Ever watch your puppy’s tail wag furiously at the mere rustle of a treat bag? That pure joy is a powerful thing, but for new puppy parents, it can also bring a wave of questions. What’s actually *in* those tiny snacks? Are they good for your growing pup, or just empty calories? Navigating the treat aisle can feel overwhelming, a sea of colorful bags promising everything from “dental health” to “brain power.”
You want the best for your furry friend, and choosing the right treats is part of that. But with so many brands and ingredients, it’s easy to feel lost. You might worry about picky eaters, upset tummies, or even giving your puppy something that isn’t truly nutritious. This post is here to help you cut through the confusion.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel more confident in your treat choices. We’ll explore what makes a treat great for puppies, what to avoid, and how to pick the perfect reward for training and bonding. Let’s dive into the delicious world of puppy treats and find the best bites for your new best friend!
Our Top 5 Puppy Treats Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Wellness Puppy Treats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Wellness Puppy Treats | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Puppy Treats Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Training your new puppy can be a rewarding experience, and having the right treats makes all the difference. The Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats in Savory Chicken flavor are designed specifically for young pups. They are soft, bite-sized, and packed with flavor to keep your puppy motivated during training sessions.
What We Like:
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: These treats use real chicken as the main ingredient, making them highly appealing to puppies.
- DHA FOR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: They include DHA, which is important for a puppy’s cognitive growth.
- MEATY AND TENDER: The treats have a meaty texture that puppies love and are easy for them to chew.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: You won’t find any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy in these treats.
- NO ARTIFICIAL ADDITIVES: They are free from artificial preservatives and colors, which is great for your puppy’s health.
- HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS: Blue Buffalo focuses on healthy ingredients that your puppy will enjoy eating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-oz bag might be finished quickly if you have a very active learner.
- Availability might vary depending on your local pet store.
These treats offer a great way to reward your puppy positively. They are a healthy and tasty option that supports your puppy’s development.
2. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 9.2/10
Introducing Wellness Puppy Treats, a natural, grain-free option crafted specifically for your growing canine companion. These soft, bite-sized delights are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training or just showing your pup some love. Each treat packs a healthy punch with only 6 calories, making them an excellent choice for frequent rewards.
What We Like:
- Grain-free formula is great for sensitive pups.
- Soft texture makes them easy for puppies to chew.
- Salmon provides DHA, which is good for brain development.
- Made with quality lamb and salmon for a tasty flavor.
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors are used.
- Each treat is only 6 calories, perfect for training.
- Made in the USA with carefully sourced ingredients.
- Suitable for puppies of all sizes and ages.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bag might be gone quickly for very active trainers.
- While lamb and salmon are great, some owners might prefer more variety in protein options.
These treats offer a healthy and delicious way to support your puppy’s development and training journey. They are a fantastic choice for any pet parent looking for quality ingredients and effective rewards.
3. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 9.2/10
Getting your new puppy started on the right paw is super important. That’s why we checked out Wellness Puppy Treats, Natural, Training Treat, Grain Free, Soft Lamb & Salmon. These little chewy bites are made with good stuff to help your pup grow and learn.
What We Like:
- They’re mini and chewy, perfect for little puppy mouths during training.
- Made with real lamb and salmon, plus healthy fruits and veggies like blueberries and sweet potatoes.
- Grain-free is great for pups with sensitive tummies.
- They have DHA, which is good for brain development.
- No yucky meat byproducts, artificial colors, or flavors are added.
- Wellness has a whole range of treats for dogs of all ages and sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag is only 3 ounces, so if you have a very active training puppy, you might go through them quickly.
- While the ingredients are high quality, the price point might be a bit higher than some other basic puppy treats.
These Wellness Puppy Treats are a fantastic option for rewarding your puppy. They offer a healthy and tasty way to support your growing pup’s development.
4. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Treat your furry friend to a burst of flavor with Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats! This generous 36-ounce canister is packed with mini biscuits in three irresistible flavors: beef, chicken, and bacon. These tasty treats are made with care and are perfectly sized for rewarding good behavior, making it easy to shower your pup with love more often.
What We Like:
- Three delicious flavors (beef, chicken, bacon) keep treat time exciting.
- Mini size is ideal for frequent rewarding and training.
- Crunchy texture helps freshen breath and reduce tartar buildup.
- Only 5 calories per treat, making them a guilt-free option.
- Fortified with 12 essential vitamins and minerals for wholesome goodness.
- Fun bone shape adds to the enjoyment of dog life.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might prefer a softer treat texture.
- The 36-ounce canister might be too large for owners of very small dogs with limited storage space.
Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks offer a fantastic way to add joy and health to your dog’s day. They are a smart choice for any dog owner looking for a tasty, beneficial, and fun treat.
5. N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Our furry friends go through a lot when they’re little, and teething is a big one! The N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats in Chicken flavor are designed to make this stage a little easier. They come in a 3.74 oz bag and are made for puppies of all sizes. These treats aim to help soothe sore gums and satisfy that chewing urge.
What We Like:
- Puppies gobble them up! They are highly palatable, meaning most puppies find them super tasty.
- Good for all puppy sizes, from tiny pups to growing giants.
- Made with all-natural ingredients. You won’t find any artificial colors or preservatives here.
- The texture is soft and pliable. This is great for a puppy’s new, sensitive teeth.
- They help calm those teething pains and sore gums.
- The chicken taste is a big hit with puppies.
