Every puppy deserves the best start in life, and that includes their treats. From the early stages of teething to learning basic commands, the right treats can make a world of difference in your pup’s development. Whether you’re training, rewarding, or just spoiling your furry friend, healthy puppy treats should provide both taste and essential nutrients to support their rapid growth.
But with so many options on the market—soft treats, crunchy biscuits, freeze-dried snacks—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you go grain-free? Are natural treats better? What about protein content? As a pet parent, you want to make sure every treat you give contributes to your puppy’s overall well-being, not just their cravings.
This guide will help you navigate the world of healthy puppy treats, breaking down what to look for, what to avoid, and the best options to fuel your pup’s energy and happiness. Let’s dive in!
Why Choosing the Right Puppy Treats Matters
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their growing bodies require high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins to develop strong muscles, bones, and a healthy immune system. That’s why picking the healthiest treats for dogs is crucial. Poor-quality treats filled with artificial additives, fillers, and unnecessary sugars can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, and even allergies, setting the stage for long-term health problems.
The best treats strike a balance between nutrition and palatability—something your puppy will love, but also something that fuels their development. Treats with real meat, limited ingredients, and essential nutrients support brain function, healthy digestion, and coat health, ensuring your puppy thrives.
Additionally, puppies are quick learners, and the right treats can make training sessions more effective. Using high-value, nutrient-dense treats during training not only reinforces good behavior but also helps your puppy associate learning with a positive experience. By choosing wisely, you’re setting up your pup for a healthy, happy future—one treat at a time!
What to Look for in Healthy Puppy Treats
Not all treats are created equal. Puppies need nutrient-dense snacks that fuel their rapid growth without unnecessary fillers. Here are key things to consider when selecting healthy puppy treats for your growing pup:
- High-Quality Protein
Puppies thrive on protein-rich diets. Look for treats that feature real meat like chicken, beef, or salmon as the primary ingredient. Protein supports muscle growth, energy levels, and overall development, ensuring your puppy stays active and strong. - No Artificial Ingredients
Avoid treats with artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. These additives offer no nutritional benefits and may cause digestive issues, hyperactivity, or allergic reactions in sensitive puppies. The fewer artificial ingredients, the better. - Limited Ingredients
Fewer ingredients usually mean a healthier treat. The healthiest treats for dogs contain whole-food ingredients without unnecessary fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which can trigger food sensitivities. - Essential Nutrients for Growth
Look for treats containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support brain development, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. Calcium and phosphorus are also essential for strong bones and teeth. - Soft and Easy to Chew
Puppies have developing teeth and gums, so treats that are too hard or crunchy can cause discomfort. Soft, freeze-dried, or chewy treats are ideal for young dogs. - Digestibility Matters
Since puppies have sensitive stomachs, opt for easily digestible treats made with high-quality ingredients that won’t cause bloating or gas.
By prioritizing whole-food, protein-rich treats like those from Remy’s Kitchen, you can ensure your puppy gets wholesome, nutrient-packed snacks that fuel their growth and training sessions without compromising their health.
Top 10 Healthy Dog Treats for Puppies
If you’re looking for top 10 healthy dog treats, here are some great options that provide both nutrition and taste while supporting your puppy’s growth and development:
- Freeze-Dried Meat Treats – Pure protein with no fillers, making them easy to digest and perfect for training.
- Soft Training Treats – Small, bite-sized, and irresistibly tasty, these treats keep your pup engaged in training sessions.
- Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes – A fiber-rich, naturally sweet snack that supports digestion and is gentle on sensitive stomachs.
- Salmon Treats – Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain development, skin health, and a shiny coat.
- Carrot Sticks – Low-calorie and excellent for teething puppies, as they help clean teeth and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Coconut Chips – A natural energy booster that contains healthy fats for improved metabolism and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Pumpkin Bites – Full of fiber and essential vitamins, these treats promote gut health and regulate digestion.
- Turkey Jerky – High in lean protein, making it a great alternative to processed meat treats.
- Blueberry Treats – Rich in antioxidants that help strengthen your puppy’s immune system.
