In this post, I'll help you sort through all the options to find the best dog treat pouch for you and your dog's needs!
As a dog trainer, I've seen all sorts of shapes and designs of treat pouches. I used my pockets for years before I decided to invest in a treat pouch. I was finding treats in my washer and dryer and even in some of my drawers.
In this post, you'll learn about the features to consider while shopping for a the best dog treat pouch.
Best Dog Treat Pouches
Magnetic Dog Treat Pouch
Let's go over some of the features of a training pouch: Type of closure, type of straps, number of pockets, material, and a poop dispenser feature.
Type of Closure
First, consider the type of closure you'd like to have for your treat pouch.
There are a few common types of closures: magnetic, velcro and zipper.
Magnetic
A magnetic close is super easy to maneuver with one hand. At some point or another you'll be one-handed between holding your leash, phone, poop bag, treats, or even a clicker or remote. And you'll want one-handed access.
A magnetic close is great for easy access, but might not always fully close your treat pouch, so be mindful of throwing the pouch in the car as all the treats could crumble out.
Pros
Cons
Best Dog Treat Pouch With Two Compartments
Velcro
Velcro seems like a good idea at first. But generally, we don't love it. The velcro can scratch and irritate your hand if you're going in and out of your pouch all the time for treats.
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Cons
Zipper
Currently, I use a pouch with a zipper and just tend to keep the zipper open while I'm training and then close it up when I'm all done (if I can remember to!)
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Cons
Bungee or Rope
I personally have never used this type. Many people like the bungee close because you can keep treats a little fresher. And, it can come in a material that doesn't dehydrate your treats as easily.
Pros
Cons
Dog Treat Bag with Shoulder Strap
Type of Straps
You'll have to decide what kind of strap you like! The belt straps are very popular with a cross body option becoming more popular and trendy. But you also have the option of a shoulder strap, belt clip or a carabiner clip.
Shoulder Strap
Pros
Cons
Belt Strap
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Cons
Belt or Carabiner Clip
Pros
Cons
Silicone Treat Pouch
Type of Material
Fabric
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Cons
Silicone
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Cons
Number of Compartments
Next, you'll want to consider how many compartments you'll want within your pouch.
I started with two compartments. First, I kept low value treats in the big pouch, and a few slices of high value treats in the small pouch.
However, as I started using my treat pouch more, I wanted more compartments.
I found sometimes I was sticking my wallet or phone in my treat pouch. This would always leave my phone covered in kibble debris.
Now, I use a treat pouch wth 3 compartments. One large, one medium and one small compartment.
I am definitely the friend who won't discourage you from going bigger with your treat pouch. However, there is a practicality of only needing 1-2 pockets.
Poop Bag Dispenser
Some treat pouches will offer poop bag dispensers.
These are a great feature! Personally, I'm too type B for a dispenser, and just throw a role in my pouch or a couple bags in the mix.
A lot of my clients like them and many people actually use them! Having a specific poop bag dispenser don't make too much of a difference for me- but it might be something that works well for you.
What to Keep in a Treat Pouch
At a minimum, I keep low value treats, high value treats and poop bags. I use Taste of the Wild Salmon flavor as my go-to low value treat.
So, if your dog will work for their kibble this is a great way to save calories! If they won't work for their own kibble as a treat, try grabbing a bag of a different flavor or brand.
As for my high value treat, I usually stick to anything dehydrated, air dried or freeze dried.
For example, most dogs I work with love dehydrated beef liver, but will also go nuts for anything that once had a pulse. We love the Chasing our Tails brand of treats for their sustainably, USA sourced single ingredient options!
Over the years, I've increased some of the things I take with me. I also bring along Pet Corrector Spray these days.
Pet corrector is canned air that makes a loud sound when pressed. I've used it only a handful of times, but whenever I did use it, I was glad I had it!
In addition, I've also kept a spare leash in my treat pouch at times. Different types of treats, business cards, ecollar remotes, keys, wallets, phones and spare collars.
Best Dog Treat Training Pouch
After 4 years of wearing treat pouches, my all time favorite is the Wilder Dog brand. They have a regular treat pouch and a roomy 3 pocket model (pictured below).
I don't necessarily use this pouch how it's designed though. Personally, I load up the large pocket with with kibble as my low value treat. (As a dog trainer, I go through a LOT of low value treats).
Can a training pouch have too many compartments? (no!). Room for your phone, keys, poop bags, pepper spray and two different kinds of treats!
Then my phone, business cards and canned air go in the medium pocket. My high value treats go in the small pouch where the poop bag dispenser is.
I usually throw poop bags in the top with the kibble. It's a little chaotic, I know.
Best Dog Treat Pouch for Walks
At the end of the day, you can put your treats in your pockets, and most treat pouches will suffice.
However, now that you know what features to look for, you can be a little more picky in finding your new treat pouch!
If you're not needing a spacious treat pouch, a design like this may be more up your ally. While PetAmi still has a ton of features, it's not as bulky. You can wear as a belt loop, shoulder strap or as a belt. Super safe choice of treat pouch IMO.
The carabiner clip makes this one a little less stable, but the deal choice if you don't plan on moving anywhere fast and are looking for simple with a few pockets.
We love this treat pouch- when using the belt clip it comes with. It is quite unstable with the belt strap though. It has a draw string closure and is pretty sturdy otherwise!
The mesh pocket is a practical addition for poop bags, but that's about it. Treats will fall out of that pocket and likely won't fit a phone. This one is a great price point, and with 3 pockets allows for a high value and low value treat pouch.
Best Dog Treat Bag for Walks
If you're looking for practicality and minimal bells and whistles, the OllyDog treat pouch is a great option. With a few ways to wear it, and a magnetic close, it makes a great treat pouch for any no-nonsense trainer.
If you're after a lot- and I mean a LOT- of compartments look no further!
If you're after options, this is the treat pouch for you! It has different ways to wear, options for packing your treats and a removable silicone pouch.
If it isn't already clear, I'm not a huge fan of the carabiner clip. I have a lot of clients who start out with this one, but then opting for a more stable shoulder or belt strap later. Super beginner treat pouch and an upgrade from a pocket, but that's about it!
Ruffwear Treat Pouch
I am really a huge fan of Ruffwear's harnesses, backpacking packs and a few other products they make. If you're looking for a functional, no-nonsense treat pouch- this is a great option!
Stylish Dog Treat Pouch
This cross body bag is basically a cross body bag with a poop bag dispenser.
The drawstring is always a good way to go if you're wanting to keep your treats fresh. No complaints on this one- just a very straightforward treat pouch.
If we're being honest, anything can be a treat pouch. We love the simplicity of this Vera Bradley with a pocket that can be separate for necessities.
