The Best and Healthiest High Value Dog Treats
High value dog treats are the secret to results. If you’ve ever trained a dog or even just tried to get one to come inside when they’d rather chase squirrels you know not all treats are created equal. Some snacks barely get a glance, while others make your dog’s tail wag so fast you’d think they were trying to take off.
These extra special snacks are known as high value dog treats, and they can completely change the way your dog responds to training, grooming, and daily care routines like tooth brushing.
But what exactly are high value dog treats, and how do you choose the healthiest options? Let’s dive in.
What Are High Value Dog Treats?
A high value treat is simply a food reward that your dog finds irresistible. These aren’t your everyday biscuits or kibble. Instead, they’re the kinds of snacks that make your dog’s eyes light up and cause them to focus entirely on you, no matter what else is going on. High value treats will give you a captive audience with your dog.
Think of it this way: if kibble is your dog’s daily meal (like your regular dinner), high-value treats are the culinary equivalent of truffles. Rare, luxurious, and deeply satisfying, they’re not something you offer every day but when you do, they make a lasting impression.
Why High Value Treats Work So Well
Dogs, like people, are motivated by what they love most. Since dogs are food motivated creatures high value treats give you an unfair advantage with dog training. If you try to train your dog with a treat they don’t care much about, you’ll struggle to get their attention. But pull out something especially tasty, and suddenly you become the most interesting thing in the room.
High value treats:
- Capture attention in distracting environments
- Create positive associations with activities like brushing teeth or visiting the vet
- Motivate faster learning because dogs are eager to earn the reward
- Strengthen the bond between you and your dog
The key is finding treats that are not just exciting, but also healthy. After all, you don’t want training to compromise your dog’s wellbeing.
Qualities Of Healthy High Value Dog Treats
When choosing high-value rewards, keep these factors in mind:
- Wholesome Ingredients – Look for treats made from real, recognizable foods like meat, vegetables, and limited grains.
- Minimal Additives – Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Nutritional Balance – Since high-value treats are often protein rich, make sure they complement your dog’s diet without adding too many empty calories.
- Size & Portion Control – Training requires lots of repetition, so treats should be small or easy to break apart. You want flavor intensity, not bulk.
- Digestibility – Sensitive stomachs need gentle ingredients to avoid tummy upset.
The Best Healthy High Value Dog Treats
Here are some tried and true healthy treats that most dogs love:
1. Freeze Dried Meat Treats
Single ingredient freeze dried treats, like beef liver, chicken breast, or salmon, are top tier for most dogs. They’re nutrient rich, high in protein, and easy to portion into small bites. Plus, since they’re just one ingredient, you know exactly what your dog is eating.
Why they work: Intense natural flavour that dogs can’t resist.
2. Fresh or Cooked Meat Pieces
Plain boiled chicken, turkey, or lean beef (without seasoning, oil, or onions/garlic) make excellent rewards. You can cook a batch, chop it into tiny cubes, and freeze portions for easy use.
Why they work: Freshness and smell are ultra motivating.
3. Cheese (in moderation)
Many dogs go wild for cheese. Low-fat mozzarella or string cheese can be cut into pea sized bites. Just be mindful some dogs are sensitive to dairy, and cheese is calorie dense, so use sparingly.
Why it works: Rich taste and creamy texture.
4. Dehydrated Fish or Fish Skins
Dogs love the strong smell of fish, and dehydrated cod, salmon, or whitefish is not only a high value treat but it’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Why it works: Smelly (to dogs, that’s a good thing!) and packed with nutrients.
5. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
While many people think of meat first, some dogs are just as motivated by a crisp bite of fruit or veggies. Small pieces of apple, carrot, blueberry, or banana can be fantastic high value treats. Even cucumber slices can work for dogs who enjoy refreshing crunch.
Cooked sweet potato or pumpkin chunks (baked and cooled, cut into small cubes) are another excellent choice. They’re naturally sweet, packed with fiber, and easy to digest.
Just remember to always avoid toxic foods like grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
Why they work: Natural sweetness, vibrant crunch, and a refreshing taste keep dogs excited, plus they’re low calorie and full of nutrients.
6. Peanut Butter or Nut Butter (xylitol free only!)
Peanut butter is legendary in the dog world. Use a tiny dab on a spoon or smear inside a toy as a reward. Always make sure it’s xylitol free, since that sweetener is highly toxic to dogs.
Why it works: Rich, sticky, and indulgent, many dogs can’t resist it. However all dogs are individual, my boy Lumi won’t have anything to do with peanut butter so it really is an individual preference when it comes to high value treats. Always pay attention to what drives your dog and use what works!
7. Training-Specific Soft Treats
There are many healthy commercial training treats designed to be small, soft, and easy to chew quickly. Look for ones with real meat as the first ingredient and without artificial fillers.
Why it works: Convenient, portable, and bite sized.
Tips for Using High Value Dog Treats Effectively
- Reserve Them for Special Moments
Don’t hand out high value dog treats casually. Save them for important training, recall practice, or situations where you need your dog’s absolute focus. Let your dog work for them. - Keep Them Small
A pea-sized piece is plenty. The reward is about flavor, not volume. - Mix and Rotate
Dogs can get bored, so rotate between different high-value options to keep things exciting. - Pair with Praise
Always combine treats with verbal praise and affection. That way, your dog begins to associate your encouragement and not just the food with success. - Mind the Calories
Adjust your dog’s daily food intake if they’re getting lots of treats. A little planning prevents weight gain.
High-Value Treats for Tooth Brushing Success
At DoggyTeeth, we believe dental care should be a positive, bonding experience not a struggle. That’s why we encourage offering your dog a small high value treat just for coming to you when it’s brushing time.
This simple step:
- Creates excitement about the brushing routine
- Rewards cooperation from the very beginning
- Makes your dog eager to participate instead of resisting
By pairing brushing with something they love, you transform dental care into a fun ritual rather than a chore. Over time, your dog will come running at the sound of “brushing time” because they know it means both treats and attention.
Final Thoughts
High-value treats are one of the most powerful tools you can use in training and bonding with your dog. They motivate, reward, and create joy in everyday moments. Best of all, when you choose healthy, wholesome options, you’re not just winning your dog’s cooperation you’re supporting their long term wellbeing.
Whether it’s a sliver of chicken, a crunchy carrot, or a freeze dried salmon bite, the right treat can turn challenges like tooth brushing into cherished bonding experiences.
Think of high value dog treats as the truffles of the dog world, something rare, special, and treasured. They don’t come out every day, but when they do, they leave a lasting impression and build trust between you and your pup.
So next time you want your dog to give you their full attention, reach for high value dog treats and watch the magic happen. Here’s to inspired training sessions and healthy happy dogs!