Best Training Treats for Border Terriers (2026)
Border Terriers are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs with a natural hunting drive that makes them highly trainable—but their small 11–15 pound frame means every calorie counts during extended training sessions. Overfeeding treats can quickly lead to obesity, which strains their sturdy but compact bodies and increases joint stress as they age.
The best training treats for Border Terriers balance high palatability with low calorie density, allowing for frequent rewards without derailing daily nutrition. Look for soft or freeze-dried options that appeal to their scent-driven hunting instincts, and consider grain-free formulas if your terrier shows signs of food sensitivities—a common issue in the breed.
This page contains affiliate links to Chewy and Amazon. When you purchase through our links, pupprofiles.dog may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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 rewardsPerfect for Border Terriers in extended training sessions—at only 3 calories per tiny treat, you can reward frequently without risking obesity in this small, food-motivated 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 treatExcellent all-purpose choice for Border Terriers—soft texture accommodates puppies and seniors, while 3-calorie count supports guilt-free training throughout their compact lifespan.
- 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 treatLeverages Border Terriers' powerful scent-driven hunting instincts; freeze-dried raw meat aroma cuts through outdoor distractions better than standard treats during field training.
- 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 dogsPerfectly suited to Border Terriers' natural hunting drive—liver's intense aroma overrides environmental prey drive, making it invaluable for recalls and focus in high-distraction situations.
- 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 treatIdeal for Border Terriers prone to grain sensitivities; grain-free formula with rotatable flavors prevents food boredom while supporting digestive health during intensive training periods.
- 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 allergiesEssential for Border Terriers with known allergies or sensitivities; single-protein, single-starch formula makes identifying and eliminating trigger ingredients straightforward 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 trainingDesigned for Border Terriers requiring high-repetition reward training; 1–2 calorie count and ultra-high meat aroma maximize training efficiency while keeping weight in check.
- 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 Border Terriers
Border Terriers respond exceptionally well to scent-based motivation during training, so freeze-dried and liver-based treats outperform plain kibble rewards. Their hunting heritage means they're naturally driven by potent aromas; treats with strong meat scents keep focus sharp during outdoor sessions or when competing against environmental distractions like squirrels or other wildlife.
Calorie control is critical for this small breed. Border Terriers benefit from low-calorie treats (ideally 3 calories or fewer per piece) that allow for high-repetition training without exceeding their 200–300 daily treat calories. This enables longer training sessions and more frequent reward opportunities without weight gain.
Grain sensitivities affect some Border Terriers, so grain-free or limited-ingredient options reduce the risk of itching, ear infections, or digestive upset that can interrupt training progress. Always introduce new treats gradually and watch for adverse reactions, especially if your terrier has a history of food allergies or sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Border Terriers prone to food allergies or sensitivities?
Yes, Border Terriers commonly experience grain sensitivities and food allergies, often manifesting as itching, ear infections, or digestive upset. Grain-free and limited-ingredient training treats reduce allergic reactions. If your terrier shows persistent scratching or skin issues during training, switch to single-protein formulas and introduce new treats gradually over 7–10 days to identify problem ingredients.
How many training treats can I safely give a Border Terrier per day?
Border Terriers should consume no more than 200–300 calories daily in treats (roughly 10% of their 1,500–2,000 calorie diet). This translates to 100+ low-calorie treats or 20–30 high-value treats daily. Adjust portions based on main meal size and activity level, and use low-calorie options (3 calories) for extended training sessions to avoid obesity in this small breed.
What makes Border Terriers motivated by certain training treats over others?
Border Terriers' strong hunting heritage makes them highly responsive to potent meat aromas, especially freeze-dried and liver-based treats that trigger scent-driven prey drive. Soft, chewy textures also work better than hard kibble for rapid-fire rewards. Individual preferences vary, so test multiple treat types to identify your terrier's highest-value motivator for breakthrough training sessions.
Border Terrier Full Breed Profile
Temperament, health conditions, care guides, and adoption resources.