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Healthy treats play a key role in helping puppies grow strong and stay happy. Choosing options made with all-natural, limited ingredients ensures your puppy gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
In this article, I’ll share 7 of the best healthy dog treats for puppies that are both nutritious and safe, making them a great choice for your growing pup.
Table of Contents
What Makes A Good Puppy Treat?
When choosing treats for your puppy, it’s important to find options that support their growth and are safe to eat. Here are the key things to look for and avoid:
What To Look For:
- High-Quality Protein: Chicken, turkey, beef, or fish should be one of the first ingredients.
- Natural Ingredients: Look for treats with whole, recognizable ingredients.
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients reduce the risk of allergies or digestive issues.
- DHA: An essential Omega-3 fatty acid for healthy brain and vision development.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Help with brain development and a healthy coat.
- Small and Bite-Sized: Treats should be easy to chew and manage during training.
What To Avoid:
- Added Sugars: Avoid treats with corn syrup, fructose, or other added sugars, that can lead to obesity and diabetes.
- Artificial Ingredients: No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
- Meat By-Products: Stick to treats with real meat, not low-quality by-products.
- Fillers: Avoid treats that contain corn, wheat, or soy, which have little nutritional value and can cause allergies or digestive issues.
Treats can be a great way to complement a balanced diet. For more advice on what to feed your puppy, check out this guide from WebMD on the nutritional needs of puppies.
7 Best Healthy Dog Treats For Puppies
Now that you know what to look for, here are the top 7 treats that are safe, healthy, and perfect for your puppy. Each option is made with natural ingredients and designed with your puppy’s growth in mind.
1. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats
Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, these semi-moist treats contain DHA to support brain development and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Each low-calorie treat is perfectly sized for puppies and can be easily broken apart, making them ideal for training sessions.
Plus, they’re free from anything harmful, making them a nutritious choice for growing pups.
Details:
- Semi-Moist Training Treats.
- Made With Real Chicken (1st Ingredient).
- DHA to Support Brain Development.
- Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids to Promote Skin & Coat Health.
- Perfect Size for Puppies & Training.
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy.
- No Meat By-Products.
- Low-Calorie, Only 4 Calories Per Treat.
- Made in USA.
- Soft & chewy texture appeals to puppies & makes them easy to break apart.
- Perfect size for training & low in calories.
- Real chicken is the first ingredient.
- Healthy treats with added vitamins & minerals that puppies need.
- They are smelly for humans, but puppies love them.
- They are fairly large & need to be broken apart if using for training.
- Not all puppies enjoy the taste.
2. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Training Treats
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Training Treats are a popular option for puppies thanks to their soft, moist texture and tasty beef flavour.
With real beef as the first ingredient, these treats are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that support a puppy’s overall development.
DHA helps with brain health, while omega-3 & 6 fatty acids promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Their small size makes them ideal for training, and they can easily be broken into smaller pieces for convenience.
Details:
- Soft-Moist Training Treats.
- Real Beef is the 1st Ingredient.
- Made With Healthy, Wholesome Ingredients.
- DHA to Support Brain Health.
- Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids to Support Healthy Coat & Skin.
- Ideal Size for Training.
- No Meat By-Products.
- No Red Dye or Propylene Glycol.
- Made in USA.
- Smelly & tasty treats that puppies love.
- Made with real beef & wholesome ingredients.
- Soft & moist treats that can easily be broken apart.
- Cute heart-shaped treats.
- Supports puppies development with added vitamins & minerals.
- Inconsistent quality; some treats may be hard.
- May be a bit too big for training & need to be broken apart.
- Humans don't like the smell.
3. Wag Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Dog Treats
These freeze-dried chicken breast treats are a simple and nutritious option for puppies. Made from 100% real chicken with no fillers or additives, they provide pure protein in every bite.
The small pieces are ideal for training and can easily be broken apart if needed.
