Training a puppy isn’t just about commands—it’s about connection, motivation, and trust. And let’s be honest, nothing grabs a puppy’s attention faster than a tasty little bite. That’s why having the right puppy training treats soft in texture is a game-changer. These treats are specifically designed to be small, gentle, and fast to chew, allowing for quick reinforcement during training sessions.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 10 soft training treats that your pup will absolutely love. Whether you’re working on sit, stay, or “don’t eat that,” the right treat can make all the difference. From grain-free options to those packed with DHA for brain support, we’ve reviewed the best of the best to help you find the perfect match for your furry friend.
Let’s dive in and discover which soft treats make the top cut—and why your puppy will be begging for more.
What Are Puppy Training Treats?
Puppy training treats are small, bite-sized rewards designed to help positively reinforce behavior during obedience training. The idea is simple: when your puppy performs the desired action—like sitting or going potty outside—you reward them immediately with a delicious treat. This builds a clear and positive association between the action and the reward.
But training treats aren’t just any snack. They need to be:
- Small enough for frequent use
- Low in calories to avoid overfeeding
- High in appeal to keep your pup motivated
- Easy to carry and dispense
Training treats often include functional ingredients like DHA for cognitive development or added vitamins for overall health. And when it comes to puppies, the softer, the better—they have sensitive teeth and tummies, after all!
Whether you’re just starting with basic commands or moving into more complex behavior shaping, these treats are an essential part of your training toolkit.
Why Choose Soft Treats for Puppy Training?
You might wonder, “Why soft treats? Aren’t crunchy ones fine?” While crunchy biscuits have their place, soft training treats are much more effective during active training sessions—especially with young pups. Here’s why soft treats win out:
1. Quick to Chew, Quick to Reward
In training, timing is everything. The faster your puppy can eat the reward, the quicker you can move on to the next command. Soft treats don’t slow down your momentum the way crunchy treats can.
2. Gentle on Puppy Teeth
Puppies are still growing their adult teeth. Soft treats are easier to chew and less likely to cause discomfort or discourage treat-taking.
3. More Palatable for Picky Eaters
Soft treats often have a stronger smell and taste, making them more enticing for choosy pups. They usually contain fresh meat, broth, or natural flavoring that’s extra appealing.
4. Ideal for Training in Small Doses
Soft treats can be broken down into even smaller pieces without crumbling—making them perfect for high-frequency training.
So if you’re trying to build a strong training foundation, puppy training treats soft in texture offer both practicality and puppy-approved flavor.
Related Articles: Top 10 Best Puppy Teething Treats Reviews
Key Ingredients to Look For in Training Treats
Not all treats are created equal. Just because something is marketed for puppies doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest or safest choice. Here’s what to look for on the label:
1. Real Meat as the First Ingredient
Choose treats with chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or salmon as the main protein source. This ensures high palatability and quality nutrition.
2. Grain-Free or Limited Ingredient Options
Many puppies have sensitive stomachs. Grain-free or limited-ingredient treats reduce the risk of food allergies or intolerances.
3. DHA & Omega Fatty Acids
DHA supports brain development, which is crucial during your pup’s early learning stages. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids also contribute to coat health and immunity.
4. No Artificial Preservatives or Fillers
Avoid treats with artificial colors, BHA/BHT preservatives, or excessive fillers like corn and soy.
5. Low Calories Per Treat
Training involves repetition—so look for treats with fewer than 3-4 calories each. That way, you can reward often without overfeeding.
Treats that check all these boxes don’t just taste great—they support your puppy’s development from the inside out.
Top 10 Best Puppy Training Treats Soft – Expert Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats (19 oz Variety Pack) – Best Overall
Why It Stands Out:
Blue Buffalo Bits are a long-standing favorite in the dog training world—and for good reason. This 2-pack includes chicken and beef-flavored soft treats that are perfectly sized for training and packed with DHA to support healthy cognitive development.
The texture is soft, moist, and easy for puppies to chew. They contain no poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives, making them one of the cleanest soft training treats available.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enriched with DHA for brain health
- Made with real meat as the #1 ingredient
- Grain-free and free from fillers
- Comes in a value-sized 2-pack (chicken & beef)
Cons:
- Slightly higher calorie content per piece than some
- May dry out if not sealed tightly
Best for pet parents who want nutrition and training power all in one treat.
