🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Treats

Best Treats for Australian Shepherd Training

Our editorial team compared the top training treats for Australian Shepherds. We evaluated ingredients, size, and value to find the best options for your smart, energetic pup.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated June 30, 2026

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🐶 ★ Top Pick: Zuke's Mini Naturals

5-10

Calories per treat (ideal)

95%

Protein content in top picks

3-5

Training sessions per day

1-2

Ingredients in simplest treats

⚡ Key takeaways

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.

For more tips on caring for your Australian Shepherd, check out our Australian Shepherd Complete Guide.

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
Zuke's Mini Naturals	Best Overall	Check price →
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits	Best for Sensitive Stomachs	Check price →
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites	Best for Puppies	Check price →
Full Moon Chicken Training Treats	Best Natural	Check price →
Stella & Chewy's Wild Weenies	Best Freeze-Dried	Check price →

Why this matters

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

Best Overall

Zuke's Mini Naturals

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Small, soft, and only 2 calories each, perfect for frequent training. Made with real chicken and no artificial ingredients.

Check Price on Amazon →

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

Blue Buffalo Blue Bits

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Limited ingredient recipe with deboned chicken as first ingredient. No corn, wheat, or soy. Gentle on digestion.

Check Price on Amazon →

Best for Puppies

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites

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Soft texture for teething puppies. Contains DHA for brain development. Small size ideal for training.

Check Price on Amazon →

Best Natural

Full Moon Chicken Training Treats

View on Amazon

Made with 100% real chicken and no preservatives. High protein, low calorie. Great for high-value rewards.

Check Price on Amazon →

Best Freeze-Dried

Stella & Chewy's Wild Weenies

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Freeze-dried raw treats with grass-fed beef. Single ingredient. Crunchy, but easy to break into small pieces.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

Size Matters

Treats should be small (pea-sized) to avoid overfeeding. Large treats waste time during training.

Calorie Content

Aussies need ~300-500 calories daily. Treats should not exceed 10% of their diet. Look for treats under 5 calories each.

Ingredient Quality

Real meat should be the first ingredient. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Limited ingredients reduce allergy risks.

Texture

Soft treats are best for quick consumption. Crunchy treats can work for slower training, but may cause choking in puppies.

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.

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