Top 5 Training Treats for Your Australian Shepherd
Discover the best treats for Australian Shepherd training, from Zuke's Mini Naturals to single-ingredient options. Keep your dog motivated with small, soft, high-value rewards.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
Best Overall: Zuke's Mini Naturals. Small, soft, and only 2 calories each, perfect for frequent training.
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Blue Buffalo Blue Bits. Limited ingredient recipe with deboned chicken as first ingredient.
Best for Puppies: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites. Soft texture for teething puppies.
Best Natural: Full Moon Chicken Training Treats. Made with 100% real chicken and no preservatives.
Best Freeze-Dried: Stella & Chewy's Wild Weenies. Freeze-dried raw treats with grass-fed beef.
Quick answer
Our top picks: 1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals (best overall), 2. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits (best for sensitive stomachs), 3. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites (best for puppies).
What to consider for a Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and food-motivated, making treats essential for training. Choose small, soft treats that can be consumed quickly to keep training sessions flowing. Look for limited ingredients to avoid allergies, and ensure treats are low-calorie since Aussies can be prone to weight gain. High-protein options support their active lifestyle. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or excessive fillers.
How we picked
We analyzed over 30 popular training treats based on ingredient quality, nutritional profile, size, and value. We prioritized treats with real meat as the first ingredient, no artificial additives, and small sizes (under 5 calories per treat). We also considered customer reviews and veterinarian recommendations. Our selection includes options for puppies, adult dogs, and dogs with sensitivities.
Australian Shepherds thrive on positive reinforcement. The best training treats are small, soft, and high-value. Rotate flavors to maintain interest, and always prioritize single-ingredient, limited-ingredient options for health.
The Options
Types Explained
Soft & Chewy
Moist, pliable treats that break easily. Ideal for fast rewards.
Best for: High-intensity training sessions
Freeze-Dried Raw
Single ingredient, minimally processed. Retains nutrients.
Best for: High-value rewards for difficult commands
Crunchy Biscuits
Harder texture, often larger. Good for intermittent rewards.
Best for: Low-frequency training or as a snack
Training Sticks
Long, thin sticks that can be broken into pieces. Easy to hold.
Best for: Teaching focus and duration behaviors
The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Zuke's Mini Naturals
View on Amazon
Small, soft, and only 2 calories each, perfect for frequent training. Made with real chicken and no artificial ingredients.
Treats should be small (pea-sized) to avoid overfeeding. Large treats waste time during training.
02
Calorie Content
Aussies need ~300-500 calories daily. Treats should not exceed 10% of their diet. Look for treats under 5 calories each.
03
Ingredient Quality
Real meat should be the first ingredient. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Limited ingredients reduce allergy risks.
04
Texture
Soft treats are best for quick consumption. Crunchy treats can work for slower training, but may cause choking in puppies.
05
Value
Cost per treat matters for frequent training. Compare price per piece, not per bag. Bulk options can save money.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Storage
Keep treats in a cool, dry place. Freeze-dried treats should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Soft treats can be refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Portion Control
Use treats sparingly. For a 50lb Aussie, limit to 20-30 small treats per day. Adjust meal portions accordingly to prevent weight gain.
Rotation
Rotate between different flavors and textures to keep your Aussie engaged. Use high-value treats (e.g., freeze-dried meat) for challenging commands and lower-value treats for known behaviors.
Pro tip
Use part of your Aussie's daily kibble as training treats. It reduces calorie overload and keeps them motivated. Reserve special high-value treats for new or difficult commands.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use human food as training treats?
Yes, but only safe options like plain cooked chicken, carrots, or green beans. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and chocolate. Always check with your vet.
How many treats can I give my Australian Shepherd per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. For a 50lb Aussie, that's about 30-50 calories from treats, or 10-20 small treats.
What if my Aussie has allergies?
Choose limited ingredient treats with a novel protein (e.g., venison, duck). Avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, and soy. Consult your vet for specific allergies.
Are grain-free treats better?
Not necessarily. Most dogs digest grains fine. Grain-free may benefit dogs with grain allergies, but recent studies link grain-free diets to DCM. Balance is key.
Can I use treats for things other than training?
Yes, treats can be used for enrichment toys, puzzle feeders, or as occasional rewards. Just track calorie intake to avoid overfeeding.
How do I transition to a new treat?
Introduce new treats gradually over a week. Start with small amounts mixed with old treats. Watch for digestive issues or allergic reactions.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Treats, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
