The Best Puppy Treats
Every puppy loves treats, and every owner loves to see their puppy happy. Treats also go a long way in training young pups, so you want to make sure you're getting one that your dog craves but is still healthy. With the vast number of options for puppy treats, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's where we come in.
What To Look For
A good puppy treat should obviously be delectable. Tricks and commands are much easier to teach when your pet would do anything for that morsel. As with anything we feed our pets, especially young ones, treats should be healthy. Finally, you’ll want to consider your puppy’s age, stage of development (especially with teething), and size when choosing treats. One brand that fits the bill for all three categories is the ever-popular Greenies dental treats. They come in a variety of sizes and clean teeth as dogs happily munch on them. In terms of delicious yet nutritional treats, we have to give the prize to the Wellness natural puppy treats, which feature natural ingredients promoting healthy puppy development. Overall, we’ve found these treats to be both enticing yet healthy, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. No matter what kind of eater your dog is, they’re likely to love one of the treats below. Read on to discover the one you feel they’d love most.
Wellness Natural Puppy Treats
Nothing’s too good for your pup, of course, which is where these treats from Wellness come in. These delicious-tasting soft treats are formulated with two kinds of fresh meat, plus added vitamins and superfoods to help promote healthy development. Not only will your pup go crazy for the taste of these treats, but you can rest assured that they won’t be harmful to your beloved pet’s health. Crucially, they’re also bite-sized, which makes training that much easier.
Pros:
- These treats are formulated with lamb and salmon, as well as superfoods like sweet potatoes and blueberries. Your dog will get extra omega3 with the fatty acids from flaxseed.
- Because these are so small, they work great for training sessions. You’ll be able to give them treats without having to break them in half or worry about over-feeding.
Cons:
- Your dog’s stomach may not agree with these treats due to the natural smoke flavor.
Stewart Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Pamper your puppy
Watch your dog go nuts for Stewart’s freeze-dried treats, which are made with USDA-certified pork liver with no additives or preservatives. Because they’re only made with one ingredient, these treats are especially great for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. They’re also packed with protein and all kinds of nutrients, like folic acid, magnesium, B12, and more. And, they come in a resealable tube, so it’s super easy to train your pup.
Pros:
- Dogs with allergies or on limited-ingredient diets require special care for what they eat. Because these treats only have one main ingredient, stomach-sensitive dogs will likely have an easier time digesting them.
- The packaging is resealable, so these treats stay fresh longer. The more fresh your treats, the more willing your pet will be to follow commands.
Cons:
- Freeze-dried treats are notoriously fragile, so some may be broken apart on arrival.
N-Bone Puppy Teething Treats
Have a new pup that’s been chewing up everything in sight? It’s N-Bone’s teething treats to the rescue, then. Made with all-natural ingredients, these treats are specifically designed to help meet the chewing needs of teething puppies. Their texture is soft and pliable, so you never have to worry about these treats damaging your puppy’s delicate, developing teeth and gums.
Pros:
- These sticks are treated with calcium for healthy teeth. They also are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy brain and vision growth in puppies.
- Made with all-natural ingredients, you can be sure your dog won’t be ingesting harmful chemicals. These treats don’t include any artificial colors or preservatives.
Cons:
- These sticks may not last as long as other puppy treats.
Greenies Dental Dog Treats
Your puppy’s dental health is super important, so if you haven’t gotten Greenies dental treats yet, it’s time to do so. Safe and easy to digest, these healthy treats clean down to the gum line to fight tartar and plaque and help promote healthy, fresh-smelling breath. They come in several different sizes to suit your pup’s size, and they’re made with all-natural, vitamin-enriched ingredients. Plus, your dog will love the delightfully chewy texture.
Pros:
- Whether you have a tiny teacup pup or a mighty Newfie-sized dog, there’s a Greenie in their size. All of the sizes have the same health benefits and are made with the same formula.
- Greenies use a unique texture to clean the gum line. It removes plaque and tartar while also freshening up your dog’s breath (and we all know how bad that can get without treatment).
- These treats are made with natural ingredients. They’re chock full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Cons:
- These are slightly more expensive than other treats, however, we believe they are worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best treats for training?
If you’re using treats for training purposes, just make sure that they’re bite-sized so that you don’t have to break up a larger treat.
Will dog dental treats help with my pup’s dental health?
Regular brushing is key if you want to prevent plaque buildup in your pup’s teeth and gums. In addition to brushing, dental treats can be a vital part of your dog’s at-home dental care routine. These types of treats help reduce plaque and tartar and improve your dog’s breath.
Are grain-free dog treats healthier than regular dog treats?
First, it must be said: treats aren’t healthy, per se. And grain-free treats are usually packed with starches and have been linked to many health problems for dogs, like digestive disorders and obesity.
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