What’s the secret to a happy, well-behaved puppy? Many dedicated owners believe the answer lies in the perfect treat! Those tiny paws deserve the very best, especially when they are learning the ropes of being a good canine citizen. But walking down the pet store aisle can feel overwhelming. Should you choose soft chews, crunchy biscuits, or something grain-free? It’s tough to know which treats support healthy growth without upsetting tiny puppy tummies.
Choosing the wrong treats can lead to digestive issues or even slow down training progress. You want rewards that motivate your new best friend while keeping them healthy. This guide cuts through the confusion! We will break down exactly what makes a puppy treat ideal for growing pups.
Keep reading to discover our top-rated, vet-approved selections. We will show you how to match the right treat to your puppy’s age and training goals. Get ready to unlock the power of positive reinforcement and find the treats that will make your puppy jump for joy!
Top Dog Treats Puppies Recommendations
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 Use!
- Helps Relieve Teething Pain And Soreness
- Edible and digestible
- Added Calcium For Healthy Teeth And Bones
- Fortified With Dhas Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- MINI CRUNCHY PUPPY TREATS: These delicious, grain free crunchy treats are made with 2 kinds of fresh meat plus added vitamins specially for puppies and a natural source of DHA to promote healthy brain development
- ALL NATURAL: These crunchy and tasty treats are made with whole fruits and veggies including superfoods like blueberries and sweet potatoes for a naturally craveable flavor and a boost of antioxidants
- THOUGHTFULLY MADE: We craft delicious treats with simple, natural, high quality ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits; no meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- 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 an all natural recipe for every dog's needs and taste
- TRAINING AND REWARDING: These bite sized crunchy puppy training treats are the perfect rewards during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Treats for Your Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! You need to train them and keep them happy. Treats are a big part of this. But not all dog treats are right for tiny tummies. This guide helps you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for puppy treats, look for specific things. These features make a treat safe and effective for your growing dog.
- **Size Matters:** Treats must be small. Puppies can choke easily. Look for tiny, bite-sized options.
- **Soft Texture:** Hard biscuits can hurt developing puppy teeth. Soft, chewy treats are easier for them to eat and digest.
- **Training Specific:** Many great puppy treats are designed for training. They are usually quickly eaten and immediately satisfying, helping your puppy focus.
- **Nutrient Balance:** The treat should support growth. Look for added vitamins or minerals appropriate for puppies.
Important Ingredients and What to Avoid
The ingredients list tells you everything. You want wholesome food, not fillers.
What to Seek Out:
Good ingredients build strong puppies. Chicken, turkey, or fish are excellent protein sources. Sweet potatoes or oatmeal provide healthy carbs. Simple, recognizable ingredients are best.
What to Reduce or Skip:
Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These offer no nutritional value. Also, be wary of too much corn or wheat, as some puppies have sensitivities. High sugar content should be avoided, too. Too much sugar can upset their stomachs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Treat quality directly impacts your puppy’s health and training success.
Quality Boosters:
Treats made with single proteins (like just chicken) often have higher quality. Treats that use whole foods, like real fruits or vegetables, score higher. Look for treats baked or gently dehydrated, as this keeps nutrients locked in.
Quality Reducers:
If the ingredient list is very long, the quality might be lower. By-products (like meat meal) are less nutritious than whole cuts of meat. Treats loaded with artificial coloring are often designed just to look good to *you*, not to be healthy for your dog.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats matters just as much as what they are made of.
Training Success:
Use high-value treats for hard tasks. If your puppy learns “stay” perfectly, reward them with their absolute favorite treat. For simple tasks like house training, use everyday, lower-calorie treats. This keeps the “special” treats special.
Portion Control:
Remember, treats should only make up about 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. If you give too many treats, your puppy might not eat their complete and balanced puppy food. Always check the feeding guidelines on the bag.
A positive user experience means the puppy loves the treat and it doesn’t cause digestive upset. If your puppy gets diarrhea after eating a new treat, stop using it immediately. Always introduce new foods slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Puppy Treats
Q: How many treats should I give my puppy in a day?
A: Generally, treats should not be more than 10% of your puppy’s total daily food intake. Always follow the package guidelines, and adjust based on your puppy’s size and activity level.
Q: When can my puppy start eating hard biscuits?
A: Most puppies can handle slightly firmer treats around 4 to 6 months old, as their adult teeth start coming in. Until then, soft, chewy, or freeze-dried options are safer.
Q: Are human foods safe to use as puppy treats?
A: Some are safe in small amounts, like plain cooked carrots or small pieces of apple (no seeds). However, many human foods like grapes, onions, chocolate, and xylitol are toxic. Stick to treats made specifically for dogs.
Q: What is the best treat for crate training?
A: A high-value, long-lasting treat works best for crate training. Something they have to work on, like a puppy-safe dental chew or a small frozen lick mat, keeps them busy while you leave.
Q: Should I choose grain-free treats?
A: Not necessarily. Unless your puppy has a known grain allergy (which is rare), grain-inclusive treats with healthy grains like brown rice or oats are perfectly fine and provide good energy.
Q: How do I introduce a new treat without upsetting my puppy’s stomach?
A: Introduce new treats slowly. Give only one or two small pieces for a few days while watching for any signs of tummy trouble, like loose stool or gas.
Q: Are dental chews safe for very young puppies?
A: Look for dental chews specifically labeled for puppies. Adult dental chews are often too hard and can damage their delicate baby teeth.
Q: What does “high-value” mean in training?
A: High-value means the treat is incredibly desirable—the best reward your puppy gets. This is usually something smelly or meaty, saved only for difficult training sessions.
Q: Can I use training treats that are high in fat?
A: No. High-fat treats can lead to weight gain and stomach upset. Training treats should be small and low in calories so you can give many throughout the day without overfeeding.
Q: Where should I store puppy treats?
A: Store most commercial puppy treats in a cool, dry place, sealed tightly. If the treats are soft or contain no preservatives, refrigeration might be necessary to prevent mold.