Pet Botanics Training Rewards Review

I am a sucker for a training treat that actually fits real life. I do not want to stop a session while my dog crunches through a biscuit, I do not want a treat so rich that I feel weird using it repeatedly, and I definitely do not want a pocket full of greasy mystery crumbs. Pet Botanics Training Rewards in bacon flavor are aimed directly at that everyday training lane: small, soft and chewy dog treats in a large 20 oz pouch, with approximately 500 treats per bag, made for dog training, enrichment, and daily treating.

This is not a fancy single-ingredient chew or a special-occasion bakery cookie. It is a workhorse treat. The listing describes each treat as 3 calories, bite-sized, made with palatable pork liver, real bacon, real proteins, and added botanicals. It is also listed as wheat free, with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and the item name calls out no BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. For pet parents who are rewarding a puppy every few steps, practicing sits at the front door, or loading puzzle toys and snuffle mats, that combination is the whole point.

My big-picture take: these are some of the most practical soft training treats I would keep around for dogs who are motivated by smell and quick rewards. They are not perfect. The smell can be strong, the pieces may be smaller than some big-dog people expect, and shipping can leave part of the pouch crushed into crumbs. But for routine training, especially with puppies and food-motivated adult dogs, this bacon pouch makes a lot of sense.

What it is: a soft bacon training treat for dogs

Pet Botanics Training Rewards Soft & Chewy, Bacon Flavor is a dog treat pouch from Pet Botanics, manufactured by Dogswell. The exact listing is the 20 oz bag, model number 78120, and the included component is Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats for Dogs, made with real pork liver, bacon, and designed to focus, motivate, reward, and speed up the learning curve.

The format is simple: small chunks in a resealable bag. The listing calls them bite-sized treats and positions them for training sessions, enrichment activities such as puzzle toys and snuffle mats, and everyday treating occasions. The bacon version is the one I am reviewing here, though the listing also shows options that may include Large Bites, Grain Free, Mini, Regular, Bacon, Beef, Chicken, and Duck & Bacon.

• Target pet: dogs.
• Life stage: listed for all life stages, with a manufacturer recommended age of 1 month and up.
• Breed size: listed for all breed sizes.
• Flavor: bacon.
• Texture: soft and chewy chunks.
• Bag size: 20 oz, with approximately 500 treats per bag.
• Calories: 3 calories per treat.
• Main training ingredients called out: pork liver, real bacon, real proteins, and added botanicals.
• Allergen note from the listing: wheat free.
• Made: in the USA with US and imported ingredients.

For color shoppers, there is not really a colorway story here the way there is with a harness or bed. The product is a treat pouch, not gear with decor choices.

• Colors available: not applicable for this treat listing.
• Flavor reviewed: bacon.
• Other listing options may include: beef, chicken, duck & bacon, grain free, mini, regular, and large bites.

First impressions: why the size matters

The first thing I care about with any training reward is size. A true training treat should be small enough that I can reward frequently without turning practice into a full meal. Pet Botanics gets that part right. The pieces are small, and that is not a flaw for most training work. In fact, it is the reason I would reach for them over a larger biscuit when I am reinforcing loose-leash walking, recall games, potty training, crate manners, or polite greetings.

The 20 oz pouch also changes how I think about value. A tiny bag of treats disappears fast when you are working with a puppy or a high-drive dog. This pouch gives you approximately 500 treats, so it works better for households that train daily, have more than one dog, or use treats in puzzles and snuffle mats. I would still watch the total amount I am feeding, because treats are treats, but the individual 3 calorie size makes them easier to budget into routine reward work than chunky snacks.

The smell is where pet parents may split. I have used bacon-flavored treats that smell artificial and unpleasant; these do have a definite smoky, meaty scent, but not everyone is going to love having that scent in a pocket. The upside is obvious: that aroma is part of what makes a dog check in when your hand moves toward the pouch. For a distracted young dog, I will take a little stink if it earns attention at the right moment.

