Training your golden retriever can be an exciting experience and produce remarkable results if done properly. Sometimes, your love and praise will be enough to motivate your dog, but in other instances, you will have to reward them with treats to keep them going. Naturally inclined to please their owners, golden retrievers are ideal for reward-based training that involves food treats as rewards.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Image | Title | Buy |
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![]() | Benefit Biscuits, All Natural Dog Treats, Certified Vegan, Non GMO, Wheat Free, Healthy Dog Biscuits, Made in USA (Blueberry (Immunity Support)) | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Stewart Freeze Dried Treats | Check Today's Price |
Top![]() | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Grain-Free Wild Bits Dog Treats - 3 Flavors 2 BAGS EACH FLAVOR (Salmon, Chicken, & Duck) - 4 Ounces Each (6 Total Pouches) - MADE IN USA by Blue | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Wellness 4 Pack of Soft Puppy Bites, 3 Ounces Each, Grain-Free Lamb & Salmon Recipe Dog Treats | Check Today's Price |
But are all kinds of dog treats worth it? The simple answer is no! Choosing the wrong dog treat for training golden retrievers can have negative long-term consequences like obesity, laziness, etc. In this article, we’ll review the top five dog treats for training golden retrievers to help you out.
Best for Regular Training: Benefit Biscuits All-Natural Dog Snacks
You may need to use treats frequently for regular training purposes which is why Benefit Biscuits are the best option. They are made of natural and pro-digestive ingredients that are low in calories making it ideal as a staple reward for your golden retriever. They also make a great supplement to your dog’s diet and help in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- GIVE A TASTY REWARD + HEALTHY BENEFITS – Treat your dog with a delicious snack that tastes great and contains healthy benefits. Our mint treats contain vitamin A. B12 and C and is naturally proven to clean your pup’s breath. Our pumpkin dog treats are packed with omegas, antioxidants, and dietary fibers known to support your dog’s digestion, skin, coat, and help create a strong immune system. Our peanut butter biscuits contain natural healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, vitamin E, and protein.
- PREMIUM SOURCED INGREDIENTS – We never use wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavoring, by-products, or any unhealthy ingredients. All treats are proudly VEGAN CERTIFIED with NON-GMO ingredients. Our ingredients are sourced from farms around the Pacific Northwest.
- MADE IN THE USA – Each biscuit is slow cooked and handmade right in Washington State, meeting all regulators and standards. Our innovative formulas are irresistible and easy-to-digest based on the unique nutritional healthy recipe we created. We NEVER source or manufacture anything from overseas.
- EXPERIENCE FRESHNESS OF FLAVORS - Each product comes in a 7oz pouch with a resalable bag to look in freshness. Unlike many treats that leave a smelly residue, Benefit Biscuits smells amazing. Open the bag and smell the aroma of each wholesale hand-picked ingredient.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – Customers say even their finicky dogs love our homemade biscuits. If for some reason your dog doesn’t like a certain flavor we will be happy to trade out for a new flavor or give you a full refund.
Benefit Biscuits are one of the best dog treats for golden retrievers because they are vegan certified and contain vitamins that are directly proven to clean your golden retriever’s breath. These can be found in many flavors; however, their most popular flavors are pumpkin and peanut butter. They are available in 7oz pouches and are also sized into small-bite treats that can be a quick reward without the need to break them apart.
Pros
- Made up of all-natural and non-GMO ingredients
- Does not have any chemical or animal by-products
- Comes in a re-sealable bag
- Packaging allows the product to stay fresh
- Bite-sized treats
- Has a great aroma
Cons
- Only the pumpkin-flavored treats are in the training size; other flavors need to be broken
- More costly than other dog treats for golden retrievers
Best for Extra Incentive: Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Liver Treats
Considered as a high-value treat, Stewart Pro-Treat works great in times when you want to train your golden retriever to respond to commands instantly. The temptation of this treat is such that your dog will choose to ignore any distraction just to be able to get the dried liver bites in its mouth.
- THE ORIGINAL FREEZE DRIED TREATS: For over 44 years we’ve been leading innovation and building on our heritage of trust to bring your furry friend the highest quality, healthy dog treats
- ALL-NATURAL DOG TREATS: Nothing added
- SINGLE INGREDIENT: 100% pure beef liver treats for dogs
- MADE IN THE USA: Thoughtfully sourced and produced in the heart of the Midwest
- HUMAN-GRADE ingredients, gently processed, USDA-certified ingredients
- PURE NUTRITION: Single protein, grain free, gluten free, soy free, with no preservatives, no artificial colors, no additives, carrageenan free, non-GMO, dehydrated, hypoallergenic dog treats. Everything dogs need and nothing they don’t
- NUTRIENT-RICH and delicious liver treats for dogs are high in protein and ideal for picky eaters
- PREFERRED BY PROFESSIONALS: Best treats for training, preferred by vets, breeders, groomers and training professionals for over 44 years
- HEALTHY DOG TREAT: Good choice for food sensitivities, dogs with allergies or those on a limited-ingredient diet. Perfect for all sizes small, medium and large dogs
- FRESH & CONVENIENT: Our sturdy re-sealable tub helps keep treats fresh longer and is easy to open and close. Our pure, small-batch, gently processed dog treats help support a healthy digestive system with no genetically modified ingredients. Naturally vitamin rich, high protein and locally sourced
Made up of 100% pure beef liver, Stewart Pro-Treat is gently processed to have everything that a dog needs and not have anything that they don’t need. These will work perfectly well even if your dog is a picky eater. Use it for extra encouragement after the training routine or sprinkle some crushed dried liver on their regular food to tickle their taste buds.
