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[UPDATED August 2021]
Got a puppy at home? You’re going to need a lot of treats! Treats are going to be your best tool when it comes to teaching your puppy new skills and manners.
Healthy treats are your best option to make sure your puppy grows into a healthy developed adult. Listed below are 7 of the best healthy dog treats for puppies that you’ll feel good about giving. All of the treats are safe, healthy, and do not contain any bad ingredients, but most importantly your pup will love them!
Table of Contents
Are Dog Treats Good For Puppies?
Treats for puppies are different than treats for adult dogs. Puppy treats are smaller in size and usually contain ingredients that are beneficial to their growing bodies. Puppies need more protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals than adult dogs do.
Therefore it is important to feed your puppy food and treats specifically designed for their growing bodies. Treats and food meant for adult dogs may not have the necessary balance of fats, nutrients and calories that puppies need.
Also, puppies have sensitive stomachs and can’t always handle certain ingredients found in many dog treats. Too many ingredients and switching foods can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. It is always best to stick to healthy treats with fewer ingredients.
Always choose treats that are appropriate for your puppy’s size. Certain adult dog treats can be too big or too hard, which can be unsafe for your puppy.
How Many Treats Are Too Many For A Puppy?
Puppies are cute and adorable, and you probably want to give in to all that cuteness by handing out treats like crazy!
Don’t get into that habit! Treats regardless of how healthy and small they are, add up in calories and fat!
Sure, chubby little fluff balls are cute, but soon your fluff ball will become an obese adult dog. Overtreating your puppy can lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes later on.
It is important to use treats in moderation and only for training and reward purposes. Puppies need a lot of training and therefore choosing healthy treats is even more important.
Treats should only make up 5-10% of your puppy’s daily calories, the other 90-95% should come from food that provides complete and balanced nutrition.
Feeding your puppy too many treats is not only unhealthy but eventually, the treats will lose their value as a training reward.
What To Look For In Healthy Dog Treats For Puppies
- Protein: Protein should be listed as the first ingredient. Great sources of protein include chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, pork or duck.
- Fatty Acids: Omega 3 fatty acids are especially important for puppies because it helps with their vision and brain development. Fish, fish meal and fish oil are great sources of Omega 3.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Puppies need a lot of nutrients, and providing treats that have added vitamins and minerals are perfect for their growing bodies. Treats with added calcium and phosphorous will help promote bone growth.
- DHA: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an Omega 3 fatty acid that is essential in the healthy development of your puppy’s brain, vision and central nervous system. Puppies get DHA from their mother’s milk, but after being weaned your puppy needs to be supplemented with DHA. Common sources of DHA include fish, eggs and organ meats.
- Small & Bite-Sized: Small bite-sized treats will allow you to keep your puppy’s training session moving along. Smaller treats also mean fewer calories which is helpful for your pup’s waistline especially when you will be needing a lot of treats for training.
- High-Value Treats: Sometimes you really need to get your puppy’s attention and to remain focused on you, like during training, as well as recall commands. High-value treats are treats that your puppy loves more than others. They’re usually smellier and tastier. Treats like liver, chicken or cheese are good examples of high-value treats.
What To Avoid When Choosing Treats For Your Puppy
- Added Sugar: Your puppy’s sweet enough! You don’t want to give treats that contain added sugar. Sugar can lead to diabetes and obesity later on. Corn syrup, glucose, sucrose, dextrose and fructose are all sugar.
- Artificial Ingredients: You shouldn’t have a hard time pronouncing or recognizing the ingredients in your puppy’s treats. If you can’t pronounce it, chances are it’s not good for your puppy. Artificial colours, flavours and chemical preservatives are often found in dog treats and should be avoided as they are not healthy.
- Corn, Wheat & Soy: All 3 of these ingredients are used as fillers and offer no nutritional value to your dog. Dogs are not designed to be able to digest these ingredients, and they could cause allergic reactions.
- Meat By-Products: Avoid these cheap ingredients because they add no nutritional value whatsoever, and your dog will have trouble digesting them. They are leftover remains of animals and are unfit for human consumption, so why would you even think of feeding it to your dog?
