Can puppies have dog treats?

Short answer? Yes. But there are many other details you’ll want to know. Like “What’s the healthiest for puppies?” And “When they can eat them?” (See more below).

If you recently brought a puppy home, congrats! Because this little being is about to brighten your world in the best way possible. And if you’ve had that little pup for some time now, you know that already.

But of course, with that excitement comes a little bit of curiosity. Perhaps even a bit of anxiety. Is your pup eating enough food? Getting enough nutrients? Are they eating something they shouldn’t? Whether you’re a new dog owner or a veteran pup parent, weaving through the ins and outs of what treats to give your bud can be difficult.

We’re here to help you discover the best treats for puppies. Keep reading to learn more!

So, Can Puppies Eat Dog Treats?

Again, short answer? Yes! 

Dog treats can be a vital addition to your pup’s life! We think treats are a must-have incentive for good behavior and other training. After all, treats like our delicious Beef Infused Sweet ‘Tater Fries are hard to resist. Break off a small piece and you’ll have your pup’s attention in a heartbeat.

When raising a puppy, you’ll soon understand the power of a good dog treat. It rewards positive behavior and encourages new skills. A good treat really does go a long way. So what makes a treat good? How do you find the perfect treat for your little pup?

What To Look For In Dog Treats For Puppies

Nutrition

Offering your pup a treat isn’t hard. But it does require some thought to give them healthy treats. The most vital question to ask when choosing a good treat for your puppy is how nutritious is it?

When most people hear the word treat, they think it must have sugar and artificial flavors. Nope! Dog treats don’t have to be empty calories. They should be foods that support and supplement their daily diet. Treats should ideally provide healthy fats and lean protein. And they should never contain harmful ingredients, although many do. (Start checking the labels, and brace yourself for an unpleasant surprise).

Blue Ridge Naturals dog treats contain good ingredients – no artificial flavors, no fillers. They’re tasty and nourishing and can help keep your puppy healthy while learning new skills and tricks.

We make our Alaskan Salmon Topper Treats and Salmon Jerky treats from salmon. Salmon is a rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Plus, they’re the perfect size for pups! This brings us to our next point…

Size

One big difference between dogs and pups is their size. A treat for a 10-year-old dog is bigger than a 10-week-old puppy’s treat. Opt for dog treats that are smaller in size. Topper treats work well here! With these treats, you’ll have more bite-sized trainer treats you can use more often throughout the day. Because we all know – pups need a lot of training in those first few weeks and months.

Treats that easily break into smaller, puppy-friendly sizes are great too!

Chew

Our precious pups have sharp, fierce teeth, no matter how sweet they are. But they’re still developing. So giving them hard treats might wreak havoc on their developing mouths. Dog biscuits for puppies and soft treats, in general, are great because they’re easier to consume and won’t slow your full-of-energy pup down! If your pup is just getting new teeth, or needs to chew, chewier jerky treats or frozen treats for teething puppies will fit the bill just right.

Blue Ridge Naturals’ Pork and Sweet Potato Jerky is real pork and sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory treat your pup will devour. They’re easy to break into smaller pieces, too!

When & How To Introduce Dog Treats To Your Pup

During the first few weeks of your puppy’s life, they’ll want all their nutrition from their mother’s milk or a milk replacement. Usually, it’s safe to introduce solid foods into your dog’s diet around 4 weeks. Before you start any change, it’s best to consult with your pup’s vet. When your pup has settled in nicely with solid food, you can introduce dog treats a few weeks later! Some puppy owners like to wait until about 8 weeks to give their puppy treats.

In addition to the timing, consider the type of treats you want your puppy to eat. To reward your pup well, you need to find a healthy treat that they’ll genuinely love. To accomplish this effectively, do a few “treat taste tests” with your puppy, to discover their preferences.

During these tests, take into account your pup’s responses, the treat’s texture, how easy (or difficult) it is to use as a training tool, and the type of nutrients it contains. By carefully considering these aspects, you can identify the perfect types of treats for your pup. So, stop wondering if puppies can eat dog treats and start looking for the best treats you can give them!

Overwhelmed? Need Recommendations?

One visit to your local pet store and you’ll notice just how many options there are out there. There’s too many treats, and dog food galore! Biscuits, cookies, crackers, jerky, toppers, rawhide – tasty treats, healthy treats, vegan, carnivore and more! Finding the best dog treats for puppies can be quite a tall order. How do you know which one is the best for your pup? What is the safest? What has the most nutrients?

The best dog treats for puppies are the ones their tastebuds (and their bodies) will love. Here at Blue Ridge Naturals, we’ve got some wonderful treats that you can introduce to your little canine! We carefully select and source every ingredient in our dog treats. We look for ingredients known for their nutrition and always source ingredients from trusted sources here in the U.S.

We’d love to share some suggestions on the best dog treats for puppies!

Peanut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Bones

We’re certain your pup will fall in love at first bite. These tasty sweet potato bones are coated with a generous layer of lip-smacking peanut butter. They’re snack-sized but can be broken into even smaller pieces

Chicken Coated Sweet Potato Stix

Want to add a meatier treat to your pup’s treat circulation? These sweet potato sticks are coated in real chicken. These yummy treats are made with wholesome, all-natural ingredients.

Be sure to check out our entire selection of lip-smacking good dog treats for puppies and adult dogs!

Can Puppies Eat Dog Treats? FAQs

What are the best treats for puppy training?

Most vets agree that small, soft treats are best for training puppies. They’re easy to eat and won’t distract your puppy for too long during training. Small dog treats that you can break into small enough pieces can work well too.

What treats are safe for puppies?

Safe treats for puppies are treats made for their age and soft treats that aren’t too big for them. Look for treats labeled for puppies or that say puppies can eat them. These are softer and easier for them to eat.

Why can’t puppies have some treats?

Some treats are too hard or big for puppies. Others might have ingredients that aren’t good for young dogs. Generally, it’s best to choose treats made for puppies. And your best bet is to follow the advice of your vet.

At what age can you give puppies training treats?

Most vets agree you can start giving puppies training treats at about 8 weeks old. Pick treats made for puppies (or recommended by your vet) and give them in small amounts.

Can a puppy have too many training treats?

Yes, too many treats can be bad. They can make a puppy full, spoil their main meals, and potentially lead to obesity over time. Generally, treats should be less than 10% of a puppy’s diet.