Imagine this: you’re trying to teach your fluffy puppy a new trick, like “sit,” and you’ve got all the patience in the world. But your little furry friend seems more interested in sniffing the carpet than listening to you! It’s a common scene for new puppy parents, and one of the biggest hurdles is figuring out the best way to keep your pup motivated and focused during training sessions. That’s where the right training treats come in!
Choosing treats for your puppy can feel like navigating a maze. You want something healthy, something they’ll actually love, and something that won’t upset their tiny tummies. There are so many brands, so many ingredients, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Will this treat be too big? Is it good for them? Will they even eat it? These are the questions that pop up, and finding the answers can be a real challenge.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in your treat choices. We’ll break down what makes a great puppy training treat, explore different types, and give you tips to pick the perfect rewards for your growing companion. Get ready to make training sessions fun and successful, and watch your puppy learn and grow with every delicious bite!
Our Top 5 Dog Training Treats For Puppies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Training Treats For Puppies Detailed Reviews
1. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Training your puppy just got tastier and healthier with Wellness Puppy Treats! These soft, bite-sized morsels are made with real lamb and salmon, perfect for rewarding good behavior. Each treat has only 6 calories, making them a guilt-free choice for frequent training sessions.
What We Like:
- Grain-free formula is great for sensitive tummies.
- Salmon provides DHA, which helps support your puppy’s brain development.
- Made with simple, quality ingredients like lamb and salmon.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors are added.
- They are proudly made in the USA.
- The soft texture is easy for puppies to chew.
- The small size is perfect for training rewards for all dog sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bag might be gone quickly if you have a very active trainer!
These treats are a fantastic way to bond with your puppy while supporting their growth and learning. They offer a healthy and delicious reward that both you and your furry friend will love.
2. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats
Rating: 9.1/10
Training your new puppy can be a rewarding experience, and the right treats can make all the difference. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats in Savory Chicken flavor are designed to help you celebrate those moments of good behavior. These soft, bite-sized morsels are crafted with your puppy’s health and development in mind, making training sessions both effective and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: The primary ingredient is delicious real chicken, a taste puppies love.
- COGNITIVE SUPPORT: These treats include DHA, which helps support your puppy’s brain development.
- PERFECT FOR TRAINING: The soft, meaty texture and small size make them easy for puppies to chew and ideal for frequent rewards.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: They contain no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.
- NATURAL GOODNESS: You can feel good knowing these treats are free from artificial preservatives and colors.
- HEALTHY CHOICE: Blue Buffalo focuses on healthy, natural ingredients that both you and your puppy will appreciate.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-oz bag may be a bit small for extensive training sessions, requiring frequent repurchases.
- Availability might vary, so it’s good to check stock before you run out.
These treats offer a fantastic combination of taste and beneficial ingredients for your growing puppy. They are a smart choice for rewarding progress and building a strong bond during those crucial early months.
3. Buddy Biscuits Trainers 10 Oz. Pouch of Training Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats Made with Bacon Flavor
Rating: 9.3/10
Training your furry friend just got a whole lot tastier with Buddy Biscuits Trainers! These soft and chewy training bites are packed with irresistible bacon flavor, making them the ultimate reward for good behavior. Each pouch is loaded with approximately 500 tiny treats, perfect for those frequent training sessions. They’re made with a natural pork liver base, so you know your dog is getting wholesome goodness in every bite.
What We Like:
- Super tasty with a natural pork liver base that dogs go wild for.
- You get a huge amount of treats – about 500 per bag – so they last a long time.
- Each treat is very low in calories (only 1.5!), which is great for dogs on a diet or when you give a lot of rewards.
- Made with simple, clean ingredients; no corn, soy, or fake flavors.
- Real bacon flavor makes training extra motivating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The soft and chewy texture might be a little too soft for some dogs who prefer a crunch.
- The small size, while good for training, might get lost in larger treat jars.
These Buddy Biscuits Trainers are a fantastic choice for any dog owner looking for a healthy and delicious way to reward their pet. They make training sessions more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
4. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats for Training
Rating: 8.7/10
Training your furry friend just got a whole lot easier and tastier with BLUE Bits Soft Dog Treats! These small, soft morsels are designed specifically for training sessions. They’re packed with good stuff to help your dog learn and grow.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making them super appealing to dogs.
- They are soft and bite-sized, perfect for quick rewards during training.
- DHA is added to help support your puppy’s brain development.
- No corn, wheat, or soy means they are great for dogs with sensitivities.
- They are free from artificial preservatives and colors.
- Blue Buffalo is America’s number one training treat, so many people trust it!
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might be picky and prefer a different flavor.
- The 19-oz bag might be a lot for owners with only one small dog.
These treats are a fantastic choice for rewarding good behavior and helping your dog learn new tricks. They offer wholesome goodness in every bite.
5. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies
Rating: 8.7/10
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats are a fantastic option for rewarding your dog or puppy during training. These treats are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a healthy and delicious choice that your furry friend will go crazy for.
What We Like:
- Lots of flavor, not fillers: These treats have only three simple, all-natural ingredients. This means they are low in calories and high in nutrition, offering a tasty and healthy reward your pup will love.
- Ready for training, wherever you are: Training is most effective when it’s consistent. These small, lightweight treats are perfectly sized for quick rewards, so you can grab them for training opportunities anytime, anywhere.
- Mess-free treats: You won’t find any oily or crumbly messes with Pupford treats. They keep your hands and treat pouches clean. You can even keep some in your pocket for walks or adventures without them getting sticky or stale.
- Motivate even the pickiest of pups: With a variety of flavors available, it’s easy to find the perfect treat to suit your pup’s unique taste preferences.