- Egg-Based Treats – Contain essential amino acids that contribute to muscle growth and overall health.
By incorporating these treats into your puppy’s diet, you’re ensuring they get a nutrient-rich, natural snack that enhances their well-being. Remy’s Kitchen freeze-dried treats are a fantastic option, offering single-ingredient, protein-packed snacks that puppies love!
How to Use Treats for Training and Development
Treats are an essential tool when training a puppy. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Reward-Based Training
Use small, soft treats to reward good behavior. Puppies learn faster when positive reinforcement is involved. - Meal Toppers
Sprinkle healthy puppy treats over your pup’s kibble to add variety and encourage eating. - Mental Stimulation
Use treats in puzzle toys or treat-dispensing balls to keep your puppy engaged and prevent boredom. - Bonding and Socialization
Hand-feeding treats can build trust and create a stronger bond between you and your puppy.
Homemade Puppy Treats: Simple and Healthy Recipes
If you enjoy making your own pet treats, here’s a simple cat treats recipe that can also work for puppies!
Pumpkin & Chicken Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
- ½ cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Form small bite-sized treats and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until firm.
- Let cool before serving.
This recipe is a great example of limited ingredient treats that are easy to digest and packed with essential nutrients.
The Benefits of Freeze-Dried Puppy Treats
Freeze-dried treats are among the healthiest treats for dogs because they retain the full nutritional value of raw ingredients while being lightweight and easy to store.
Why Choose Freeze-Dried?
No Artificial Preservatives – Only real, natural ingredients.
Retains Nutrients – Unlike baked or heavily processed treats, freeze-drying locks in vitamins and minerals.
High Protein – Perfect for puppies that need protein for growth and energy.
If you’re looking for a clean, simple, and nutritious treat for your puppy, Remy’s Kitchen freeze-dried treats are a great option.
How Often Should You Give Treats?
Moderation is key when it comes to treats. Even the best healthy dog treats should only make up about 10% of your puppy’s daily caloric intake.
Ideal Treat Frequency:
- Training treats: 3-5 small treats per session.
- Daily rewards: 1-2 medium-sized treats.
- Meal toppers: A few crumbled freeze-dried treats added to kibble.
Avoid overfeeding, as too many treats can lead to weight gain and disrupt a balanced diet.
Why Choose Remy’s Kitchen for Healthy Puppy Treats?
When it comes to healthy puppy treats, Remy’s Kitchen delivers top-tier quality with pure, natural ingredients that support your pup’s growth. Here’s why pet parents trust them:
1. Single-Source Proteins
Each treat is made with just one high-quality ingredient, like chicken, salmon, or beef, ensuring a clean and protein-rich snack for your growing pup.
2. No Fillers or Additives
Remy’s Kitchen treats are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, grains, or unnecessary fillers that can cause digestive upset or allergies.
3. Perfect for Multi-Pet Households
Got a cat too? No problem! These nutrient-dense treats double as one ingredient cat treats, making snack time easier for pet parents with multiple animals.
4. Packed with Essential Nutrients
Each bite is loaded with protein, Omega fatty acids, and vitamins to support strong bones, muscle growth, and brain development in puppies.
5. Ideal for Training & Daily Rewards
Because they’re freeze-dried and easy to break apart, Remy’s Kitchen treats make training sessions more effective while keeping your puppy engaged and eager to learn.
By choosing Remy’s Kitchen, you’re giving your puppy the healthiest, most natural treats to fuel their happiness, energy, and well-being.
Conclusion: Give Your Puppy the Best Start
Finding the healthiest treats for dogs isn’t just about picking what looks good on the shelf—it’s about understanding ingredients, nutritional value, and how treats fit into your puppy’s overall diet.
Whether you opt for freeze-dried treats, homemade recipes, or high-quality store-bought options, always prioritize natural, whole-food ingredients. Your puppy deserves treats that contribute to their growth, training, and long-term well-being.
For a trustworthy, high-quality option, Remy’s Kitchen offers top 10 healthy dog treats that are delicious, nutritious, and perfect for growing pups.