In daily use / hands-on testing

Where these treats shine is repetition. They are made for the kind of training that happens in tiny moments all day: reward the puppy for going potty outside, mark the dog for coming when called, ask for a sit before meals, pay for calm behavior when guests walk in, or reward a check-in on a walk. Because they are soft, dogs do not spend much time chewing. That makes timing easier, and timing is everything in training.

For puppies learning the basics

The listing says all life stages and manufacturer recommended age 1 month and up, but I still think of these primarily as a puppy-parent tool. Puppy training is treat-heavy. You are not just teaching tricks; you are building habits. For a young dog learning sit, paw, potty routines, leash attention, and household rules, a small soft reward is much easier to use than a big crunchy biscuit.

I especially like them for puppies that need frequent reinforcement without filling up too quickly. The small size lets me reward a lot of correct choices in a row. If I want an even smaller reward, the soft texture makes it possible to break a piece down further. That is handy for tiny dogs, short indoor sessions, or those days when you are doing a lot of reps and want to keep the reward tiny.

For high-drive and food-motivated dogs

These are also a strong fit for dogs who are intensely food motivated. A dog who learns that your pocket equals a bacon reward is easier to redirect during a walk, easier to motivate during trick practice, and easier to bring back into focus during household chaos. I would use these for short, upbeat sessions rather than expecting one treat to be a long-lasting chew or a calming project.

One real-world example: if you have a young working-style dog who needs structure, the small pieces are useful because you can pay often without constantly stopping. A dog who is learning loose-leash walking may earn several rewards in a short stretch. A bigger treat would interrupt the flow. These little chunks keep the session moving.

For adult and senior dogs

Adult dogs can absolutely use these. The listing says all life stages, and the soft texture is friendlier than hard biscuits for dogs that prefer an easier chew. I would not call them a dental treat or a senior-specific product, because the listing does not present them that way, but a soft training chunk can be easier for some dogs than a crunchy cookie.

I also like them as a topper-style bonus for picky moments, with one caveat: this is still a treat, not a complete diet. The listing positions them for training, enrichment, and everyday treating, not as a meal replacement. If your dog has a health condition, food restriction, or sensitive stomach history, I would ask a qualified professional before making any treat a daily habit.

For puzzle toys and snuffle mats

The product description specifically calls out enrichment activities such as puzzles and snuffle mats, and this is one of my favorite uses for the bacon pouch. The small pieces scatter well, and the strong aroma helps dogs hunt for them. They are soft chunks rather than hard kibble-like pieces, so I would keep an eye on mess and freshness, especially if the toy or mat is not cleaned regularly.

Because shipping can leave some crushed pieces in the bag, I would not waste those crumbs. I would sprinkle them into a snuffle mat or use a pinch as a food bowl bonus. That turns one of the product annoyances into something useful, though it does not erase the frustration if you wanted every treat intact for a pouch.

Materials, ingredients & build quality

For consumables, I do not score build quality the way I would for a crate, aquarium filter, or leash clip. What matters here is ingredient transparency from the listing, texture, packaging, and whether the treat format makes sense for the job.

Ingredient and diet notes from the listing

The listing says these treats are made with high-quality ingredients, palatable pork liver, real proteins, real bacon, and added botanicals. It also lists the special ingredient as BotaniFits. The allergen information says wheat free, and the feature copy says no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The item name also states no BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

Those are meaningful listing claims for a training treat, but I would not stretch them beyond what is written. The listing does not provide a full ingredient panel in the data I have here, does not give protein or fat percentages, and does not list a detailed calorie breakdown beyond 3 calories per treat. So if your dog has a specific allergy, medical diet, or ingredient sensitivity, do not rely on the short marketing bullets alone. Check the current package and talk to a qualified professional when health is involved.

Texture and handling

The treats are described as soft and chewy, and that matches how I would use them. They are firm enough to grab quickly, but soft enough to break apart. That balance is exactly what I want for training: not a sticky paste, not a rock-hard biscuit, and not something that takes the dog out of the moment.

