Best Treats for Flat-Coated Retrievers

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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Our top pick is Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats — best for Training sessions and portion control. Why it wins: Low calorie count.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are renowned for their intelligence and love of food, making them highly trainable with the right motivation. However, their high energy level and tendency to be perpetually youthful means they require treats that are not only delicious but also healthy and portion-controlled. With their medium size and moderate shedding, Flat-Coated Retrievers need treats that are sized appropriately for their breed, without exacerbating potential health issues such as hip dysplasia or cancer. Given their friendly and outgoing temperament, Flat-Coated Retrievers thrive on positive reinforcement training, which relies heavily on treats as rewards. The key is finding treats that are both enticing and nutritious, with limited ingredients to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. As a large breed with a shorter lifespan, every calorie counts, and owners must balance their Flat-Coated Retriever's love of food with the need for a balanced diet. When selecting treats for Flat-Coated Retrievers, it's essential to prioritize their specific needs and characteristics, from trainability and food motivation to health concerns and size. By choosing the right treats, owners can support their dog's overall well-being and strengthen their bond through positive reinforcement training.

What to look for

Trainability and Food Motivation

Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly trainable, but they require treats that are both delicious and healthy. Look for treats with limited ingredients and no fillers to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. The treat's size and texture should also be appropriate for the breed, with smaller treats ideal for training sessions.

Calorie and Portion Control

As a large breed with a high energy level, Flat-Coated Retrievers need treats that are low in calories and fat to prevent overfeeding. Owners should choose treats with controlled portion sizes to avoid contributing to potential health issues such as obesity or hip dysplasia.

Size and Texture

Flat-Coated Retrievers are a medium to large breed, requiring treats that are sized accordingly. Treats should be large enough to be satisfying but not so large that they become a choking hazard. Texture is also important, with softer treats suitable for training and harder treats better for longer-lasting rewards.

Health Considerations

Flat-Coated Retrievers are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and cancer. Owners should select treats that are low in fat and calories, with limited ingredients to minimize the risk of exacerbating these conditions. Treats with added supplements or nutrients can also help support overall health and well-being.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats	Training sessions and portion control
2	Wellness Soft WellBites Natural Grain-Free Dog Treats	Sensitive stomachs and grain-free diets
3	Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats	Training and rewards
4	Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Treats	Small, frequent rewards
5	Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats	High-value rewards and picky eaters

Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats

Best for Training sessions and portion control

Zuke's Mini Naturals are ideal for training Flat-Coated Retrievers, with their small size and low calorie count making them perfect for frequent rewards. Made with real meat as the first ingredient, these treats are both healthy and delicious, with no corn, wheat, or soy to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

✓ Low calorie count
✓ Small size ideal for training
✓ Made with real meat

✕ May be too small for some owners' preferences

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Wellness Soft WellBites Natural Grain-Free Dog Treats

Best for Sensitive stomachs and grain-free diets

Wellness Soft WellBites are a great option for Flat-Coated Retrievers with sensitive stomachs or those requiring a grain-free diet. These soft and chewy treats are made with natural meat as the first ingredient, with no artificial colors or preservatives to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

✓ Grain-free formula
✓ Soft and chewy texture
✓ Natural ingredients

✕ Limited size options

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Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

Best for Training and rewards

Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits are a popular choice for training Flat-Coated Retrievers, with their soft and moist texture making them ideal for quick rewards. Made with real meat as the first ingredient, these treats are both healthy and delicious, with no poultry by-products to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

✓ Soft and moist texture
✓ Real meat as first ingredient
✓ No poultry by-products

✕ May be too soft for some owners' preferences

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Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Treats

Best for Small, frequent rewards

Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are perfect for Flat-Coated Retrievers that require small, frequent rewards during training sessions. With only 2 calories per treat, these soft and chewy treats are ideal for portion control, and their grain-free formula makes them suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

✓ Low calorie count
✓ Small size
✓ Grain-free formula

✕ Limited flavor options

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Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

Best for High-value rewards and picky eaters

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are a high-value reward option for Flat-Coated Retrievers, with their freeze-dried raw single-protein formula making them ideal for picky eaters. These treats are minimally processed, with no fillers or artificial preservatives, making them a healthy and delicious choice.

✓ High-value reward
✓ Minimally processed
✓ No fillers or artificial preservatives

✕ May be too expensive for some owners' budgets

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best treat size for Flat-Coated Retrievers?

The ideal treat size for Flat-Coated Retrievers depends on the individual dog's needs and preferences. However, as a general rule, smaller treats (around 1-2 inches in diameter) are suitable for training sessions, while larger treats (around 3-4 inches in diameter) can be used for longer-lasting rewards.

Can I give my Flat-Coated Retriever table scraps as treats?

It's generally not recommended to give table scraps to Flat-Coated Retrievers, as they can be high in calories, fat, and salt, and may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Instead, opt for healthy, balanced treats specifically formulated for dogs, and always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods or treats to your dog's diet.

How often should I give my Flat-Coated Retriever treats?

The frequency of treat-giving depends on your Flat-Coated Retriever's individual needs and activity level. As a general rule, treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. For Flat-Coated Retrievers, this means limiting treats to 1-2 per day, depending on the treat's size and calorie content.

Can I use treats to help with my Flat-Coated Retriever's training?

Yes, treats can be a valuable tool in training your Flat-Coated Retriever. Positive reinforcement training, which relies on rewards such as treats, can be an effective way to teach your dog new behaviors and reinforce good habits. Choose treats that are healthy, delicious, and suitable for your dog's individual needs and preferences.

What are some common health issues in Flat-Coated Retrievers that can be affected by treats?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, cancer, and obesity. When choosing treats, it's essential to consider these health concerns and opt for treats that are low in calories, fat, and salt, and made with healthy, natural ingredients. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods or treats to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has a pre-existing health condition.

When it comes to choosing the best treats for Flat-Coated Retrievers, owners should prioritize their dog's specific needs and characteristics, from trainability and food motivation to health concerns and size. By selecting treats that are healthy, delicious, and suitable for their breed, owners can support their dog's overall well-being and strengthen their bond through positive reinforcement training. For owners who want the best for their Flat-Coated Retriever, Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats are an excellent choice, offering a healthy and delicious reward option that's perfect for training sessions and portion control.

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