Many puppies love the taste, making them an excellent reward during training.
Freeze-dried in the USA, they’re a high-quality and safe choice for your pup.
Details:
- Single-Ingredient; 100% Real Chicken Breast.
- No Fillers or Additives.
- Ideal For Training or Rewards.
- High in Protein.
- Freeze-Dried in the USA.
- Bite-Sized Pieces Can Be Easily Broken Apart.
- All Life Stages.
- Contains only 1 ingredient, real chicken.
- Ideal size for training, but can also be broken apart.
- Great value & quality of treats.
- Dogs love the taste & smell.
- Inconsistent sizing of treats; some pieces are smaller than others.
- The bottom of the bag tends to be just crumbs & crushed treats.
4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Soft Training Treats
Soft and tender, Zuke’s Mini Naturals are made with all-natural ingredients, making them a healthy option for puppies.
Real beef as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein, and with only 2 calories per treat, they’re great for training.
Their small size and tasty aroma appeal to even picky pups, helping reinforce good behaviour.
With added vitamins and minerals to support growth, they offer both nutrition and flavour. Just be sure to store them properly, as they can harden over time.
Details:
- Soft & Tender Treats.
- All-Natural Ingredients.
- Real Beef is the 1st Ingredient.
- Low-Calorie; Only 2 Calories/Treat.
- Added Vitamins & Minerals.
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy.
- Crafted in the USA.
- Made with all-natural ingredients; does not contain anything bad.
- Soft & moist treats that puppies love.
- Smelly & tasty.
- Small size & low-calorie; ideal for training.
- Added vitamins & minerals for growing puppies.
- Treats tend to get hard & stale quickly.
- Not a limited ingredient treat.
5. Halo Plant-Based Dog Treats
Halo’s all-natural, plant-based biscuits provide a healthy alternative for puppies, especially those with sensitive stomachs.
Made with real ingredients like sweet potatoes and carrots, they’re rich in vitamin A and fiber, supporting overall health and digestion.
The crunchy, bone-shaped treats are great for training or as a reward.
While not every puppy may love the taste, the limited ingredients make them a safe option for dogs at all stages. However, they can be a bit tough to break apart.
Details:
- All-Natural & Vegan.
- Limited Ingredients.
- 100% Plant-Based Biscuits.
- Great Source of Vitamin A & Fiber.
- All Life Stages.
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy.
- Non-GMO.
- No Artificial Colours, Flavours, or Preservatives.
- Made in USA.
- Bone-shaped crunchy biscuits are ideal for training or rewards.
- Limited ingredients; ideal for pups with sensitive tummies.
- Made with real ingredients; sweet potatoes & carrots are rich in fiber & vitamins.
- Some pups are not a fan of the taste.
- May be a bit hard to break apart.
6. Bocce’s Bakery Jerky Stick Dog Treats
With only five all-natural ingredients, these soft jerky sticks provide a healthy treat option for puppies.
Made with real USA-sourced turkey, they are high in protein, which supports muscle development and overall growth.
The addition of sweet potatoes adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making these treats beneficial for digestion.
Their softer texture sets them apart from traditional jerky treats, making them easy to break apart for smaller bites.
While some may find the smell less appealing, many puppies love the turkey and sweet potato flavour.
Details:
- All-Natural Soft Jerky Sticks.
- Only 5 100% Real Ingredients.
- Wheat-Free.
- No Added Sugar or Salt.
- High in Protein.
- Real USA Sourced Turkey.
- All Life Stages.
- Limited ingredients that are all-natural & healthy.
- Turkey & sweet potato flavour that pups love.
- Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins & minerals.
- Turkey is high in protein.
- Great for pups with sensitive tummies.
- Easy to break apart.
- Inconsistent sizing; some broken pieces.
- Texture is soft, unlike other jerky treats.
- Humans don't like the smell.