- Treats Made In China: Avoid buying treats that are made in China or any other country that has poor quality control.
7 Best Healthy Dog Treats For Puppies
All of the treats listed below are safe and healthy to give your puppy!
1. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits
[soft & moist training treats]
- Made and sourced in the USA.
- Soft and moist training treats.
- Protein-rich Chicken is the 1st ingredient.
- DHA to support a puppy’s cognitive development.
- Omega 3 and Omega 6.
- No By-products.
- No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.
- No corn, wheat or soy.
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Likes:
Blue Bits are soft and moist making them ideal for your puppy’s teeth. They are packed with protein, chicken is the first ingredient, and they have DHA Omega 3 fatty acid in the form of fish oil to support your puppy’s cognitive development.
Flaxseed is also an ingredient that is a great source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 to promote healthy skin and coat.
These tiny heart-shaped bites are not only healthy and nutritious but they are the perfect size for training and rewarding your puppy.
Your puppy will love the taste of these treats or you get your money back.
They are available in 4, 9 and 16-ounce resealable bags.
Dislikes:
These treats contain a small amount of cane sugar and salt. They are best to use in moderation.
2. PureBites Freeze Dried Beef Liver
[high-value, single-ingredient treat]
- Made and sourced in the USA.
- Single-ingredient training treat.
- 100% pure beef liver, freeze-dried.
- High in protein.
- Low in calories, 5 calories per treat on average.
- All-natural.
- No added preservatives.
Likes:
PureBites are exactly what their name implies, they are pure and natural made from one ingredient, 100% pure beef liver that is sourced and made in the USA.
These treats are high in protein which puppies need, and they are low in calories. They are crunchy, tasty and small in size. They are easy to break into smaller pieces as well.
Puppies and dogs love the smell and taste of beef liver, and these treats can certainly be classed as high-value treats.
Single-ingredient treats are great for puppies with sensitive stomachs, and these beef liver treats do not contain any preservatives. They are freeze-dried to preserve their nutrients.
Different sizes are available, and these tasty treats come in a resealable bag.
Dislikes:
These treats easily crumble, and you can be left with crumbs in the bag.
Beef liver is high in Vitamin A, and too much of these treats can cause Vitamin A toxicity. It is best to use these treats in moderation and also rotate your puppy’s treats to have a variety.
3. PureBites Freeze Dried Chicken Breast
[single-ingredient treat]
- Made and sourced in the USA.
- Single-ingredient training treat.
- 100% natural, pure chicken breast freeze-dried.
- High in protein.
- Low in calories, only 3 calories per treat on average.
- No preservatives.
Likes:
Only one ingredient is in these treats, 100% pure chicken breast that is sourced and made in the USA.
These treats are a great source of protein and are low in calories. Their size makes them great for training and reward purposes. They are crunchy and tasty and easily break apart if you need to make them smaller.
Single-ingredient treats are gentle on your puppy’s stomach and they are easy to digest. PureBites do not contain any preservatives, they are freeze-dried to lock in their nutrients and aroma.
Different sizes are available and these tasty treats come in a resealable bag.
Dislikes:
These treats crumble easily. Quite a few reviews mention that the top half of the bag is fine, but the bottom is all crumbs.
4. Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Training Treats
[low-calorie treat]
- Made and sourced in the USA.
- Soft and tender mini bites.
- Low calorie, less than 4 calories per treat.
- Healthy and natural.
- Made with high-quality proteins.
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals.
- No corn, wheat or soy.
- No artificial flavours or colours.
- No By-products.
- Available in Salmon, Pork or Lamb.
- Real meat is the first ingredient.
Likes:
These bite-sized treats are soft and tender and make the perfect training treat for your pup. At less than 4 calories per treat, you can feel good about handing these treats to your pup during your training sessions.
Choose from 3 different tasty flavours, each recipe is made with real meat as the first ingredient.
There are no bad ingredients in these treats, they are healthy and natural. They are enriched with vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your growing puppy.
Available in a 5-ounce resealable bag to preserve freshness.
Dislikes:
Salt is one of the ingredients listed in these treats, it is listed further down so it is a tiny amount.
