Bringing home a wiggly, bright-eyed puppy is equal parts joy and homework. One minute you’re melting over puppy breath, the next you’re Googling “can puppies have dog treats?” at 2 a.m. because the pet aisle looks like Willy Wonka’s factory. The short answer is yes—puppies can enjoy treats—but their developing digestive systems, razor-sharp teeth, and lightning-fast growth spurts demand a totally different set of rules than adult dogs. Get it right and you’ll turbo-charge training, protect tiny tummies, and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Get it wrong and you’re looking at diarrhea, choking hazards, or orthopedic problems that could haunt your pup forever.
Below, you’ll find the 2025 puppy-treat playbook: how to decode labels, which nutrients matter most, red-flag ingredients to exile, and the science behind safe textures and portion sizes. Consider this your cheat sheet for confidently navigating treat bags, subscription boxes, and artisanal pet bakeries—without needing a veterinary nutrition degree.
Top 10 Can Puppies Have Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats,Chicken, 3.74 oz (111150)
Overview: N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats are purpose-built chews that tackle the universal headache of needle-sharp puppy teeth. The 3.74-oz chicken-flavored sticks arrive pliable, so a youngster can gnaw without breaking fragile baby teeth or swallowing hard chunks.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike many teething bones that are essentially plastic, these are fully edible and digestible; they soften as they’re worked, turning chewing energy into safe ingestion instead of hazardous splinters. The ridged shape massages sore gums, and the chicken aroma keeps pups interested longer than plain nylon.
Value for Money: At roughly $1.33 per stick, you pay more than a raw carrot but far less than replacing a chewed shoe, making the price fair for targeted relief.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—soothes gums, no artificial junk, edible, sized for all breeds. Cons—aroma is pungent to human noses; lasting power is low with determined chewers; package holds only a handful.
Bottom Line: Keep a bag in the freezer and hand one out when razor-teeth strike; they won’t last forever, but your furniture will thank you.
2. Pupford Soft & Chewy Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies (Chicken, 5 oz)
Overview: Pupford’s Soft & Chewy Training Treats deliver a 5-oz pouch of pea-sized chicken morsels engineered for one job: lightning-fast reinforcement. Each piece is under two calories, letting handlers dish out dozens during a single session without turning the dog into a sausage.
What Makes It Stand Out: The texture is pillow-soft, so even eight-week-old puppies or toy breeds can gulp a reward instantly and refocus on the next cue—no crunching, no crumbs, no down-time. The smell is strong enough to trump park distractions yet not greasy enough to stain pockets.
Value for Money: Two cents per calorie is cheaper than string cheese and far less messy, making the $9.99 tag reasonable for serious training blocks.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—low-calorie, USA-made, uniform size, resealable pouch. Cons—chicken-only flavor can bore picky dogs; high moisture means mold risk if left in hot cars; pouch empties quickly in multi-dog homes.
Bottom Line: If you’re shaping behaviors daily, these are the pocket change of dog training—small, expendable, and absolutely essential.
3. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies, 475+ Two Ingredient Bites (Chicken, 4 oz)
Overview: Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats compress 475+ chicken bites into a feather-light 4-oz tub. The ingredient list is almost comically short—chicken breast, chicken liver—then nothing, delivering maximum scent with minimum ballast.
What Makes It Stand Out: Freeze-drying removes water but locks in aroma, so each 1.3-calorie nugget acts like canine catnip: dogs hear the tub rattle and snap to attention. The bits are dry and non-greasy, meaning no slime in bait bags, jackets, or car cup-holders.
Value for Money: Seventeen dollars feels steep until you realize one nudge of the tub dispenses a reward; used judiciously, the supply lasts months, dropping the per-session cost below a penny.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—hypoallergenic two-ingredient list, shelf-stable, crumb-free, ultra-high value. Cons—brittle cubes can powder if crushed in pockets; resealing lid must be snapped perfectly or moisture ruins the batch; price per pound rivals steak.
Bottom Line: For distractible adolescents, reactive walkers, or show-ring stacks, these airy morsels deliver steak-house motivation without the refrigeration headache.
4. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce
Overview: Milk-Bone Mini’s bring nostalgia in a 36-oz canister packed with thousands of teeny biscuits sporting three flavors—beef, chicken, bacon—so owners can rotate tastes without buying separate bags.
What Makes It Stand Out: The classic crunch doubles as a dental hack; the rigid texture scrapes tartar while the dog thinks she’s getting party food. At five calories a pop, you can sprinkle a handful into puzzle toys or reward a sequence of sits without dietary guilt.
