Healthy Treats for Puppies: The Best Snacks to Start Them Off Right

Published Date: 5/8/2025
Healthy Treats for Puppies: Start Them Off Right

Bringing a puppy home is one of life’s greatest joys—and setting them up with healthy habits early makes a big difference. One of the easiest ways to support your pup’s development is by choosing safe, nutritious treats that are gentle on their little tummies and teeth.

What Makes a Treat Puppy-Friendly?
Puppies have sensitive stomachs and developing teeth, so their treats should be soft, small, and easy to digest. Look for training treats specifically formulated for puppies or soft freeze-dried meats like chicken or beef liver. These are protein-rich, tasty, and gentle on young mouths—perfect for reinforcing early training or offering a little love between meals.

Healthy Ingredients to Look For
Keep it simple. Single-ingredient treats are often best for puppies, as they reduce the risk of digestive upset and make it easy to monitor their reactions. Try small pieces of:

• Cooked chicken or turkey

• Freeze-dried beef liver

• Banana slices or blueberries (in moderation)

These options offer natural nutrients without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives—things a young pup definitely doesn’t need.

Safety First: Treat Tips for Puppies
Avoid treats that are hard or crunchy, as they can damage growing teeth. Also, because puppies have small stomachs, treats should be given sparingly and shouldn’t replace balanced puppy meals. Stick to the 10% rule—treats should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s daily calorie intake. And when choosing store-bought snacks, pick USA-made or reputable brands to ensure high-quality, safe ingredients.

Takeaway
Puppyhood is the perfect time to build healthy habits. By offering soft, natural, and appropriately sized treats, you’re not only fueling their growth—you’re setting the foundation for a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.