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Best Puppy Treats

Britt
by Britt
Published:  January 19th, 2023
Artsiom P/Shutterstock

If you have recently brought a puppy into your home, it’s an exciting time! Especially if this is your first dog. One mistake that new pet owners make is to buy everything and anything that catches their attention, spending far more than needed to meet their new dog’s needs. This often results in piles of dog supplies sitting unused and going to waste. With treats specifically, you may purchase 5 different kinds only to find out later that 4 aren’t recommended for your dog due to the ingredients used, the brand’s recall history, or other factors.


If you relate to this, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!


In this guide to the best puppy treats, we have put together a list of our top recommended treats for a variety of different situations and considerations. This includes dental treats, single-ingredient treats for dogs with allergies, and treats to help motivate your dog positively during the training process. We’ve also shared some tips and tricks for your puppy training journey. Let’s get started…

Editor's Choice: Zuke’s Puppy Naturals Salmon & Chickpea Recipe

Check Price $8.99

These small, bite-sized treats are the perfect training treat for puppies of all sizes and breeds. They are a tender, meaty treat that holds up well when tossed in a pocket or training treat bag, allowing you to carry them with you throughout the day. Not only are these treats packed with quality nutrition, but they are also formulated to maximize absorption, ensuring your puppy fully enjoys the health benefits.

Pros

  • Contain DHA and EPA to support brain development
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals for a healthy reward
  • Only 3.5 calories per treat

Cons

  • Tender treats get very hard if left in an unsealed bag too long
  • Treats have a strong, fishy smell that can be unpleasant for some dog owners

Runner Up: Wellness CORE Brainiac Puppy Soft Training Dog Treats

Check Price $6.99

These treats from Wellness CORE allow you to offer positive reinforcement for training while also prioritizing their health and development. They contain DHA to support the key brain development that puppies experience at this young age. The treats themselves are a little larger than most puppy or training-focused treats. The treats are made in the USA, free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Pros

  • DHA to support brain development
  • Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin & coat
  • Only 6 calories per treat

Cons

  • Larger treats may need to be broken up for some dogs
  • Customers report treats crumble when being broken and in the bag

Best Training Treats for Puppies: Buddy Biscuits Training Bites for Dogs

Check Price $7.99

At only 1.5 calories per treat, these training treats are the perfect option for extended training. You can reward your pup as often as needed without feeling guilty about “spoiling their diet.” These treats are made with a pork liver base to create a treat that smells and tastes enticing – motivating your puppy during each training session.

Pros

  • Each pouch contains 500 training treats
  • Include salmon oil and coconut oil for healthy skin and coat
  • Only 1.5 calories per treat

Cons

  • Tender treats get very hard if left in an unsealed bag too long
  • Small treats may be too small for some larger breeds

Best High-Value Treats for Puppies: Crumps’ Naturals Mini Trainers Freeze Dried Beef Liver

Check Price $12.99

If you’re looking for a tempting treat to encourage even the most stubborn puppies during training, you may need a high-value treat like these freeze-dried beef liver treats from Crumps’ Naturals. Made with only 1 ingredient, 100% beef, they are a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Highly nutritious, these treats boost the immune system, improve digestion, decrease allergy issues, and promote skin and coat health.

Pros

  • Single-ingredient treat, 100% Canadian Beef
  • Handcrafted with all North American Ingredients
  • Only 0.17 calories per treat

Cons

  • Size is too large for many smaller dogs, requiring they be broken
  • Treats crumble, creating dust when breaking into smaller pieces

Best Dental Treats for Puppies: Get Naked Grain Free Puppy Dental Chew Sticks

Check Price $8.99

Do you have a puppy that enjoys chewing? These treats are a great option to satisfy their need to chew while simultaneously cleaning their teeth and gums. The shape of the chew sticks feature ridges that scrape away plaque and tartar. They are designed to support healthy joints, boost skin and coat health, and improve digestion. But keep in mind that the treats are high in calories and should only be offered as an occasional treat.

