Best Training Treats for Small Dogs (Pug-Safe Picks That Actually Work)
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Last Updated: December 2025
Finding the best training treats for small dogs isn’t just about taste. For pugs and other flat-faced breeds, treats need to be small, soft, low in calories, and easy to chew so training stays smooth without risking choking or unnecessary weight gain.
Pugs are famously food-motivated, which makes training easier—but it also means treats can add up quickly. The goal is choosing rewards that feel exciting to your pug while still fitting into a healthy daily routine.
👉 If you’re building good habits from the start, this overview of pug training and behavior basics explains how treats, routines, and reinforcement fit together.
Below are three training treats that work especially well for pugs and other small, flat-faced dogs.
💰 Check Price & Availability
View on Amazon – Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Training Treats
View on Amazon – Bil-Jac Little Jacs Small Dog Training Treats (Chicken Liver)
View on Amazon – Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Training Treats
📋 Quick-View Comparison List
Best Overall Training Treat for Small Dogs: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe
Best Soft Treat for Pugs & Flat-Faced Breeds: Bil-Jac Little Jacs Chicken Liver
Best Single-Ingredient, High-Value Option: Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver
🔍 What Makes a Training Treat Ideal for Pugs
Training treats serve a different purpose than everyday snacks. For pugs, the best options are quick to chew, easy to swallow, and flavorful enough to hold attention during short training sessions.
Large or crunchy treats slow things down and can frustrate flat-faced dogs. Soft textures and strong aromas help keep training moving, especially when you’re rewarding frequently.
🔍 Calories, Texture, and Flavor: Why These Details Matter
Because pugs are prone to weight gain, training treats should ideally stay around two to three calories per piece. This allows frequent rewards without quietly adding excess calories throughout the day.
Soft or semi-moist treats are easier for pugs to chew quickly, keeping their focus on training instead of the treat itself. High-value flavors like chicken liver and beef liver are especially useful when distractions come into play.
📦 Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe – Best Overall Training Treat for Small Dogs
Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a dependable choice for pugs thanks to their tiny size, soft texture, and low calorie count. Each piece is small enough to use repeatedly without slowing training down.
They’re easy for flat-faced mouths to manage and gentle on digestion, making them suitable for both puppies and adult pugs. The chicken flavor is appealing without being overpowering, which works well for everyday training.
If you want consistency and simple portion control, this is an easy pick.
📦 Bil-Jac Little Jacs – Best Soft Training Treat for Pugs
Bil-Jac Little Jacs are designed specifically for small dogs, and their soft pellet-style texture makes them especially pug-friendly. Made with real chicken liver, they have a strong aroma that quickly grabs attention.
Because they’re easy to chew, they work well for pug puppies, senior pugs, or dogs that struggle with firmer treats. The small pellets also make frequent rewards easier to manage.
These are a great fit if your pug responds best to rich flavor and soft texture.
📦 Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver – Best Single-Ingredient Option
Pupford’s freeze-dried beef liver treats stand out for their simple ingredient list and high-value flavor. With just one ingredient, they’re a solid option for pugs with food sensitivities or owners who prefer minimal processing.
Each bag contains hundreds of tiny bites, making them practical for training sessions that require frequent rewards. The lightweight pieces are easy to carry and work well both indoors and on walks.
These treats are especially useful when you need extra motivation, such as recall training or new commands.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Small, soft treats are safest and easiest for pugs to handle
- Low-calorie options allow frequent rewards without weight gain
- Strong flavors help maintain focus during training
- Single-ingredient treats suit sensitive stomachs
- Tiny pieces keep training sessions smooth and consistent
🟢 FAQs
Q: Are training treats safe for pugs?
Yes. When treats are small, soft, and given in moderation, training treats are safe and very effective for pugs.
Q: How many training treats can I give my pug per day?
Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your pug’s daily calories, adjusted for activity level.
Q: Should puppies and adult pugs use different training treats?
Puppies usually do best with extra-soft, tiny treats, while adult pugs can handle slightly firmer options as long as they’re easy to chew.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats good for everyday training?
They work well as high-value rewards, but softer treats are often better for fast, repetitive training sessions.
✅ Conclusion
The best training treats for small dogs combine small size, soft texture, strong flavor, and low calories, making them especially suitable for pugs. Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a reliable everyday option, Bil-Jac Little Jacs offer soft and flavorful rewards, and Pupford’s freeze-dried beef liver delivers high motivation with minimal ingredients. The right choice comes down to your pug’s preferences, training goals, and overall diet.
