Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a lot of questions — especially around food, training, and health. One of the most common things new dog parents ask is: “What kind of treats are safe and healthy for my puppy?” The right treats do more than satisfy your pup’s taste buds. They’re essential for early training, bonding, and even dental development. But not all treats are puppy-friendly — some are too hard, rich, or large for developing pups.

Can Puppies Have Treats? Yes — with caution. Puppies as young as 6–8 weeks can enjoy treats, but they should be soft, small, and made from high-quality, digestible ingredients. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods. A gradual introduction allows you to watch for signs of allergies or digestive issues, especially in the first few weeks at home.

What to Look For in Puppy Treats: Choose a soft texture that’s easy to chew, small size (pea-sized or less), simple ingredients like chicken or oats, low calorie, and grain-free or gentle for sensitive stomachs. Puppies are still developing their teeth and digestive systems, so easy-to-digest ingredients are key. Avoid anything with artificial colors, fillers, or preservatives — clean is best.

Best Types of Puppy Treats: Training treats are great for crate and behavior training. Teething chews soothe sore gums — just avoid hard options like rawhides. Single-ingredient treats such as freeze-dried liver or sweet potato are good for sensitive pups. Homemade treats with oats or banana are also safe — avoid salt, sugar, garlic, or onion. Keep variety in mind too. Mixing soft treats with occasional chews or fruits (like blueberries) can provide enrichment and fun.

How Many Treats Per Day? Use the 10% rule — no more than 10% of their daily calories should come from treats. Break pieces smaller for training rewards. Tiny rewards keep motivation high without adding unnecessary calories. Puppies love repetition, and many short training sessions with micro-rewards work better than one long session.

Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t give adult treats (too dense or large), don’t introduce too many new treats at once, and don’t overfeed — it can lead to stomach issues or reduce interest in regular food. Treats should enhance your training, not replace mealtime. Always read the label and avoid vague terms like "meat meal" or artificial flavors.

Smart Treat Habits: Use treats for bonding and training. Store them airtight. Always supervise treat time to prevent choking. Treats can also become part of daily routines, like rewarding calm behavior before bedtime or using them in enrichment toys like snuffle mats or puzzle balls.

Final Thoughts: The best puppy treats are soft, small, and made with care. Whether you're teaching sit, introducing a leash, or just bonding, great treats make learning rewarding. Establishing healthy habits early with clean, gentle treats sets the tone for your puppy’s long-term wellness. Sniff n Snack offers puppy-friendly treats with limited ingredients and gentle flavors — perfect for your growing companion. Visit sniffnsnack.com to start your journey right. 🐶