13 Cheddar Bacon Dog Treats for High Value Training

Zesty Paws does more than just create a tasty treat; they pack it with benefits. These Cheesy Bacon Bliss Bites are a fantastic choice for high-value training, especially for pups who might have a sensitive tummy. The soft, chewy texture is easy for dogs of all ages to enjoy, and they don’t crumble in your pocket.

Ingredients and Sourcing: What sets these apart is the inclusion of probiotics. They use real cheddar cheese and bacon flavor combined with a grain-free formula. The primary ingredients are wholesome things like pea flour and garbanzo bean flour. Zesty Paws products are typically made in the USA in GMP-certified facilities, which gives pet parents peace of mind about quality and safety standards.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: If you’re looking for a treat that rewards your dog while also supporting their digestive health, Zesty Paws Cheesy Bacon Bliss Bites are an unbeatable choice. They are perfect for the health-conscious pet owner.

For those who prefer a classic crunch, Old Mother Hubbard has been a trusted name for decades. Their Bac’N’Cheez treats are oven-baked, bone-shaped biscuits that deliver a satisfying crunch. While not ideal for rapid-fire treating in a fast-paced session, they are perfect for rewarding a ‘down-stay’ or a particularly well-executed command.

Ingredients and Sourcing: This brand prides itself on all-natural ingredients. The recipe includes whole wheat flour, oatmeal, real cheddar cheese, and bacon. There are no artificial preservatives or flavors. Old Mother Hubbard has been baking treats in Gloucester, Massachusetts, since 1926, so their commitment to quality sourcing is long-standing.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: Old Mother Hubbard’s Bac’N’Cheez treats are a wonderful, wholesome option for dogs who love a good crunch. They’re best for end-of-session rewards or for owners who want a treat that also helps with dental hygiene.

Blue Buffalo is a powerhouse in the pet food world, and their Blue Bits are a favorite among trainers. These soft, moist morsels are packed with flavor and are the perfect size for training. You can deliver them quickly without having to stop and break them apart, keeping the momentum going during your session.

Ingredients and Sourcing: True to the Blue Buffalo philosophy, real meat is the first ingredient. These treats also contain oatmeal and brown rice for wholesome energy. A key feature is the addition of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid important for cognitive development, making them an especially smart choice for puppies. They are made in the USA and free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For puppy parents or those with senior dogs who need cognitive support, Blue Buffalo Blue Bits are an excellent, multi-functional training treat. Their soft texture and small size make them universally appealing.

When it comes to aroma, nothing gets a dog’s attention quite like Pup-Peroni. The scent is powerful and immediately signals ‘something amazing is happening!’ These smaller, training-sized versions of the classic stick have a tender, jerky-like texture that dogs go wild for. They are incredibly motivating for even the most distracted or picky pups.

Ingredients and Sourcing: The main ingredient is beef. While they are not a limited-ingredient or all-natural option (containing sugar and artificial bacon flavor), their effectiveness as a high-value reward is undeniable. They are a product of the J.M. Smucker Company and are made in the USA.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For sheer motivational power, especially for scent-driven dogs or extremely picky eaters, Pup-Peroni Cheesy Bacon trainers are hard to beat. Use them strategically for the most challenging training tasks.

Welcoming a new puppy into the family means lots of training, and Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are designed specifically for this crucial stage. They are perfectly sized for tiny mouths and have a soft, easy-to-chew texture that won’t distract your little learner. The bacon and cheddar recipe is a surefire hit with the younger crowd.

Ingredients and Sourcing: Wellness is known for its high-quality, natural ingredients. This recipe features lamb and salmon as the primary protein sources, along with wholesome grains and a special blend of vitamins and minerals to support puppy growth. The bacon and cheddar flavors are natural. These treats are made in the USA and are free from artificial colors, flavors, and meat by-products.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: If you have a puppy, these are a top-tier choice. The Wellness Soft Puppy Bites provide a delicious, high-value reward that also supports their healthy development. It’s a win-win for any new puppy parent.

American Journey, Chewy’s house brand, offers a fantastic balance of quality and value. Their Cheesy Bacon Training Bits are soft, chewy, and just the right size for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. They have a potent aroma that keeps dogs engaged and eager to work.

Ingredients and Sourcing: Real pork is the number one ingredient, which is a great sign. The recipe is grain-free, using peas and potatoes instead. They use natural bacon and cheese flavors to create the savory taste dogs love. American Journey products are proudly made in the USA with ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For dog owners who want a high-quality, meat-first, grain-free treat without breaking the bank, American Journey’s Training Bits are an excellent choice. They are a reliable go-to for daily training sessions.

If you’re an ingredient-list-scanner, you’ll fall in love with Bocce’s Bakery. Their philosophy is simple: real, human-grade ingredients, baked in small batches. The Bac’N’Cheesy treats are no exception. They are soft, chewy, and shaped like a ‘B’, making them a charming and wholesome reward.

Ingredients and Sourcing: The ingredient list is refreshingly short: oat flour, bacon, cheese, and that’s pretty much it. Everything is sourced and made in the USA. There are no fillers, no by-products, and no artificial anything. It’s a treat you can feel genuinely good about giving your best friend.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: Bocce’s Bakery Bac’N’Cheesy treats are the perfect choice for pet parents who prioritize clean, simple, and high-quality ingredients above all else. They are ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Charlee Bear is famous for their low-calorie training treats, and their Meaty Bites line takes it up a notch in value. These treats are freeze-dried to lock in the flavor and nutrients of real meat, giving them an irresistible taste and aroma without a lot of fillers. They are light, non-greasy, and perfect for carrying in your pocket.

