There is an amazing array of treats available for puppies, and plenty of reasons to give your pup a tasty reward.
Treats play an important role in puppy training, helping reinforce good behaviour and providing extra motivation. Suitable chew treats can also help keep your puppy entertained while satisfying their natural urge to chew.
However, it's important to ensure treats don't account for more than 10% of your puppy's daily calorie intake. Your puppy's regular food should be their main source of nutrition, so be careful not to overdo it with treats before mealtimes, as this may make them less interested in their food.
Read on to discover the different types of puppy treats available and how they can benefit your new pup.
Puppy treats
There is a selection of treats available that are specifically designed for young puppies. These treats may be smaller in size or made with ingredients that are gentler on your puppy's sensitive digestive system.
While some regular dog treats may also be suitable for puppies, always check the product's recommended age and feeding guidelines. It's also best to introduce new foods and treats gradually to avoid upsetting your puppy's stomach.
Liver treats
Dried liver is a classic training treat for dogs and puppies, as it's tasty and easy to break into small pieces. Most pups love liver, making it a high-value treat that's particularly useful for training or when your puppy needs a little extra encouragement.
Thinly sliced liver treats are ideal for training, as you can easily break them into appropriately sized pieces for your puppy. Just remember to offer them in moderation, as liver is rich in nutrients and shouldn't make up a large portion of your puppy's diet.
Freeze-dried treats
Another popular option is freeze-dried treats. These products are often high in meat content, making them appealing to dogs and puppies. They're also convenient, easy to use for training, and retain much of the flavour and nutritional value of their ingredients through the freeze-drying process.
Many freeze-dried treats contain minimal ingredients, sometimes just a single protein source. This can make them a useful option for puppies with certain dietary sensitivities, provided the ingredients are suitable for their individual needs.
Soft treats
When selecting treats for your puppy, remember that they have developing teeth and gums, so it's important to choose treats that are easy and comfortable to chew.
Soft, moist treats can be a great option for puppies, as they're full of flavour and have a texture that's easy to eat. They're also handy for training, as they can often be broken into small pieces and eaten quickly between commands.
Dental treats
Not all treats are used for training. Dental chews are another popular option, designed to help support your puppy's oral health while satisfying their natural chewing instincts.
These products are generally longer-lasting than training treats and have a chewy texture that may help reduce plaque buildup.
However, not all dental chews are suitable for young puppies, particularly those with developing teeth. Always check the recommended age, size, and feeding guidelines before offering a dental chew, and supervise your puppy while they're enjoying it.
Looking for tasty ways to reward your puppy? Explore Petstock's range of puppy treats to find delicious options for training, rewarding good behaviour, and keeping your pup happy.