Best Training Treats for Australian Terriers (2026)
Australian Terriers are spirited, alert working dogs bred to hunt vermin with relentless drive—meaning they require frequent, high-value rewards during training to maintain focus and motivation. Their small stature (14–16 pounds) makes calorie management critical; too many training treats can quickly lead to obesity and joint stress in this compact frame.
The best training treats for Australian Terriers balance high motivation with portion control. Look for low-calorie options that deliver real meat flavors to satisfy their prey drive, soft textures for quick consumption during rapid-fire sessions, and ingredients that support their overall health without unnecessary fillers or common allergens.
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Our Top Pick
Charlee Bear Original Bear Crunch
Perfect for small dogs or long training sessions where calorie count matters.
Charlee Bear
Charlee Bear Original Bear Crunch
Best low-calorie treat for frequent rewardsCharlee Bear's 3-calorie crunch format lets you reward your spirited Australian Terrier repeatedly during training sessions without exceeding daily calorie limits for this weight-conscious breed.
- Only 3 calories per treat — train all day without guilt
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth between brushings
- Tiny size perfect for small and toy breeds
Zuke's
Zuke's Mini Naturals
Best overall training treatZuke's soft, 3-calorie minis perfectly match Australian Terriers' small size and frequent-reward training style while maintaining lean body condition.
- Only 3 calories per treat — won't fatten up dogs in long training sessions
- Soft texture works for puppies, seniors, and dogs with dental issues
- Real chicken, salmon, or rabbit as first ingredient
Stella & Chewy's
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Best high-value reward treatStella & Chewy's intense meat aroma triggers Australian Terriers' natural hunting instincts, and crumbled pieces reward rapid-fire obedience sessions without overfeeding.
- 100% real meat — freeze-dried raw retains maximum scent and palatability
- Grain-free and limited ingredient — excellent for dogs with food sensitivities
- Crumble into tiny pieces for precision reward delivery
Bil-Jac
Bil-Jac Liver Treat
Best for picky or stubborn dogsBil-Jac's chicken liver formula taps into the vermin-hunting heritage of Australian Terriers, providing unmatched motivation for dogs that ignore other reward types.
- Real chicken liver as first ingredient — consistently ranked among most motivating treats
- Soft, moist texture that holds scent well in outdoor training environments
- Resealable bag keeps treats fresh throughout the day
Wellness
Wellness Soft WellBites
Best grain-free soft treatWellness grain-free bites suit Australian Terriers prone to food sensitivities while delivering soft texture for puppies and quick reward delivery during high-repetition training.
- Grain-free with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Soft, semi-moist texture easy to break into smaller pieces
- Multiple protein flavors to rotate and maintain interest
Natural Balance
Natural Balance L.I.T. Limited Ingredient Treats
Best treat for dogs with allergiesNatural Balance's limited-ingredient format is ideal for Australian Terriers with allergies or digestive sensitivities, allowing precise allergen elimination during training.
- Single animal protein and single starch — easy to identify and avoid allergens
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Vet-recommended for elimination diet protocols
Pupford
Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
Best variety pack for trainingPupford's 1–2 calorie treats and high-count bags fuel the spirited Australian Terrier's need for frequent rewards during long training sessions without weight gain.
- Only 1–2 calories per treat — designed specifically for high-repetition reward training
- Freeze-dried retains real meat aroma that dogs respond to reliably
- Available in 475+ treat counts per bag for extended training sessions
What to Look for in Training Treats for Australian Terriers
Australian Terriers possess an intense prey drive inherited from their vermin-hunting heritage, making treat motivation essential for training success. Choose treats featuring real meat as the primary ingredient—chicken, beef, or liver—to trigger their natural instincts and keep them engaged. Soft, chewy textures work best because they allow quick consumption during rapid-reward training sequences, preventing your terrier from losing focus while chewing.
Calorie content matters significantly for this small breed. At 14–16 pounds, Australian Terriers need portion-controlled treats to prevent unwanted weight gain, which can stress their joints and shorten their lifespan. Opt for treats under 5 calories each so you can deliver multiple rewards without derailing daily caloric intake—especially important during intensive training phases.
Consider your terrier's potential food sensitivities when selecting treats. Some Australian Terriers develop reactions to grains or common proteins. Limited-ingredient options with single protein sources make it easier to identify and avoid triggers if your dog shows signs of digestive upset or itching. Always introduce new treats gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training treats can I give my Australian Terrier per day?
Australian Terriers should receive treats comprising no more than 10% of daily calories (roughly 40–50 calories for this 14–16 pound breed). This typically allows 12–15 low-calorie treats (3–5 calories each) during training sessions. Adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition. Always reduce main meal portions on heavy training days to prevent overfeeding and weight gain, which stresses small breeds.
Are Australian Terriers prone to food allergies?
While not universally prone to allergies, some Australian Terriers develop sensitivities to grains, chicken, or beef. If your terrier shows itching, digestive upset, or ear infections, try limited-ingredient treats with novel proteins like rabbit or duck. Work with your vet to identify triggers through elimination diets. Always introduce new treats gradually over 7–10 days to monitor for adverse reactions before committing.
What texture of training treat works best for Australian Terriers?
Soft, chewy treats are ideal for Australian Terriers because they consume quickly during rapid-reward training sequences without slowing momentum. This breed's alert, spirited nature demands fast treat delivery to maintain focus. Crunchy treats work for occasional rewards and dental benefits, but avoid hard treats that could damage teeth during enthusiastic training sessions or cause choking hazards for small mouths.
Australian Terrier Full Breed Profile
Temperament, health conditions, care guides, and adoption resources.