There is one handling downside: if the bag is left open, the treats can dry out. That is not shocking for soft treats, but it matters. The resealable top is important, and I would press the closure carefully after each session. If you decant treats into a pouch for walks, I would only bring what you need rather than leaving a large stash exposed.

Packaging and crumb factor

The pouch is a bag-style container, and the resealable top can work well when it closes cleanly. I like that for a large treat bag because freshness matters over time. But this product has a real crumb issue in delivery. The treats are small and soft enough that some can arrive crushed, especially if the pouch gets knocked around. For a dog, crumbs may be just as exciting. For a human trying to train cleanly from a pocket, crumbs are annoying.

My workaround is simple: I keep the main pouch sealed at home, move a handful into a small training pouch or baggie, and save the crushed bits for snuffle mats, puzzle toys, or sprinkling over food. If you are very picky about pristine treat pieces, this may bother you more than it bothers me.

Safety considerations

Pet safety comes before convenience, even with something as ordinary as a training treat. Pet Botanics Training Rewards are intended for dogs, not cats, birds, reptiles, fish, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or ferrets. The target species on the listing is dog, and I would keep the pouch away from other pets unless a professionalerinarian says a specific treat is appropriate for that animal.

Choking and size awareness

The treats are bite-sized and marketed for dogs of all sizes. That does not mean every dog should get them the same way. Tiny puppies, gulpers, and dogs that inhale treats should be supervised. If your dog tends to swallow everything whole, I would offer one piece at a time and avoid tossing handfuls into an excited group.

For very small dogs or tiny puppies, the soft pieces can be broken smaller. For large dogs, the pieces may feel almost comically small, but that is not necessarily bad for training. The only time I would consider a larger format is when I want the dog to chew longer or when a big dog is so excited that tiny pieces encourage frantic grabbing.

Calories and treat load

Each treat is listed as 3 calories, which is low for a reward, but training adds up fast. If you are using them throughout the day, especially during puppy training or agility-style practice, adjust the rest of the dog’s intake as appropriate and keep fresh water available. I am not going to give feeding amounts because the listing does not provide a treat-per-day guideline here, and individual dogs vary.

Allergies and sensitivities

The listing says wheat free and calls out pork liver and real bacon. That is helpful if you are avoiding wheat, but it also means this is not a fit for every dog. If your dog does not do well with pork, bacon flavor, rich treats, or mixed-ingredient snacks, skip it or check with a qualified professional first.

In my use case, these are a reward, not a staple food. The product benefits include ideal for training, nutritious, and low-calorie treats, but I would still treat them as extras within a balanced routine. If your dog has a medical condition, is on a restricted diet, or has a history of stomach trouble, let a professional weigh in.

Storage and dog-proofing

The bacon scent is motivating, which also means the bag needs to be stored like contraband. Do not leave it on a low counter, in an open backpack, or anywhere a clever dog can reach. A food-motivated dog can learn very quickly that the whole pouch is the real jackpot.

I also recommend closing the resealable top every time. Leaving the bag open can dry out the treats, and it invites counter-surfing. A sealed cabinet or high shelf is the safer move.

What I loved

• Excellent training size: the pieces are small enough for frequent rewards, which is exactly what training treats should be.
• Soft texture: dogs can eat them quickly and get right back to work.
• Strong motivation: the bacon aroma gets attention, especially from food-driven dogs.
• Large pouch: approximately 500 treats in a 20 oz bag is practical for daily training.
• Low calorie per piece: 3 calories per treat makes repeated rewards easier to manage.
• Useful beyond obedience: they work for puzzles, snuffle mats, walks, potty rewards, and everyday treating.
• Listing claims I like: wheat free, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and made in the USA with US and imported ingredients.

What bugged me

• The smell can be strong: some dogs love that, but some humans will not want it lingering in a pocket.
• Crumbs happen: the soft pieces can arrive crushed, and the bottom of the bag may be more useful for enrichment than clean hand-feeding.
• Small may mean too small for some people: big-dog owners who want a more substantial snack may prefer the Large Bites option shown on the listing.
• They dry if left open: the resealable bag matters, so close it carefully.
• Not enough nutrition detail in the provided listing data: I would want the current package in hand for dogs with strict dietary needs.