Ingredients and Sourcing: This recipe is made with real pork liver, bacon, and cheese. It’s a grain-free and gluten-free formula that’s infused with a blend of superfoods like blueberries and cranberries for an antioxidant boost. Like all Charlee Bear products, they are made in the USA.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For training sessions where you’re giving a lot of treats, Charlee Bear Meaty Bites are a fantastic, low-calorie option. The freeze-dried raw ingredients make them exceptionally high-value for dogs who love rich, meaty flavors.

Nutro’s ‘Feed Clean’ philosophy extends to their treats, and the Mini Bites are a testament to that. These little chewy treats are less than 3 calories each, making them another excellent option for frequent rewarding. They are perfectly sized to prevent distraction, allowing you to keep your dog’s focus squarely on the task at hand.

Ingredients and Sourcing: Real pork is the first ingredient. The recipe is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free from corn, wheat, soy protein, and artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Nutro is committed to sourcing ingredients from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers, and their products are made in the USA.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: Nutro Mini Bites are a fantastic choice for health-conscious owners of small to medium-sized dogs, or anyone working on skills that require a high rate of reinforcement. They deliver great flavor without the caloric guilt.

Stewart Pro-Treats are the gold standard for many professional trainers, and for good reason. They are single-ingredient (or very limited ingredient) and freeze-dried, which preserves the nutritional value and creates a flavor that is simply unmatched. Their Cheddar & Bacon recipe is a savory, crumbly delight.

Ingredients and Sourcing: This treat is incredibly simple: pork liver, bacon, and cheddar cheese. That’s it. The freeze-drying process removes moisture but leaves all the flavor and nutrients intact. Stewart has been making treats in the USA for over 40 years, and their products are trusted by vets and trainers alike.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: When you need the absolute highest value reward for a critical training task like recall or overcoming a fear, Stewart Pro-Treats are the answer. They are the definition of a special occasion, super-powered treat.

For a unique and wholesome twist, The Honest Kitchen offers these delightful little cookies. They combine the rich flavor of cheddar and bacon with the digestive benefits of goat’s milk. These are slow-baked in small batches and have a satisfying crunch that dogs adore.

Ingredients and Sourcing: These treats are made with 100% human-grade ingredients, a standard The Honest Kitchen is famous for. The recipe includes goat’s milk, cheddar, bacon, and barley. This means every ingredient is processed in a human food facility, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: The Honest Kitchen’s cookies are a premium, gut-friendly treat perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They’re an excellent choice for a special reward after a successful training session or a long walk.

Wait, apple? Stay with us! Fruitables Skinny Minis are known for their unique flavor combinations, and while the primary flavor is bacon, the hint of apple and underlying cheesiness creates a complex, delicious profile that dogs love. At only 3 calories per treat, these flower-shaped morsels are perfect for guilt-free training.

Ingredients and Sourcing: Made with superfoods like apples and sweet potatoes, these treats offer a boost of vitamins and fiber. The bacon and cheese flavor is natural and highly appealing. They are made in the USA and are free of wheat, corn, and soy.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For pet parents looking for a low-calorie treat with a unique flavor twist and the benefits of added fruits and veggies, Fruitables Skinny Minis are a fun and healthy choice.

Merrick Power Bites are hearty, protein-packed treats designed to fuel your dog’s adventures and training sessions. These soft and chewy star-shaped bites feature real deboned beef as the very first ingredient, followed by the savory goodness of bacon and cheese. They are robust in flavor and texture.

Ingredients and Sourcing: This is a grain-free recipe that’s packed with protein from real beef. It includes potatoes and peas for carbohydrates and is cooked in the USA in Merrick’s own kitchens. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, aligning with Merrick’s commitment to wholesome, natural pet food.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For active, high-energy dogs, Merrick Power Bites are an ideal high-value reward. They provide a tasty, protein-rich boost that’s perfect for rewarding them after a long hike, a run, or an intense training session.

With so many options, how do you pick the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for the perfect cheddar bacon treat.

• Read the Ingredient List: Look for treats with real meat or cheese as one of the first ingredients. Try to avoid treats with vague terms like ‘meat by-products’ or a long list of artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT. The shorter and more recognizable the ingredient list, the better.
• Consider Texture and Size: For fast-paced training, you want a small, soft, chewy treat that your dog can swallow quickly without getting distracted by a lot of chewing. Crunchy biscuits are better for a single, end-of-session reward. Make sure the size is appropriate for your dog to prevent any choking hazards.
• Know Your Dog’s Dietary Needs: Does your dog have a grain allergy? Look for grain-free options. Is your pup watching their weight? Opt for a low-calorie treat (under 5 calories is a good benchmark). Always be mindful of any specific sensitivities your dog may have.
• The Smell Test: A high-value treat should be aromatic! A good, stinky treat (stinky to them, at least) is more likely to keep your dog’s attention, even in a distracting environment. Bacon and cheese are usually a home run in this department.

1. Are cheddar bacon treats safe for all dogs?

For most dogs, yes! However, some dogs can be lactose intolerant or have sensitivities to dairy, so it’s wise to start with a small amount to see how they react. Also, be mindful of the fat content in bacon-flavored treats, especially for dogs prone to pancreatitis. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.

2. How many high-value treats can I give my dog during training?

A good rule of thumb is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For training, break larger treats into smaller pieces. A ‘treat’ can be just a tiny taste to mark the correct behavior. This allows you to reward frequently without overfeeding.

3. Can I use human bacon and cheese for training?

While tempting, it’s generally not a good idea. Human bacon is often very high in salt and fat, which can be harmful to dogs. Many cheeses are also high in fat and can cause digestive upset. It’s always safer to stick with treats specifically formulated for canine consumption.