Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! But with all the cuddles and playtime comes a big question: what treats are best for your tiny furry friend? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you see shelves packed with colorful bags. You want to give your puppy the best, but how do you know which treats are healthy, safe, and actually helpful for training?
Choosing the wrong treats can lead to upset tummies or even unhealthy habits. Plus, you’re trying to teach your puppy good manners, and the right treat can make all the difference. This is where the confusion often starts. You want treats that are small enough, easy to chew, and packed with good stuff, not just empty calories.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about puppy treats. We’ll explore what makes a treat great for growing pups, discuss important ingredients to look for (and avoid!), and give you tips for picking treats that will make training a breeze. Get ready to discover the secrets to happy, healthy treat time for your new best friend!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For A Puppy Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats For A Puppy Detailed Reviews
1. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your furry friend a reason to wag their tail with Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats! This big 36-ounce canister is packed with three delicious flavors: beef, chicken, and bacon. These mini biscuits are made with care and are just the right size for frequent rewarding. They’re a tasty way to show your pup some love.
What We Like:
- Three awesome flavors (beef, chicken, bacon) keep treat time exciting.
- The mini size is perfect for rewarding good behavior often.
- The crunchy texture helps keep your dog’s breath fresh and reduces tartar.
- Only 5 calories per treat, so you can feel good about giving them.
- Packed with 12 essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s health.
- The classic bone shape adds a fun touch to treat time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might prefer softer treats.
- The canister, while large, might be difficult for smaller hands to open or close securely.
Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks offer a delightful and healthy way to treat your dog. They’re a budget-friendly option that delivers on taste and benefits.
2. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Natural Puppy Chews Long Lasting Treats for Puppies
Rating: 8.7/10
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is exciting! You want to give them the best. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Natural Puppy Chews offer a tasty and safe way to keep your little one occupied. These chews are specifically designed for growing pups and come in yummy flavors like roast beef, apple, and bacon. They are made right here in the USA with natural ingredients, so you know exactly what your puppy is eating. Plus, they’re a great tool for teaching good chewing habits during training.
What We Like:
- Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients – no artificial stuff!
- Digestible formula perfect for growing puppies.
- Encourages positive chewing, which is great for training.
- Comes in a variety pack with three delicious flavors.
- Long-lasting to keep your puppy busy.
- Sized perfectly for X-small puppies up to 15 pounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- The package only includes 3 chews, which might not last very long for some puppies.
- The dimensions are quite specific, so double-check if they’re the right fit for your tiny pup.
Overall, these Nylabone chews are a solid choice for introducing your puppy to safe and enjoyable chewing. They provide a good balance of taste and beneficial ingredients for your young dog.
3. Buddy Biscuits Trainers 10 Oz. Pouch of Training Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats Made with Bacon Flavor
Rating: 9.1/10
Training your furry friend just got a whole lot tastier with Buddy Biscuits Trainers! This 10 oz. pouch is packed with soft and chewy training bites that dogs absolutely love. The irresistible bacon flavor, combined with a natural pork liver base, makes these treats a powerful motivator for learning new tricks or reinforcing good behavior. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog responds when these delicious morsels are on the line!
What We Like:
- Dogs go wild for the bacon flavor and pork liver base – they’re super tasty!
- You get a whopping 500 treats in one bag, making it a great value for training sessions.
- Each treat is only 1.5 calories, so you can reward your dog often without worrying about extra pounds.
- The ingredients are clean and natural; there’s no corn, soy, or artificial flavors, just pure goodness.
- They are made with real, natural bacon for an authentic taste dogs crave.
- The soft and chewy texture is easy for all dogs, big and small, to enjoy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The resealable pouch, while convenient, could be a bit sturdier to prevent accidental openings by determined pups.
- While the bacon flavor is a huge hit, some owners might wish for a wider variety of flavors within the Trainer line.
These Buddy Biscuits Trainers are a fantastic tool for any dog owner committed to positive reinforcement. They offer a delicious and healthy way to boost your training success.
4. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 8.7/10
Introducing Wellness Puppy Treats, a natural, grain-free option perfect for training your furry friend. These soft, bite-sized treats are made with wholesome lamb and salmon, and they’re packed with essential vitamins for growing puppies. Each treat is only 6 calories, making them an excellent choice for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding.
What We Like:
- Grain-free formula is great for sensitive tummies.
- Salmon provides DHA for healthy brain development.
- Made with quality proteins like lamb and salmon.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors.
- Low calorie count (6 calories per treat) is ideal for training.
- Made in the USA with globally-sourced ingredients.
- Soft texture is easy for puppies to chew and digest.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bag might go quickly for owners of multiple puppies or those in intense training phases.
- While the ingredients are high quality, the price point might be a consideration for some budget-conscious pet parents.
These treats offer a nutritious and delicious way to bond with your puppy during training. They are a fantastic choice for rewarding your pup while supporting their overall well-being.
5. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats
Rating: 9.2/10
Training your new puppy is an exciting journey, and the right treats can make all the difference. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats in Savory Chicken flavor are designed to be the perfect reward for your little furry friend’s progress.
What We Like:
- These treats feature real chicken as the very first ingredient, making them super tasty for your puppy.
- They contain DHA, which is great for helping your puppy’s brain develop.
- The treats are soft and bite-sized, which is ideal for training and easy for puppies to chew.
- You won’t find any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy in these treats.
- They are also free from artificial preservatives and colors, so you know you’re giving your puppy something wholesome.