Many of the reviews mention that the meat flavoured treats leave a smell on your hands.
They tend to dry out if they are not properly sealed in their bag or container.
5. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
[soft & chewy]
- Made in the USA.
- Soft and chewy.
- All-natural.
- Real Lamb and Salmon are the first ingredients.
- Natural source of DHA.
- Packed with protein, fruits and vegetables.
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Contains Omega-rich flaxseed.
- No corn, wheat or soy.
- No artificial flavours or colours.
- No meat By-products.
- Great taste guaranteed.
Likes:
Wellness soft puppy bites are all-natural and do not contain any bad ingredients. They are packed with protein, fruits and vegetables. Lamb and Salmon are the first ingredients.
Salmon is a natural source of DHA which is essential to your puppy’s healthy development.
These treats contain blueberries and sweet potatoes which are rich in vitamins and minerals, they are superfoods and rich in antioxidants.
Omega-rich flaxseed helps your puppy to have healthy skin and coat.
These Wellness bites are soft and chewy making them ideal for your puppy’s teeth. They are great for training and can be broken into smaller pieces if you wish or you can use them for rewarding your puppy.
If for some reason your puppy doesn’t love the taste of these treats you get your money back. That is the great taste guarantee.
Dislikes:
Salt is listed further down on the ingredient list.
Some reviews mention that these treats are a bit big especially if using them for training.
6. Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Chews
[single-ingredient, rich in fibre]
- Made and sourced in the USA.
- Single-ingredient treat, farm-fresh sweet potato.
- 100% all-natural.
- Rich in nutrients and fibre.
- Chewy texture.
- No additives or preservatives.
- Grain and gluten-free.
- Safe for sensitive stomachs.
Likes:
Sometimes your puppy needs to have a chewy treat, and these sweet potato chews have a chewy texture that your pup will love. They are soft enough to be gentle on your puppy’s teeth.
These treats are 100% all-natural and made with only 1 ingredient, farm-fresh sweet potatoes that are sourced directly from U.S. farmers. They are dehydrated to preserve their nutrients.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. They promote healthy skin, coat, eyes, and muscles. They are a tasty and healthy treat for your growing puppy.
Single-ingredient treats are great for puppies with sensitive stomachs, and puppies with allergies. These treats are easy to digest.
These treats are low in calories and fat, so you can feel good about giving them to your puppy.
Dislikes:
These sweet potato chews vary in size and texture. Some pieces will be larger and some smaller, and some could be chewier while others are a bit crunchier.
They are a bit pricey.
7. Old Mother Hubbard Classic Crunchy Natural Biscuits
[oven-baked & crunchy]
- Made in North America.
- Trusted for over 90 years.
- All-natural.
- No artificial preservatives.
- Mini bone-shaped biscuits.
- Made with peanut butter, apples, carrots, and oats.
- Great for training or treating.
- Satisfaction guaranteed.
Likes:
These treats are tasty and contain wholesome ingredients such as peanut butter, oats, apples and carrots.
They are crunchy mini bone-shaped treats that are great to give your puppy as an everyday treat. Puppies love the taste of peanut butter, and these treats satisfy.
They are a great price for the number of treats that you get in the bag.
They are mini biscuits that are a great size for puppies. These treats are oven-baked to preserve their flavours and to give them the crunchiness that dogs love.
Dislikes:
One treat has 10 calories, not the lowest calorie treat, so it is best to give in moderation.
These treats are not wheat-free, they contain whole wheat flour and wheat bran.
Chicken fat is listed as one of the ingredients. If your puppy has sensitivities to chicken, it is best to avoid these treats.
Other Non-Commercial Healthy Treats For Your Puppy
Not all treats have to be commercially prepared and store-bought. Sometimes the best and healthiest treats are the ones you may already have at home. Some great treats to reward your puppy with are:
- strawberries
- watermelon
- blueberries
- raspberries
- blackberries
- bananas
- apple slices
- carrots
- broccoli
- cucumber
Just remember to treat in moderation, and also be careful when giving carrots. A whole carrot might be too hard on their puppy teeth. Fruit is good to give in moderation as well, even though it is natural sugar, it still adds up.