Pros

  • Includes DHA, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and calcium
  • Reduce plaque and tartar while chewing
  • Available in both small and large sizes

Cons

  • Treats are very high in calories
  • Some customers warn that the treats are too hard for some puppies

Best Treats for Teething Puppies: N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks

Check Price $6.12

Puppies can be heavy chewers, a problem that has cost many dog owners their favorite sneakers and furniture legs. If this is a struggle that you are currently faced with, N-Bone Puppy Teething Sticks could be the perfect solution. These 100% rawhide-free teething sticks are made to last, allowing your puppy to focus their urge to chew on something safe and positive. Each stick includes added DHA to the treats to help support healthy brain development.

Pros

  • 100% rawhide-free chew
  • Including DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Relieve pain and discomfort from teething

Cons

  • Could pose a choking risk if puppies bite pieces off
  • Some customers report sticks are too small for larger breeds

Best Calming Treat for Puppies: Zesty Paws Puppy Calming Soft Chews

Check Price $21.97

Dog owners that share their lives with a nervous or hyperactive puppy may find themselves searching for a solution. Luckily, there are treats formulated with natural ingredients that encourage calm and relaxation. This includes valerian route, L-tryptophan, organic chamomile, organic passionflower, magnesium citrate, and organic ginger root. In addition to everyday stress, this is a great natural solution for puppies afraid of car rides, firework displays, storms, and more.

Pros

  • Includes a clinically studied form of Ashwagandha
  • Tail-wagging turkey flavor that puppies enjoy
  • Veterinarian formulated

Cons

  • High price point
  • Not effective on a small percentage of dogs

Best Budget-Friendly Treat for Puppies: Fruitables Dog Treats Pumpkin & Banana Flavor

Check Price $6.99

Made with delicious natural ingredients and only 8 calories per treat, these pumpkin and banana flavor treats are sure to make your dog drool. The recipe includes pumpkin, banana, and cinnamon, all ingredients known to offer great nutritional benefits. They are packed with vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and potassium. The treats are small crunchy, baked bites that are suitable for puppies of all sizes.

Pros

  • Source of potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C
  • Produced in the United States
  • Only 8 calories per treat

Cons

  • Hard treats are very difficult to break into smaller pieces
  • Some customers report quality issues with treats varying considerably in size

Should You Give Puppies Treats?


When caring for a puppy, there are many health and safety points to consider. Worrying about your puppy’s treats is a very valid concern! The short answer is yes; treats are a great way to reward your puppy, encourage good behavior, and keep them focused on basic obedience training.


But not all treats are safe for your puppy in these early months of their development. Stick to softer treats that are easier to chew and won’t risk damaging their baby teeth.


You also need to pay attention to the size of the treats you are giving them, especially if you’re doing a lot of training. Smaller, bite-sized treats will allow you to keep rewarding your puppy throughout the day without overfeeding them. If your puppy’s favorite treats are larger treats made for adult dogs, you may be able to cut or break the treat into smaller pieces suitable for training.


Can I Give My Puppy Treats Every Day?


There is no rule saying you must limit how many days you give your puppy treats. But you should be mindful of the number of treats they are getting each day in terms of their recommended calorie intake. Too many treats may put your puppy at risk of obesity, which can introduce many serious health problems.


The rule of thumb is that your puppy’s treats should only make up 10% of their total daily calorie intake, with the rest coming from a high-quality, balanced diet. Of course, to determine this, you will need to know how many calories your puppy should eat each day. You can ask your veterinarian if you’re unsure what this number is. They will be happy to help you assess your puppy’s dietary needs and determine the right amount of food and treats with their best health in mind.

Can I Use Kibble as Treats for Training?


Yes! If you are concerned about the additional calories from a lot of training and the treats involved, using kibble can be a great solution. This is especially effective if your puppy is food-driven and goes crazy over each meal. Rather than just putting their food dish down, consider turning mealtime into a training opportunity. You can work on enforcing basic obedience skills, offer your puppy some much-needed mental enrichment, and stick to a healthy diet.


High-Value Treats Versus Low-Value Treats


Dog treats are often labelled as either “high-value” or “low-value,” but what exactly does this mean for your puppy? These labels refer to how valuable your puppy views the treats, and which will encourage them to go above and beyond during training.


Low-value treats are lower-calorie, bite-sized treats or pieces of kibble used to reward your puppy consistently throughout the day. They are treats your puppy likes and sees as a reward, but they aren’t the most exciting treats you have at your disposal. They are also the treats that are often used in treat toys and food puzzles to provide mental enrichment. Your puppy can have many of these without maxing out their daily calorie intake.