2. Wellness Soft Puppy Treats (8 oz) – Runner-Up Pick
Why It Stands Out:
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites combine lamb and salmon in a flavorful, nutrient-rich soft treat. These are grain-free, gluten-free, and include carrots and blueberries for antioxidant support. They’re also enriched with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
The treat size and chewy texture make them great for small mouths, and the all-natural formula is ideal for sensitive pups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Soft, chewy, easy to digest
- Real meat plus fruits and veggies
- All-natural, no artificial additives
- Great flavor variety
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than basic treats
- Not the lowest calorie option
Perfect for owners who want flavor and function in every reward.
3. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats (4 oz) – Best Value
Why It Stands Out:
Looking for a budget-friendly yet high-quality option? Blue Buffalo’s Baby BLUE Chicken Soft Training Treats offer exceptional value in a smaller pouch—ideal for daily training or on-the-go use.
They’re grain-free, soft, moist, and made with real chicken. The treat size is perfect for young puppies, and they’re enriched with DHA and other essential nutrients for development.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Economical price
- Chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Soft and easy for small puppies to chew
- Clean ingredient list
Cons:
- Smaller quantity bag
- May dry out quickly if left unsealed
Great as a starter treat for new puppy owners or casual training sessions.
4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats – Best Peanut Butter Option
Why It Stands Out:
Zuke’s Mini Naturals are legendary in the training world. These soft treats are tiny, low-calorie (under 3 kcal each), and made with real peanut butter for unbeatable taste.
They’re perfect for clicker training or extended sessions, and come in a resealable pouch to keep them fresh. Made with wholefood ingredients and free from corn, wheat, and soy, they’re gentle on little tummies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ideal size for repetitive training
- Under 3 calories per treat
- Delicious peanut butter flavor
- Great for all breed sizes
Cons:
- Contains tapioca and rice (not grain-free)
- Can harden over time if exposed to air
Ideal for owners who train daily and want a low-calorie, tasty motivator.
5. Buddy Biscuits Trainers, Bacon Flavor (10 oz) – Best for Chewers
Product Highlights
These Bacon-flavored soft training treats from Buddy Biscuits are small, chewy, and full of flavor. With only 1.5 calories per treat, they’re perfect for high-volume training or puppies prone to weight gain.
The formula is grain-free, gluten-free, and uses simple ingredients. Dogs love the smell and taste, making them a great tool for reinforcing recall and obedience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low calorie – ideal for frequent rewards
- Real bacon flavor
- Free from fillers and artificial preservatives
- Great texture for tiny puppy teeth
Cons:
- Not suitable for dogs with pork sensitivities
- Slightly greasy if left in warm conditions
Perfect for energetic pups and active training sessions where fast rewards matter most.
6. Bil-Jac Dog Treats – Best for Liver Flavor Fans
Why It Stands Out:
These training treats are made from real chicken liver, a flavor that dogs go absolutely wild for. Bil-Jac treats are incredibly soft and moist, making them easy to break apart and even more enticing during training.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Made with real chicken liver – ultra high reward
- Super soft and moist, easy to chew
- Resealable double zipper pouch for freshness
- Highly effective as a high-value training reward
Cons:
- Strong liver smell (a pro for dogs, a con for humans)
- May be too rich for sensitive stomachs
Perfect For: Distracted or stubborn pups who need a super high-value motivator during training.
7. Wag Soft & Tender American Jerky – Best Jerky-Style Treat
Why It Stands Out:
From Amazon’s in-house brand Wag, these turkey recipe jerky treats are soft, tender, and meaty—perfect for cutting into smaller training portions. They are made in the USA and contain no added grain, corn, soy, or artificial colors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Real turkey is the first ingredient
- Soft jerky texture is easily torn into training-sized pieces
- Grain-free and free of artificial fillers
- Affordable and available via Amazon Prime
Cons:
- Larger treat size requires cutting or tearing
- Not as convenient as pre-portioned training treats
Perfect For: Pet parents who prefer a meatier, jerky-style reward with natural ingredients.
8. Shameless Pets Bacon Bone Broth Bits – Best with Collagen
Why It Stands Out:
These natural treats include bone broth and collagen to support your puppy’s joints and connective tissue—making them functional as well as flavorful. The soft, chewy texture makes them perfect for training, especially for pups with an active lifestyle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Contains natural collagen for joint and skin health
- Bone broth-based flavor is a hit with dogs
- Made with upcycled ingredients (eco-friendly!)
