Why the right training snack for dogs determines training success
A training snack is not a "nice extra".
It is a key tool in dog training.
The right training snack for dogs:
-
increases motivation
-
promotes concentration
-
accelerates learning processes
-
keeps the training flow stable
The wrong snack, however, can:
❌ distract
❌ overstimulate
❌ Make the dog full or lethargic
❌ Unnecessarily interrupting the training
This article shows you, in a practical and scientifically sound way, how to choose the optimal training snack for your dog – depending on size, energy level and activity.
What makes a good training snack for dogs
Before we go into details, there is a golden rule:
A training snack should never interrupt the training.
An ideal training snack is:
✔ very small
✔ highly tasty
✔ easily digestible
✔ easy to dose
✔ High in protein, but not fatty
✔ free from unnecessary additives
The snack is meant to confirm, not to occupy.
The right snack size – why it matters
The most common mistake: Snacks are too big
Many training problems are not caused by the dog – but by the snack.
Snacks that are too large lead to:
-
long chewing
-
Diversion
-
excitement
-
Breakdown of the training flow
Rule of thumb:
A training snack should disappear in a single bite.
Dog snack size: Which size is right for which dog?
Small dogs
(e.g. Chihuahua, Dachshund, Maltese )
-
extremely small snacks (rice grain to pea size)
-
very aromatic
-
light & dry
Why?
Small dogs get full faster and otherwise quickly lose motivation.
Medium-sized dogs
(e.g. Beagle, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel)
-
Snack size, about the size of a fingernail
-
easily portionable
-
ideal for longer training sessions
Large dogs
(e.g. Labrador, German Shepherd, Ridgeback)
Even large dogs need small training treats.
-
not bigger just because the dog is bigger
-
Focus on flavor rather than volume
-
quick swallow → quick focus return
Energy level & activity: The snack must be suitable for the dog
Not every dog has the same energy requirements.
Therefore, the training snack should also be adapted.
Calm dogs & everyday training
(e.g., seniors, relaxed breeds, basic obedience)
Suitable training snacks:
-
moderate protein content
-
low fat
-
particularly easy to digest
Snacks that are too high in energy can:
-
make you restless
-
Digestion can be burdened
-
make training more difficult
Active dogs & sporting dogs
(e.g. agility, mantrailing, young dogs)
Here are some ideal protein-rich snacks for active dogs:
-
high-quality proteins
-
good amino acid profile
-
fast availability
-
stable energy without sugar
Protein supports:
-
concentration
-
Muscle work
-
Learning processes
-
fast reaction time
Important: Protein ≠ Fat
A good training snack provides energy without being heavy.
Protein quality is more important than protein quantity.
“High protein” sounds good – but it’s not enough.
The crucial factor is how well your dog can utilize the protein.
High-quality protein sources:
-
easily digestible animal proteins
-
natural proteins from fermentation
-
Low-allergen protein sources
Advantages:
-
improved nutrient absorption
-
less digestive stress
-
longer periods of concentration
-
calmer, more even energy
Easily digestible = better training
A training snack not only affects the mind, but also the stomach.
Snacks that are difficult to digest lead to:
-
Unrest
-
stomach rumbling
-
Diversion
-
Performance decline
A good training snack for dogs should therefore:
✔ low in fat
✔ Contains no sugar
✔ without unnecessary fillers
✔ ideally have a prebiotic effect
This is especially crucial during long training sessions.
Training treats for small dogs – special requirements
Small dogs are more sensitive to snacks:
-
faster weight gain
-
longer chewing
-
stronger reaction to overfeeding
Tips:
-
many mini snacks instead of fewer large ones
-
High flavor with minimal amount
-
Share snacks if desired.
Mini snacks are not a compromise – they are a training booster.
Why the snack shouldn't be "too good".
A common misconception:
"The better the snack, the better the workout."
Not quite.
Snacks that are too large, too fatty, or extremely exciting can:
-
to rev up the dog
-
Create frustration
-
Promote snack dependency
The goal is calm, clear motivation, not over-excitement.
How many training snacks are reasonable?
Rule of thumb:
No more than 10% of daily calories should come from snacks.
Pro tip:
-
Slightly reduce the amount of food on training days
-
Plan snacks in advance
-
Quality over quantity
Our practical example: Besserli chicken as a training snack
It is precisely for these reasons that we developed Besserli chicken as a targeted training snack.
Besserli chicken is:
✔ Extra small and swallowed instantly
✔ Highly aromatic, without being overstimulating
✔ Easily digestible and low in fat
✔ High in protein with high-quality protein from natural fermentation
✔ Ideally dosed, even during long training sessions
The small, crunchy pieces keep the training flow stable, without chewing, without crumbs, without distraction.
This way, the focus remains where it belongs: on the dog and the training.
If you're looking for a training snack that supports motivation without interrupting your workout, Besserli chicken is perfect for that.
👉 Click here for Besserli chicken
❓FAQ: Frequently asked questions about training treats for dogs
How big should a training snack really be?
So small that your dog can swallow it without chewing.
Do large dogs need larger training treats?
No. Large dogs benefit just as much from small snacks.
Are protein-rich snacks always better?
For active dogs: yes.
For calm dogs: only moderate amounts.
Can training snacks make you fat?
Yes – if they are too large, too fatty, or given too frequently.
Not well-dosed, high-quality snacks.
Are natural training snacks better?
In most cases: yes.
They are more tolerable, have a clearer taste, and are less taxing on the body.
Conclusion: The perfect training snack for dogs is small, clever & adapted.
The ideal training snack for dogs is:
✔ Small enough for focus
✔ Tasty enough to motivate
✔ easily digestible
✔ adapted to size & energy level
✔ High in protein, but not fatty
✔ free from unnecessary ballast
