Few names carry more weight in modern dog training than Zak George. His science-backed, force-free philosophy has convinced millions of viewers that happy, motivated dogs learn faster when rewards—especially treats—are used thoughtfully. If you’ve ever binge-watched his YouTube channel, you know he rarely endorses gear without explaining why it supports positive reinforcement. That “why” is exactly what this guide unpacks.
Below you’ll discover what Zak George actually looks for in a training treat, how nutritional value, texture, and timing influence behavior, and which red flags scream “skip it.” Whether you’re raising a bite-sized puppy, sharpening obedience with an adolescent tornado, or keeping a senior superstar engaged, the insights ahead will help you choose rewards that turbo-charge learning—without upsetting stomachs, blowing daily calorie limits, or dulling motivation.
Top 10 Zak George Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 475+ Two Ingredient Bites (Chicken, 4 oz)
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 475+ Two Ingredient Bites (Chicken, 4 oz)
Overview: Pupford’s freeze-dried chicken bites promise maximum motivation with minimal ingredients. The 4-oz pouch crams in 475+ pea-sized morsels that are shelf-stable, pocket-friendly, and designed for high-frequency rewarding during training sessions.
What Makes It Stand Out: The two-ingredient recipe (chicken & liver) delivers a 5-calorie punch without fillers, so you can keep feeding without blowing your dog’s daily calorie budget. The freeze-drying process locks in aroma that even distracted pups notice, while the crumb-free texture means no greasy jeans or treat-pouch funk after a walk.
Value for Money: At $67.56/lb the sticker shock is real—until you do the math. One pouch lasts most owners 4–6 weeks of daily clicker work, translating to about 3–4 cents per reward. Compared to drive-through cheese cubes or deli turkey, you’re buying convenience, consistency, and zero prep time.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Ultra-light; won’t crumble in pockets; single-protein option for allergy dogs; resealable pouch keeps freshness for months.
Cons: Price per pound is higher than fresh chicken; some batches vary in size (occasional dust at bottom); dogs that prefer chewy texture may spit these out.
Bottom Line: If you train daily and hate messy pockets, the cost is justified. For occasional rewarding, buy a cheaper chewy option and save these for high-distraction environments.
2. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Overview: YouTube superstar Zak George distills his 100-million-view philosophy into a 240-page, photo-packed manual that covers everything from day-one crate training to leash reactivity, all through force-free, relationship-first methods.
What Makes It Stand Out: George layers anecdotal success stories with QR-code links to 40+ demo videos, so readers can watch the exact timing of cues and rewards. The book is structured like a troubleshooting flowchart: pick your problem, scan the code, practice for five minutes, then move on—perfect for the TikTok attention span.
Value for Money: At under ten bucks you’re getting a private seminar series that would cost hundreds in private lessons. Even if you only use the house-training chapter, the avoided carpet-cleaning bills repay the cover price five-fold.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Zero jargon, humor keeps you reading; video integration bridges the “am I doing it right?” gap; heavy emphasis on enrichment prevents bored-dog syndrome.
Cons: Advanced behavior issues (resource guarding, separation anxiety) get only brief overviews; Zak’s upbeat tone can feel repetitive if you already know the basics; book layout jumps between topics—less a cover-to-cover read than a dip-in reference.
Bottom Line: First-time puppy parents should treat this as their survival bible. Experienced trainers won’t learn new science, but it’s still the best gift you can give a friend who just brought home a wiggly eight-week land-shark.
3. Pupford Soft & Chewy Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies (Beef, 10 oz)
Pupford Soft & Chewy Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies (Beef, 10 oz)
Overview: Pupford’s 10-oz beef pouches deliver soft, nickel-sized squares that can be halved again for tiny mouths. Each piece stays pliable, making rapid-fire rewarding possible without the crumbs or cracking common with biscuit-style trainers.
What Makes It Stand Out: The <2 kcal count lets you run through 50 reps of “heel” without turning your dog into a sausage. Beef is the first ingredient, but the addition of rosemary and mixed tocopherols keeps the pouch shelf-stable for a year—rare for a moist treat.
