Best Training Treats for English Springer Spaniels (2026)
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, highly trainable sporting dogs with boundless energy and food motivation—making training treats essential for harnessing their natural drive to please. However, their active lifestyle and tendency toward weight gain means choosing low-calorie, nutrient-dense treats is critical to prevent obesity while maintaining consistent training rewards.
The best training treats for this breed balance high palatability with minimal calories, support joint health for a dog bred for rigorous field work, and accommodate potential food sensitivities common in sporting breeds. Look for soft or freeze-dried options that hold scent well in outdoor training environments where these dogs thrive.
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Our Top Pick
Merrick Power Bites Real Texas Beef
Substantial, beefy rewards for large and working breeds that need a more satisfying treat.
Merrick
Merrick Power Bites Real Texas Beef
Best high-protein training rewardMerrick's deboned beef and joint-support formula cater to athletic Springers' muscular needs and the breed's vulnerability to hip dysplasia from rigorous hunting work.
- 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
Charlee Bear
Charlee Bear Original Bear Crunch
Best low-calorie treat for frequent rewardsAt only 3 calories per treat, Charlee Bear enables all-day training sessions without weight gain—ideal for Springers' high food motivation and tendency toward obesity.
- 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 ultra-low calories and soft texture suit Springers' frequent training sessions while supporting puppies and seniors with sensitive teeth or gums.
- 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 real meat retains maximum scent appeal for Springers' natural hunting drive, while limited ingredients accommodate breed-common food 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
Bil-Jac
Bil-Jac Liver Treat
Best for picky or stubborn dogsLiver's intense aroma matches Springers' keen scenting ability and food drive, making these treats highly effective for outdoor and distraction-heavy training.
- 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, multi-protein formula rotates flavors to engage intelligent Springers' curiosity while avoiding common allergens affecting sporting breeds.
- 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 single-protein, single-starch design helps identify allergens in Springers prone to food sensitivities and skin issues from their hunting heritage.
- 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 trainingAt 1–2 calories per treat with high meat aroma, Pupford supports intensive training sessions for Springers' tireless work ethic without overfeeding.
- 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 English Springer Spaniels
English Springer Spaniels are natural hunters with keen noses and high prey drive, so freeze-dried or soft treats with strong meat aromas outperform crunchy options in outdoor or distraction-heavy settings. These dogs respond best to treats that trigger their natural hunting instincts—real meat flavors like liver, beef, and game consistently capture their attention better than vegetable-based alternatives.
As an athletic sporting breed weighing 35–50 pounds, English Springer Spaniels need calorie-controlled treats despite their food motivation. Aim for treats under 5 calories each to avoid overfeeding during lengthy training sessions, especially since this breed is prone to weight-related joint stress. Rotate flavors to maintain novelty and prevent treat boredom, a common issue with intelligent, curious breeds.
Consider your training environment and frequency when selecting treat size and texture. For field training or frequent reward-based sessions, ultra-low-calorie or crumbly options allow rapid-fire reinforcement without guilt. For puppies or senior Springers, soft textures protect developing or aging teeth while remaining motivating across life stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training treats can I give an English Springer Spaniel per day?
English Springer Spaniels typically need 35–50 pounds of body weight, so limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories (roughly 150–200 calories). Using ultra-low-calorie options (1–3 calories each) allows frequent training rewards. Split treats into small portions for multiple short sessions rather than fewer large rewards, which better matches their high trainability and short attention spans.
What treats work best for outdoor field training with English Springer Spaniels?
Freeze-dried, soft, or moist treats with strong meat aromas perform best in outdoor settings where wind and distance challenge scent delivery. Avoid crunchy treats that crumble in wet conditions or don't project scent far. Liver-based treats and freeze-dried raw options capitalize on Springers' natural hunting instincts and keen noses developed through generations of field work.
Are English Springer Spaniels prone to food allergies or sensitivities?
English Springer Spaniels can develop food sensitivities and skin issues, particularly to common grains or multi-ingredient treats. Single-protein, limited-ingredient options from Natural Balance or grain-free formulas help identify problem foods. If your Springer shows itching, ear infections, or digestive upset, switch to hypoallergenic treats and consult your vet for elimination diet protocols.
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