treats?

A: Yes. Even high-quality treats contain protein sources. If your dog has known allergies, stick to single-ingredient treats that match what they already eat safely.

Q: Do high reward treats spoil faster?

A: Often, yes. Because they use fewer artificial preservatives, you must store them correctly, usually in the refrigerator or freezer, especially if they are soft or moist.

Q: What if my dog ignores the supposed “high reward” treat?

A: This means the treat is not high value *for your dog*. Try a different protein source, like switching from chicken to liver, to see if that gets a better reaction.

Q: Are baked jerky treats considered high reward?

A: Yes, jerky is often high reward due to its intense flavor and chewy texture, provided the ingredients list is clean.

Q: How much should I feed my dog in total treats per day?

A: Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Adjust their regular meals if you use many high reward treats.

Q: Is it okay if a high reward treat is slightly messy?

A: Yes, slightly messy is often a sign of high moisture and strong smell, which dogs love. Just keep them in a sealed container when you carry them.