Value for Money: $1.90 per ounce lands mid-pack between bargain-bin jerky and boutique freeze-dried. Because the squares don’t shatter, there’s zero waste at the bottom of the bag, so every penny ends up in your dog’s mouth rather than the vacuum.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Soft texture ideal for seniors and puppies; strong smell grabs focus outdoors; resealable rip-strip actually works (no busted zippers).
Cons: Moisture means mold risk if you forget the bag in a hot car; smell is pungent—wash hands before touching your phone; 10 oz disappears fast for multi-dog households.
Bottom Line: A solid everyday training treat for owners who want convenience without junk fillers. Buy two pouches if you train daily; one suffices for weekend warriors.
4. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 225+ Single Ingredient Bites (Cheddar, 3 oz)
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 225+ Single Ingredient Bites (Cheddar, 3 oz)
Overview: This 3-oz cheddar version keeps the same Pupford freeze-dry tech but pares the ingredient list to one: Wisconsin cheddar. The result is a popcorn-shaped nibble that delivers 100% cheesy jackpot value for dogs that work hardest for dairy.
What Makes It Stand Out: Cheese is notoriously messy—except here. The freeze-drying removes fat that usually greases fingers, so you can store a handful in your hoodie and forget the plastic bag. Because it’s pure cheese, even dogs with chicken or beef allergies finally get a high-value “jackpot” reward.
Value for Money: $9.99 feels steep for three ounces, yet each piece can be broken into three crumbs, stretching the pouch past 600 rewards. That’s 1.6 cents per mark—cheaper than string cheese and without the lactose stomach rumble.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Single-ingredient simplicity; virtually zero odor for human noses; dissolves quickly for small mouths.
Cons: Higher fat than meat versions—count calories for couch-potato dogs; crumbs at bottom are unusable dust; dogs with dairy intolerance should avoid entirely.
Bottom Line: Perfect specialty treat for allergy dogs or cheese-crazy learners. Rotate with a lower-fat option if you train in volume.
5. Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats 16 Oz.,Chicken Regular
Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Dog Treats 16 Oz., Chicken Regular
Overview: Crazy Dog packs a full pound of semi-mooy pellets into a resealable tub marketed toward “easy” training. The pellets mirror kibble shape but promise tastier aroma and only 1.5 kcal per piece, letting owners pour out handfuls without guilt.
What Makes It Stand Out: The price-to-volume ratio is unbeatable: under fifteen dollars for a pound that lasts months for the average pet parent. Meat is the first ingredient, yet the extruded texture means no grease, crumbs, or fridge storage—basically upgraded kibble you can toss in a bike jersey.
Value for Money: At $14.84/lb you’re paying supermarket kibble prices for treats most dogs rate higher than their dinner. One tub funds an entire six-week obedience class without a second trip to the pet store.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Huge quantity ideal for multi-dog homes; uniform size fits MannersMinder feeders; stays fresh for 12 months after opening.
Cons: Pellets are too hard for senior or tiny breeds; chicken-only flavor can bore picky pups; contains wheat—skip for grain-sensitive dogs.
Bottom Line: If your dog will work for garden-variety rewards and you blast through volume, this is the economical gas station of training treats. For sensitive systems or gourmet-obsessed pups, invest elsewhere.
6. Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Mini Dog Treats , 4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Overview: Crazy Dog Train-Me! Mini’s are bite-size motivators engineered for rapid-fire obedience work. Each 4-oz pouch packs ~200 semi-moist squares that smell like a deli counter to dogs yet stay shelf-stable for months.
What Makes It Stand Out: The first ingredient is real meat (chicken, liver or bacon) and the calorie count per piece is only 1.5—so you can reward generously without filling up a 10-lb pup. The treats are springy enough to break in half for even smaller mouths, instantly doubling your mileage.