Pros
- Reliable training treat that is loved by all dogs
- Treats are light and freeze-dried that can be easily broken into tiny pieces
- These are gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free
- Contains no preservatives, artificial colors, or additives
- Hypoallergenic
- High in protein
Cons
- Over-eating can lead to excessive weight gain
- Some users have reviewed it to have an inconsistent size of chunks
Best for Adult Golden Retrievers: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats
If you are training an adult golden retriever, not many dog treats will work as magically as the Blue Buffalo Wilderness treats. These are the best dog treats for training golden retrievers who are in their adult phase because they are rich in nutrients that stimulate your dog’s physical and cognitive development.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Semi Moist Wild Bits Dog Treats - 3 Flavors 2 BAGS EACH FLAVOR (Salmon Chicken & Duck)
- Great for Training and Treating
- Made in the USA with REAL Meat - 100% Grain-Free
- 4 Ounces Each (6 Total Pouches)
- Healthy and Holistic Dog Treats made without Chicken / Poultry By-Product Meals, NO Corn, Soy, or Wheat - Free of Artificial Preservatives, Colors, and Flavors
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness treats come in a 4-oz bag and consists of bite-sized chunks that are easy to chew. The protein content helps to grow muscles and bones while the omega-3 fatty acids regulate your golden retriever’s alertness and energy levels.
Pros
- Has a delicious meaty taste
- Can easily be broken into smaller pieces
- Available in different flavors
- Helps to boost energy levels
- Made of all-natural ingredients and contains DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Free of any preservatives or additives
Cons
- Very brittles chunks that can easily fall apart
- Has a slightly higher calorie content than other dog treats for training golden retrievers
Best for Puppies: Wellness Natural Grain Free Puppy Training Treats
Wellness Natural puppy treats are the best dog treats for training golden retrievers. They are small, soft and chewy treats that are specifically designed to cater to puppies. These treats are available in small square shapes that are easy to swallow and come in two flavors i.e. soft lamb and salmon or crunchy chicken and carrots.
- Just For Puppy: Soft, Chewy, Perfectly Sized Treats Specially For Puppies Made With Premium Lamb And Salmon
- Treating Or Training: Soft, Delicious Dog Treats Great For Everyday Treating Or Training
- All Natural: Contains Only Premium, All Natural Ingredients With No Corn, Soy, Artificial Colors Or Flavors
- Made In USA: Backed By Our Wellness Guarantee And Quality Assured Made In The USA With The Finest Globally Sourced Ingredients
Wellness Natural puppy treats consist of natural ingredients only and are free of any allergy-causing products. The formula works great for sensitive puppies and ensures that the puppies develop strong and healthy muscles as it grows. Additionally, it is also proven to help in maintain a healthy immune system and stimulate brain development in golden retriever puppies.
Pros
- Has a tempting smell
- Made of all-natural and healthy ingredients that include sweet potatoes, flaxseed, blueberries, carrots, etc.
- Hypoallergenic – doesn’t contain ingredients that cause allergies
- Meets quality food standards
Cons
- Should only be fed in moderation
- The size might be big for small breeds of golden retrievers
Things to Consider When Buying Best Dog Treats for Golden Retrievers
When you step out to buy the most suitable dog treats in the market, there are a few things that you must consider to make the best choice. These include:
- Avoid any added sweeteners such as sugars or corn syrup. These are the main culprits behind the obesity problems in golden retrievers.
- Watch out for filler ingredients that add no nutritional value. Your dog may enjoy them at first, but these are extremely unhealthy in the long term.
- Stay away from dog treats that contain preservatives or artificial dyes. These have been proven to have carcinogenic content– which means there is a great health risk associated with it.
- Look at the texture of dog food and buy one that your dog would prefer. For instance, soft treats are better instead of hard ones if your golden retriever has sensitive teeth.
- The size of the treat is relevant because not all dogs prefer the same size of food. A ‘treat’ won’t work well if it’s too easy to swallow of too big to bite.
Our Final Thoughts
The last thing you would want to do is not give a well-deserved appreciation treat to your golden retriever after a training session. However, always keep in mind that your priority must always be your dog’s health. Hopefully, our list of the best dog treats for training golden retrievers will make it easy for you to decide which dog treats to opt for.
Image | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|
![]() | Benefit Biscuits, All Natural Dog Treats, Certified Vegan, Non GMO, Wheat Free, Healthy Dog Biscuits, Made in USA (Blueberry (Immunity Support)) | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Stewart Freeze Dried Treats | Check Today's Price |
Top![]() | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Grain-Free Wild Bits Dog Treats - 3 Flavors 2 BAGS EACH FLAVOR (Salmon, Chicken, & Duck) - 4 Ounces Each (6 Total Pouches) - MADE IN USA by Blue | Check Today's Price |
![]() | Wellness 4 Pack of Soft Puppy Bites, 3 Ounces Each, Grain-Free Lamb & Salmon Recipe Dog Treats | Check Today's Price |