Best Training Treats for Old English Sheepdogs (2026)
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent, food-motivated herding dogs with a playful temperament that makes them excellent candidates for reward-based training. However, their larger size (60–100 pounds) and tendency toward joint issues mean training treats must be carefully selected to support long training sessions without contributing to obesity or joint stress.
The best training treats for Old English Sheepdogs balance low calorie counts with high palatability, since these sociable dogs respond enthusiastically to positive reinforcement. Look for treats with real protein sources and soft or crumbly textures that allow for rapid-fire delivery during extended training sessions, while avoiding fillers that could trigger digestive upset in this breed.
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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 rewardReal beef with added glucosamine and chondroitin supports joint health critical for this larger herding breed, while the chewy texture satisfies food-motivated Old English Sheepdogs during outdoor 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
Zuke's
Zuke's Mini Naturals
Best overall training treatSoft texture accommodates senior Old English Sheepdogs or those with dental sensitivity, while 3-calorie counts sustain high-repetition training sessions without weight management concerns for this 60–100-pound breed.
- 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 treatFreeze-dried raw retains maximum scent appeal for this intelligent, food-driven breed, and crumbles into precise portions ideal for rapid-fire reward delivery during Old English Sheepdog training sessions.
- 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 dogsReal chicken liver's potent aroma highly motivates food-driven Old English Sheepdogs, while the soft, moist texture performs reliably in wet outdoor environments where this breed frequently trains.
- 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 treatGrain-free, semi-moist texture suits Old English Sheepdogs prone to digestive sensitivity, and easily breaks into smaller pieces for extended training without exceeding calorie targets for this larger breed.
- 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 allergiesSingle-ingredient formulas help identify and avoid allergens in Old English Sheepdogs, making these treats ideal if your dog shows digestive upset during training or has known food sensitivities.
- 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, these freeze-dried pieces enable high-repetition training for food-motivated Old English Sheepdogs without contributing to joint stress from excess 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 Old English Sheepdogs
Old English Sheepdogs are medium-to-large dogs that benefit from low-calorie treats during extended training sessions, since their size makes them prone to weight gain. Choose treats with 3–5 calories per piece so you can deliver multiple rewards without derailing daily calorie targets. This breed's intelligent, food-driven nature means they respond best to genuinely flavorful rewards—real meat, liver, or freeze-dried options outperform grain-heavy treats.
Soft or crumbly textures are ideal for Old English Sheepdogs, as their shaggy coat and friendly curiosity mean outdoor training is common. Treats that hold up in wet conditions and deliver scent reliably will keep your dog engaged during long sessions. Their size also means you can break larger treats into smaller pieces for precision reward timing.
Consider grain-free or limited-ingredient options if your Old English Sheepdog shows digestive sensitivity—while not breed-specific, their heavier coats and active lifestyle can mask early signs of food intolerance. Rotating protein flavors maintains motivation and prevents boredom, especially important for this intelligent, adaptable breed's long-term training success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training treats can I give an Old English Sheepdog per day?
Old English Sheepdogs typically need 1,200–1,800 calories daily depending on activity level and weight. Reserve 10% of daily calories for treats—roughly 120–180 calories. Low-calorie options (3–5 calories each) allow 40–60 treats daily for extended training. Break larger treats into pieces and track portions carefully to prevent weight gain, which stresses this breed's joints.
Are Old English Sheepdogs prone to food allergies?
While not breed-specific, Old English Sheepdogs can develop sensitivities to common ingredients like wheat or chicken. Signs include itching, digestive upset, or coat dryness. Limited-ingredient or grain-free treats help identify problematic foods. If your dog shows symptoms during training, switch to single-protein options and consult your vet about elimination diets before resuming varied treat flavors.
What's the best treat texture for training an Old English Sheepdog?
Soft or freeze-dried textures work best for Old English Sheepdogs. Soft treats allow rapid delivery during fast-paced training, while freeze-dried options crumble into tiny, precise portions. Avoid hard or crunchy treats that require chewing—they slow reward timing. Chewy treats that hold scent well perform reliably in wet outdoor conditions where this herding breed frequently trains.
Old English Sheepdog Full Breed Profile
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