High-value treats are the treats your puppy views as the most valuable and exciting. For many puppies, these are freeze-dried treats or pieces of human food like small bites of cheese or chicken breast. Your puppy will do just about anything for these treats, making them the perfect choice for introducing brand-new cues and behaviors or working on behavior modification.

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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Sometimes, miracles can truly happen when you least expect it! And if a pet story can be considered a real life miracle, it’s the one about Toby, a family cat that - it would seem - lived a life of great adventure. In 2012, Toby, the now 14-year-old cat of the Allan family from Warwickshire, suddenly disappeared after the family moved to a new house. It was a heartbreaking event for the entire family, but their pet was nowhere to be found. After many attempts to locate their cat, they simply had to come to terms with the fact that old Toby was lost, and presumably dead. But this week, after 11 long years, Toby was returned to the Allan family by a local woman. The lady checked the cat’s microchip and was quick to get in touch with Coventry Cats Protection."I never thought in a million years I’d see him again," said owner Justine Allan. "Toby was collected and will no longer have to scavenge for food and sleep in a cold bin store," added the Coventry charity co-ordinator Wendy Harris.Toby suddenly went missing in a chilly December in 2012, after the Allan family moved from Galley Common in Nuneaton, to their new residence at Long Shoot."[My son Charlie] was about 12 when Toby went missing, and he was heartbroken when we realized he probably wasn’t coming back," said Mrs Allan for  Yahoo "The Long Shoot is a notoriously busy road, we just assumed the worst had happened and thought he had been run over.”But almost a decade later, just 5 miles away a local Bedworth lady got in touch with Cats Protection, believing that a stray cat she was feeding was pregnant. A volunteer with the charity went out to investigate, a microchip scanner in tow. "It turned out, not only did it have a chip, but that he was a neutered male named Toby, rather than female as originally believed," said Ms. Harris.Blazingly fast, the charity managed to trace the details of the Allan family on their database, and got in touch to share the splendid news – their missing feline friend was re-discovered!Initially in complete shock, after 11 years, the Allan family rejoiced and celebrated and quickly went out to pick up their long-lost pet. During those 11 years, the family welcomed another pet into their home, a King Charles Cavalier named Bernie. But even so, Toby fits right back into the family dynamic. As if he wasn’t missing for more than a decade!

How Do I Manage My Dog's Separation Anxiety When I'm At Work?

No one likes to be separated from their cherished pet for too long. But going to work is unavoidable for most of us, and, inevitably, our pets have to stay home alone. It might not seem like a big deal to you, knowing you’ll be back after a few hours, but it is definitely a big deal for your dog. In fact, most pet dogs are affected by this separation so much that they can experience anxiety and stress, ranging from mild discomfort to severe panic. Needless to say, this is traumatic for your pet (and can result in destroyed valuables, too) so it’s important to learn how to help them manage anxiety when you’re away. Here are some tips to help you navigate your pet’s separation anxiety while you’re at the office. 6 Ways To Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety When You’re At WorkGoing off to work and leaving their pet behind is a challenge for many pet owners around the world, especially those who live alone. When you're at the office, you need to make sure your pet is safe and taken care of until you come back. But even when you organize everything, your pet might feel stressed out on their own - even when it’s for a few hours, your dog won’t know why you left or even if you are coming back which can be a trigger for a panic attack for some canines. Some, especially  velcro dogs, get so nervous and stressed that they develop a separation anxiety disorder. But even so, there are many ways to help your pet cope when you're at work, regardless of the severity of their anxiety – here are 6 ways to reduce stress for your four-legged bestie.Create a Consistent Routine:Dogs thrive when they have a routine. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This helps them know what to expect and when. You can create their schedule around your work hours, so your pet will not find it odd that you are not there when they know what to expect before and after your shift (e.g. walk and mealtime).Gradual Departures and Arrivals:Don't make a big fuss when leaving or returning home. Keep your arrivals and departures low-key to reduce anxiety. This helps normalize the process. Make it seem like you just popped out for a few minutes. If you help your dog understand it is not a big deal, they might pick up on your relaxed energy and stay calm when you depart.Offer Interactive Toys: 

Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With so many great products on the market, you can find the ideal gift for your dog so they can participate in the opening of presents with everyone they love. Here are some tips to help you find something that your pooch will get excited over.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

How Do I Make a DIY Nail Board for My Dog?

