Bringing home a fluffy German Shepherd puppy is pure joy, but it also comes with big responsibilities! One of the first things new owners wonder about is what treats to give their growing furry friend. It’s exciting to spoil them, but it can also be a little confusing. You want to give them the best, but with so many choices out there, how do you know which ones are truly good for a developing German Shepherd?
Choosing the right treats for your German Shepherd puppy isn’t just about rewarding good behavior; it’s about supporting their healthy growth and development. Puppies have sensitive tummies and specific nutritional needs as they grow into those large, strong dogs we know and love. You might worry about giving them treats with too much sugar, artificial ingredients, or things that could upset their stomachs. It’s a common challenge for many new puppy parents trying to navigate the treat aisle.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help you. We’ll explore what makes a treat perfect for a German Shepherd puppy, what ingredients to look for, and which ones to steer clear of. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing delicious and healthy treats that will make your puppy’s tail wag with happiness and support their journey to becoming a well-behaved, healthy adult dog. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of puppy treats!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For German Shepherd Puppies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats For German Shepherd Puppies Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats
Rating: 9.5/10
Training your new puppy is an exciting journey, and the right treats can make all the difference. The Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats in Savory Chicken flavor are designed to be a high-value reward for your little canine companion.
What We Like:
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: These treats start with real chicken, which dogs love. This makes them a great motivator for training.
- DHA FOR BRAIN POWER: The added DHA helps support your puppy’s cognitive development. This is important as they learn new things.
- MEATY AND TENDER: The treats are small and soft, perfect for puppies’ mouths. Their meaty texture is very appealing.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: You won’t find any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy in these treats. They also skip artificial preservatives and colors.
- HEALTHY CHOICE: Blue Buffalo focuses on healthy ingredients. You can feel good about what you’re feeding your puppy.
- ENHANCED PACKAGING: The packaging clearly shows the ingredients and benefits, making it easy to understand what you’re buying.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-oz bag might be gone quickly if you have a very energetic or food-motivated puppy.
These treats offer a healthy and delicious way to positively reinforce your puppy’s good behavior. They are a solid choice for any new puppy parent.
2. Buddy Biscuits Trainers 10 Oz. Pouch of Training Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats Made with Bacon Flavor
Rating: 9.0/10
Training your furry friend just got a whole lot tastier and easier with Buddy Biscuits Trainers! This 10 oz. pouch is packed with soft and chewy training bites that dogs can’t resist, especially with their delicious natural bacon flavor. They’re the perfect size and texture for rewarding good behavior during training sessions, making every “sit” and “stay” a happy occasion.
What We Like:
- Irresistible Taste: Dogs go wild for the natural pork liver base and real bacon flavor. It makes training super rewarding!
- Great Value: You get a whopping 500 treats in one pouch. That’s a lot of happy training moments!
- Healthy Choice: Each tiny treat has only 1.5 calories, so you can reward often without worrying about your dog’s waistline.
- Clean Ingredients: These treats are made with simple, natural ingredients. You won’t find any corn, soy, or artificial flavors here.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: The texture is perfect for all dogs, easy to chew and swallow, making them ideal for quick rewards.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Flavor Options: While the bacon flavor is a hit, offering a few more flavor choices could appeal to even more picky pups.
- Pouch Seal: While the pouch is resealable, a more robust closure would ensure freshness for longer periods.
Overall, Buddy Biscuits Trainers are a fantastic choice for any dog owner looking for a healthy, delicious, and effective training treat. Your dog will thank you with wagging tails and eager obedience!
3. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
The Wellness Puppy Treats, Natural, Training Treat, Grain Free, Soft Lamb & Salmon (8 Ounce Bag) offers a delicious and healthy way to reward your growing pup. These soft, bite-sized treats are perfect for training and everyday moments of good behavior. Each treat is packed with wholesome ingredients to support your puppy’s development.
What We Like:
- These grain-free puppy training treats are soft and easy for puppies to chew.
- They contain only 6 calories per treat, making them a great choice for frequent rewards.
- Salmon is included, which is a good source of DHA to help your puppy’s brain grow.
- The treats are made with quality proteins like lamb and salmon, plus vitamins made just for puppies.
- You won’t find corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors in these treats.
- They are made in the USA with carefully chosen ingredients from around the world.
- These tender, healthy treats are perfect for puppies of all sizes and activity levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bag might run out quickly for owners of multiple puppies or those who train very frequently.
- While the ingredients are high quality, the price point might be a consideration for some budgets.
Overall, these Wellness Puppy Treats are a fantastic option for rewarding your puppy with healthy, delicious goodness. They provide excellent nutritional support for your dog’s early years.
4. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 9.1/10
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyous occasion! To help you bond and teach your furry friend good manners, Wellness Puppy Treats offer a delicious and nutritious solution. These mini, crunchy treats are specifically designed for growing pups, making training sessions a breeze and rewarding good behavior even more enjoyable. With a focus on natural ingredients and puppy-specific benefits, these treats aim to support your puppy’s overall well-being and development.
What We Like:
- Made with two kinds of fresh meat for a taste puppies love.
- Grain-free formula, perfect for puppies with sensitivities.
- Includes added vitamins and a natural source of DHA to support healthy brain development.
- Crafted with whole fruits and veggies like blueberries and sweet potatoes for antioxidants.
- No meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are used.
- Bite-sized and crunchy, ideal for training rewards.
- Wellness offers a wide variety of treats for all life stages and dietary needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6-ounce bag might be finished quickly by very enthusiastic puppies.
- While natural, some owners might prefer even simpler ingredient lists.
Overall, Wellness Puppy Treats are a fantastic choice for training and rewarding your new puppy. They provide wholesome nutrition in a delicious package that pups will eagerly work for.
5. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats for Training
Rating: 9.1/10
Looking for the perfect training reward for your furry friend? Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats are a fantastic option. These soft, bite-sized morsels are made with real chicken as the first ingredient, making them super tasty. They are also packed with DHA, which helps support your dog’s brain development. This makes them an especially great choice for puppies!
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making them super appealing to dogs.
- The soft, chewy texture is perfect for training and easy for dogs to eat.
- They contain DHA to support cognitive development, a great bonus for puppies.
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives or colors.
- They are America’s number 1 training treat, according to Nielsen sales data.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for training, some dogs might find them a bit too soft for everyday snacking.
- The 19-oz bag is quite large, which might be a lot for owners of very small dogs or those who only train occasionally.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Bits are a wholesome and effective choice for training your dog. Your pup will love the taste, and you’ll love the healthy ingredients.
Choosing the Best Treats for Your German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd puppies are bundles of energy and intelligence. They grow fast and need the right nutrition to support their development. Treats play a big role in training and bonding with your new furry friend. Picking the right ones ensures your puppy stays healthy and happy.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for puppy treats, keep a few things in mind.
Nutritional Value
Puppy treats should offer good nutrition. Look for treats with real meat as the first ingredient. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These can upset a puppy’s tummy.
Size and Shape
Puppies have small mouths. Treats should be small enough for them to chew easily. Tiny training bites are perfect. They make rewarding good behavior simple.
Digestibility
A puppy’s digestive system is still developing. Choose treats that are easy to digest. This means fewer tummy troubles for your pup.
Ingredients
What goes into the treat matters a lot.
Important Materials
Look for treats made with natural and wholesome ingredients.
- Real Meat: Chicken, lamb, or beef are great choices. They provide protein for muscle growth.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice or oats offer fiber and energy.
- Vegetables: Sweet potatoes or peas add vitamins and minerals.
- Limited Ingredients: For puppies with sensitive stomachs, a limited ingredient list is best.
Avoid artificial sweeteners like Xylitol. This is very dangerous for dogs. Also, steer clear of excessive fillers like corn or soy if your puppy shows sensitivity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality treats make a big difference.
What Makes a Treat Great?
- High-Quality Protein: This supports strong bones and muscles.
- Natural Preservatives: Vitamin E or rosemary extract are good.
- Vet-Approved Formulas: Some brands have vets help create their recipes.
- Made in Reputable Facilities: This ensures safety and quality control.
What Makes a Treat Less Good?
- Artificial Additives: These offer no nutritional benefit and can cause problems.
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn gluten meal or wheat middlings can dilute the good stuff.
- Generic Meat Meals: “Meat by-products” can be vague and lower quality.
- Unknown Sourcing: If you don’t know where ingredients come from, be cautious.
User Experience and Use Cases
How people use treats and their experiences are important.
Training Tools
Treats are essential for training. They motivate puppies to learn commands. Use small treats for quick rewards during training sessions. This helps your puppy associate good behavior with tasty rewards.
Everyday Rewards
You can use treats for positive reinforcement outside of formal training. Praising your puppy with a treat when they do something good is a great bonding experience.
Puppy Health
Some treats are designed for specific needs. There are dental chews that help clean teeth. Others might support joint health. Always check if a treat is appropriate for your puppy’s age and health.
What Owners Say
Happy owners often talk about treats that their puppies love. They mention how quickly their puppies learn with good treats. Owners also appreciate treats that don’t cause digestive upset. They value natural ingredients.
Choosing the right treats for your German Shepherd puppy is an investment in their health and happiness. Look for quality ingredients, appropriate size, and digestibility. Happy training!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for German Shepherd Puppy Treats
Q1: How many treats should I give my German Shepherd puppy each day?
A1: It’s best to follow the guidelines on the treat packaging. Generally, treats should not make up more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances.
Q2: When can I start giving my German Shepherd puppy treats?
A2: You can start giving your puppy small, soft treats as soon as they are weaned and eating solid food. Always choose treats specifically formulated for puppies.
Q3: Are grain-free treats better for German Shepherd puppies?
A3: Not necessarily. Many puppies do well with grains like brown rice or oats. If your puppy has a grain allergy or sensitivity, then grain-free might be a good option. Always consult your veterinarian.
Q4: What should I do if my puppy has an upset stomach from a treat?
A4: Stop giving the treat immediately. If the upset stomach persists, contact your veterinarian. You might need to try a different brand or a limited-ingredient treat.
Q5: Can I give my German Shepherd puppy adult dog treats?
A5: It’s not recommended. Adult dog treats may not have the right balance of nutrients for growing puppies. They might also be too hard or too large for a puppy’s mouth.
Q6: How do I store puppy treats to keep them fresh?
A6: Most puppy treats should be stored in a cool, dry place. Check the packaging for specific storage instructions. Some treats may need to be refrigerated after opening.
Q7: What are the best treats for teething German Shepherd puppies?
A7: Look for soft, chewy treats that are easy on their gums. Some puppies also enjoy frozen treats, but ensure they are made for dogs and are not too hard.
Q8: Should I worry about artificial ingredients in puppy treats?
A8: Yes, it’s wise to avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These can sometimes cause digestive issues or allergic reactions in puppies.
Q9: How can I use treats effectively in training?
A9: Use small, high-value treats that your puppy loves. Offer them immediately after your puppy performs the desired behavior. This helps them understand what they are being rewarded for.
Q10: What are some signs of a good quality puppy treat?
A10: A good quality treat will have a real meat source as the first ingredient, a clear and simple ingredient list, and be free from artificial additives. Positive reviews from other owners are also a good indicator.
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!