Value for Money: At roughly three cents each, they’re cheaper than most training bites and cheaper than the frustration of stalled lessons. A single pouch usually lasts through a six-week beginner class.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs drool for the scent; owners like the U.S. sourcing and absence of BHA/BHT. However, the soft texture can dry out if the zip seal isn’t closed tightly, and strong aroma may linger on fingers.
Bottom Line: For new puppies, hyper adolescents, or any dog on a repetitious reward schedule, Train-Me! Mini’s deliver high drive at low calorie cost, making them a perennial trainers’ favorite.
7. Pupford Soft & Chewy Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies (Pork, 5 oz)
Overview: Pupford’s Pork Soft & Chewy treats roll in at under 2 kcal apiece, letting handlers dole out dozens of jackpots without padding the waistline. The 5-oz resealable pouch contains tiny, pea-size nubs made from six recognizable U.S. ingredients.
What Makes It Stand Out: Expect zero crumbling—moisture is locked in so fingers stay clean and treat pouches don’t become pork-scented cement. Because the bits dissolve quickly, even toothy puppies can swallow and reset fast for the next repetition.
Value for Money: At roughly $0.03 per reward, the price aligns with mid-tier kibbles yet beats their palatability scores in most taste tests.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Protein-first formula, soft for older jaws, bag is easy to stuff in a hoodie pocket. On the flip side, the porky perfume is noticeable in small apartments, and the soft texture can fuse pieces together on hot days.
Bottom Line: If calorie control and quick consumption top your list, Pupford Pork bites keep sessions fluid, tasty, and guilt-free.
8. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 215+ Six Ingredient Bites (Surf & Turf, 3 oz)
Overview: Pupford’s Freeze-Dried Surf & Turf brings a carnivore’s surfboard dream—salmon, beef, and sweet potato in crunchy, 0.5-gram cubes. The 3-oz pouch houses 215+ pieces that weigh almost nothing, ideal for urban walks and agility fields alike.
What Makes It Stand Out: Freeze-drying deletes water, not nutrients, so each cube is a protein nugget that crumbles between fingers for micro-rewards or serves whole for bigger wins. Zero grease means jackets, pockets, and training vests stay spotless.
Value for Money: Working out to about $0.05 per piece, the cost reflects genuine salmon inclusion—still cheaper than buying fresh fish to dehydrate yourself.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Picky eaters flip for the concentrated aroma; the cube size suits both Chihuahuas and Mastiff basics. The downside: crumbles settle at the bottom, and humidity can soften the texture once the foil is opened.
Bottom Line: For handlers who want maximum motivation in minimum weight, these clean, composition-controlled bites punch far above their ounce class.
9. Amazon Brand – Wag Chicken Flavor Hip & Joint Training Treats for Dogs, 1 lb. Bag (16 oz)
Overview: Wag’s Amazon-exclusive training bites double as joint support, infusing 1,000 mg/kg glucosamine and 500 mg/kg chondroitin into each little star-shaped morsel. With real U.S. chicken as the lead ingredient, the 1-lb sack provides roughly 800 treats.
What Makes It Stand Out: The size is perfect for rapid succession—think clicker-shower rates—while the therapeutic additives mean you’re stealthily supplementing hips during heelwork. No corn, soy, or artificial colors keep sensitive stomachs calm.
Value for Money: At under a penny apiece, these are the cheapest functional treats on the market; joint chews sold in tubs often cost five times more for the same active dose.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Firm enough to bounce off the floor for a game, they won’t turn hands into an oil slick. However, the mild scent can underwhelm food-crazy dogs, and the 16-oz bag’s bulk isn’t pocket-friendly.
Bottom Line: Best for adolescent through senior students, Wag’s treats reward brains while caring for bones, all at a bargain bucket price.
10. Crazy Dog Mini Train-Me! Training Treats 10 oz. Bag, Beef Flavor, with 500 Treats per Bag, Recommended by Dog Trainers
Overview: Scaling up the Train-Me! line, the 10-oz beef bag crams a jaw-dropping 500 treats inside—enough to fill an entire obedience school semester. Each liver-based square still contains only 1.5 calories and can be split for toy breeds.
