Best Puppy Training Treats: What to Choose (and How Many to Give)
The best training treats are small, soft, and exciting enough to keep your puppy focused. Here’s how to choose treats that work without upsetting your puppy’s stomach.
Quick takeaways
- Use tiny, soft treats (pea-sized or smaller).
- Pick one treat at first and avoid switching daily.
- Reward often, but keep treat calories limited and adjust meals if needed.
What makes a great puppy training treat?
- Small size: fast chewing = faster learning
- Soft texture: easier for puppies and gentle on teeth
- High value: smellier treats usually work better
- Easy to break: you can make pieces tiny
Best treat types for training
Soft training treats
Great for quick rewards during sit, down, leash walking, and recall.
Freeze-dried treats (broken into small pieces)
High value for distractions, but introduce slowly to avoid stomach upset.
Single-ingredient treats (limited ingredient)
Useful for sensitive puppies, but choose options that crumble into tiny pieces.
How many treats can a puppy have?
A simple rule: keep treats as a small portion of daily calories. If your puppy gets soft stool, reduce treats and simplify the diet for a few days.
How to avoid stomach upset from treats
- Introduce new treats slowly (a few pieces the first day).
- Use one main training treat for a week before changing.
- Avoid giving multiple new chews and treats on the same day.
- Keep water available and monitor stool.
Training tip: treat timing matters
- Reward within 1–2 seconds of the behavior.
- Use a marker word (“Yes!”) or clicker, then treat.
- Gradually reduce treats once the behavior is consistent.
FAQ
Can puppies have freeze-dried treats?
Many puppies can in small amounts. Break into tiny pieces and introduce gradually.
My puppy won’t take treats outside. What should I do?
Use higher-value treats, reduce distractions at first, and train in short sessions. Some puppies also focus better before meals.
Should I use treats or kibble for training?
Kibble can work indoors for some puppies. For distractions or outdoor training, higher-value treats often help.
Next step
Tell us your puppy’s age, size, and any sensitivities. We’ll recommend training treats that match your goal and your puppy’s stomach.<
