Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyous occasion! As you watch your furry friend explore their new world, you’ll quickly discover the magic of positive reinforcement. But when it comes to rewarding good behavior or simply showing your pup some love, the world of puppy treats can feel overwhelming. Have you ever stood in the pet store aisle, staring at a wall of colorful bags, wondering which tiny morsel is actually good for your growing pup?
Choosing the right dog treats for puppies isn’t just about finding something tasty; it’s about making sure those delicious bites support their delicate digestive systems, contribute to healthy growth, and don’t contain any unwanted ingredients. Many owners worry about giving their puppy treats that are too hard, too sugary, or simply not nutritious enough. It’s a common concern, and one that can lead to confusion and even frustration.
Fear not, fellow puppy parents! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for in puppy treats. We’ll dive into the best ingredients, explore different treat types perfect for training and teething, and even share tips on how to avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to discover the treats that will have your puppy wagging their tail with delight and learning new tricks in no time!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Puppies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats For Puppies Detailed Reviews
1. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 9.0/10
Introducing Wellness Puppy Treats, a fantastic choice for your growing canine companion! These soft, bite-sized treats are crafted with your puppy’s well-being in mind, making them ideal for training or simply showing some love. Each little morsel is packed with goodness to support your puppy’s journey from the start.
What We Like:
- Grain-free recipe that’s gentle on sensitive tummies.
- Salmon is included, which is great for brain development.
- Made with wholesome lamb and salmon for quality protein.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors means pure goodness.
- Only 6 calories per treat, perfect for frequent rewards.
- Made in the USA with carefully selected ingredients.
- Soft and tender texture is easy for puppies to chew and enjoy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bag might be gone quickly if you have a very active trainer!
These treats are a smart and delicious way to support your puppy’s health and training success. They offer a healthy reward you can feel good about giving.
2. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Rating: 8.9/10
Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce, are a fantastic way to reward your furry friend. This big canister is packed with mini biscuits, perfect for training or just because. Your dog will love the three delicious flavors: beef, chicken, and bacon. These treats are made with wholesome ingredients and are a great way to add a little extra joy to your dog’s day.
What We Like:
- Comes with one 36-ounce canister, so you get a lot of treats!
- Features three yummy flavors: beef, chicken, and bacon.
- The mini size is just right for giving treats more often.
- The crunchy texture helps keep your dog’s breath fresh and reduces tartar.
- Each treat has only 5 calories and is packed with 12 vitamins and minerals.
- These bone-shaped treats make dog life more fun!
What Could Be Improved:
- The canister might be a bit large for some smaller spaces.
- Some dogs might have a favorite flavor and prefer only that one.
Overall, Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks are a delightful treat that dogs adore. They offer great value and contribute to your dog’s health and happiness.
3. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Training your puppy just got a whole lot tastier and healthier with Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats in Savory Chicken flavor! These soft, bite-sized morsels are designed specifically for little paws and growing minds, making them a fantastic reward for all your puppy’s hard work during training sessions.
What We Like:
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: The primary ingredient is real chicken, which is great for puppies.
- DHA FOR BRAINS: These treats include DHA, known to help with cognitive development.
- MEATY AND TENDER: Puppies love the meaty taste and soft texture, making them easy to chew.
- PERFECTLY SIZED: The bite-sized pieces are ideal for training rewards without overfeeding.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: They contain no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.
- NO ARTIFICIAL STUFF: Free from artificial preservatives and colors, ensuring a natural treat.
- HEALTHY CHOICE: Blue Buffalo focuses on healthy, wholesome ingredients you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-oz bag might be a bit small for extensive training periods, requiring frequent repurchases.
- While the digital packaging is enhanced, it’s good to note that the physical packaging might look slightly different.
These treats offer a delicious and nutritious way to reinforce good behavior. They are a top pick for any puppy parent looking for quality training rewards.
4. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Natural Puppy Chews Long Lasting Treats for Puppies
Rating: 9.4/10
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is exciting! Keeping them happy and occupied is a big part of that. The Nylabone Healthy Edibles Natural Puppy Chews offer a solution for your growing furry friend. These treats are specifically designed for puppies and come in a variety pack with three yummy flavors: Roast Beef, Apple, and Bacon. They are made in the USA and crafted with all-natural ingredients, meaning no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors are added. This makes them a digestible and safe option for your little one’s developing system. The long-lasting nature of these chews can also help encourage positive chewing habits, which is a great plus for training.
What We Like:
- Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients.
- Digestible formula, perfect for growing puppies.
- Encourages positive chewing habits and aids in training.
- Variety pack with delicious flavors like Roast Beef, Apple, and Bacon.
- Designed for X-Small puppies up to 15 pounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pack only contains 3 treats, which might not last very long depending on your puppy’s chewing habits.
- While the flavors are appealing, a wider variety of puppy-safe flavors could be a nice addition in the future.
Overall, these Nylabone chews provide a healthy and engaging option for your puppy. They are a good choice for keeping your little pup entertained and on the right track with their chewing.
5. Buddy Biscuits Trainers 10 Oz. Pouch of Training Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats Made with Bacon Flavor
Rating: 9.3/10
The Buddy Biscuits Trainers 10 Oz. Pouch of Training Bites are soft, chewy dog treats designed to make training a breeze. Made with a natural pork liver base and real bacon, these treats are incredibly tasty for your furry friend. With 500 tiny treats in each bag, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plus, they are low in calories, with only 1.5 calories per treat, making them a guilt-free reward.