What Makes It Stand Out: Natural pork liver delivers pungent aroma that hijacks distracted dog brains at parks or competition rings. The consistent cube shape maintains timing precision; you always know how many pieces remain for variable reward schedules.
Value for Money: At roughly two cents each, cost parallels mass-market kibble yet the motivation level rivals fresh steak. One bag often outlasts the puppy teething phase.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Made in the USA, free of corn/soy dyes, and the zip pouch is thick enough to survive being stepped on. Drawbacks include a lingering liver odor on fingers and the tendency to dry if stored near heat vents.
Bottom Line: For multi-dog households, class instructors, or anyone tired of weekly treat restocks, this half-pound bargain keeps cohorts keen without expanding waistlines.
Understanding Zak George’s Training Philosophy
Zak’s method is deceptively simple: set the dog up for success, mark the exact moment they get it right, then pay that success with something they value. Treats are literally the currency. Pick the wrong denomination—too big, too dry, too rich—and your “paycheck” bounces. Understand the dog’s preferences first, then align the reward to the difficulty of the task. That alignment keeps enthusiasm sky-high and eliminates the need for intimidation or aversive tools.
The Science Behind High-Value vs. Low-Value Treats
Value, in canine terms, equals palatability plus novelty. A high-value treat is canine caviar: aromatic, moist, usually meat-forward, reserved for brand-new behaviors, heavy distractions, or fear-inducing environments. Low-value treats are dry, familiar biscuits—great for maintenance and proofing known cues. Cycling between the two prevents “treat boredom,” a sneaky cause of fading focus mid-session.
Moisture Content and Why It Matters for Timing
Soft, chewy morsels break down in one or two chomps, letting you rapid-fire reinforce at 3–5 reps per second—crucial when capturing micro-behaviors like eye contact or heel position. Crunchy biscuits take 5–10 seconds to finish; the dog swallows, scans the floor, then re-engages. Zak often calls timing the “currency exchange rate.” Moist treats protect that rate.
Portion Size: How Small Is Small Enough?
Think pea, not meatball. Tiny tastes maintain appetite, reduce caloric load, and prevent satiation before the session ends. Zak’s rule of thumb: if you can’t deliver ten pieces in a row without the dog turning away, they’re either too big or too filling.
Calorie Density and Daily Limits
A single overfed training session can consume a third of a small dog’s daily calories, fueling weight creep that’s hard to notice under fluff. Measure the day’s allotment into a “training jar”; when it’s empty, training (or at least food rewards) is done for the day.
Grain-Free, Single-Ingredient, Limited Ingredient—What’s Actually Necessary?
Marketing loves buzzwords. Zak’s stance: match the ingredient list to your dog’s biology and vet advice. For many dogs, whole grains provide useful fiber and B-vitamins. Grain-free is critical only for confirmed sensitivities. Single-ingredient treats excel for elimination diets; otherwise, diversity builds a resilient gut microbiome.
Protein Source Variety: Keeping Dogs Motivated
Rotating proteins—salmon, venison, lamb, rabbit—holds a novelty bonus, reducing habituation. Zak cycles proteins weekly, pairing novel smells with harder distractions to rejuvenate drive in adolescent dogs who “check out” at the park.
Texture Profiles for Multi-Dog Households
While one dog adores crunchy rewards that scrape tartar, a senior with worn molars needs cloud-soft tidbits. Stock at least two textures to prevent resource guarding sparked by unequal payout and to accommodate dental realities under the same roof.
Allergen Considerations and Limited Ingredient Options
Chicken, beef, and dairy top the canine allergy hit list. Choose hydrolyzed or exotic proteins when you notice incessant ear-scratching or paw-licking post session. Keep a photo log of treat bags and reaction time stamps; patterns emerge quickly.
Storage, Shelf-Life, and Convenience in Real-Life Sessions
Nothing kills momentum like rummaging for crumbles at the bottom of a jacket. Zak pre-loads silicone squeeze tubes (for purées), magnetic screw-top tins (for meats), and belt-mounted bait bags sized for an iPhone—tools that keep rewards both sanitary and within muscle memory reach.