- Soft and breakable for quick rewards
Cons:
- Slightly higher in price per ounce
- May not appeal to extremely picky eaters
Perfect For: Health-conscious dog owners who want every bite to benefit their pup’s development.
9. Pet Botanics Puppy Bites – Best for Training Volume
Why It Stands Out:
If you’re doing serious training and need a large quantity of treats, Pet Botanics has you covered. Each 4 oz. pouch contains about 200 soft, chewy peanut butter-flavored treats. With a recipe recommended by professional dog trainers, they’re a reliable, affordable choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 200 treats per bag – ideal for training-intensive periods
- Peanut butter flavor appeals to most puppies
- Soft and small enough for fast rewards
- Recommended by professional trainers
Cons:
- May not be suitable for dogs with peanut allergies
- Texture is softer than expected for some owners
Perfect For: Owners who are training multiple puppies or engaging in frequent obedience drills.
10. Zesty Paws Training Treats – Best for Hip & Joint Health
Why It Stands Out:
These bacon-flavored treats go above and beyond your average snack. Zesty Paws designed them not only to train but also to support healthy hip, joint, and muscle development. Infused with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, they’re great for growing puppies or breeds prone to joint issues.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM
- Bacon-flavored and soft for easy chewing
- Supports growth, mobility, and joint health
- Made for all breeds and ages
Cons:
- Pricier than simple treats
- Slightly larger size; may need to be broken in half for small puppies
Perfect For: Large breed puppies or any pup needing additional support for growing bones and joints.
Comparison Table of Top Picks
| Product | Best For | Key Flavor | Notable Features | Calories/Treat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Buffalo Bits | Overall Performance | Chicken & Beef | DHA, soft & chewy | ~4 |
| Wellness Puppy Treats | Grain-Free Training | Lamb & Salmon | Grain-free, antioxidant-rich | ~3 |
| Blue Baby BLUE | Budget-Friendly | Chicken | Wholesome & affordable | ~3 |
| Zuke’s Mini Naturals | Peanut Butter Lovers | Peanut Butter | 3-calorie soft chews | 3 |
| Buddy Biscuits | Chewy Soft Treats | Bacon | Low-cal, soft texture | 1.5 |
| Bil-Jac Treats | High-Value Reward | Chicken Liver | Ultra-moist & tasty | ~3 |
| Wag Jerky | Jerky-Style Option | Turkey | Tearable jerky strips | ~5 |
| Shameless Pets | Joint Health + Flavor | Bacon Bone Broth | With collagen & upcycled ingredients | ~3 |
| Pet Botanics | Training Volume | Peanut Butter | 200-count bag, pro-grade | ~1.5 |
| Zesty Paws | Hip & Joint Support | Bacon | With Glucosamine & Chondroitin | ~4 |
Read more: Top 10 Best Real Wood Chew Sticks for Dogs
How to Use Training Treats Effectively
Getting the most out of your puppy training treats soft goes beyond just having the right brand. It’s all about timing, consistency, and reward strategy. Here’s how to make sure every treat you give supports your training goals:
1. Timing is Everything
The most important rule: reward instantly. When your puppy performs the desired behavior—whether it’s sitting, staying, or walking without pulling—you need to give the treat within 1–2 seconds. This fast response helps your puppy associate the action with the reward.
2. Use Small Treats for Frequent Rewards
Don’t wait for big moments to treat. Positive reinforcement is about repetition. That’s why soft training treats are ideal—you can use a lot without overfeeding. Many are just 1 to 3 calories each.
If the treat is larger, break it into smaller pieces. Your puppy doesn’t know (or care) about size—they’re happy just getting something tasty.
3. Be Consistent
Use the same type of treat for the same behavior to build a pattern. For example, always use Zuke’s Mini Naturals when training recall. This helps reinforce specific cues more clearly.
4. Use High-Value Treats Strategically
Save the really irresistible treats (like Bil-Jac or Blue Buffalo Bits) for distracting environments or new, complex commands. These high-value options help maintain your pup’s focus when there’s a lot going on.