- Blue Buffalo focuses on healthy ingredients that both you and your puppy will love.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-oz bag might be gone quickly if you have a very enthusiastic learner!
- While the digital packaging highlights benefits, the physical packaging may differ slightly, which could cause minor confusion.
These treats offer a wholesome and delicious way to reinforce good behavior during puppyhood. They are a solid choice for any puppy parent looking for quality training rewards.
Choosing the Best Treats for Your New Furry Friend
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time! You’re probably busy puppy-proofing your house and stocking up on toys. Don’t forget puppy treats! Treats are more than just yummy rewards; they are essential tools for training and bonding with your new companion. This guide will help you pick the perfect treats for your little furball.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for puppy treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Size Appropriateness: Puppies have small mouths and developing teeth. Look for treats that are bite-sized or can be easily broken into smaller pieces. This prevents choking and makes them easier for your puppy to chew.
- Nutritional Value: Good puppy treats should offer more than just empty calories. They should contain beneficial nutrients that support your puppy’s growth and development. Look for treats made with real meat, vegetables, or fruits.
- Digestibility: A puppy’s digestive system is sensitive. Choose treats that are easy to digest to avoid upset tummies, gas, or diarrhea. Ingredients like probiotics can help with digestion.
- Training Suitability: Many treats are designed specifically for training. These are often small, low-calorie, and highly palatable (meaning puppies love the taste!). This makes them ideal for rewarding good behavior during training sessions.
- Limited Ingredients: For puppies with sensitive stomachs or potential allergies, treats with a short, simple ingredient list are a great choice. This makes it easier to identify and avoid any ingredients that might cause a reaction.
2. Important Materials
The ingredients in your puppy’s treats matter a lot. Here are some you want to see and some you want to avoid:
What to Look For:
- Real Meat or Fish: Chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, and turkey are excellent protein sources that puppies love and need for muscle development.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and barley provide energy and fiber.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, and peas offer vitamins and antioxidants.
- Natural Preservatives: Ingredients like vitamin E (tocopherols) are good alternatives to artificial preservatives.
What to Avoid:
- Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives: These offer no nutritional benefit and can sometimes cause sensitivities. Look for treats without BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy can be fillers that don’t provide much nutrition and can be allergens for some puppies.
- Added Sugars: Puppies don’t need extra sugar. Avoid treats with corn syrup, sucrose, or other added sweeteners.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a puppy treat stand out or fall short:
Quality Boosters:
- Made in Reputable Countries: Treats manufactured in countries with strict food safety standards often have higher quality control.
- Third-Party Testing: Seals of approval from independent organizations can indicate that the treats meet certain quality and safety benchmarks.
- Transparency in Sourcing: Brands that are open about where they get their ingredients usually offer a better product.
Quality Reducers:
- Vague Ingredient Lists: If an ingredient list just says “meat by-products” without specifying the type of meat, it’s a red flag.
- Recalls and Safety Concerns: Always check for any past recalls or reported safety issues with a brand.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you and your puppy use treats will shape your experience.
- Training Rewards: The most common use is for positive reinforcement during obedience training. Small, tasty treats make learning fun and effective. Use them for potty training, leash walking, and teaching basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”
- Bonding Moments: Sharing a treat can be a lovely way to connect with your puppy. It builds trust and strengthens your relationship.
- Dental Health: Some treats are designed to help clean teeth and freshen breath, which is important as your puppy’s adult teeth come in.
- Calming Aid: For anxious puppies, some specialized treats contain ingredients like L-theanine or chamomile that can help promote calmness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Puppy Treats
Q: How many treats should I give my puppy each day?
A: It’s best to limit treats to no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Always check the treat packaging for feeding guidelines. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances.
Q: When can I start giving my puppy treats?
A: You can start giving your puppy treats as soon as you bring them home! They are a great tool for early socialization and potty training.
Q: Are puppy-specific treats necessary?
A: Yes, puppy-specific treats are generally recommended. They are formulated with the right balance of nutrients for growing puppies and are usually softer and easier to chew than adult treats.
Q: What if my puppy has a sensitive stomach?
A: Look for limited-ingredient treats made with easily digestible proteins like lamb or fish. Avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, corn, wheat, and soy if you suspect they might be an issue.
Q: Can I give my puppy human food as treats?
A: While some human foods are safe in small amounts (like plain cooked chicken or carrots), it’s best to stick to commercial puppy treats. They are designed to be nutritionally balanced and safe for puppies.
Q: How long do puppy treats last?
A: Most unopened puppy treats last for about 6-12 months, depending on the ingredients and packaging. Once opened, they are best used within 1-2 months. Always check the expiration date.
Q: What’s the difference between training treats and regular puppy treats?
A: Training treats are typically smaller, lower in calories, and more palatable to keep your puppy motivated. Regular puppy treats might be larger or have different nutritional profiles.
Q: Should I worry about choking hazards?
A: Yes, always supervise your puppy when they are eating treats. Break larger treats into smaller pieces and choose treats specifically designed for puppies to minimize choking risks.
Q: Are grain-free puppy treats better?
A: Grain-free isn’t always better for every puppy. Some puppies thrive on grains, while others do better without them. If your puppy doesn’t have a grain allergy, a good quality treat with whole grains can be beneficial.
Q: Where should I store puppy treats?
A: Store puppy treats in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. For opened bags, you can reseal them tightly or use an airtight container to keep them fresh.
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!