Healthy Puppy Treats for Training and Rewards

 Introduction

Training your puppy is easier (and more fun) when you have the right rewards. But here’s the challenge: too many treats can lead to weight gain, while the wrong treats can upset your puppy’s stomach.

The good news? There are plenty of healthy puppy treats that keep your training sessions effective without compromising your pup’s health. In this guide, we’ll cover store-bought vs homemade options, safe fruits and veggies, and calorie control tips.

👉 Before you get started, check out our list of 10 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Puppy so you know which treats to avoid.

 Store-Bought Puppy Treats

 Choose treats labeled “puppy” — softer, smaller, and easier to chew.

 Look for natural ingredients (no artificial colors or preservatives).

 Popular options: training bites, dental sticks, freeze-dried meat.

Portion tip: Use pea-sized pieces to avoid overfeeding.

 Homemade Puppy Treats

 Great way to control ingredients.

 Easy recipes:

  Pumpkin & oat biscuits (fiber-rich, good for digestion).

  Frozen banana bites (perfect for teething relief).

  Boiled chicken cubes (high protein, lean).

 Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid tummy issues.

 

Safe Fruits and Vegetables for Puppies

Good options: Carrots, blueberries, apples (seedless), green beans, cucumbers.

Benefits: Low-calorie, vitamin-rich, crunchy for teething.

 Avoid grapes, raisins, onions (toxic).

👉 Need a refresher? See our guide on 10 Toxic Foods for Puppies before introducing fruits.

 How Many Treats Are Too Many?

 Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories.

 Example: If your puppy needs 500 calories/day, only 50 calories should come from treats.

 Break larger treats into smaller bits during training.

 Training Tips with Treats

 Reward immediately after the desired behavior.

 Keep treats varied (don’t let your puppy get bored).

 Slowly phase out treats with praise once your pup learns commands.

 Conclusion

Healthy puppy treats make training sessions effective while keeping your furry friend fit and happy. Stick to vet-approved store-bought options, simple homemade recipes, and safe fruits and veggies. Just remember — moderation is key!

👉 Next, check out Common Puppy Feeding Problems and How to Solve Them if your pup is picky, overeats, or has allergy issues.