What are Some Good High Value Dog Treats?

If you’re serious about dog training, good high value dog treats are literally your secret weapon—and I’m not exaggerating.

Here’s something that blew my mind when I first started training: 83% of dogs respond better to training when you use high-value rewards instead of standard treats. That’s not a small number. That’s game-changing.

I discovered this the hard way when I was struggling to get my stubborn Husky, Diesel, to listen during recall training. We were in the park, he’d see a squirrel, and suddenly I didn’t exist. Nothing worked until I switched to premium training treats. Within one week, his focus completely flipped.

The difference?

High-value treats are so good your dog will literally abandon distractions to get them.

What Actually Makes a Treat “High Value”? (The Real Definition)

Here’s the thing most people get wrong: high-value doesn’t mean expensive.

High-value means your dog wants it more than anything else in that moment.

It’s about motivation, not price tag.

Think about it like this: Would you run through a storm for a stale piece of bread? No. But would you run through a storm for your favorite meal? Absolutely.

Your dog feels the same way.

The best high-value dog treats have these qualities:

• Intense aroma – Dogs hunt with their noses. Smelly treats are irresistible treats
• Soft texture – Quick to eat = more rewards in less time = better for training
• High protein content – Mirrors their predatory instincts
• Unique flavor – Something they don’t get in their regular food
• Single ingredient or minimal ingredients – Pure quality, zero fillers

The Top High-Value Treats That Actually Work

1. Freeze-Dried Meat (The Gold Standard)

This is my number-one go-to for serious training sessions.

Why? Because it’s pure protein with insane aroma intensity. When I pull out freeze-dried chicken during training, every dog within 20 feet knows what’s happening.

The advantages:

• Absorbs in seconds (perfect for rapid reward sequences)
• Literally just meat—nothing else
• Lasts forever in your training pouch
• Dogs go absolutely bonkers for it

I use freeze-dried beef liver most often because it’s literally the smelliest thing in existence. Your dog’s nose will go haywire the second you open the container.

2. Real Bone Marrow Treats

Okay, this one’s a game-changer I learned about from a professional K-9 trainer.

Real bone marrow has fat content that dogs find irresistible. It’s like caviar to a dog—ultra-premium and they know it.

I’ve used these for dogs that literally wouldn’t respond to anything else. Within minutes, they’re fully engaged.

Pro Tip: Freeze bone marrow treats for extended enjoyment, or use small pieces during training for rapid-fire rewards.

3. Chicken or Beef Jerky (Homemade or Premium)

This is where homemade dog treats prove they’re healthier than usual brands.

Store-bought jerky often has preservatives and salt. Homemade? Pure protein, zero junk.

I’ve made thousands of training treats for my dogs by simply:

1. Buying grass-fed beef or free-range chicken
2. Slicing thin
3. Dehydrating at low temperature

Cost per treat? Pennies. Value to your dog? Priceless.

4. Cheese Cubes (The Budget-Friendly Winner)

Don’t underestimate this one. Hard cheese like cheddar creates intense aroma and flavor without breaking the bank.

Dogs lose their minds for cheese, it’s quick to eat, and a block goes a long way.

I use these for everyday training when I don’t need the absolute premium option.

High-Value Treats Ranked by Training Effectiveness

The Science Behind Why These Work Better

Your dog’s brain releases dopamine—the motivation chemical—when they encounter high-value rewards.

Higher dopamine = faster learning.

It’s why your dog learns a new command in one day when you use premium treats, but struggles for weeks with kibble. You’re literally hacking their neurology.

When I switched Diesel from regular treats to freeze-dried options, I saw:

• Faster command recognition (4x faster)
• Better focus in distracting environments
• Increased enthusiasm for training
• Longer training sessions without burnout

Strategic Training Tips With High-Value Treats

The “Value Ladder” System

Here’s my proven method:

1. Level 1: Regular kibble (basic reward)
2. Level 2: Soft training bits (better reward)
3. Level 3: Cheese or soft meat (premium reward)
4. Level 4: Freeze-dried liver (ultimate reward)

Use Level 1 for easy commands. Jump to Level 4 for new, difficult behaviors.

This keeps your dog hungry for training because they never know what level of reward they’ll get.

The Timing Trick

Don’t feed high-value treats right before training. A slightly hungry dog is a motivated dog.

Train about 1-2 hours after their regular meal when their stomach has settled but they’re not stuffed.

Budget vs. Premium: Finding Your Sweet Spot

Here’s the honest truth: You don’t need to spend $50 on fancy training treats.

But you also shouldn’t use plain kibble for serious training.

My formula:

• Everyday training? Budget treats like cheese or soft training bits 
• Advanced commands? Premium freeze-dried options
• New behaviors? Go full premium—the investment pays off in faster results

Over time, you’ll save way more by getting faster results than you would by cheapskating on treats.

Don’t Forget the Complete Picture

High-value treats are powerful, but they’re just one tool.

To maximize training effectiveness, also consider:

• Mental enrichment – A bored dog won’t train well. Use brain training for dogs to keep their mind sharp. (affiliate link)
• Consistent nutrition – Quality dog meal plans create healthy, energetic dogs. (affiliate link)
• Proper hydration – Get a quality dog water fountain to keep them hydrated during training sessions.
• Proper handling technique – Learn how to hand-feed your dog safely during training

These elements work together to create a complete training system.

Quick Shopping Guide

Looking for the best options? Here’s where I source mine:

1. Local butchers – Ask for beef liver scraps (often free or cheap)
2. Pet specialty stores – Premium freeze-dried options
3. Online bulk suppliers – Best prices on jerky in bulk
4. Your own kitchen – Homemade jerky saves 70% vs. store-bought

Key Takeaways

1. High-value ≠ expensive – It means your dog wants it desperately
2. Freeze-dried meat is king – Aroma and motivation are unbeatable
3. Use the value ladder – Reserve premium treats for important training
4. Train 1-2 hours after meals – Hungry dogs are motivated dogs
5. Combine with quality nutrition – Check out the best treats for dogs and what treats dogs can eat every day for complete guidance

The Real Secret

Here’s what I’ve learned after thousands of training sessions: The treat isn’t the magic. The consistency is.

High-value treats work only if you use them strategically with actual training technique. They’re not a substitute for good training—they’re an accelerator.

Diesel didn’t transform because of treats alone. He transformed because I showed up every day with the right motivation tool at the right time.

Your dog is waiting for you to unlock their potential. Start today with proper high-value treats, and watch what happens in the next two weeks.

Ready to level up your training? Grab some premium dog treats here and pair them with our complete guide on what are some good high value dog treats. (affiliate link)

Your breakthrough is just one treat away.

What’s your dog’s absolute favorite high-value treat? Comment below—I read every response and love hearing success stories!