Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats are the perfect reward for training, featuring real chicken as the first ingredient in tender, bite-sized morsels. These wholesome, natural treats are free from by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients, while also enhanced with DHA to support cognitive development, making them ideal for puppies and adult dogs. It's no wonder Blue Buffalo Bits are America's #1 training treat!
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training treats – Complete Review 2026
Finding the right training treats can honestly make or break your progress with a new puppy or even an older dog learning new tricks. I’ve been through dozens of brands over the years, and I was genuinely eager to get my hands on the Blue Buffalo Bits Soft-Moist Treats. When the 19-oz bag arrived, my first impression was the quality of the packaging itself—sturdy, with a resealable zip that actually felt like it would last. Once I tore it open, I was met with a pleasant, savory chicken scent, not the artificial, plasticky smell you get with some lower-quality training treats. My Beagle, Cooper, came trotting over immediately, his nose twitching. That’s always the first, and most important, test in my house.
What Makes these soft dog treats Stand Out?
I’m a stickler for ingredients, so the first thing I did was flip the bag over to read the label. I was impressed to see that the real chicken recipe lists actual chicken as the number one ingredient. According to Blue Buffalo, they focus on wholesome ingredients, and it shows. There are absolutely no by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. For me, that’s a huge win, especially since many popular training treats are packed with fillers.
The texture is another standout feature. These truly are soft dog treats. Each one is a small, heart-shaped, bite-sized morsel that’s easy for my dog to chew and swallow quickly, which is critical for maintaining focus during a training session. They aren’t greasy or crumbly, so they don’t fall apart in my pocket or treat pouch. I also love that they include DHA, a fatty acid known to support cognitive development in puppies. This makes them fantastic puppy training treats that do more than just reward behavior. Finding treats that are artificial colors free is also a priority, and these fit the bill perfectly, giving me peace of mind about what I’m feeding my furry family member. If you’re creating a healthy environment for your pet, choosing the right food is step one. For more ideas, check out our guide to a Healthy Pet-Ready Living Guide.
Real-World Performance Testing
I’ve been using these Blue Buffalo Bits for three straight weeks with Cooper, specifically for practicing his recall at the local park. This is where a high-value treat is essential. The moment he hears the crinkle of the bag, I have his undivided attention. I found that their strong, meaty aroma kept him focused on me, even with other dogs and distractions around. Because these are small bite-sized morsels, I can use them consistently for positive reinforcement without worrying about over-feeding him. During our sessions, he was more responsive and eager to please compared to when I use his standard dry kibble as a reward.
My only minor gripe is that the resealable zipper on the bag can be a bit tricky to line up perfectly. On a couple of occasions, I didn’t seal it properly, and the treats at the very top started to get a little less moist. It’s a small human error, but something to be mindful of. I eventually transferred a week’s worth at a time to my own airtight container to be safe. Overall, these are some of the most effective training treats I have used in recent memory.
Who Should Buy Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats?
Based on my hands-on experience, I’d recommend these training treats to a few specific types of dog owners:- New Puppy Parents: If you have a young pup, these are a no-brainer. The inclusion of DHA for cognitive development combined with the soft texture makes these ideal puppy training treats. They are gentle on young teeth and highly palatable.
- Health-Conscious Owners: If you’re someone who reads every label and wants only wholesome ingredients for your dog, these are for you. Being free of by-products, major grains, and artificial additives puts them in a premium category of natural chicken treats.
- Dedicated Trainers: For those working on obedience, agility, or just consistent good behavior, you need a treat that holds a dog’s attention. The powerful scent and delicious taste make these a high-value reward that facilitates effective positive reinforcement. These are excellent training treats for serious work.
training treats vs Competitors
Compared to Zuke’s Mini Naturals, which I tested last fall, the Blue Buffalo Bits feel a bit more substantial and less prone to drying out (as long as you seal the bag!). While both are excellent soft dog treats, the Blue Buffalo Bits’ stronger aroma seems to give them an edge in high-distraction environments. Another popular option are Wellness Soft Puppy Bites. The Wellness treats are great, but I found the heart shape of the Blue Buffalo Bits was slightly easier to grab from my pouch. As noted by many users in reviews on Chewy, the palatability is extremely high, which gives them an edge. These DHA dog treats simply stand out in a crowded market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these considered grain-free treats?
In my experience reading the label, they are free from the most common grain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. This makes them a great option for dogs with sensitivities to those specific ingredients. - How effective are these treats for positive reinforcement?
I found them to be incredibly effective. Their high-value flavor and aroma kept my dog fully engaged during our sessions. Because they are small, you can reward frequently without disrupting the flow of training, which is the cornerstone of positive reinforcement. Creating a pet-friendly space goes beyond treats; our guide on Barkitecture can help you design the perfect outdoor training area. - Are these treats really free from artificial colors and preservatives?
Yes, during my time with them, I confirmed the ingredient list is clean. They are artificial colors free and don’t contain nasty preservatives like Propylene Glycol, which is a big concern for some pet owners, as discussed in forums like Dog Food Advisor. This commitment to wholesome ingredients is a major selling point. - Can these DHA dog treats really help with cognitive development?
While I can’t measure cognitive growth myself, DHA is a well-studied omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain and eye development in puppies. Including it in these training treats is a thoughtful touch that supports a puppy’s growth while you’re also teaching them. For more ways to keep your pet’s mind sharp, see our article on cognitive enrichment toys.
