What’s the secret ingredient to a happy, well-behaved puppy? Often, it’s the perfect treat! Those tiny paws deserve the best rewards, but navigating the treat aisle can feel like a jungle. You want to praise their potty success or quick learning, but you worry: Are these treats too hard? Will they upset their sensitive tummy? Finding treats that are both delicious and safe for rapidly growing pups is a real challenge for every new dog owner.
Choosing the wrong puppy treat can lead to upset stomachs or even dental issues later on. It’s frustrating when you try to do the right thing, but the options are confusing! Don’t let treat confusion slow down your training efforts.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what ingredients matter most for developing puppies and how to pick treats that support healthy growth, not hinder it. Get ready to discover the best, safest rewards your new best friend will absolutely love. Let’s dive into the world of puppy-approved snacking!
Top Dog Treats For Puppies Recommendations
- GRAIN-FREE PUPPY TREATS: These bite-sized, soft puppy training treats are the perfect reward during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior. Puppy bites contain 6 calories per individual treat!
- SUPPORTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Soft dog treats are crafted with salmon, a healthy source of DHA to promote healthy brain development.
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: These treats for dogs are made with minimal ingredients focused on quality proteins: made with lamb and salmon, with added vitamins specifically for puppies.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, or artificial colors.
- MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced ingredients. Treats are tender, healthy, and bite-sized for small, medium, and large dogs of all lifestages, and activity levels.
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient, plus DHA for cognitive development, making them the ideal reward for your puppy’s best behavior
- MEATY TRAINING TREATS: For puppies that love a meaty treat, Baby BLUE training dog treats are tender, bite-sized morsels that make them perfect for training
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats contain NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat and soy; Plus, they’re free of artificial preservatives and colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken
- Contains one (1) 36 ounce canister of mini dog biscuits in 3 tasty flavors: beef, chicken and bacon
- Tasty mini dog treats prepared with care and right-sized for treating more often
- Crunchy texture helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up, perfect for sloppy doggie kisses
- Wholesome goodness at only 5 calories per treat with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Bone-shaped deliciousness that makes dog life more fun
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- MADE IN THE USA - We proudly craft all Healthy Edibles dog chew treats in the United States
- VARIETY PACK - 3 long-lasting chew treats
- SPECIALLY MADE FOR PUPPIES - Healthy dog treats are highly digestible for growing pups
- MADE WITH ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS - These edible puppy bones are made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- GREAT FOR PUPPY TRAINING - Long-lasting dog chews encourage positive chewing habits
- MINI CHEWY PUPPY TREATS: These delicious, grain free soft puppy training treats are made with 2 kinds of fresh meat plus added vitamins specially for puppies and a healthy source of DHA to promote healthy brain development
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: These moist and tasty treats are made with whole fruits and veggies including superfoods like blueberries and sweet potatoes for a craveable flavor and a boost of antioxidants
- THOUGHTFULLY MADE: We craft delicious treats with simple, healthy, high quality ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits; no meat byproducts, artificial colors, or flavors
- FIND THE RIGHT TREATS: From puppy to senior, small dog to large breed, crunchy to chewy, grained to grain free, treating to training, we've got a healthy recipe for every dog's needs and taste
- TRAINING AND REWARDING: These bite sized soft puppy training treats are the perfect rewards during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Bits dog training treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient making them an ideal reward for your best friend’s best behavior
- SOFT TRAINING TREATS: For dogs that love a soft treat, BLUE Bits are tender, bite-sized morsels that are the perfect size for training; plus, with DHA to help support cognitive development, they’re an ideal puppy treat
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like Propylene Glycol and colors like Red Dye 40
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains: One (1) 19-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Puppy Treats
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! Good training starts early. Treats are a fantastic tool for positive reinforcement. But choosing the right treats for your growing pup is important. This guide helps you pick the best snacks for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For in Puppy Treats
When you shop, look for specific things on the package. These features show the treat is right for a young dog.
