Best Training Treats for Bloodhounds (2026)
Bloodhounds are scent-driven hounds with an extraordinary olfactory system—their nose contains approximately 230 million scent receptors compared to a human's 5 million. Training these independent, stubborn dogs requires highly motivating rewards that engage their natural instincts and maintain focus during long tracking or obedience sessions. Without the right treats, even an affectionate Bloodhound may lose interest and follow their nose instead of your commands.
The best training treats for Bloodhounds balance high palatability with appropriate calorie content, since these 80–110 pound dogs can quickly gain weight during intensive training. Look for treats with real meat as the primary ingredient—especially those with strong, distinct scents like liver or beef—paired with soft or freeze-dried textures that won't crumble during outdoor work. Grain-free options are ideal for this breed, as Bloodhounds can develop sensitivities to common fillers.
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Our Top Pick
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Ultra-high-value rewards for stubborn or easily distracted dogs who need extra motivation.
Stella & Chewy's
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Best high-value reward treatFreeze-dried raw meat maximizes scent potency for Bloodhounds' superior olfactory system, plus grain-free ingredients suit their digestive sensitivities.
- 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
Merrick
Merrick Power Bites Real Texas Beef
Best high-protein training rewardReal deboned beef and joint-supporting glucosamine address Bloodhounds' size-related mobility needs while satisfying their food motivation during extended scent-work training.
- Deboned beef as #1 ingredient — satisfying for larger, more food-motivated breeds
- Grain-free with added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Chewy texture holds up in outdoor training without crumbling
Natural Balance
Natural Balance L.I.T. Limited Ingredient Treats
Best treat for dogs with allergiesSingle-protein formulas help identify and avoid allergens in Bloodhounds prone to digestive issues, making them ideal for sensitive individuals.
- Single animal protein and single starch — easy to identify and avoid allergens
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Vet-recommended for elimination diet protocols
Wellness
Wellness Soft WellBites
Best grain-free soft treatSoft, grain-free texture works for Bloodhounds with food sensitivities, and rotatable flavors combat the breed's boredom and maintain training motivation.
- 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
Zuke's
Zuke's Mini Naturals
Best overall training treatOnly 3 calories per treat, soft texture, and real meat ingredients make these ideal for frequent rewards during Bloodhound training without overfeeding.
- 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
Bil-Jac
Bil-Jac Liver Treat
Best for picky or stubborn dogsReal chicken liver's intense scent powerfully engages Bloodhounds' exceptional nose and overcomes their stubborn nature better than milder treat flavors.
- 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
Pupford
Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
Best variety pack for trainingAt 1–2 calories per treat, freeze-dried meat aroma engages Bloodhounds' scent drive during high-repetition training without weight gain or digestive upset.
- 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 Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds are food-motivated but easily bored, so treat palatability is non-negotiable. Their exceptional sense of smell means they respond best to treats with strong, recognizable meat aromas—freeze-dried options, liver-based treats, and real meat formulas outperform generic biscuits. Rotate flavors regularly to maintain engagement during training sessions, as their curious nature makes novelty a powerful motivator.
Size and texture matter significantly for this breed. At 80–110 pounds, Bloodhounds need treats that can be broken into small pieces for frequent reward delivery without overfeeding during long training days. Soft, moist textures work better than hard crunches, especially for older Bloodhounds or those with the breed's characteristic dental challenges. Soft treats also hold scent longer in outdoor environments where Bloodhounds typically work best.
Consider your Bloodhound's digestive sensitivity when selecting treats. This breed prone to food sensitivities benefits from limited-ingredient, grain-free formulas with single animal proteins. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Joint health is also worth considering—Bloodhounds' large size and long ears can lead to mobility issues, so treats with glucosamine or chondroitin support long-term wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training treats can I give my Bloodhound per day?
Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your Bloodhound's daily caloric intake. Since adult Bloodhounds need 1,200–1,500 calories daily, limit treats to 120–150 calories. Using low-calorie options (3–5 calories each) allows 20–50 reward treats during training without exceeding safe limits. Adjust portions based on your dog's weight and activity level, reducing meal portions if training intensifies.
Are Bloodhounds prone to food allergies or sensitivities?
Yes, Bloodhounds frequently develop sensitivities to grains, chicken, and artificial additives, causing ear infections, itching, or digestive upset. Choose grain-free, limited-ingredient treats with novel proteins like beef, rabbit, or salmon. If your Bloodhound shows allergic reactions, work with your vet on elimination diets using single-protein treats to identify triggers and maintain training consistency.
What texture of training treats works best for Bloodhounds?
Soft, moist treats are ideal for Bloodhounds because they hold scent longer during outdoor tracking work, appeal to the breed's food motivation, and won't crumble during rapid-fire reward delivery. Freeze-dried options maximize scent potency that engages their 230-million scent receptors. Avoid hard crunches, which may be challenging for older Bloodhounds with dental issues.
Bloodhound Full Breed Profile
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