21 High Value Training Treats Without Liver (Picky Eater Approved)

A long-time favorite in the dog training community, Zuke’s Mini Naturals are the perfect size for repetitive rewards. The salmon recipe is a fantastic liver-free choice, packed with the omega fatty acids that are great for skin and coat health. They are soft, easy to chew, and won’t leave your hands feeling greasy. At only about 3 calories per treat, you can be generous during a long training session without worrying about overfeeding. The strong fishy aroma is usually a huge hit with even the most discerning pups.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Ideal for puppy classes, daily training, and small breeds. Zuke’s offers an affordable, reliable, and palatable option that trainers and dogs both love.

When you need to bring out the big guns for a major distraction or a new, difficult skill, Pupford’s freeze-dried treats are a game-changer. The salmon variety contains just one ingredient: salmon. That’s it. This makes them an exceptional choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Freeze-drying locks in all the flavor and nutrients, creating a light, airy, and intensely flavorful morsel that dogs go crazy for. They are incredibly low in calories but sky-high in value.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The perfect treat for serious training, recall work in distracting environments, and for any dog on a limited ingredient diet. They are a premium choice for when you need maximum focus.

While marketed as a food topper, Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare are a hidden gem for training. These are simply pieces of 100% freeze-dried turkey. You get a generous bag of pure protein that you can easily break into smaller, training-sized pieces. Because they are pure meat, the aroma and taste are incredibly enticing for picky eaters. It’s a fantastic way to reward your dog with something that feels special and is packed with nutrition, without any unwanted extras.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Excellent for pet parents who want total control over treat size and value. It’s a versatile, pure-protein option for picky dogs who turn their noses up at traditional treats.

Specifically designed for training, Blue Bits are a popular choice for good reason. The salmon recipe is a soft, moist, and flavorful option that’s easy for dogs of all sizes to eat quickly. They are fortified with DHA, an important fatty acid for cognitive development, making them a particularly smart choice for puppies. The ingredient list is solid, featuring real salmon as the first ingredient and avoiding poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A top-tier choice for puppy training and for owners who want a trusted brand with added nutritional benefits like DHA. They are palatable, convenient, and widely available.

If you’re looking for a treat that smells amazing to both you and your dog, Fruitables are the answer. The Grilled Bison flavor has a unique, smoky scent that is incredibly enticing. These chewy treats are shaped like little flowers and are only about 3 calories each. What makes them stand out is the inclusion of fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes and blueberries, adding a boost of antioxidants. They are a great way to introduce novel proteins like bison to your dog’s diet.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Perfect for scent work, long training sessions where calories matter, and for picky dogs who are motivated by strong, unique aromas. They are a fun, healthy, and effective option.

A classic for a reason, Stewart Pro-Treats are the original freeze-dried training treat. While they are famous for their liver flavor, their single-ingredient beef recipe is a phenomenal liver-free alternative. Made from 100% pure beef, these treats are processed to lock in the aroma, flavor, and nutrition. They come in larger cubes that are easily broken into smaller pieces, allowing you to customize the reward level. The pure meat flavor is often irresistible to even the pickiest of dogs.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A fantastic, high-protein choice for owners who prioritize simplicity and purity in their dog’s treats. It’s a time-tested favorite for serious motivation.

Air-dried treats offer a unique texture that’s somewhere between a soft treat and a jerky. The Real Meat Company uses a gentle air-drying process to preserve the nutritional integrity of the ingredients. Their Fish & Venison recipe is a great liver-free option, combining two highly palatable proteins. These treats are soft enough to be broken up but firm enough that they don’t get mushy. They are made with over 95% meat and organs (no liver!), making them a nutrient-dense and high-value reward.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A premium choice for health-conscious pet owners and dogs who appreciate a softer, jerky-like texture. The novel protein combination is excellent for dogs with common allergies.

For the dog that goes wild for fish, there is nothing better than Vital Essentials Minnows. These are whole, single-ingredient, freeze-dried minnows. The crunch, the smell, the taste—it’s a sensory explosion for most dogs. They provide a fantastic boost of omega-3s and are as simple as it gets, making them perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. While a whole minnow is a big reward, they can be easily snapped in half or thirds for training.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The ultimate jackpot reward for fish-loving dogs. Perfect for teaching a rock-solid recall or for rewarding a major training breakthrough.

Bocce’s Bakery brings a small-batch, artisanal feel to the dog treat world. Their ‘Say Moo’ Training Bites are a fantastic beef and cheddar recipe that’s wheat-free and made with limited, recognizable ingredients. These little B-shaped treats are soft and chewy, and the combination of beef and real cheese is a home run for many picky pups. They are made in the USA with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A great choice for owners who want a treat with simple, bakery-style ingredients. The cheese flavor makes it a unique and high-value option for many dogs.

