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 world of puppy treats can feel overwhelming. You want to encourage good habits and celebrate those adorable puppy milestones, but you also worry about ingredients, choking hazards, and what’s truly healthy for your growing best friend. It’s tough balancing tasty motivation with safety and nutrition.
Choosing the wrong treat can lead to upset tummies or simply not getting the training results you hope for. That’s why we dug deep into the world of puppy snacks. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what makes a puppy treat safe, effective for training, and delicious enough to earn that happy tail wag. Get ready to discover the top picks that will support your puppy’s development every step of the way.
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
- 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.
- Highly Palatable And Ideal For Puppies Of All Sizes
- All Natural And No Artificial Colors Or Preservatives
- Pliable Texture Is Safe For Puppy'S New Teeth And Helps Soothe Teething Pain And Sore Gums
- Great Taste, Completely Edible And Digestible
- 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
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Puppy Treats
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! Training them takes patience, and the right treats make all the difference. Not all dog treats are safe or healthy for growing pups. This guide helps you choose the best snacks for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For in Puppy Treats
When you shop, look closely at the packaging. Certain features signal a good treat for a young dog.
1. Size and Texture
- Small and Soft: Puppies have tiny mouths and developing teeth. Treats should be small enough for quick chewing. Very hard treats can hurt their gums or cause choking. Look for soft, easily breakable options.
- Training Specific: Many great puppy treats come in tiny “nibble” sizes. These let you reward your puppy often without overfeeding them.
2. Nutritional Balance
- Age Appropriateness: Always choose treats labeled specifically for “puppies.” Adult treats might lack the right balance of calcium and phosphorus needed for strong bone growth.
- Calorie Control: Treats should not make up more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Low-calorie options are best for frequent training sessions.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat matters most for your puppy’s health.
The Good Stuff (What You Want)
- Real Protein Sources: Look for named meat sources first on the ingredient list, like “chicken,” “lamb,” or “salmon.”
- Whole Grains or Veggies: Ingredients like sweet potato, oats, or brown rice offer healthy energy.
- Omega Fatty Acids: These support healthy skin, coat, and brain development.
The Bad Stuff (What to Avoid)
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These add no nutritional value and can sometimes cause sensitivities.
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn or soy, when listed first, mean the treat is mostly filler, not quality nutrition.
- By-products: Avoid generic “meat by-products.” These are often low-quality leftovers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
Quality isn’t just about ingredients; it’s also about how the treat is made and how long it lasts.
Quality Boosters
- Limited Ingredients: If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, simpler recipes usually work better. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances for irritation.
- Made in Reputable Countries: Treats manufactured under strict safety standards tend to be more reliable.
Quality Reducers (Things to Watch Out For)
- Unknown Preservatives: If the ingredient list is full of chemical names ending in “-ant” or “-ite,” the quality is likely lower. Natural preservatives like Vitamin E are better.
- Shelf Life vs. Freshness: Extremely long shelf lives often mean the treat is highly processed or dried out.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats affects your training success.
Training Scenarios
- House Training: You need high-value, quick rewards. Use soft, smelly treats to immediately praise success when they go potty outside.
- Crate Training: Use longer-lasting chews (like a safe dental stick) to keep the puppy occupied and happy inside the crate while you step away briefly.
- Socialization: Carry small, low-calorie treats when meeting new people or dogs. This helps create positive associations with new experiences.
Handling Experience
A good treat should not leave excessive grease or crumbs all over your pockets. Mess-free treats improve the experience for the owner during frequent training sessions.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Puppy Treats
Q: When can I start giving my puppy treats?
A: Most vets suggest you can start introducing very small, soft treats around 8 weeks old, once they have started solid food.
Q: How many treats are too many?
A: Treats should never be more than 10% of your puppy’s total daily food intake. Overfeeding leads to weight gain and poor nutrition.
Q: Are rawhide bones safe for puppies?
A: Rawhide is generally not recommended for young puppies because it can soften, become gummy, and cause choking or intestinal blockage.
Q: What is the best texture for a new puppy?
A: Soft, chewy, or freeze-dried treats are usually best. They are easy to swallow quickly when you need fast rewards.
Q: Should I use treats for every command?
A: Initially, yes, use treats heavily for new commands. As they learn, switch to praise and occasional treats so they do not only listen when food is present.
Q: How do I know if a treat ingredient is a filler?
A: If you see corn, wheat, or soy listed as the very first ingredient, the treat likely contains a high percentage of filler.
Q: What if my puppy gets an upset stomach from a new treat?
A: Stop giving that treat immediately. Introduce new treats one at a time, waiting a few days between new types to spot the problem ingredient.
Q: Do puppy treats expire?
A: Yes. Always check the “Best By” date. Hard, crunchy treats last longer than soft, moist ones.
Q: Can I use adult dog treats for my puppy?
A: It is safer to use puppy-specific formulas until they are about 6 to 12 months old, as puppies need different calcium and phosphorus levels.
Q: What are “high-value” treats?
A: High-value treats are the most exciting, smelly, or tasty ones your puppy loves. Save these for very difficult training tasks, like recall or veterinary visits.