Value for Money: Roughly 11 bucks for two-plus pounds translates to about three cents per biscuit—one of the cheapest reputable treats on the market.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—long shelf life, fortified with vitamins, resealable canister, widely available. Cons—contains wheat and some by-products—no-go for allergy dogs; crunch is loud, not ideal for quiet training moments; sizes vary slightly, occasionally too big for toy breeds.
Bottom Line: Think of it as the kibble of treats: not exciting enough for tough behaviors, but unbeatable for everyday “good dog” moments and tooth-cleaning crunch.
5. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken 4-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats market themselves as nursery food for puppies: tiny, tender squares starring real chicken plus a dash of DHA for brain development, all squeezed into a 4-oz puppy-sized bag.
What Makes It Stand Out: The soft, almost velvety bite dissolves quickly in baby mouths, eliminating choking risk while keeping training loops tight. The formula omits corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives—rare in a sub-$5 treat—so sensitive tummies usually stay calm.
Value for Money: Under five dollars positions this as an entry-level premium option; you sacrifice quantity for quality, but the bag stretches surprisingly far because each piece is pencil-eraser small.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—DHA boost, soft texture, clean ingredient panel, inexpensive trial point. Cons—limited flavors, high moisture necessitates quick use once opened, strong smell that some owners find “livery,” packaging not resealable.
Bottom Line: Perfect starter treat for new-puppy survival classes; stash a handful in a zip-bag and you’ll have moist, high-value paychecks ready when the little shark finally sits instead of mouthing your sleeve.
6. Wellness Puppy Treats, Natural, Training Treat, Grain Free, Soft Lamb & Salmon (3 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Wellness Puppy Treats deliver a grain-free, soft training reward engineered for growing pups. Each 3-ounce pouch contains mini chewy morsels flavored with lamb and salmon, fortified with DHA for brain development.
What Makes It Stand Out: The dual-protein formula (fresh lamb & salmon) combined with superfoods like blueberries and sweet potatoes offers antioxidant support rarely found in training treats. The ultra-soft texture is ideal for tender puppy teeth and rapid consumption during training.
Value for Money: At $26.61 per pound, these are premium-priced, but the targeted puppy nutrition and high-quality ingredients justify the cost for owners prioritizing developmental health.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include grain-free recipe, DHA enrichment, and irresistible soft texture. Cons: tiny 3-ounce bag empties fast during intensive training, and the strong fish scent may offend humans.
Bottom Line: A top-tier choice for health-conscious puppy parents willing to invest in nutrient-dense, training-perfect treats. Best reserved for high-value rewards rather than everyday snacking.
7. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Puppy Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats for Puppies, Oatmeal & Chicken Flavor, Mini Size, (20 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard’s mini crunchy biscuits offer a classic, oven-baked training treat in a generous 20-ounce bag. Oatmeal and chicken provide a comforting, puppy-friendly flavor profile with added vitamins for growth.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s 1926 heritage shows in time-tested recipes and a crunchy texture that helps clean teeth. The bulk 20-ounce size is economical, and the inclusion of apples and carrots adds natural sweetness puppies love.
Value for Money: At $4.38 per pound, this is one of the most affordable natural puppy treats available, especially given the large bag size.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include excellent price-per-treat, crunchy dental benefits, and long shelf life. Cons: biscuits can crumble if stepped on, and some picky pups prefer softer options.
Bottom Line: A wallet-friendly, wholesome staple for puppy owners who train frequently. Perfect for filling treat toys or rewarding calm behavior throughout the day.
8. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Ingredient | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free
Overview: Vital Essentials freeze-dried beef liver treats are a single-ingredient, protein powerhouse. The 2.1-ounce bag contains raw, butcher-cut liver that’s freeze-dried within 45 minutes of harvest to lock in nutrients.
What Makes It Stand Out: The minimalist approach—literally just beef liver—makes these ideal for allergy-prone dogs. The protein density is unmatched, supporting muscle growth, healthy skin, and shiny coats without any fillers.
Value for Money: At $45.64 per pound, these are the priciest option, but the nutrient concentration means you use fewer pieces per reward.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include ultra-high palatability, single-protein simplicity, and USA sourcing. Cons: crumbly texture can create powder at bag bottom, and the rich liver scent is potent.
Bottom Line: A must-have high-value reward for intensive training or finicky eaters. Use sparingly; a little goes a long way toward capturing any puppy’s attention.