Who this is for / who should skip

Best fit

• Puppy parents: especially if you are doing lots of short sessions for potty training, sit, paw, leash basics, and polite manners.
• Food-motivated adult dogs: the bacon scent is useful when attention is the whole battle.
• Multi-dog homes: the large bag makes more sense when treats disappear quickly.
• Training class bags: small, soft rewards are easy to deliver quickly.
• Puzzle and snuffle mat households: the size and aroma are well suited to enrichment use.
• Dogs that dislike hard biscuits: the soft and chewy format is easier than a crunchy cookie.

Use with caution

• Tiny puppies and gulpers: supervise and break pieces smaller if needed.
• Dogs on restricted diets: the listing does not provide the full nutrition panel in the data here, so check the package and a professional.
• Dogs sensitive to pork or bacon-style treats: this bacon pouch is not the right experiment for every stomach.
• People sensitive to food smells: the aroma is a training advantage, but it can be intense.

Skip it if

• You want a single-ingredient treat.
• You need a treat with a full ingredient and nutrient breakdown before buying.
• You want a long-lasting chew rather than a quick reward.
• You cannot stand smoky, meaty treat smells.
• You need every piece to arrive perfectly intact with no crumb waste.

Value: a practical everyday pouch

I would place Pet Botanics Bacon Training Rewards in the budget-friendly to everyday-value lane for active trainers, mainly because the 20 oz pouch includes approximately 500 treats. I am avoiding exact price talk because online prices move constantly, but the format is clearly built for repeat use rather than special occasions.

The value is best if you actually train often. If you only give one bedtime snack a day, a giant training pouch may not be necessary. But if you are working through puppy basics, walking twice a day with rewards, or rotating enrichment toys, the bag size is one of the reasons to buy this product.

The crumb factor does chip away at perceived value. I do not love paying for intact training pieces and getting a layer of bacon dust. Still, because the crumbs can be used in snuffle mats or as a food sprinkle, I do not consider them a total loss. I just would not throw the whole bag into a backpack and expect it to stay pristine.

Verdict

Pet Botanics Training Rewards Soft & Chewy in bacon flavor are exactly what I want from a daily dog-training treat: small, soft, motivating, and available in a large pouch. The 3 calorie size and approximately 500-count bag make them especially useful for puppies, high-repetition training, walks, and enrichment. They are not glamorous, but they are practical, and practical wins a lot of dog-training days.

My main hesitations are smell, crumbs, and diet specificity. The aroma can be strong, shipping can crush some pieces, and the listing data here does not include a full ingredient panel or guaranteed analysis. For healthy dogs who do well with pork liver and bacon-flavored treats, I would feel comfortable keeping these in the training rotation. For sensitive dogs, I would slow down and check the current package or ask a qualified professional.

Check before you buy

• Confirm flavor: this review covers the bacon flavor.
• Check your dog’s sensitivities: the listing calls out pork liver and real bacon, and says wheat free.
• Match the size to your dog: these are bite-sized training treats; choose a larger format if you want a bigger snack.
• Plan storage: keep the pouch sealed so the treats do not dry out.
• Expect some crumbs: especially if the bag has a rough trip.
• Use as rewards, not meals: each treat is 3 calories, but frequent training rewards still add up.
• Keep the bag out of reach: the bacon smell can make dogs very interested in the whole pouch.
• For medical diets: consult a qualified professional before adding a new treat.

Final Pet Dude call: I would buy these for a puppy, a food-motivated adult dog, a training class bag, or any home that burns through small rewards. I would skip them for dogs with pork sensitivities, humans who hate strong treat smells, or anyone who needs a perfectly crumb-free pouch. For the right dog, though, this is a very usable bacon training treat that earns its spot near the leash.