- These treats are completely edible and easy to digest, so no worries about waste.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3.74 oz bag might go quickly, especially if you have a very enthusiastic chewer!
- While great for teething, they aren’t a meal replacement.
Overall, N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats are a solid choice for your teething puppy. They offer a tasty and safe way to ease their discomfort during this important developmental stage.
The Ultimate Puppy Treat Buying Guide
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! You want to give them the best. Treats are a great way to train, bond, and reward your furry friend. But with so many options, how do you choose the right ones? This guide will help you pick the perfect puppy treats.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for puppy treats, keep these important features in mind.
1. Size and Shape
- Small and Bite-Sized: Puppies have small mouths. Treats should be small enough for them to chew easily without choking. Look for treats specifically made for puppies.
- Easy to Break: Some larger treats can be broken into smaller pieces. This is helpful for training.
2. Texture
- Soft and Chewy: Soft treats are generally easier for young puppies to digest. They are also great for puppies who are teething.
- Crunchy: Crunchy treats can help clean your puppy’s teeth and satisfy their urge to chew.
3. Ingredients
- Limited Ingredients: Puppies can have sensitive stomachs. Treats with fewer ingredients are less likely to cause upset.
- Wholesome Foods: Look for treats made with real meat, fruits, or vegetables. These are the best choices.
4. Purpose
- Training Treats: These are usually small, soft, and highly palatable. They encourage quick learning.
- Dental Chews: These are designed to clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Long-Lasting Chews: These keep your puppy busy and entertained.
Important Materials
What goes into your puppy’s treats matters a lot.
1. Protein Sources
- Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Beef: These are common and good protein sources. They provide essential nutrients for growth.
- Fish: Some treats use fish like salmon. Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for skin and coat.
2. Grains and Carbohydrates
- Rice, Oats, Sweet Potatoes: These provide energy. Some puppies might be sensitive to certain grains.
- Avoid Fillers: Watch out for treats with lots of corn, wheat, or soy as the main ingredients. These offer less nutritional value.
3. Natural Additives
- Vitamins and Minerals: Good treats often have added vitamins and minerals to support puppy health.
- Herbs: Some treats contain herbs like chamomile for calming or peppermint for fresh breath.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all treats are made the same.
1. What Makes Treats Better
- High-Quality Proteins: Using real meat as the first ingredient is a big plus.
- Natural Preservatives: Treats that use natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) are better than those with artificial ones.
- No Artificial Colors or Flavors: These add no nutritional value and can sometimes cause reactions.
- Made in Reputable Countries: Look for treats made in countries with strict food safety standards.
2. What Makes Treats Worse
- Artificial Ingredients: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can be harmful.
- Excessive Fillers: Too much corn, wheat, or soy can dilute the good stuff.
- Unknown Ingredients: If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably not the best choice.
- High Sugar Content: Puppies don’t need a lot of sugar.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use treats and how your puppy reacts tells you a lot.
1. Training Your Puppy
- Positive Reinforcement: Treats are your best friend when teaching commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come.”
- House Training: Small, tasty treats can reward your puppy for going potty outside.
- Socialization: Treats help your puppy feel comfortable around new people and other dogs.
2. Bonding and Fun
- Playtime Rewards: Give a treat after a fun game of fetch.
- Quiet Time: A long-lasting chew can keep your puppy happy and occupied when you need a break.
- Special Occasions: Celebrate milestones like their birthday with a special treat.
3. Puppy’s Reaction
- Enthusiasm: Does your puppy eagerly take the treat? This shows they like the taste.
- Digestive Issues: Watch for any signs of upset stomach, like vomiting or diarrhea. If this happens, stop the treat.
- Allergies: Some puppies can develop allergies. Look for signs like itchy skin or ear infections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Treats
Here are some common questions puppy parents have.
Q: How many treats should I give my puppy each day?
A: It’s best to give treats in moderation. Treats should not make up more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Always check the treat packaging for recommended feeding guidelines.
Q: When can I start giving my puppy treats?
A: You can start giving your puppy treats as soon as they come home, usually around 8 weeks old. Always choose treats specifically made for puppies.
Q: What are the best ingredients to look for in puppy treats?
A: Look for treats with real meat like chicken or turkey as the first ingredient. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are also good. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Q: Are grain-free puppy treats better?
A: Grain-free treats can be good for puppies with grain sensitivities. However, many puppies do fine with grains. The most important thing is the quality of the other ingredients.
Q: How do I know if a treat is too big for my puppy?
A: If your puppy struggles to chew the treat or tries to swallow it whole, it’s too big. You can break larger treats into smaller pieces.
Q: Can I give my puppy adult dog treats?
A: It’s best to stick to puppy-specific treats. Puppy treats are formulated with the right balance of nutrients for growing dogs. Adult treats may not provide what your puppy needs.
Q: What should I do if my puppy gets an upset stomach from treats?
A: Stop giving the treat immediately. If the upset stomach continues, contact your veterinarian. You may need to try a different brand or type of treat.
Q: Are dental chews safe for puppies?
A: Yes, dental chews can be safe and beneficial for puppies. They help clean teeth and reduce plaque. However, choose chews designed for puppies, and supervise your puppy while they chew.
Q: How long do puppy treats typically last?
A: Most unopened puppy treats last for about 6-12 months. Once opened, they are best used within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the ingredients and storage. Always check the expiration date.
Q: Can treats help with my puppy’s training?
A: Absolutely! Treats are a fantastic tool for positive reinforcement training. Their delicious taste motivates puppies to learn and behave well.
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 Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!