Top 10 Healthy Treats for Training Puppies
Training a puppy is both rewarding and challenging. Whether you're teaching your pup to sit, stay, or walk nicely on a leash, one thing is certain: treats are your best ally. But not all treats are created equal—especially when it comes to a growing puppy.
As a dog trainer and lifelong dog owner based in the U.S., I’ve tested dozens of treats while raising my own pups and working with clients. This article will walk you through the top 10 healthy treats for training puppies that are not only effective but also safe, nutritious, and loved by dogs.
What Makes a Good Training Treat for Puppies?
Before we dive into the list, let’s look at the qualities you want in a training treat:
1. Small and Bite-Sized
You’ll be giving lots of treats during training. Small, soft pieces let you reward often without overfeeding.
2. Low in Calories
Puppies need to maintain a healthy weight. Look for treats under 3–5 calories each.
3. Easy to Chew
Puppies are still learning to chew properly. Soft treats reduce choking hazards and keep the training flow smooth.
4. High in Protein
Protein supports muscle development and keeps your puppy focused.
5. Smelly (in a good way)
Strong-smelling treats get your puppy’s attention fast.
Top 10 Healthy Treats for Training Puppies
These treats are vetted by dog parents, trainers, and vets across the U.S. They’re available online or at most pet retailers—and yes, I've personally tested them with real puppies!
1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Puppy Treats
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Calories: ~3 per treat
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Protein Source: Chicken, salmon, or peanut butter
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Why It Works:
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Soft, small, and chewy
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No corn, wheat, or soy
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Made in the USA
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My Experience:
These were a game changer when training my 9-week-old lab. The size was perfect for rapid rewards and they didn’t upset his tummy.
2. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
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Calories: ~4 per treat
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Protein Source: Lamb & salmon
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Why It Works:
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Grain-free and easy to digest
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Added DHA for brain development
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Made specifically for puppies
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Trainer Tip:
Cut each treat into 2–3 smaller pieces to stretch your training sessions.
3. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits
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Calories: ~4.5 per treat
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Protein Source: Chicken or beef
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Why It Works:
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Moist and meaty
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Fortified with vitamins and DHA
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No artificial preservatives
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My Take:
Puppies go nuts for these. The resealable bag is super convenient for on-the-go training.
4. Bil-Jac Little Jacs Training Treats
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Calories: ~3 per treat
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Protein Source: Chicken liver
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Why It Works:
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Super smelly = super motivating
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Soft enough for tiny mouths
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Pro Tip:
Use these for high-distraction environments (dog parks, busy streets). They're like puppy crack.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Soft Savories
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Calories: ~3 per treat
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Protein Source: Chicken or beef
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Why It Works:
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Vet-recommended
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Supports healthy growth
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No artificial colors or flavors
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Real World Use:
My beagle mix was picky until these. They’re perfect for sensitive stomachs.
6. Merrick Power Bites Puppy Recipe
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Calories: ~5 per treat
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Protein Source: Real deboned chicken
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Why It Works:
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Grain-free
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Added DHA and Omega-3s
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Good for skin, coat, and brain
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Note:
Slightly larger than others, but easy to break in half.
7. Fruitables Skinny Minis
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Calories: ~3 per treat
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Protein Source: Turkey or chicken
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Why It Works:
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Includes real fruits and vegetables
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Smells like a bakery
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Great for weight-conscious pups
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Bonus:
USA-made and rich in antioxidants.
8. Natural Balance Mini Rewards
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Calories: ~2 per treat
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Protein Source: Chicken, duck, or salmon
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Why It Works:
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One of the lowest-calorie options
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Simple, limited ingredients
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Great for food-sensitive dogs
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Vet-Approved:
Perfect for training multiple times a day without guilt.
9. Homemade Boiled Chicken or Turkey
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Calories: Varies (~5–10 per small piece)
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Why It Works:
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No preservatives or fillers
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Super healthy and clean
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My Routine:
I cook and cube boneless chicken breast once a week, store it in the fridge, and use it for recall training.
10. Cheddar Cheese (in Moderation)
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Calories: ~5–7 per small cube
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Why It Works:
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High reward value
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Great for stubborn learners
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Warning:
Some puppies are lactose intolerant. Use sparingly and test tolerance first.
Treats to Avoid for Puppies
Even if a product looks appealing, it may not be puppy-friendly.
Avoid:
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Jerky or hard biscuits (can damage puppy teeth)
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Rawhide chews (choking hazard)
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Treats with artificial dyes or sugar
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Human food like bacon, deli meats, or seasoned meat
How to Use Treats Effectively During Training
1. Timing Is Everything
Reward immediately after the desired behavior so your puppy makes the connection.
2. Use Treats Strategically
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Use high-value treats for difficult tasks
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Save lower-value ones for easy reinforcement
3. Gradually Reduce Treats
Once a behavior is reliable, switch to praise or toys to avoid treat-dependence.
4. Keep Treats Hidden
Don’t let your pup see the treat before the behavior. Make them earn it.
Real-Life Puppy Training Story
When I adopted my border collie pup, Luna, she was smart but easily distracted. During our leash training sessions, she'd stop at every smell. I started using Zuke’s Mini Naturals with high enthusiasm. Within two days, she was trotting next to me, eyes up, waiting for her reward.
The secret? Finding the right treat that she loved and that I could give frequently without overfeeding.
Healthy Puppy Treat Buying Tips (U.S. Shoppers)
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Check ingredient labels: Real meat should be the first ingredient.
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Buy U.S.-made treats: Better quality control and fewer recalls.
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Look for “puppy-specific” products: These often include DHA and smaller bites.
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Avoid “meat by-products” and “animal digest.”
Feeding Guidelines
Training treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. Here’s a quick guide:
| Puppy Weight | Max Treat Calories per Day |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | ~30 calories |
| 10 lbs | ~60 calories |
| 20 lbs | ~100 calories |
Final Thoughts
Healthy treats can make or break your training success. The right treat keeps your puppy engaged, motivated, and learning faster. But more importantly, healthy treats support long-term wellness—physically and behaviorally.
Don’t settle for junk food just because it’s cheap or convenient. With the options listed above, you can train smarter, feed better, and raise a well-behaved pup.
Your puppy deserves it. And honestly, so do you.
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