Similar to the Wellness Boosters, these Meal Mixers are a fantastic training treat hack. The Dandy Lamb recipe is 95% grass-fed lamb, organs, and bone, but is formulated without any liver. It also includes organic fruits and vegetables. The small, pellet-like shape is perfect for training as-is, or you can easily break them up. The raw, freeze-dried format makes them incredibly nutrient-dense and delicious for dogs.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An excellent, nutrient-packed choice for owners who feed a raw or fresh diet and want their treats to be just as healthy. The lamb recipe is great for dogs with poultry sensitivities.

ORIJEN is known for its ‘biologically appropriate’ philosophy, using high-quality, whole-animal ingredients. Their Six Fish treats are a powerhouse of flavor, made from a blend of wild-caught pilchard, mackerel, flounder, rockfish, sole, and hake. These treats are 100% fish and 100% delicious. They are freeze-dried to preserve all the natural goodness and are a fantastic source of protein and omegas, all without a trace of liver.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A top-of-the-line, ultra-premium treat for the discerning dog. When you need the absolute highest value reward for a special training challenge, these are hard to beat.

For dogs who love to crunch, Polkadog Cod Skins are a unique and satisfying reward. These are single-ingredient treats made from wild-caught Atlantic cod skin, which is rolled and slowly dehydrated. They are crunchy, chewy, and great for dental health. While sold as larger sticks, they are very easy to snap into small, bite-sized pieces for training. The pure fish flavor is a massive draw for most dogs.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A perfect treat for dogs who are motivated by crunchy textures. It’s a healthy, single-ingredient option that doubles as a dental chew.

Made by Cloud Star, Tricky Trainers are another brand beloved by professional trainers. They are specifically designed for training, with a small size, a soft texture, and a non-greasy feel. The salmon recipe is a great liver-free choice that’s low in calories. They don’t contain any corn, soy, or artificial flavors, making them a clean option for rewarding your pup frequently during a session.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A solid, workhorse training treat that’s perfect for everyday practice. They are affordable, effective, and won’t derail your dog’s diet.

Looking for a truly novel protein source? PureBites Freeze-Dried Shrimp is an amazing choice. Made with only one ingredient—100% pure human-grade shrimp—these treats are light, crunchy, and packed with a unique flavor that can entice even the pickiest of eaters. They are perfect for dogs with allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef. The shrimp are small and low-calorie, ideal for training sessions.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An outstanding choice for allergy dogs and for adding exciting variety to your treat rotation. The unique seafood flavor makes it a super high-value reward.

Who can resist the smell of bacon? Pet Botanics Training Rewards harness that power in a small, soft treat that’s perfect for the training ring. These treats are made with real pork as the first ingredient and are enhanced with a patented botanical blend to support your pet’s health. They are moist, easy to handle, and their irresistible aroma helps keep your dog focused on you, even with distractions around.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A highly motivating treat for dogs who are bacon fanatics. Their strong scent makes them excellent for capturing and holding a dog’s attention during training.

Full Moon prides itself on using human-grade ingredients, and their Duck Training Treats are no exception. Made from antibiotic-free duck raised in the USA, these soft and chewy morsels are a high-quality option. They are free from glycerin, grains, and artificial preservatives. The rich, savory flavor of duck is a great alternative to more common proteins and is often a huge hit with picky dogs.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A premium, soft-chew treat for owners who prioritize human-grade ingredients and ethical sourcing. The duck recipe is a delicious, high-value reward.

Sojos Simply treats live up to their name. The turkey recipe is just 100% freeze-dried turkey, sliced into convenient, bite-sized pieces. There are no artificial ingredients, no fillers, and no grains. It’s just pure, simple meat. The freeze-drying process makes them light, mess-free, and intensely flavorful. They are a great choice for a clean, single-protein treat that you can feel great about giving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Ideal for pet parents seeking a no-fuss, pure-protein, freeze-dried treat. It’s a simple and effective reward for dogs with sensitive systems.

For the cheese-loving canine, Earthborn Holistic EarthBites are a dream come true. This grain-free, chewy treat features real cheddar cheese, along with other wholesome ingredients like apples, carrots, and peas. They have a rich, cheesy aroma that can cut through distractions and get your dog’s attention. They are also a great source of protein and are perfectly sized for rewarding good behavior without overdoing it on calories.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A unique and highly motivating option for dogs that are driven by the taste of cheese. It’s a flavorful alternative to meat-based treats.

