Top Picks for Pup Delights 2025: Mini Morsels of Happiness for Your Furry Companion
In the canine world, the perfect puppy treats are crucial for bonding, training, and keeping your furry friend happy. This guide will lead you through a variety of treats, tailored to different situations, with the expertise of Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to make a suitable choice for your pooch. Let's find the best puppy treats out there!
The Top Picks in 2025
Top Pick: All-Round Heroes
Packed with hearty lamb, vitamins, and essential nutrients, these grain-free, gluten-free treats are your puppy's ticket to a delicious yet healthy reward. With limited ingredients, they're free from common allergens and have high levels of DHA and EPA, supporting healthy brain development and vision function. They're packed with protein, have moderate fat, and a good dose of fiber from added flaxseed. With just two calories per treat, these guilt-free treats are a fantastic choice for a growing puppy.
Pros
- High levels of DHA and EPA for brain development and vision function
- Grain and gluten free with limited ingredients
- Guilt-free, low-calorie treats
Cons
- May be too firm for some puppies
Best for Training
Say hello to moist, tasty, and delectable treats - perfect for training sessions! Made from fresh lamb and salmon, these goodies provide the perfect blend of delightful flavors from land and sea. Packed with DHA, sweet potatoes, and blueberries, you can trust that these treats boost your pup's immune system. With natural, simple ingredients, no meat by-products, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, these treats are a top pick for dedicated dog trainers.
Pros
- Made with natural, simple ingredients
- Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruits and veggies
- Highly motivating for pups during training
Cons
- Commitment to quality may come at a higher price
Best for Teething
Recognized by the VOHC, these dual-chamber, all-natural, low-calorie chews work double duty as teeth cleaners and tasty treats. This chew can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your pup's dental hygiene in check. Made from potato starch, glycerin, and other natural ingredients, they're softer than adult dog equivalents—ideal for teething puppies. The addition of yeast extract and malt extract enriches this treat with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Calcium further supports your puppy's tooth development, while lupine helps to keep their tummy in top shape, minimizing upset stomachs.
Pros
- Low-calorie chews benefit teeth without causing weight gain
- Natural ingredients include yeast extract and malt extract for nutrition
- GMO- and grain-free, with 7% fiber content
Cons
- A bag only lasts two weeks, requiring frequent repurchases
Best Natural Treats
Looking for natural, wholesome, single-ingredient treats? Look no further! These nutrient-dense morsels come in flavors like human-grade beef liver, chicken breast, and chicken or venison liver. They're free from grains, gluten, corn, and soy, with no preservatives, artificial colors, or added flavors. Rich in protein and various minerals, they make a perfect training treat or meal topper. Available in different sizes, these treats are freeze-dried to preserve their natural goodness. Each resealable tub contains around 50 treats, making them an excellent value for money.
Pros
- Made with single, natural ingredients, offering endless choices
- Rich in protein and a wide range of minerals
- Suitable for various purposes, including training or as a meal topper
Cons
- Larger treats may require division for smaller puppies
Best for Small Puppies
As adorable as they may be, small pups need balanced nutrition, and our recommended treats fit the bill. These treats are suitable for little pups aged just two months and up, containing 50% protein and just 0.3 calories per treat. Pungent enough to catch your pup's attention, these treats are the ideal size for training and exercise without interruption, as they're small enough for pups to easily swallow without chewing. With a daily guide on the back of the pot, you can determine the perfect amount for your tiny companion. Caution: Not suitable for Dalmatians.
Pros
- Low-calorie, low-salt treats that come in airtight containers
- Extremely small size ideal for tiny puppies
- Odor isn't strong enough to linger or cause inconvenience
Cons
- May not be suitable for some breeds, like Dalmatians
Best for Calming
Stress hormones not in check? Consider these tasty and calming chewables for your puppy aged between eight weeks and one year. Combining Suntheanine (a natural stress-reliever found in green tea leaves) and Sensoril Ashwagandha with a delicious turkey flavor, these chews promote relaxation, balance mental health, and help your puppy respond better to external stimuli such as fireworks or separation anxiety.
Pros
- Specially formulated to reduce hyperactivity and improve responses to external stressors
- Contains clinically studied Suntheanine and Sensoril Ashwagandha for wellness
- Tasty turkey flavor that your puppy will love
Cons
- Contains flavorings and preservatives
Selection Criteria
Since excessive treats can lead to obesity, we focused on low-calorie treats suitable for different training and teething purposes. Moreover, we prioritized natural ingredients for your puppy's health, considering various breed sizes and specific requirements for small treats or calming effects.
As always, consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats to ensure they fit your puppy's specific nutritional needs.Happy training, and remember – puppy love isn’t just about hugs and kisses; it’s also about the perfect treat!
- In addition to canine treats, there are also options for feline friends, offering a variety of tasty cat treats suitable for training and rewarding good behavior.
- For those who share their home with both dogs and cats, multi-pet households can benefit from home-and-garden products, such as pet-safe plants and indoor kitten toys.
- To ensure proper pet care, it is essential to provide them with balanced nutrition, and understanding pet food labels can help pet owners make informed decisions about their pet's diet.
- Education and self-development resources can also be beneficial, providing information on the latest pet care trends, breed-specific needs, and personal growth opportunities such as becoming a certified animal trainer.
- Incorporating treats into a dog's lifestyle can contribute to positive behavior and bonding, making them an essential part of pet parenting.
- Learning about different pet breeds and their unique characteristics can help pet owners tailor their pet's care and lifestyle to meet their individual needs.
- Shopping for pet treats can be an enjoyable experience, with a wide selection of [brands] and [flavors] for both dogs and cats.
- During the training process, offering praise and rewards, such as training treats, can help reinforce positive behavior and create a stronger bond between pet and owner.
- Veterinary care is an essential aspect of pet ownership, ensuring your pet's health, longevity, and quality of life.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall pet wellness, and learning about proper portion sizes, balanced diets, and healthy meals can help pet owners make informed decisions for their pet's food and treats.
