Best Training Treats for Rat Terriers (2026)
Rat Terriers are intelligent, food-motivated dogs with remarkable trainability—but their small-to-medium size and fast metabolism mean they can easily become overweight if training treats aren't carefully portioned. Since this breed thrives on mental stimulation and was developed for precision hunting work, they respond exceptionally well to reward-based training, making treat selection crucial for both success and health.
The best training treats for Rat Terriers balance high palatability with low calories, allowing for frequent rewards during intensive training sessions without excess weight gain. Look for treats under 5 calories per piece in soft or freeze-dried formats that appeal to their natural prey drive while being appropriately sized for their compact jaws.
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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 rewardsAt just 3 calories each, Charlee Bear's tiny crunchy treats let you reward your intelligent Rat Terrier constantly during training marathons without concern for weight gain.
- 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 treats are ideal for Rat Terriers' high trainability, enabling rapid-fire reward sequences while supporting puppies and senior dogs with gentler chewing needs.
- 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 meat-based crumbles tap into your Rat Terrier's natural prey drive with intense aroma, perfect as high-value motivators for mastering difficult commands.
- 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 liver treats consistently rank among the most motivating rewards for stubborn or independent Rat Terriers who need extra incentive during challenging training sessions.
- 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's grain-free soft treats work well for food-sensitive Rat Terriers while their breakable texture allows precise portioning for this breed's metabolic needs.
- 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 formula makes identifying and avoiding allergens straightforward—essential if your Rat Terrier shows digestive sensitivity to multi-ingredient treats.
- 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 with real meat aroma are purpose-built for high-repetition training sessions with intelligent Rat Terriers who thrive on frequent positive reinforcement.
- 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 Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers' compact size demands portion control during training. Unlike larger breeds, a single oversized treat can represent 5-10% of their daily caloric intake. Choose treats under 5 calories per piece so you can reward frequently without derailing their diet. Soft or freeze-dried options work best since this breed's alert, curious nature responds more reliably to high-scent treats than crunchy kibble-style rewards.
Because Rat Terriers were bred for hunting small prey, they're naturally driven by real meat aromas. Treats featuring chicken, beef, or liver as primary ingredients will outperform generic flavors. Freeze-dried and moist formats retain scent better than hard biscuits, particularly valuable during outdoor training where environmental distractions compete for attention.
Consider your individual dog's sensitivities. While Rat Terriers aren't breed-prone to major allergies, some individuals react poorly to grains or artificial additives. Single-ingredient or limited-ingredient treats work well as rotation options or for dogs showing digestive sensitivity. Keep treats fresh with resealable bags—small portions mean frequent opening, and exposure to air degrades palatability quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training treats can I give my Rat Terrier per day?
Training treats should comprise no more than 10% of your Rat Terrier's daily caloric intake. Most adult Rat Terriers need 300-400 calories daily, meaning 30-40 calories maximum from treats. With low-calorie options like Zuke's Mini Naturals (3 calories each), you could offer 10-13 treats during training without exceeding limits. Adjust based on your dog's weight and main meal portions.
Do Rat Terriers have sensitive stomachs?
Rat Terriers aren't inherently prone to digestive issues, but individual sensitivities exist. Some respond poorly to grains or artificial additives. If your dog shows loose stools or itching after treats, switch to limited-ingredient options like Natural Balance L.I.T. Treats. Always introduce new treats gradually over 3-5 days to prevent digestive upset, especially during intensive training periods.
What size treats work best for Rat Terrier training?
Rat Terriers have small mouths suited to treats under half an inch in diameter. Tiny treats like Charlee Bear and Zuke's Mini Naturals fit naturally, while larger treats like Merrick Power Bites require breaking. Mini-sized treats enable rapid reward delivery crucial for teaching this breed's quick, sharp commands without choking hazards or training delays.
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