Does your adorable puppy’s happy tail wag when you reach for a treat? Of course, it does! But choosing the *right* treats for your tiny companion can feel like navigating a maze. You want to reward good behavior and help them learn, but the sheer number of choices on the shelf can be overwhelming. Are they healthy? Are they safe? Will my puppy even like them?
These are the questions every new puppy parent grapples with. You want the best for your furry friend, and that includes treats that are not only tasty but also promote healthy growth and development. It’s easy to feel lost in a sea of colorful bags and enticing promises, not knowing which ones truly benefit your growing pup and which ones might just be empty calories.
Fear not! This guide is here to be your beacon. We’ll break down what makes a great puppy treat, explore different types, and help you understand what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to pick out the perfect rewards that your puppy will adore and that you can feel good about giving. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of puppy treats!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Puppies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats For Puppies Detailed Reviews
1. Wellness Puppy Treats
Rating: 9.1/10
Give your furry friend the best with Wellness Puppy Treats! These soft, bite-sized delights are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training or just because. Each little treat packs a healthy punch with only 6 calories, making them an ideal choice for your growing pup.
What We Like:
- These treats are grain-free, which is great for puppies with sensitive tummies.
- They are made with real lamb and salmon, providing excellent protein for your puppy.
- Salmon is included for DHA, supporting healthy brain development.
- You won’t find any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors in these treats.
- They are made right here in the USA with high-quality ingredients.
- The soft texture makes them easy for puppies of all sizes to chew and enjoy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bag might run out quickly if you have a very active or highly motivated training puppy!
- While the ingredients are great, some owners might prefer even simpler ingredient lists with fewer additions, even if they are beneficial vitamins.
Overall, Wellness Puppy Treats offer a nutritious and delicious way to bond with your puppy during training. They are a fantastic option for rewarding your pup while supporting their healthy growth.
2. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Rating: 9.2/10
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 dog biscuits in three delicious flavors: savory beef, zesty chicken, and smoky bacon. They’re made with care and just the right size for rewarding your dog more often.
What We Like:
- Three exciting flavors (beef, chicken, bacon) keep treat time interesting.
- The crunchy texture helps clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Each treat is only 5 calories, perfect for frequent rewarding without overdoing it.
- They are fortified with 12 essential vitamins and minerals for good health.
- The classic bone shape adds a fun element to treating.
- The large 36-ounce canister provides excellent value and lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might be picky and prefer only one specific flavor.
- The treats are quite small, which might not be ideal for very large dogs who need a more substantial chew.
These Milk-Bone Mini’s are a fantastic, budget-friendly way to spoil your dog. They offer a tasty and healthy option that makes every moment with your canine companion even more enjoyable.
3. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats
Rating: 8.7/10
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 to make rewarding your furry friend a joy, ensuring they associate good behavior with deliciousness.
What We Like:
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Made with real chicken as the primary ingredient, these treats are packed with flavor your puppy will love.
- COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: Fortified with DHA, these treats support your puppy’s brain development, helping them learn and grow.
- PERFECT FOR TRAINING: Their tender, meaty texture and small size make them ideal for rewarding quick learning during training sessions.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: You can feel good about what you’re feeding your puppy. These treats are free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals.
- NO ARTIFICIAL ADDITIVES: They contain no artificial preservatives or colors, keeping things natural and healthy.
- HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS: Blue Buffalo focuses on wholesome ingredients that both you and your puppy will appreciate.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-oz bag might be gone quickly if you have a very enthusiastic trainee!
- While the packaging highlights benefits, the physical packaging might look a little different.
These treats are a fantastic option for puppy parents looking for a nutritious and appealing reward. They make training a positive experience for both you and your growing pup.
4. Nylabone Healthy Edibles Natural Puppy Chews Long Lasting Treats for Puppies
Rating: 9.5/10
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Natural Puppy Chews offer a tasty and safe chewing experience for your little furry friend. These treats are specially designed for growing pups, promoting healthy chewing habits and providing a satisfying distraction. The variety pack ensures your puppy gets to try different delicious flavors, keeping their taste buds excited.
What We Like:
- Made with all-natural ingredients, so no worries about artificial stuff.
- The long-lasting chew design keeps puppies busy and happy.
- They are highly digestible, which is great for sensitive puppy tummies.
- The variety pack offers three yummy flavors: roast beef, apple, and bacon.
- Perfect for puppy training, encouraging good chewing behavior.
- Proudly made in the USA.
- Ideal size for x-small puppies weighing up to 15 pounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- The count of 3 treats per pack might go quickly for some owners.
- The specific dimensions are provided, but a visual on a puppy would be helpful for size comparison.
These Nylabone chews are a fantastic option for puppy owners seeking natural, beneficial treats. They support healthy development and happy chewing for your new best friend.
5. 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 with Buddy Biscuits Trainers! This 10 oz. pouch is packed with soft and chewy training bites that dogs go wild for. The irresistible bacon flavor makes every training session a rewarding experience, helping you create a well-behaved pup.
What We Like:
- Dogs absolutely love the taste! The natural pork liver base and real bacon flavor make these treats highly palatable.
- You get a ton of treats in one bag – about 500! This means they last a long time.
- Each treat is super low in calories, only 1.5 per bite. This is great for frequent training without overfeeding.
- The ingredients are clean and simple. There’s no corn, soy, or artificial flavors, just good stuff for your dog.
- They are made with natural bacon, which adds that delicious smoky flavor dogs crave.
- The soft and chewy texture is easy for all dogs to eat, from puppies to seniors.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the pouch is convenient, some users might prefer a resealable bag to keep the treats fresher for longer.