- Pupford Promise: Pupford is committed to providing simple, high-quality, healthy essentials for your dog. If you or your pup aren’t completely happy, they encourage you to reach out so they can help find a better fit.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the “475+ bites” is a generous amount, the exact number can vary slightly due to the freeze-drying process.
- The beef liver flavor, while popular, might not appeal to every single dog, though other flavors are available.
These Pupford freeze-dried treats are a top-notch choice for any dog owner looking for a healthy, convenient, and motivating training reward. They make training fun and effective for both you and your pup.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Delicious Rewards for Your Pup
Choosing the right training treats for your puppy is like picking the perfect toy – it needs to be fun, safe, and effective! These little morsels are more than just snacks; they’re powerful tools that help your furry friend learn good behavior. Let’s dive into what makes a great puppy training treat.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re browsing for training treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Size Matters: Puppies have small mouths and are learning quickly. Treats should be tiny, about the size of a pea or a small fingernail. This way, your puppy can eat them fast and you can give many during a training session without overfeeding.
- High Value: Puppies often get excited about new things. A “high-value” treat is something extra special that your puppy absolutely loves. This makes them more eager to work for it and pay attention to you. Think of it as their favorite reward!
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Puppies are still growing. Soft treats are easy for them to chew and swallow quickly. This keeps training sessions moving smoothly. Hard biscuits can be too difficult for young pups.
- Limited Ingredients: Simple is often better. Treats with fewer ingredients are less likely to upset a puppy’s sensitive stomach. They also make it easier to figure out if your puppy has any food sensitivities.
- No Artificial Stuff: Look for treats without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Natural ingredients are always a healthier choice for your growing puppy.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Counts!
The ingredients in your puppy’s training treats are crucial for their health and development.
- Protein Sources: Real meat like chicken, beef, turkey, or fish is a great first ingredient. Protein helps build strong muscles.
- Whole Grains or Vegetables: Ingredients like sweet potato, peas, or oats can add fiber and nutrients. These are good for digestion and energy.
- Natural Binders: Things like flaxseed or eggs help hold the treat together. They are healthy additions.
Avoid treats with fillers like corn, wheat, or soy if your puppy is sensitive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a training treat excellent or less than ideal.
What Makes a Treat Great:
- Freshness: Freshly made treats often have better flavor and texture. Look for brands that offer smaller batches or have good turnover.
- Nutritional Balance: Even though they are small, treats should offer some nutritional value. They shouldn’t be just empty calories.
- Palatability: Simply put, does your puppy love the taste? A treat that smells and tastes delicious will be a powerful motivator.
What Can Lower Quality:
- Artificial Additives: As mentioned, these offer no real benefit and can sometimes cause issues.
- Excessive Fillers: Treats made mostly with cheap fillers offer less for your puppy’s health and training success.
- Stale or Hard Texture: Old, hard treats are less appealing and harder for puppies to eat.
User Experience and Use Cases
Training treats are used in many ways.
Training Sessions:
This is their main job! Use them for:
- Teaching basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
- House training to reward potty breaks outside.
- Socialization by rewarding calm behavior around new people or dogs.
- Clicker training to mark desired actions.
On the Go:
Keep a few in your pocket for:
- Rewarding good behavior during walks.
- Calming your puppy in new or overwhelming environments.
- Reinforcing training when you’re away from home.
The best user experience comes from treats that are easy to carry, don’t crumble into a mess, and, most importantly, that your puppy is excited to earn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many training treats should I give my puppy?
A: You should give your puppy a small number of treats during training sessions. Since they are small and frequent, they shouldn’t make up a large part of your puppy’s daily food intake. Always check the feeding guidelines on the treat package and adjust based on your puppy’s size and activity level. Too many treats can lead to weight gain.
Q: What if my puppy has a sensitive stomach?
A: If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, look for training treats with limited, simple ingredients. Hypoallergenic or grain-free options can also be good choices. Always introduce new treats slowly and watch for any signs of digestive upset.
Q: Can I use my puppy’s regular kibble as training treats?
A: You can, but training treats are often more motivating because they are tastier and higher in value. Kibble is usually less exciting for a puppy. However, if you have a very food-motivated puppy, kibble can work in a pinch!
Q: How long do training treats last?
A: Most training treats have a shelf life of about 6-12 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it’s best to use them within a few months to ensure freshness and prevent them from going stale.
Q: Should training treats be soft or hard?
A: For puppies, soft and chewy treats are generally better. They are easier for young teeth and mouths to handle and can be eaten quickly, keeping training sessions flowing. Hard treats are better for older dogs or for longer-lasting chews.
Q: What does “high value” mean for a training treat?
A: A “high-value” treat is something your puppy absolutely loves and finds very rewarding. These are usually tastier or smellier than their regular food and are great for teaching difficult commands or for distracting your puppy in exciting situations.
Q: Can training treats help with potty training?
A: Yes! Training treats are excellent for potty training. Reward your puppy immediately after they go potty outside with a treat and praise. This helps them understand that going outside is a good thing.
Q: Are there any ingredients I should avoid in puppy training treats?
A: You should generally avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, be cautious of excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if your puppy has known sensitivities. Always read the ingredient list.
Q: How should I store training treats?
A: Store training treats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight container is ideal to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale or attracting pests. Some soft treats may need refrigeration after opening.
Q: When should I stop using training treats?
A: You don’t necessarily stop using training treats entirely. As your puppy gets older and learns commands, you can transition to using them less frequently for difficult tasks or in distracting environments. You can also switch to intermittent reinforcement, where you reward randomly, and use praise or toys as rewards sometimes.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!