Does your new puppy follow you around with big, hopeful eyes every time you open the pantry? Those adorable puppy dog eyes are hard to resist, but choosing the right snack for a growing pup is more important than just satisfying a craving. Treats play a huge role in training and bonding, but they also impact your dog’s health during their most critical developmental months.
Walking down the pet store aisle can feel completely overwhelming. You see hundreds of colorful bags, but it is difficult to know which ones are actually safe. Many store-bought treats are packed with hidden fillers, artificial colors, or too many calories that can lead to an upset stomach. You want to reward your furry friend, but you also want to make sure you aren’t accidentally harming their sensitive digestive system.
In this guide, we will cut through the confusion. You will learn exactly what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid entirely. We will also cover how to use treats safely for positive reinforcement training without overfeeding your pup. By the end of this post, you will feel confident picking out snacks that keep your puppy happy, healthy, and eager to learn.
Ready to find the perfect reward for your little companion? Let’s dive into the world of puppy-safe treats and discover how to make the best choices for your new best friend.
Top Dog Treats Puppies Recommendations
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- CONTAINS: One 40-oz. canister of Milk-Bone MaroSnacks small dog treats with real bone marrow
- CRUNCHY OUTSIDE, MEATY INSIDE: A dog biscuit with a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- ONLY 10 CALORIES EACH: Ideal dog training treats that can also be used as an everyday snack
- MADE WITH CALCIUM: Helps maintain strong teeth and bones
- BAKED WITH LOVE: Produced in Buffalo, New York, USA
- CONTAINS: One 36-oz. canister of Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s dog biscuits for dogs of all sizes
- 3 FLAVORS YOUR DOG WILL LOVE: Give ‘em dog biscuits with the tail-wagging tastes of beef, chicken and bacon flavors with other natural flavors
- WHOLESOME DOG TREATS WITH 15% PROTEIN: Five calories per treat and contains 12 vitamins and minerals, like iron, zinc and vitamin B12
- CALCIUM & PHOSPHORUS: To help support healthy teeth and bones
- CRUNCHY TEXTURE: Helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up, perfect for sloppy doggie kisses
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Puppy Treats
Picking the right treats for your puppy is an important part of training. A good treat keeps your dog happy and healthy. Use this guide to make the best choice for your new furry friend.
1. Key Features to Look For
You should prioritize size and texture. Puppies have small mouths and developing teeth. Look for “soft” treats that are easy to chew. Smaller bite-sized pieces are best for training sessions. You want treats that your puppy can eat quickly so you can get back to training.
2. Important Ingredients
Always check the label first. High-quality puppy treats use real meat as the first ingredient. Look for chicken, beef, or salmon. Avoid treats with too many fillers like corn or wheat. You should also stay away from artificial colors or flavors. Natural ingredients provide better nutrition for a growing body.
3. Factors That Affect Quality
Quality often depends on how the treat is made. Treats that are air-dried or freeze-dried usually keep more nutrients. Avoid treats that contain too much sugar or salt. These additives can lead to weight gain or health issues later in life. Always choose brands that test their products for safety and quality.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you are giving the treat. For potty training, use a very small, high-value treat that the puppy loves. For teething, a longer-lasting chew can help soothe sore gums. Keep your treats in a sealed bag to keep them fresh. If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, introduce new treats slowly to ensure they agree with him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I start giving my puppy treats?
A: Most experts suggest waiting until your puppy is at least 8 weeks old. Always choose treats specifically labeled for puppies.
Q: How many treats should a puppy have per day?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. Keep the rest of their diet balanced with puppy food.
Q: Are soft treats better than crunchy ones?
A: Soft treats are usually better for training because they are easy to swallow. Crunchy treats can be fun, but they take longer to chew.
Q: Should I avoid grain in puppy treats?
A: Not necessarily. Unless your vet says your dog has an allergy, high-quality grains like brown rice or oats are perfectly fine.
Q: Can I use human food as a training treat?
A: Some human foods are safe, like small pieces of cooked chicken or blueberries. Always avoid grapes, onions, garlic, and chocolate as these are toxic.
Q: What if my puppy refuses the treats?
A: Every puppy has different tastes. Try a treat with a stronger smell, like liver or salmon, to catch their interest.
Q: Do I need different treats for different training tasks?
A: Yes! Use “low-value” treats for basic commands. Use “high-value” treats like pieces of cheese or meat for difficult tasks like recall.
Q: How do I store puppy treats properly?
A: Keep them in a cool, dry place. A sealed container or the original bag with a clip works best to keep them fresh.
Q: Can puppy treats cause an upset stomach?
A: Yes, if you give too many or if the treat has ingredients that don’t agree with them. Always introduce a new treat in small amounts.
Q: Should I look for organic puppy treats?
A: Organic treats are great if you want to avoid pesticides and chemicals. They are not required, but they are a healthy choice for your pet.