- The bacon flavor, while popular, might not be suitable for dogs with specific protein sensitivities.
These Buddy Biscuits Trainers are a fantastic tool for positive reinforcement training. They offer a delicious and healthy way to reward your dog’s good behavior.
Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Your Puppy
The Ultimate Buying Guide
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time! You want to give your furry friend the best of everything, and that includes delicious and healthy treats. Treats are more than just a reward; they’re a vital part of training, bonding, and keeping your puppy happy. But with so many options available, how do you pick the right ones? This guide will help you navigate the world of puppy treats.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for puppy treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Size Appropriateness: Puppies have small mouths and delicate jaws. Treats should be bite-sized or easily breakable into small pieces. This prevents choking hazards and makes them easy for your puppy to chew.
- Nutritional Value: Look for treats that offer more than just empty calories. Good puppy treats contain essential nutrients that support growth and development.
- Digestibility: Puppies have sensitive tummies. Treats should be made with ingredients that are easy for them to digest to avoid upset stomachs.
- Dental Health Benefits: Some treats are designed to help clean your puppy’s teeth as they chew. This can be a great bonus for oral hygiene.
- Limited Ingredients: For puppies with potential allergies or sensitivities, treats with a short, simple ingredient list are often best.
2. Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients in your puppy’s treats are crucial for their health. Always check the ingredient list.
- High-Quality Protein Sources: Ingredients like chicken, turkey, lamb, or fish are excellent. They provide the building blocks for strong muscles and a healthy coat.
- Whole Grains and Vegetables: Brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, and peas can offer fiber and important vitamins.
- Avoid Artificial Additives: Steer clear of treats with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These offer no nutritional benefit and can sometimes cause reactions.
- Natural Sweeteners: If a treat is slightly sweet, look for natural options like fruit purees instead of added sugars.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors influence the quality of puppy treats.
- Factors That Improve Quality:
- USDA-Approved Ingredients: This ensures ingredients meet safety standards.
- Made in Reputable Countries: Treats manufactured in countries with strict food safety regulations are generally safer.
- Vet-Recommended Brands: Many vets can suggest brands known for their quality and safety.
- Positive Reviews: Other puppy owners’ experiences can be a good indicator of quality.
- Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy can be used as fillers. While not always bad, they offer less nutritional value than protein or whole grains.
- By-products: These are parts of animals that are not considered meat. While some by-products can be nutritious, it’s better to choose treats with whole meat sources.
- Excessive Fat Content: Puppies need healthy fats, but too much can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use treats and the experience you have with them is important.
- Training: Treats are your best friend when training your puppy. Use small, high-value treats (ones your puppy absolutely loves) for rewarding good behavior like potty training, sitting, or coming when called.
- Bonding: Sharing a special treat can strengthen your bond with your puppy. It’s a positive interaction that builds trust.
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys that dispense treats can keep your puppy entertained and mentally engaged, preventing boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Dental Care: If you choose dental treats, you’ll notice your puppy’s breath improving and potentially less plaque buildup over time.
- Convenience: Many treats are designed for easy portability, making them perfect for walks, car rides, or visits to the vet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Puppy Treats
Q: How many treats can I give my puppy each day?
A: It’s important not to overdo it. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Always check the feeding guidelines on the treat packaging and adjust based on your puppy’s age, size, and activity level. Too many treats can lead to an unbalanced diet and weight gain.
Q: What is the best type of treat for a very young puppy (under 3 months)?
A: For very young puppies, look for soft, easily digestible treats. Small training treats or even small pieces of cooked, unseasoned chicken or lean beef can be good options. Avoid hard treats that could be difficult to chew or pose a choking risk.
Q: Can I give my puppy adult dog treats?
A: It’s generally best to stick to puppy-specific treats. Puppy treats are formulated with the right balance of nutrients for growing dogs. Adult dog treats might not have the necessary vitamins and minerals your puppy needs to develop properly, and some ingredients might be too rich for their digestive system.
Q: What are some common ingredients to avoid in puppy treats?
A: You should avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, be cautious of excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if your puppy shows signs of sensitivity. High amounts of sugar or salt are also not good for puppies.
Q: My puppy seems to have an upset stomach after eating certain treats. What should I do?
A: Stop giving your puppy those treats immediately. You can try switching to treats with a limited number of simple ingredients, often called “limited ingredient diets.” If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian. They can help identify potential allergens or digestive issues.
Q: How can I use treats effectively for training?
A: Use small, high-value treats that your puppy finds very rewarding. Offer a treat immediately after your puppy performs the desired behavior, along with praise. Keep training sessions short and positive. Only use a few treats per training session to avoid overfeeding.
Q: Are grain-free puppy treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. While some puppies benefit from grain-free diets due to allergies, grains like brown rice or oats can be a good source of fiber and nutrients for many dogs. It depends on your individual puppy. If you’re unsure, talk to your vet.
Q: What is a “high-value” treat for a puppy?
A: A high-value treat is something your puppy absolutely loves and is highly motivated to work for. These are usually soft, very tasty, and often contain meat. They are great for training challenging behaviors or when you need your puppy’s full attention.
Q: Should I be concerned about the shelf life of puppy treats?
A: Yes, it’s wise to check the expiration date. Treats, especially natural ones, can lose their freshness and nutritional value over time. Store treats in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to help them stay fresh longer.
Q: Can puppy treats help with teething?
A: Some puppy-specific teething treats are designed to be chewed and can offer a soothing effect on sore gums. Look for treats that are soft enough not to damage delicate teeth but firm enough to provide some resistance. Always supervise your puppy when they are chewing any treat.
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!