7. Bocce’s Bakery Bac’N Nutty Treats
These crunchy biscuits are made with just four all-natural ingredients, making them a great choice for puppies with sensitivities.
The delicious combination of peanut butter and bacon flavour is sure to please, and their cute shape adds to their appeal.
While they are ideal for training or as rewards, the texture can be a bit hard to break apart, and some treats may arrive broken in the bag.
Overall, they offer a tasty and healthy option that many puppies enjoy.
Details:
- Oven-Baked Crunchy Biscuits.
- 100% All-Natural Ingredients.
- Just 4 Ingredients.
- Peanut Butter & Bacon Flavour.
- Wheat-Free.
- Baked in the USA.
- All Life Stages.
- Limited ingredient treat; ideal for dogs with sensitivities.
- Made with healthy & all-natural ingredients.
- Ideal size for training or rewards.
- Great flavour & smell.
- Cute shape.
- A bit too hard to break apart.
- Some treats are broken in the bag.
Tips For Feeding Treats To Puppies
Treats are a great way to reinforce good behaviour, but it’s important to use them wisely. Here are some tips for feeding treats to your puppy:
- Use Treats For Training: Treats should be used as rewards during training to encourage positive behaviour. For more helpful tips beyond treats, check out how to prepare for a new puppy to make the transition smoother.
- Watch Portion Sizes: Puppies have small stomachs, so stick to small bite-sized pieces to avoid overfeeding.
- Balance With Regular Food: Treats should only make up 5-10% of your puppy’s daily calories to ensure they get the nutrition they need from their regular food.
- High-Value Treats For Important Commands: Use your puppy’s favourite treats for critical training moments like recall.
- Vary The Treats: Switch between different healthy treats to keep training sessions engaging.
- Use Treats For Socialization: Offering treats when introducing your puppy to new environments, people, or other dogs can help create positive associations.
FAQs
Below are answers to common questions about puppy treats to help guide you in making the best choices for your puppy.
1. What Are The Best Training Treats For Puppies?
The best training treats are small, soft, and something your puppy really enjoys. High-quality protein treats, like freeze-dried liver or small pieces of cheese, work well for training sessions because they’re quick to eat and rewarding.
2. What Dog Treats Are Safe For Puppies?
Safe puppy treats should be small, bite-sized, and made from natural ingredients without harmful additives like artificial flavours or preservatives. Look for treats specifically formulated for puppies.
3. What Are Some Healthy Homemade Treats For My Puppy?
Healthy homemade treats for puppies include cooked sweet potatoes, small apple slices (without seeds), plain cooked chicken, or carrot sticks. These simple, natural options are easy to prepare and gentle on your puppy’s stomach.
4. What Treats Can I Give My Puppy Under 3 Months?
For puppies under 3 months, choose soft, bite-sized treats that are easy to chew. Good options include soft puppy-specific treats, small pieces of cooked chicken, or moist, chewy training treats made for young puppies. These are gentle on their developing teeth and easy to digest.
5. Are Treats Healthy For Puppies?
Treats are healthy for puppies when used in moderation and made from wholesome ingredients. Opt for treats that are high in protein and rich in DHA for healthy growth. Avoid those with fillers or artificial ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right healthy dog treats for puppies can make a big difference in their growth.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Choose treats with high-quality protein and natural ingredients.
- Look for treats with added nutrients like DHA and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avoid treats containing added sugars, artificial ingredients, and fillers.
- Use treats primarily for training and rewards.
- Keep portions small and limit treats to 5-10% of daily calorie intake.
- Choose from a variety of options, including soft training treats and crunchy biscuits.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be giving your puppy the best start possible with treats that are safe and beneficial.
Treats are just one tool for your puppy’s development and training. Is your puppy teething? Be sure to have a variety of teething toys on hand to keep them happy and comfortable.
Has your puppy tried any of the treats listed above? Or, do you have a go-to favourite for them? Let me know in the comments below!
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
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.