9. Greenies Puppy Teenie Size Dental Dog Treats, 6 oz. Pack (22 Treats)
Overview: Greenies Teenie Puppy Dental Treats combine oral care with daily rewarding. Each 6-ounce pouch holds 22 chews formulated for puppies six months and up, featuring a softer texture and DHA for brain support.
What Makes It Stand Out: These are the only treats in the lineup that actively clean teeth and freshen breath while delivering complete nutrition. The unique chewy texture is clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
Value for Money: At $26.32 per pound, pricing aligns with premium training treats, but you’re also getting dental care, potentially saving on future vet cleanings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include dual-purpose dental + nutritional benefits, vet recommendation, and easy digestibility. Cons: not suitable for puppies under six months, and daily feeding can add up cost-wise.
Bottom Line: An excellent daily ritual for older puppies. Replace one regular treat with a Greenie to merge dental hygiene into your training routine.
10. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Soft Biscuits with DHA, Natural Dog Treats for Puppies, Great for Training, with Chicken & Carrots, 8-oz. Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Soft Biscuits present a tender, chicken-first training treat enriched with DHA. The 8-ounce bag delivers easily breakable squares ideal for reinforcing good behavior.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real chicken leads the ingredient list, followed by carrots for natural beta-carotene. The soft texture allows owners to halve biscuits for tiny mouths, stretching the bag further.
Value for Money: At $9.98 per pound, these sit in the sweet spot between affordability and quality—cheaper than grain-free gourmet options yet cleaner than grocery-store brands.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include soft breakability, DHA for cognition, and absence of corn, wheat, soy, or by-products. Cons: resealable strip can lose stickiness, risking staleness if not stored properly.
Bottom Line: A balanced everyday training treat for budget-minded owners who still demand premium nutrition. Perfectly sized for polite leash walking and house-training milestones.
Why Treat Choice Matters More for Puppies Than Adult Dogs
Puppies aren’t just miniature dogs; they’re metabolic powerhouses with immune systems that are still under construction. Every calorie needs to pull double duty—fueling growth while delivering functional nutrients. Empty-calorie biscuits that merely “taste good” can displace balanced meals, leading to skeletal abnormalities and lifelong picky eating. In short, treat quality during the first 12 months writes the blueprint for adult health.
Growth-Specific Nutritional Needs: Calories, Calcium & DHA
A ten-week-old Labrador gains 2–3 % of body weight daily; that’s like a human newborn tripling in three months. To support this explosion, treats should mirror puppy-food macros: 25–30 % high-biological-value protein, 8–12 % fat, and carefully balanced calcium:phosphorus (between 1.2:1 and 1.4:1). Bonus points for brain-building DHA from salmon or algae oil—studies show 0.1 % DHA improves trainability scores by up to 30 %.
The Critical Socialization Window: Treats as Training Fuel
Between 3 and 14 weeks, puppies form lifelong emotional templates. High-value, rapid-delivery treats paired with new stimuli create positive associations that reduce fear-based aggression later. The catch: portions must be pea-sized to avoid overfeeding during the 50–100 repetitions needed daily for robust socialization.
Texture & Size: Avoiding Choking Hazards and Broken Teeth
Deciduous teeth are razor-sharp but brittle. A treat that’s too hard (think antler or weight-bearing bone) can fracture molars, while anything spherical or smaller than the trachea can become an airway dart. Opt for semi-moist, bendable pieces that dissolve in under 30 seconds when submerged in water—an easy at-home safety test.
Digestibility: Why 90 % Should Be the Non-Negotiable Threshold
Look for the term “digestibility coefficient” on packaging or manufacturer websites. Values below 90 % mean undigested residue ferments in the colon, causing gas and loose stools. Single-source animal proteins and limited-ingredient formulas routinely score 93–96 %—a lifesaver for crate-training nights.
Allergen Awareness: Novel Proteins & Limited Ingredient Diets
Chicken, beef, and dairy top the puppy allergy hit list. Early exposure to diverse, low-inflammatory proteins (think turkey, goat, or insect meal) trains the immune system to tolerate rather than attack. Rotating treats every 4–6 weeks lowers the risk of adverse food reactions before adulthood.
Human-Grade vs. Feed-Grade: Decoding Marketing Terms
“Human-grade” means every ingredient and the manufacturing facility meet FDA standards for human food. “Feed-grade” permits condemned meats, moldy grains, and 4-D animals (dead, dying, disabled, diseased). Puppies with immature livers can’t detoxify these contaminants as efficiently as adult dogs, so human-grade sourcing is cheap insurance.