What We Like:
- Super tasty! Dogs go crazy for the bacon flavor and pork liver base.
- You get a huge amount of treats, 500 per bag. That’s a lot of training sessions!
- Very low in calories, so you can give your dog plenty of rewards without worry.
- Made with good stuff like natural bacon and no corn, soy, or fake flavors.
- The soft and chewy texture is easy for dogs of all sizes to eat.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pouch is resealable, but a sturdier closure would be even better for keeping them fresh.
- While the bacon flavor is a hit, some owners might prefer more variety in flavors.
These Buddy Biscuits are a fantastic choice for any dog owner who wants effective and delicious training treats. They make rewarding your pup a joy.
Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Your Puppy: A Buyer’s Guide
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! You want to give them the best start, and that includes delicious and healthy treats. But with so many options, how do you pick the right ones? This guide will help you find the perfect treats to reward your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for puppy treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Shape: Puppy treats should be small and easy for their little mouths to chew. They shouldn’t be too hard, as this can be difficult for developing teeth. Look for bite-sized pieces.
- Nutritional Value: Treats are a part of your puppy’s diet. They should be made with good ingredients and offer some nutritional benefit, not just empty calories.
- Digestibility: Puppies have sensitive tummies. Choose treats that are easy to digest to avoid upset stomachs.
- Taste and Texture: Puppies have preferences! While you want healthy treats, they also need to be appealing enough for your puppy to enjoy. A good crunch or a soft chew can be appealing.
- Hypoallergenic Options: If your puppy has allergies or sensitivities, look for treats made with limited ingredients or specifically labeled as hypoallergenic.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The ingredients list is your best friend when choosing puppy treats. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid:
- High-Quality Protein: Real meat, like chicken, lamb, or fish, should be the first ingredient. This provides essential building blocks for your puppy’s growth.
- Whole Grains or Vegetables: Ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, or brown rice can add fiber and nutrients.
- Natural Preservatives: Look for treats preserved with natural sources like Vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract.
- Avoid Artificial Stuff: Steer clear of treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Things like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are best avoided.
- Watch Out for Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy can be fillers and may cause digestive issues or allergies in some puppies.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A treat’s quality can be boosted or lowered by several factors:
- Improved Quality:
- Limited Ingredient Lists: Fewer ingredients often mean less chance of a reaction and higher quality components.
- Vet Recommended: Treats approved or recommended by veterinarians often meet higher standards.
- Made in Reputable Countries: Treats manufactured in countries with strict food safety regulations tend to be of better quality.
- Reduced Quality:
- Long, Unpronounceable Ingredient Lists: This often means the treat is packed with artificial ingredients or fillers.
- Generic Meat By-products: While by-products can be nutritious, vague terms like “meat by-products” without specifying the source can be a sign of lower quality.
- High Sugar Content: Added sugars are unnecessary and can be unhealthy for puppies.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use these treats? They are incredibly versatile for puppy training and bonding.
- Training Rewards: Treats are fantastic for positive reinforcement. Use them to reward good behavior, like potty training success or learning new commands. Small, low-calorie treats work best for frequent rewards.
- Bonding: Sharing a treat with your puppy is a great way to build trust and strengthen your relationship.
- Dental Health: Some puppy treats are designed to help clean teeth and freshen breath as your puppy chews.
- Long-Lasting Chews: For puppies who need something to keep them occupied, longer-lasting chews can be a lifesaver. Just ensure they are still appropriate for puppy teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Dog Treats for Puppies
Q: How many treats should I give my puppy?
A: It’s best to give treats in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the treat packaging and adjust based on your puppy’s size and activity level.
Q: Can I give my puppy adult dog treats?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Puppy treats are formulated with the specific nutritional needs of growing puppies in mind. Adult dog treats might not have the right balance of nutrients for puppies.
Q: What are the best ingredients for puppy treats?
A: The best ingredients include real meat (like chicken, lamb, or fish) as the first ingredient, followed by healthy grains or vegetables. Natural preservatives are also a good sign.
Q: Are grain-free treats better for puppies?
A: Not necessarily. While some puppies benefit from grain-free diets due to allergies, many puppies digest grains well. Look for high-quality, easily digestible grains if they are included.
Q: How long do puppy treats typically last?
A: Most unopened puppy treats can last for about 6-12 months if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it’s best to use them within a few weeks to ensure freshness.
Q: Should I worry about artificial ingredients in puppy treats?
A: Yes, you should. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can be hard for puppies to digest and may cause sensitivities. Opt for treats with natural ingredients whenever possible.
Q: What kind of treats are good for teething puppies?
A: Softer, chewy treats are often best for teething puppies. Some puppies enjoy chilled or frozen treats, as this can help soothe their gums.
Q: Can treats help with my puppy’s training?
A: Absolutely! Treats are excellent motivators for training. Use them as rewards for good behavior to reinforce learning.
Q: What if my puppy has a sensitive stomach?
A: Look for limited-ingredient treats or those specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs. Avoid common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy if you suspect your puppy is sensitive to them.
Q: How do I introduce a new treat to my puppy?
A: Introduce new treats slowly, one at a time, and in small amounts. This helps you monitor for any digestive upset or allergic reactions.
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!