DIY Options: Dehydrated, Boiled, and Baked at Home
Store-bought consistency is convenient, but DIY gives full control: boiled chicken breast diced to ¼ inch, dehydrated sweet-potato discs, or oat-banana mini cookies baked and frozen in bulk. Homework: weigh a batch, calculate kcal/gram, then portion into 5-calorie snack packs—voilà, ready-to-go reinforcement.
Balancing Commercial Treats With Kibble and Daily Meals
When daily training reps crest the hundreds (think service-dog foundations), subtract equivalent kibble from mealtime rather than piling on extras. Zak often mixes a tablespoon of tuna water into the dog’s regular kibble, instantly re-branding boring bits as jackpot rewards.
Reading Labels: Hidden Sugars, Salt, and Fillers
Ingredient lists must be read backwards—last ingredients often reveal flavor coatings made of sucrose or salt. Over-dosing sodium dehydrates active puppies and masks rancid meat smells. Skip anything listing “sugar,” “corn syrup,” or salt within the first five items.
Eco-Friendly Packaging and Sustainability Choices
Treat pouches laminated with mixed plastics last centuries. Look for home-compostable cellulose bags or brands offering refill stations. Buying in bulk and freezing excess slashes both price per ounce and landfill load.
Budgeting: Cost per Reward Without Compromising Quality
Calculate the cost of one pea-sized piece (kcal ÷ total kcal per bag × price). Premium labels often cost pennies per reward because their calorie density means you feed less. Factor that into bag price comparisons to avoid sticker shock.
When Training Treats Aren’t Safe for Puppies, Seniors, or Medical Cases
Pups under 12 weeks need bacteria-controlled options; freeze single-ingredient meats 72 hours to kill pathogens. Kidney dogs require restricted phosphorus—seek egg-white-based rewards. Post-surgery GI tracts tolerate only low-fat carbs like plain rice balls; always coordinate with your vet.
Transitioning From Treats to Life Rewards
Zak’s phased approach: lure with food, switch to random reinforcement, then pair success with real-world perks—door openings, ball throws, sniffaris. The final stage fades food while preserving behavior strength, proving treats are a communication tool, not a lifelong bribe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many treats can I give my dog per day without causing weight gain?
Count the total daily calories your vet recommends, reserve up to 10% for training, then divide by the calorie content of a single treat.
2. Are freeze-dried raw treats safe to handle in my pocket?
Yes; freeze-drying removes moisture that bacteria need. Still, wash hands after sessions and reseal bags tightly.
3. My dog loses interest halfway through class—what’s wrong?
Most often, treat value is too low for the distraction level or the pieces are too large and the dog satiates. Switch to smellier, pea-sized rewards.
4. Can I use cheerios or cheese cubes forever?
Cheerios lack protein for muscle repair; cheese is high in fat and salt. Rotate them with lean commercial treats to balance nutrition.
5. Is grain-free always better for itchy dogs?
Not necessarily. Itching can stem from environmental allergens or proteins. Consult your vet before self-prescribing grain-free diets.
6. What’s the difference between training treats and dental chews?
Training treats are tiny, calorie-controlled, and swallowed fast; dental chews are larger, designed for prolonged chewing and mechanical plaque removal.
7. How do I measure treat calories when feeding homemade rewards?
Weigh the finished batch, plug the ingredients into a free nutrition calculator to get total kcal, then divide by the number of pieces you cut.
8. Should I avoid treats with “meal” or “by-product”?
Named meals (e.g., “chicken meal”) are concentrated protein; by-products can include nutritious organs. Focus on ingredient specificity and sourcing transparency.
9. Can high-protein treats cause hyperactivity?
No peer-reviewed study links protein to hyper behavior. Excitement during training usually reflects handler energy and reinforcement patterns.
10. When can I stop giving treats entirely?
Transition to intermittent life rewards once your dog performs reliably in multiple distracting environments. Occasional surprise treats keep the behavior bulletproof for life.