Dog Treats for Walks, Hikes and Road Trips

The best dog treats to take on a walk, hike or road trip are light, simple to portion and easy to carry in a pocket or treat pouch. This guide explains the main types of treats we carry at Paws & Pockets, how they differ, and how to use them well when you are away from home. Ingredients, calories and feeding guidance on every product page come from the manufacturer's label.

What makes a dog treat easy to carry?

Look for three things: a resealable bag or small snack packs, a light weight, and pieces that are easy to break up. Montana Dog Food Co's freeze-dried treats come in resealable packaging, and Farm To Pet sells chips in bags and in small snack packs. Check each product page for the pack size and packaging details.

Freeze-dried, single-ingredient and chip treats: what is the difference?

  • Single-ingredient treats list one ingredient on the label, such as one type of meat. The six Montana Dog Food Co freeze-dried treats (chicken breast, duck, pork tenderloin, turkey liver, bison liver and beef heart) and the Farm To Pet chips each list one ingredient. Browse all of them in Single-Ingredient Dog Treats.
  • Freeze-dried treats have had their moisture removed, which keeps them lightweight. See Freeze-Dried Dog Treats.
  • Chips and snack packs are small, flat pieces that are easy to portion. Farm To Pet lists about 6 to 8 calories per chip depending on the protein, and its snack packs hold about 6 chips each.
  • Air-dried treats such as West Paw's beef lung are chewier. West Paw lists about 19 calories per piece of about 5 grams.

Which treats work best for training on a walk?

Small pieces that your dog finishes quickly suit repeated rewards, and a higher-value treat suits a big moment like a recall. You can break larger freeze-dried pieces into smaller bites. See Dog Training Treats & Rewards for treats from Montana Dog Food Co, Farm To Pet and West Paw.

How many treats should I give?

Treats add calories on top of your dog's regular food. Use the calories listed on each product page, count treats toward your dog's daily food, and ask your veterinarian how much is right for your dog's size, age and activity level. Introduce any new treat gradually.

Tips for treats away from home

  • Pre-portion treats into a pocket or pouch before you leave.
  • Reseal the bag after each use and follow the storage directions on the package.
  • Bring fresh water for your dog.
  • Try a new treat at home first, not for the first time on a trip.

Shop treats and more

Paws & Pockets is not a veterinary practice. Check with your veterinarian about your dog's diet, treat amounts and any supplements.