Preservative Paradox: Natural Antioxidants Over Synthetic Chemicals
Tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary extract, and mixed tocotrienols extend shelf life while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are legal but linked to precancerous lesions in rodent studies. If the expiry date stretches beyond 18 months, chances are the bag relies on the latter—steer clear.
Calorie Budgeting: The 10 % Rule & Training Schedules
Veterinary nutritionists universally recommend that treats supply ≤ 10 % of daily calories. For a 10-week-old Frenchie eating 600 kcal, that’s 60 kcal—roughly six chickpea-sized soft chews. Track intake in a phone note or spreadsheet; it’s shockingly easy to overshoot by 30 % when “just one more” happens twenty times a day.
Functional Add-Ins: Probiotics, Collagen & Omega Ratios
A 2024 Cornell study showed that puppies fed treats fortified with Bacillus coagulans had 40 % fewer antibiotic-responsive diarrhea episodes. Collagen peptides support cartilage integrity in large breeds, while an omega-6:omega-3 ratio below 5:1 reduces low-grade inflammation that fuels hip dysplasia.
Red-Flag Ingredients to Ban from Your Shopping Cart
Xylitol (even trace amounts), onion powder, propylene glycol, artificial colors (FD&C Red 40, Blue 2), and generic “meat and bone meal” have no place in puppy treats. Collectively they’re linked to hemolytic anemia, hypoglycemic seizures, and endocrine disruption—no nutritional upside, only risk.
Transitioning Treats: How & When to Switch to Adult Options
The switch isn’t calendar-based; it’s triggered by sexual maturity—usually 9–12 months for small breeds, 12–18 for large. Begin by swapping 25 % of puppy treats for adult versions with similar protein sources. Watch for soft stools or appetite regression; if none appear after seven days, complete the crossover.
Vet-Approved Homemade Options: Safety, Ratios & Storage
Boiled turkey breast, plain sweet potato, and finely diced blueberries can be combined into 1 cm cubes and frozen for up to three months. Aim for 60 % animal protein, 30 % low-glycemic produce, 10 % healthy fat (e.g., salmon oil). Use an instant-read thermometer to hit 165 °F internal temperature to kill Salmonella and Listeria.
Budget Versus Premium: Where Extra Dollars Actually Matter
Premium price tags earn their keep when they fund third-party testing for heavy metals, glyphosate, and microbial contamination. Mid-tier brands that share Certificates of Analysis (COAs) publicly can offer identical safety margins—skip the ultra-cheap bin ends that omit batch numbers or contact info.
Storage & Handling: Preventing Rancidity and Bacterial Growth
Heat, oxygen, and light oxidize fats, turning healthy salmon oil into inflammatory free radicals. Reseal bags tightly, squeeze out excess air, and store below 70 °F. For homemade goodies, vacuum-seal single-day portions and thaw in the fridge, not on the counter, to stop Clostridium multiplication.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age can puppies officially start eating treats?
Most veterinarians give the green light at 8 weeks, once puppies are fully weaned and eating solid kibble reliably.
2. How many treats are too many in a single training session?
Keep each piece pea-sized and limit total intake to no more than 10 % of daily calories, regardless of session length.
3. Are grain-free treats dangerous for puppies?
Only if they swap grains for high-legume fillers that can taurine-deplete. Look for grain-free formulas that add taurine and carnitine.
4. Can I use adult dog treats if I run out of puppy-specific ones temporarily?
Yes, but choose soft, low-calorie adult treats and cut them to half the size to protect baby teeth and calorie budgets.
5. What’s the safest way to introduce a new protein treat?
Offer a single piece, then monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or itchy skin for 48 hours before increasing quantity.
6. Do puppies need dental chews in addition to regular treats?
Only enzymatic, puppy-sized dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council; hard bones are unsafe before adult teeth erupt.
7. Are freeze-dried raw treats safe for immature immune systems?
Select brands that use high-pressure processing (HPP) to eliminate pathogens—standard freeze-drying alone doesn’t kill bacteria.
8. How should I adjust treat quantity after spay/neuter surgery?
Post-surgery metabolic drop is 20–30 %; cut treat allocation proportionally and switch to low-fat options to prevent weight gain.
9. Can treats help with teething pain?
Yes, semi-frozen chamomile-infused sweet-potato purée in a silicone mold provides soothing relief and doubles as a training reward.
10. What’s the shelf life of homemade puppy treats?
Refrigerated, no more than 3 days; frozen, up to 3 months. Label bags with preparation date to avoid guesswork.