How to Tell What Treat a Dog Likes Best

Test your treat theories out on a hungry dog. Work with him before he eats his normal rations. If your dog has a full belly, he may be less likely to pick out a particularly delicious treat.

Add a few different treats to individual sandwich bags and zip the bags closed. Include a wide range of treats such as pieces of carrot, little dog biscuits, a handful of dry kibble, small bits of cheese and chunks of fresh-cooked meats to give your dog a variety to choose from.

Sit the dog by your side and offer him a piece of the lowest-value treat. Low value treats are common or less desirable bits such as normal kibble or the same dog biscuits he’s had every day for the past few months. If he gobbles it up, keep that bag in your lap. If he disregards it with a sniff, set that bag aside.

Offer the dog a treat from another bag, working your way through all the treats. Some dogs are very food-motivated and will eat anything you give them, while others are more selective. Pay close attention to the dog as you give him each treat; if he whimpers or whines as you pull out a particular morsel, he may favor that treat.

Take a small piece of each of the treats your dog seemed to enjoy and place them side by side on the floor. Lead the dog to the treats and point them out with your fingers. Turn the dog loose and allow him to sniff the treats at his own leisure. The treat he gobbles up with the most enthusiasm is the one he likes best.