Final Thoughts
The best healthy dog treats for puppies are ones that contain limited ingredients, are small in size and are made from all-natural ingredients that you can actually pronounce.
The treats that I have listed above are all great healthy choices to use for training or rewarding your puppy. I’m sure your puppy will let you know which treats he or she prefers the most!
Besides treats, your puppy will also need some appropriate chew toys during that teething phase! Check out my article on the best teething toys for puppies.
Does your puppy have a favourite healthy treat? What treats do you use to train your puppy?
Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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I like to make my own dog treats from oatmeal, chicken and pumpkin but I don’t always have time so I’m always looking for healthy treats to buy for my dogs and puppies. I like the freeze-dried chicken and the sweet potato treats, as they are simple and the ingredients are plain. I’ll give them a try.
I hear what you’re saying about giving too many treats and I have often found that to be a problem with the children and neighbours. I have solved that problem by telling them that the treats are like candy to a dog and they have to be given sparingly so Doggy doesn’t get a belly ache. That analogy seems to work well.
Hi Cynthia,
It’s a great idea to make your own treats, that way you know exactly what you are feeding your puppy. It is time-consuming, and sometimes store-bought treats are more convenient.
The single-ingredient treats are great, especially if you have a puppy or dog with a sensitive stomach or food allergies.
I know what you mean about other people giving your dog too many treats. It’s okay if they ask, and you can then say yes or no, but some people just give a treat without asking. My Golden Retriever has allergies, and therefore I do not allow other people to give her treats. Saying your dog has allergies works well too.
Jenny.
Thank you for sharing about what healthy dog treats are about. I enjoyed reading the article. Your article is fair because it gives both the positive and negative sides of the products. It is also of value to me because I intend to get back to raising dogs again as I have an empty nest!
Hi Senanelo,
Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you enjoyed this article on healthy treats. I am sure it will come in handy for you when you bring home a new puppy in the future.
Jenny.
Greetings Jenny! You really organize your site well! The information and value are very thorough. Healthy dog treats for puppies is an important topic around our home also. We rescued a pit/whippet puppy who was so adorable..and we have put in a lot of work to train her. We introduced her to our two cats..and they would not leave our daughters room for what seemed like ..almost two months… she was so and still is at times…ruff!
Cats are so delicate…and she just is not. We took her to obedient school and taught her through the use of a clicker and treats…Wow…I have to tell you… the combination of using treats, clicker, and the right commands…she really is so much better… They all eat together now…get along mostly… but another cool thing is that we used treats to bring them together. Every day, and still to this day.. they are all fed twice a day..and after they have all eaten… they get pretty close together and enjoy treats.
We use healthy treats… and I did not see them here..but greenies I think they are called? What are your thoughts about them? Well..that is our experience with treats…and they work..you have a lot to choose from..and we are going to bookmark your site and order some. Thank you for caring and sharing.
Hi Patrick,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and kind words.
I am happy to hear that you have had great success with using treats as one of your tools for training. Treats really are a powerful tool when used properly (not overtreating), and using healthy treats.
You mentioned that you give your pets Greenies, well here are my thoughts on these treats:
I am not a fan of Greenies because they contain a lot of ingredients. They are not wheat or gluten-free, which causes a lot of problems for dogs with allergies.
They do claim that they contain natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals, however, I would much rather have my dog chew on a single ingredient treat that helps clean teeth and improve oral health. Great examples of dental chews with only one ingredient are fish skin rolls, dehydrated duck feet, or raw bones (not chicken).
One of the ingredients listed in Greenies is glycerine. Glycerine offers no nutritional value to your dog whatsoever, it is used to make the treat chewy. Again, I simply prefer to feed dental chews with only one ingredient.
The opinion on Greenies is my own, and for my dog’s dental health I offer single-ingredient dental chews, and I would much rather use all-natural methods for brushing my dog’s teeth such as 100% pure coconut oil.
I hope my thoughts on Greenies have not deferred you from using them. They are very popular, and if you are happy with them and your pets enjoy them then that is great.
I want to thank you again for taking the time to comment, and if you have any questions please ask.
Take care,
Jenny.