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Getting a new puppy is an exciting time! Those big eyes, fuzzy fur, and clumsy paws are irresistible. But those cute puppies also need a lot of training to grow into happy, healthy adult dogs. Using treats during training is an effective way to reinforce good behaviors and commands. When your puppy does what you ask, reward it with something tasty! However, not all treats are suitable for puppy training. Here are some things to look for when picking the best training treats for your puppy.
Soft and Chewable
Puppies have baby teeth that are still developing, so hard, crunchy treats can damage their mouths. Look for soft, chewy treats made specifically for puppies. Soft treats are gentle on gums and teeth but still provide a tasty reward. Dental chews made for puppies are a good option too. Steer clear of anything rock hard that could break teeth. Stick to soft and chewy for safety and for encouraging gentle mouthing behaviors.
Meat-Based Instead of Veggies
Puppies need a lot of protein for growing, so meat-based treats are ideal. Liver is a nutritious choice to support development. You can also find soft training treats made with chicken, salmon, turkey, or duck. These meaty bites are much more exciting and delicious for a puppy than dull veggie treats. Avoid too many vegetables or grain treats since puppies need nutrients and fat more than carbs or fiber right now.
Small Bite-Sized Pieces
Treats meant for adult dogs may be too large and pose a choking risk for little puppy mouths. Seek out treats specifically sized for small or medium breed puppies. Tiny pieces allow you to give multiple treats during a short training session without overfeeding. Give your puppy lots of reward opportunities to encourage training success! The small size also prevents upsetting tiny puppy tummies with too much rich food at once.
Limited Ingredients
Young puppies can suffer tummy troubles when changing food or trying new items. Seek out training treats with limited ingredients to reduce the chances of diarrhea or allergies developing. Single protein treats like plain chicken or freeze-dried liver minimize ingredients. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, by-products, or fillers which are more likely to cause GI upset. Sticking to treats with fewer natural ingredients will be gentler on your puppy.
Low Calorie
It’s easy to overfeed treats, but puppies should get most of their calories from balanced puppy kibble. Find low calorie training treats so you can use plenty during training sessions without providing too much extra food. Look for treats with between 2-4 calories each, letting you use 5-10 treats per session without worries. Low calories also mean low fat – and too much fat can also upset puppy tummies. Moderate fat from protein is good though!
Made in USA
Unfortunately, many pet treats imported from other countries have had contamination issues in recent years. Federal regulations on ingredients and processing help make American-made treats safer and higher quality. Look for treats produced in the USA for better assurance of quality and safety for your pup. USA-sourced ingredients also mean you aren’t using treats filled with mystery ingredients from overseas.
With a great bag of soft, meaty, bite-sized, low calorie, USA-made training treats, you’ll be ready to start shaping all the right behaviors in your puppy! Be patient, go at your puppy’s pace, and always end sessions on a high note with a coveted treat. Keep training sessions short and reward your puppy frequently as you train. Consistency plus yummy treats will set you both up for success mastering commands, potty training, manners and more!
