Using dog kibble as a training treat?

[Camilla and Darwin]

We were hoping to start using dog kibble as a training treat for Darwin because it is cheaper, and less fatty than other treats we have looked at. We have made our own "jerky" by dehydrating beef and chicken, but it's kind of pricey. Do any of you use kibble as a treat? We are currently feeding him Eagle Pack Large Breed Puppy. We would use that, but thought it would be fun and more interesting for him to use a different food for treats. We were thinking about getting a really nice brand like solid gold or something similar. Do any of you know of a kibble your dogs go wild over? Of course it varies depending on the dog's tastes, but any suggestions would be helpful!

[shelly]

We DID use her own kibble when she was a puppy, puppy. Now that she is eating some canned food, and combined w/ the fact that she LOVES ice cubes, I have made tiny "meatballs" with her canned food, put them in a plastic container, and use them as treats. She'll just about do a 'back-flip' for one of them... I try not to give her store bought/boxed treats - due to a low-fat diet I try to stick to since her pancreatitis episode last sprig.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

That is a great idea! Timbow doesn't get canned food, but I could buy some and make mini meat balls. I can get a different flavor then what I'm feeding for that month! yay for great ideas!!!! :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Most dogs love the taste of Orijen because of it's high protein. You could try that.

[Azure & Muppet]

We used his regular dog food kibble for training in the very beginning when he was a really young puppy, but it didn't last because it wasn't very motivational. But I think that might work good if you use a different kibble than what he already gets at meal time so it tastes different and seems special. It's a good idea if you can find something Darwin really likes a lot.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My fussy Doodle won't do ANYTHING if I use kibble as the treat motivator. I've even tried different brands, and none of them work. He holds out for the "good stuff" like cheese, meat, or the really good (expensive) treats. He would respond to Cheerios when he was little, but not now. I'm thinking he may be a little spoiled?????

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

haha..i had skipped down and just saw your post and thought..Jane has officially lost it..she's writing replies to herself :-) Watching football while on here is not working well for me. :-)

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Charli will eat anything as a treat! Samantha, NO! I did find a low calorie treat and a very inexpensive website to get them. And these little treats are 2 calories each and can be cut up with a fingernail there are that moist.
Zukes Mini's
doggiefood.com
16 oz chicken
I ordered 6 of them and paid under$40 with shipping. Each time I go their site they have a coupon anywhere from 10-13% off your entire order.
Any dog I have given these to will do every trick they have ever learned without being asked to get them!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Zuke's is a great brand! Made in the US, and Jack loves all their varieties. They carry them in most of the stores that sell the higher end dog foods, I buy them locally.

[Kyoko]

I use kibbles as training treats. This was suggested by Charlie's trainer. What I do is that whatever the amount of food I would feed her, I put it in a treat pouch. We practice on things, and she gets the kibble. Basically, she is being fed during the training. It may sounds serious, but it really isn't. I just have to take my time to do it..... We practiced walking on lose leash this way for a long time. She just ate while we were out on walk. You can practice attention, recall, sit stay, etc.... If I have any left over kibbles in my pouch after we had enough of practice, I just give it to her in her bowl.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin is a food gobbling machine and he does tricks for me with his own kibble, I just wanted to make things more exciting with a different kind. I think I will try Orijen, as I've been wanting to try it for a possible switch over anyways. I will also check out those Zuke's Mini's. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Heidi]

Bear isn't motivated by kibble at all. I've used Cherio's for training treats. Lowfat and cheap.

[Adina P]

I only trained with treats when Rosco was under 6 months and then again for tricks and non-essentials or to make grooming more pleasant. When Rosco was a wee pup we used his actual meal as the training treats. So at each meal I'd have him practice sits, downs, etc using his kibble.

I DID and DO use their kibble currently for occasional rewards, but my dogs are crazy food-a-holics and will eat just about anything.

My doods eat Canidae ALS, but we also keep a jar of fancier kibble for treats now. Now and then I'll buy "real treats" but not very often as they are SOOOOO very happy with the fancy kibble there's not a good reason for me to do things differently except because I like my doggies and I enjoy seeing them try something new =)