Maintaining your dog’s nails is essential to their overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging if your dog is uncomfortable with the nail clippers and other standard tools. While you could pay to bring your dog to the veterinarian each time a trim is needed, there are other options.Our pup Lucifer is nervous anytime someone touches his paws as a result of injuries to his front legs as a young rescue pup. This means that nail trims are a source of extreme anxiety.While we continue working on counterconditioning and helping him overcome his fears, we knew we needed to find a solution for the here and now. Enter the DIY nail board – a simple, budget-friendly alternative to that dreaded nail trim. The board is an oversized nail file that you then train your dog to use at their own pace. It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond while keeping their nails in shape.Can I Use a Regular Nail File on My Dog’s Nails?While you could use a regular human nail file on your dog’s nails, it likely isn’t going to do the job. A dog’s nails are far stronger than our fingernails. Most emery boards and standard nail files will fail to make a dent in their surface, with many falling apart from the wear. If you want a nail file that can be used on your pet, I recommend purchasing a product specifically for dogs, like the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.What is a Scratch Board for Dogs?A scratch board is like a nail file; it provides a coarse surface that will help wear your dog’s nails down. The difference is that it is larger in size. Rather than bringing the file to a dog’s nails, the dog is trained to paw at the board and file their nails down. This means they are in complete control over when their nails touch the surface, which is much more comfortable for dogs that may suffer from stress or anxiety. It also means no one will need to handle their paws during nail care.Do Scratch Boards Work for Dog Nails?Yes! If your dog is taught to use a scratch board, they are a highly effective way of filing down their nails. This works much like how their ancestor’s nails would be worn down in the wild. As a dog runs and walks on rough surfaces or digs through coarse dirt, the tiny particles of dirt and stone wear away at the nail.Domesticated dogs may spend some time outdoors running around or digging, but many don’t engage in these behaviors as much as they would in the wild. They aren’t foraging for food daily or running to avoid predators and hunt down prey. This is why domestic dogs need regular nail maintenance, but wild dogs like wolves and coyotes function fine without this additional level of care.As your dog digs at or scratches the board, their nails run along the coarse surface. This allows you to fast-track the wear and tear they would naturally experience.Where Do I Get a Dog Scratch Board?You can purchase a nail board online or at your local pet store, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also DIY your own nail board. Some of the unique commercially made scratch boards you may want to consider for your dog include: Skuun Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: This is a veterinarian-approved board with an anti-slip surface and treat pocket. Zenly Paws Dog Nail File Toy: It combines a scratch pad with a food puzzle toy to make training your dog to file their nails easier and more enjoyable. LovIntry M-Shaped Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: The unique M-shaped design makes it easier to file the nails further back on your dog’s paws if they only file their front nails on a flat board.

Dog Helps Find Missing Child

Dogs can be heroes, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the story of a very special police K9 in Auburn, Massachusetts. When a 12-year-old went missing from their home and couldn’t be found for roughly two hours, Auburn police knew that they had to work quickly, and Biza the dog played an integral role in the child’s rescue.Child Found with the Help of a Police K9 Named BizaAccording to a Facebook post by Auburn MA Police Department, information about a missing child was received around 10:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024. The child had been missing since around 8:30 p.m., when they had left their home. No one knew where the child could be, and the frigid temperatures made everyone worry even more about their safety.Because the child had last been seen in the Pakachoag Hill area, Auburn police officers, Massachusetts State Police troopers, and detectives got to work looking for them. But it would be Biza, the K9 partner of Officer Ljunggren, who would really come through and help the search end successfully that night.Following the Scent to a Missing ChildBiza picked up the child’s scent and tracked it for more than two miles. The police were able to find signs that the missing child had been in the area, so they kept up the search until they were able to find them and bring them home to their family just a short while later.This is one example of many times that Biza has helped police in Auburn succeed since she joined them in 2022 from Germany. In addition to helping find missing people, she has also helped police track down suspects.  Thanks to Biza and her ability to track the right scent that night, a child was saved from the cold and made it home safe.Here’s a quick video about this story, showcasing a few photos of beautiful Biza:

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