While dental sticks might not seem like a training treat, the puppy version of Get Naked sticks is soft and very easy to break into tiny pieces. They are grain-free and fortified with DHA and calcium to support puppy development. The chicken flavor is mild, and the main draw is the chewy texture that puppies love. Breaking them into pea-sized bits gives you a huge number of low-calorie rewards from a single stick.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A clever and budget-friendly training treat hack, especially for teething puppies. It provides a satisfying chew while reinforcing good behavior.

Here’s another great food topper that shines as a training treat. The Instinct Raw Boost Mixers for Gut Health are made with cage-free chicken, but importantly, do not contain chicken liver. They are freeze-dried raw pieces combined with functional ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, and probiotics to support digestive health. They are the perfect size for training and offer a nutritional boost with every reward.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or for owners who want to incorporate probiotics into their dog’s diet seamlessly through their treats.

For a light, crunchy, and low-calorie option, Redbarn’s Protein Puffs are a fantastic innovation. Made from human-grade casein (a milk protein), these airy puffs have a texture similar to a cheese puff for humans. They are extremely low in fat and calories (less than 1 per puff) but packed with protein. The cheese flavor is a hit, and their light-as-air quality means you can reward generously without guilt.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The perfect treat for dogs on a diet or for training sessions that require a very high rate of reinforcement. They are a fun, crunchy, and guilt-free reward.

Navigating the treat aisle can be overwhelming! When you’re looking for that perfect liver-free, high-value treat, keep these key factors in mind to make the best choice for your furry friend.

Read the Ingredient Label Carefully

This is the most critical step. Don’t just look at the front of the bag. Turn it over and read the full ingredient list. Liver can be listed in various ways, such as ‘chicken liver,’ ‘beef liver,’ or sometimes just ‘animal liver.’ Look for treats with a short, recognizable ingredient list. A named protein source (like ‘salmon,’ ‘duck,’ or ‘lamb’) as the first ingredient is always a great sign.

Texture is Everything

A picky dog’s preference often comes down to texture. Understanding the main types can help you find a winner:

• Soft & Chewy: Great for puppies, seniors, and dogs who need a quick-to-eat reward. They are easy to portion and carry.
• Freeze-Dried: These are often single-ingredient and offer an intense, pure flavor. They are light, non-greasy, and incredibly high-value, but can be more expensive and crumbly.
• Air-Dried/Jerky: A nice middle ground, offering a meatier chew than a soft treat but not as hard as a biscuit. They are often very aromatic and palatable.
• Crunchy: Some dogs are motivated by a satisfying crunch. Look for things like cod skins or light, puffy treats.

Consider the Calorie Count

Training involves a lot of repetition, which can mean a lot of treats. To avoid unwanted weight gain, choose treats that are low in calories, especially for smaller dogs or longer sessions. Many training-specific treats are formulated to be under 5 calories, with some freeze-dried options being as low as 1 calorie per treat.

Novel Proteins for Sensitive Pups

If you’re avoiding liver due to potential allergies or sensitivities, it might be wise to also avoid other common proteins like chicken and beef. Look for treats made with ‘novel’ proteins your dog hasn’t had before, such as duck, rabbit, bison, venison, or fish. This can reduce the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.

Why are some dogs or owners sensitive to liver?

Liver is an organ meat that is extremely rich in nutrients, particularly Vitamin A. While it’s healthy in moderation, too much can lead to Vitamin A toxicity. Additionally, because it’s so rich, it can sometimes cause digestive upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Some dogs may also have a specific protein allergy to the animal the liver came from (e.g., a chicken allergy extends to chicken liver).

How many training treats are too many in one day?

A good rule of thumb is the 10% rule: treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. To figure this out, find out your dog’s recommended daily calories based on their food, calculate 10% of that number, and then check the calorie count on your treats to see how many they can have. For intensive training, be sure to use very small, low-calorie treats.

Can I use human food as a high-value liver-free treat?

Absolutely, with some caveats! Many human foods make excellent high-value treats. Great liver-free options include small pieces of cooked chicken breast, tiny cubes of cheese (for dogs without dairy sensitivities), blueberries, or small pieces of apple (no seeds). Always avoid toxic foods like grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything with xylitol.

How do I know if a treat is ‘high-value’ to my specific dog?

This is the million-dollar question! A treat’s value is determined entirely by the dog. The best way to find out is to do a ‘taste test.’ Offer your dog three different treats, one at a time. The one that they eat most enthusiastically, look for more of, and are willing to work hardest for is their highest-value option. A dog’s preferences can also change, so it’s great to have a few different high-value options in your rotation to keep things exciting!