Training your puppy is an essential part of raising a well-behaved and happy dog. But how do you motivate your pup to learn new skills and follow your commands? The answer is simple: treats!
Treats are a powerful tool to reinforce positive behavior and reward your puppy for doing what you want. They can also help you bond with your pup and make training sessions more fun and enjoyable.
But not all treats are created equal. Some treats may be too big, too hard, too unhealthy, or too boring for your puppy. You want to choose treats that are small, soft, nutritious, and tasty for your pup. You also want to vary the treats you use to keep your puppy interested and excited.
To help you find the best treats for training your puppy, we have compiled a list of 10 specific treats that are excellent for this purpose. These treats are recommended by experts, vets, trainers, and dog owners who have tried them with their own pups. They are also widely available online or in pet stores.
Here are the 10 best puppy treats for training:
1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals
Zuke’s Mini Naturals are one of the most popular treats for training puppies. They are small, soft, moist, and delicious. They come in various flavors, such as chicken, peanut butter, salmon, rabbit, and duck. They are made with natural ingredients and contain no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or colors. They are also low in calories (only 3 per treat) and rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals are perfect for training because they are easy to break into smaller pieces and fit in your hand or pocket. They are also easy to digest and gentle on your puppy’s stomach. Your pup will love the taste and texture of these treats and will eagerly follow your cues to get more.
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2. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are another great option for training your puppy. They are specially formulated for puppies under 1 year old and contain natural ingredients that support their growth and development. They are soft, chewy, grain-free, and gluten-free. They come in two flavors: lamb & salmon and turkey & salmon.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are ideal for training because they are small enough to give as rewards without filling up your pup too quickly. They are also highly palatable and appealing to your pup’s senses. They smell good, taste good, and feel good in your pup’s mouth. Your pup will do anything to get these yummy treats.
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3. Blue Buffalo Bits
Blue Buffalo Bits are another high-quality treat for training your puppy. They are made with real meat as the first ingredient and contain wholesome fruits and veggies, such as blueberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes. They are free of chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. They also contain DHA to support your pup’s cognitive development.
Blue Buffalo Bits are perfect for training because they are soft, moist, and easy to chew. They come in various flavors, such as chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, bacon, and cheese. They are also small enough to give as frequent rewards without overfeeding your pup. Your pup will love the flavor variety and the meaty texture of these treats.
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4. Pet Botanics Training Rewards
Pet Botanics Training Rewards are another excellent treat for training your puppy. They are made with real pork liver as the first ingredient and contain botanical ingredients that enhance their flavor and aroma. They are low in calories (only 1.5 per treat) and fat (only 4%) and contain no corn, soy, BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
Pet Botanics Training Rewards are ideal for training because they are small (about the size of a pea), soft, moist, and easy to break into smaller pieces if needed. They come in various flavors, such as bacon, chicken, beef, salmon, and duck. They are also very aromatic and attractive to your pup’s nose. Your pup will be eager to learn new tricks and obey your commands to get these treats.
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5. Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Sticks
Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Sticks are another premium treat for training your puppy. They are made with real meat as the first ingredient (beef, chicken, or turkey) and contain no artificial flavors, colors, fillers, or preservatives. They are smoked for 15 hours to enhance their flavor and texture. They are also grain-free and gluten-free.
Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Sticks are perfect for training because they are soft, tender, and easy to tear into smaller pieces. They are also high in protein and low in fat, which makes them healthy and satisfying for your pup. Your pup will love the meaty taste and the chewy texture of these treats.
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6. Fruitables Skinny Minis
Fruitables Skinny Minis are ideal for training because they are small, soft, chewy, and easy to digest. They are also very fruity and flavorful, which makes them appealing to your pup’s taste buds. Your pup will enjoy the sweet and savory combination of these treats.
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7. Old Mother Hubbard Classic Puppy Biscuits
Old Mother Hubbard Classic Puppy Biscuits are ideal for training because they are crunchy, tasty, and easy to break into smaller pieces. They come in various flavors, such as chicken, lamb, apple, carrot, and peanut butter. They are also long-lasting and durable, which makes them good for your pup’s teeth and gums. Your pup will crave the crunch and the flavor of these treats.
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8. N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings
N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings are perfect for training because they are soft, chewy, and fun to play with. They are also shaped like rings, which makes them easy to hold and toss. They are also low in fat and calories, which makes them safe and healthy for your pup. Your pup will enjoy the relief and the entertainment of these treats.
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9. Kong Stuff’N Easy Treat
Kong Stuff’N Easy Treat is ideal for training because it is convenient, versatile, and long-lasting. You can use it to fill up a toy or dispenser and give it to your pup as a reward or a distraction. You can also use it to lure your pup into doing what you want or to teach them new skills. Your pup will love the creamy and savory taste of this treat.
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10. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers are perfect for training because they are small, crunchy, and nutritious. You can use them as a standalone treat or mix them with your pup’s regular food to enhance their taste and nutrition. You can also rehydrate them with water or broth to make them soft and moist. Your pup will love the raw and natural taste of these treats.
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Factors to Consider when Choosing Puppy Treats
- Size: The treats should be small enough that your puppy can eat them quickly and easily, without choking or getting distracted. Ideally, they should be no bigger than a pea or a fingernail. You can also break larger treats into smaller pieces or use a treat pouch to store them.
- Texture: The treats should be soft and moist, so that your puppy can chew them without difficulty. Hard or crunchy treats may take longer to eat, or may hurt your puppy’s teeth or gums. Soft treats are also more appealing and palatable for most puppies.
- Nutrition: The treats should be healthy and nutritious, with high-quality ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They should also be low in calories, fat, and salt, to avoid overfeeding or causing health problems. You can check the label for the ingredients and nutritional information, or consult your vet for recommendations.
- Variety: The treats should be varied and interesting, to keep your puppy engaged and motivated. You can use different flavors, shapes, and textures of treats, or rotate them every few days. You can also use different types of treats for different purposes, such as high-value treats for harder tasks or low-value treats for easier ones.
- Preference: The treats should be something that your puppy loves and enjoys, so that they will work hard to earn them. You can experiment with different treats to see what your puppy likes best, or ask them to choose between two options. You can also observe their reactions and behaviors when you offer them a treat, such as wagging their tail, licking their lips, or jumping with excitement.
Remember to always use treats in moderation and adjust your pup’s regular food intake accordingly to avoid overfeeding or obesity. Also remember to always praise your pup verbally or physically when they do something right and reward them with a treat. This will help them associate the treat with the positive behavior and reinforce their learning. Happy training! 🐶