Homemade High-Value Dog Treats | The Not So Secret Recipe

At Training That Lasts, we’re all about building strong relationships and effective communication with our dogs. And when it comes to motivation, nothing quite beats a truly high-value treat! While there are countless options out there, sometimes the best treats are the simplest, and even better, homemade!

That’s why we’re sharing our go-to recipe for incredibly effective, single-ingredient high-value treats that your dog will absolutely love. These aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with pure meaty goodness, making them irresistible for those challenging training moments or when you need your dog’s undivided attention.

Your Dog’s New Favorite Treat: Simple, Savory & Super Motivating

What you’ll need:

• A top round roast or round steak (lean cuts are best!)
• Paper towels
• A non-greased pan
• A strainer
• A 1-gallon Ziploc freezer bag

Instructions:

1. Prep the Meat: Start by taking your top round roast or round steak. The key here is to trim off all the fat – we won’t be using it. Once trimmed, cut the meat into small, approximately 1/3-inch cubes. Think sugar cube size, or even a little smaller. Consistency is key for quick rewards!
2. Quick Sear: Heat your non-greased pan on the stove over high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add your meat cubes to the preheated pan and sear them quickly, stirring continuously. You’re looking for just a quick exterior sear, with only a small amount of pink remaining (about 1-1.5 minutes). We’re not cooking it through at this stage! Immediately remove the meat from the heat and place it in a strainer in the sink. This allows any rendered fat to drip away.
3. Moisture Removal is Key! This is perhaps the most crucial step for creating a treat that lasts. Lay three separate 8-foot sections of paper towels, doubled up, on your counter. Once the rendered fat has dripped from the meat in the strainer, spread the warm, cooked meat evenly over the length and width of one of the doubled-up paper towel sections. Now, gently roll the meat up inside the paper towels, like a burrito. Apply firm pressure to squeeze the paper towel and wick away as much moisture from the meat as possible. Repeat this process with each of your doubled-up paper towel sections until you’re left with very little residual moisture in the paper towel. This step ensures your treats store well and don’t get soggy!
4. Store for Success: Once the meat is completely dry, transfer it to a 1-gallon Ziploc freezer bag. Store the bag in the freezer. When you’re ready to train, simply open the freezer, grab a handful to fill your treat pouch, and you’re ready to make your training sessions incredibly rewarding!

Why These Treats Are So Effective

• Pure Protein Power: Single-ingredient meat treats are highly palatable and digestible for most dogs.
• Irresistible Scent: The natural aroma of seared meat is incredibly enticing, even in distracting environments.
• Perfect Size: Small cubes are ideal for quick, repeated rewards without overfeeding or slowing down your training flow.
• No Fillers or Preservatives: You control exactly what goes into your dog’s treats, ensuring a healthy and safe option.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how your dog responds! We bet they’ll be working harder than ever for these delicious, homemade motivators. Happy training!