- Size and Shape: Puppy treats should be small. Puppies have tiny mouths. Big, hard treats can be a choking hazard. Look for soft, easily chewable pieces.
- Nutritional Balance: Puppies need lots of energy and building blocks for growth. The treat should complement their main puppy food, not replace it.
- Training Specificity: Many great puppy treats are designed for quick rewards. These are often softer so the puppy can eat them fast and get back to training.
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients mean less chance of an allergic reaction. Simple is usually better for sensitive puppy tummies.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What goes into the treat matters most. You want healthy fuel for your growing dog.
Good Ingredients to See:
Look for real, whole foods at the top of the ingredient list. Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, or lamb. Healthy carbohydrates often come from sweet potatoes or oatmeal. Some treats include DHA, an important fat for brain development.
Ingredients to Avoid or Limit:
Stay away from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Too much filler material like corn, wheat, or soy can sometimes upset a puppy’s stomach. High amounts of sugar should also be avoided, as they offer no real nutritional benefit.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
Treat quality affects your puppy’s health and training success.
Quality Boosters:
Treats that are “grain-free” (if your vet approves) or use “human-grade” ingredients show high quality. Treats baked in small batches often retain more nutrients. Also, treats fortified with vitamins specifically for puppies are a big plus.
Quality Reducers:
If a treat is very hard or stale, the quality is reduced. If the ingredient list is long and confusing, it might contain cheap fillers. Treats that crumble into dust easily might not be the best for controlled feeding.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat impacts your choice.
Training Success:
For quick training sessions (like housebreaking or sit commands), you need high-value, soft treats. Your puppy must eat them quickly to maintain focus on you. These are often called “training bites.”
Soothing and Teething:
When your puppy is teething, they need something to safely chew on. Frozen carrots or special soft teething rings work well. These provide relief for sore gums. Always supervise your puppy when they chew any treat.
Portion Control:
Remember, treats should only make up about 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. Choose treats that are easy to break into even smaller pieces if your puppy is very small or you are training frequently.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Puppy Treats
Q: How often should I give my puppy treats?
A: Give treats sparingly during training sessions. Keep them under 10% of their daily food intake to prevent weight gain and stomach upset.
Q: When can puppies start eating treats?
A: Most veterinarians agree puppies can start having small, soft treats once they are fully weaned, usually around 8 weeks old, provided the treats are specifically formulated for puppies.
Q: Are human foods safe for puppies as treats?
A: Some plain human foods are okay, like small pieces of cooked chicken or plain cooked sweet potato. However, many human foods like grapes, onions, or chocolate are toxic and must be avoided.
Q: What is the difference between puppy and adult dog treats?
A: Puppy treats have a different nutrient balance. They usually contain more calories and specific vitamins needed for rapid growth. Adult treats lack these higher growth requirements.
Q: Can treats help with teething pain?
A: Yes. Soft, slightly chilled, or frozen puppy-safe chews can soothe sore gums. Always use treats designed for chewing, not just soft training bites.
Q: How do I know if a treat is causing an allergic reaction?
A: Watch for symptoms like excessive scratching, vomiting, diarrhea, or itchy skin. If you see these signs, stop the treat immediately and call your vet.
Q: Should I use high-value or low-value treats for training?
A: Use high-value treats (the ones your puppy loves most) for hard new tasks. Use low-value treats for easy, practiced behaviors.
Q: Are dental chews necessary for puppies?
A: Dental chews can help establish good chewing habits and keep teeth clean. Make sure the chew is soft enough for a puppy’s developing teeth, as hard chews can cause damage.
Q: How long do homemade puppy treats last?
A: Homemade treats usually do not have preservatives, so they spoil faster. Store them in the refrigerator for about a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Q: What if my puppy ignores the treats during training?
A: This means the treat is not valuable enough, or the environment is too distracting. Try a stronger-smelling, tastier treat until your puppy is more focused.