5. Gradually Phase Out Treats
Once your puppy masters a behavior, you can begin fading the treat rewards. Start by rewarding only some successful attempts and eventually shift to praise, petting, or play. But during early stages, keep the rewards flowing!
Treats & Nutrition: What’s Safe for Puppies?
Puppies are growing fast and need a balanced diet—so it’s crucial to make sure training treats complement, not compromise, their nutrition.
1. Watch the Calories
Training involves frequent treating. Even though most soft treats are low-calorie, they still add up. As a general rule, treats should not exceed 10% of your puppy’s daily caloric intake.
2. Choose Functional Treats When Possible
Some treats come with added benefits: DHA for brain support, Glucosamine for joints, or probiotics for digestion. These are ideal, especially if your puppy has specific health needs.
3. Avoid Fillers and Artificial Additives
Steer clear of products with:
- Artificial colors or dyes
- Corn syrup
- BHA/BHT preservatives
- Unidentified “meat by-products”
Stick to brands like Wellness, Blue Buffalo, and Zesty Paws that focus on natural, transparent ingredients.
4. Always Monitor for Allergies
Some common allergens for puppies include wheat, soy, and even chicken. If your pup starts itching, having tummy trouble, or developing skin irritation, switch to limited-ingredient treats or try novel proteins like lamb or salmon.
See more: Top 10 Best Elevated Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Reviews
Soft Treats vs Crunchy Treats: Which is Better?
So, what makes soft treats better for training puppies? Let’s compare:
| Feature | Soft Treats | Crunchy Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Chewing | Easy for small or sensitive mouths | May be hard for teething pups |
| Speed of Consumption | Quick, no delay during training | Slower, breaks training flow |
| Flavor and Smell | Strong aroma = more enticing | Often blander, less appealing |
| Breakability | Easy to portion | May crumble or snap unevenly |
| Mess Factor | Slightly sticky but manageable | Crumbly, can leave residue |
Conclusion: While crunchy treats are great for occasional rewards or dental benefits, soft treats win hands-down for training purposes. They’re faster, tastier, and much easier for your pup to handle—especially in rapid-reward situations.
Are Homemade Puppy Treats Worth It?
If you’ve got the time and ingredients, homemade puppy treats can be a great alternative. You control exactly what goes in, and it’s a fun way to bond with your dog. But how do they compare to store-bought options?
Pros of Homemade Treats:
- 100% control over ingredients
- Customizable for allergies or dietary needs
- Can be more cost-effective
- No preservatives or additives
Cons of Homemade Treats:
- Shorter shelf life
- More prep time and effort
- May lack balanced nutrition unless recipe is vet-approved
- Texture isn’t always ideal for training
Best Uses: Homemade treats are great for supplementing store-bought options or when your pup has very specific dietary needs. However, for high-volume training and convenience, brands like Pet Botanics and Buddy Biscuits are often more reliable and practical.
Conclusion
When it comes to training your puppy, not all treats are created equal. The best puppy training treats soft in texture are the ones that not only taste great but are also easy to digest, gentle on growing teeth, and packed with nutritional benefits.
If you’re looking for the best overall pick, Blue Buffalo Bits are a fantastic choice with their DHA-rich formula and variety pack. For budget-conscious owners, Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE offers excellent quality at an affordable price. And if your puppy has special health needs or allergies, there’s something on this list for them too—from the Zesty Paws joint-supporting bites to the grain-free Wellness treats.
Whatever your pup’s taste or your training goals, these soft treats will help you build good habits, strengthen your bond, and make every learning moment a little more delicious.
FAQs
1. How many training treats can I give my puppy per day?
Stick to the 10% rule—no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories should come from treats. Most soft treats are only 1–3 calories each, so adjust based on your puppy’s size and activity level.
2. Are soft treats bad for puppy teeth?
No! In fact, soft treats are better for puppies than hard ones. They’re easier to chew, especially when your pup is teething.
3. Can I use these treats for crate training or potty training?
Absolutely. High-reward treats are perfect for encouraging behaviors like going potty outside or staying calmly in a crate.
4. How should I store soft training treats?
Always keep the bag sealed or use an airtight container. Soft treats can dry out quickly if left exposed to air.
5. What’s the best treat for a picky puppy?
Try something rich and aromatic like Bil-Jac Liver Treats or Zuke’s Peanut Butter Minis. The stronger the smell, the more tempting it usually is!
