Training a puppy is one of those joyful yet challenging experiences that every dog owner faces—and let me tell you, the right treat can completely transform those frustrating sessions into productive bonding moments. I’ve been through it all with my own dogs, and I know how crucial it is to find something that actually motivates your pup without turning into a calorie bomb.
After spending weeks testing different options, I realized that the best puppy training treats share a few non-negotiable qualities: they’re tiny enough for rapid-fire rewards, low in calories to prevent overfeeding, and made with ingredients that support your puppy’s growth rather than just empty calories. From soft chews that gentle on new teeth to high-value options for stubborn learners, there’s a perfect match out there for every furry student.
In this hands-on review, I’ll walk you through my top picks based on real-world testing and countless training sessions, so you can skip the guesswork and find the ideal reward that keeps your puppy engaged and eager to learn.
Best Dog Treats for Training Puppies – 2025 Reviews
Wellness Puppy Treats – Soft Lamb & Salmon for Brain Development
These grain-free soft treats are specially crafted with lamb and salmon to provide DHA for healthy brain development in growing puppies.
With a tender texture that’s easy on young teeth and only 6 calories per treat, they’re perfect for frequent training rewards without worrying about overfeeding.
Wellness Puppy Treats – Crunchy Chicken & Carrot with DHA
These grain-free crunchy treats feature chicken and carrots with added DHA to support brain development in puppies.
At just 2 calories per treat, they’re excellent for frequent training sessions and have a size that’s perfect for quick consumption and motivation.
Old Mother Hubbard Training Bitz – Assorted Flavors for Variety
These all-natural, bite-sized crunchy treats come in an assortment of chicken, liver, and vegetable flavors to keep training sessions exciting for your puppy.
With only 2 calories per treat and no artificial preservatives, they’re ideal for frequent rewarding and are made with globally sourced ingredients.
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Training Treats – Soft Savory Chicken
These soft, savory chicken treats are made with real chicken as the first ingredient and include DHA for cognitive development in puppies.
They’re tender, bite-sized, and free from by-products, corn, wheat, and soy, making them a healthy choice for training rewards.
Pupford Soft & Chewy Training Treats – Chicken for Quick Rewards
These soft and chewy treats are made with 100% all-natural ingredients, starting with chicken, and contain less than 2 calories per treat.
They’re designed for training and quick rewards, with a high protein content and irresistible flavor that motivates even picky puppies.
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats – Beef Liver for High Value
These freeze-dried treats are made with just three simple ingredients, including beef liver, and contain only 1 calorie per treat.
They’re lightweight, mess-free, and perfect for on-the-go training, with a high-value flavor that motivates even the pickiest puppies.
MOUNTAIN WILD Training Treats – Elk & Venison for High Motivation
These all-natural treats are made with wild-sourced elk and venison protein, offering a unique, high-value reward for training puppies.
They’re grain-free, with no artificial preservatives, and contain only 2 calories per nib, making them ideal for motivated learning sessions.
Gootoe Buffalo Dog Treats – Lean Protein for Training
These buffalo-based treats are made with lean protein, offering a low-fat, nutritious option for puppy training and rewards.
They have a soft texture that’s easy to break into smaller pieces, and come in a resealable bag to maintain freshness.
Bully Max Puppy Training Treats – Multivitamin Soft Chews
These soft chews are formulated with multivitamins, DHA for brain health, and glucosamine for joint support, making them a functional treat for puppy training.
They’re beef-flavored, with 22% protein, and can be used as rewards or crushed as a food topper for added nutrition.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
When it comes to puppy training treats, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices—but we took a data-driven approach to cut through the clutter. We evaluated 9 different products, from budget-friendly picks to premium options, to find what genuinely works best for motivating puppies during training sessions.
Our scoring system is weighted 70% based on real-world performance (like how well they engage puppies, ease of use, and safety) and 30% on innovative features (such as unique ingredients or special formulations for development). We focused on key factors like treat size, calorie content, ingredient quality, and texture suitability for young teeth.
For instance, our top-rated Wellness Puppy Treats scored exceptionally high due to their soft texture and brain-supporting DHA, while our budget pick Old Mother Hubbard Training Bitz offers reliable performance at an affordable price. The differences in scores reflect real trade-offs—higher-rated treats often bring extra benefits, but value options can be just as effective for basic training needs.
We considered extensive user feedback and hands-on testing to ensure our recommendations are trustworthy and practical. Our goal is to help you find the perfect treat that makes training enjoyable and successful for both you and your pup.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Dog Treats for Training Puppies
1. Why Treat Size Matters for Puppy Training
When you’re in the middle of a training session, every second counts—and treats that are too large can slow things down or even pose a choking hazard. Small, bite-sized treats (like those under 1/2 inch) are ideal because they’re quick to eat, so your puppy can focus on learning rather than chewing. Look for options that are easy to break into smaller pieces if needed, as this lets you adjust for tiny breeds or extended sessions.
2. The Importance of Low-Calorie Treats
Puppies need frequent rewards to reinforce good behavior, but those calories can add up fast. Low-calorie treats (aim for 1-6 calories per piece) allow you to reward often without overfeeding or disrupting their balanced diet. This is especially crucial for growing pups who are already getting nutrition from their regular food—think of treats as tiny bonuses, not meals.
3. Choosing Healthy Ingredients for Growing Pups
Your puppy’s body is developing rapidly, so quality ingredients make a big difference. Opt for treats with real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Natural options with added benefits like DHA (for brain health) or glucosamine (for joints) can support development, but always check for allergens if your pup has sensitivities.
4. How Texture Affects Training Success
Texture plays a huge role in how easily your puppy can enjoy treats during training. Soft or chewy treats are often best for young puppies with delicate teeth, as they’re easy to swallow quickly. Crunchy options can work for older pups but might distract if they take too long to eat. Test a few textures to see what keeps your puppy engaged without interrupting the flow of training.
5. Understanding Value vs. Price
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, value is about more than just price—it’s how well the treat performs for its cost. Budget treats can be excellent if they’re low-calorie, motivating, and made with decent ingredients. However, premium treats might offer unique benefits (like freeze-dried proteins or functional nutrients) that justify the higher cost for specific training goals.
6. Special Nutritional Benefits to Look For
Some treats go beyond basic rewards by including functional ingredients that support your puppy’s health. DHA, for example, aids brain development, while omega fatty acids can promote a shiny coat. If your puppy has specific needs (like joint support or sensitive stomachs), look for treats tailored to those areas, but remember—treats should complement, not replace, a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many treats should I give my puppy during training?
It depends on your puppy’s size, age, and daily calorie needs, but as a general rule, keep treats to less than 10% of their total daily calorie intake. For most puppies, this means using a handful of small, low-calorie treats spread throughout multiple short sessions. Always adjust based on their energy levels and avoid overfeeding—if you’re training frequently, break treats into tiny pieces to stretch them further.
2. What's the difference between soft and crunchy treats for puppies?
Soft treats are typically easier for young puppies to chew and swallow quickly, making them ideal for fast-paced training where you need instant rewards. Crunchy treats can provide a satisfying texture that some pups enjoy, but they might take longer to eat, which could slow down sessions. I recommend starting with soft options for very young puppies and experimenting as they grow.
3. Are grain-free treats necessary for puppies?
Not necessarily—grain-free treats can be a good choice if your puppy has sensitivities or allergies to grains like wheat or corn, but many puppies do fine with grains. The key is to focus on high-quality ingredients rather than just the absence of grains. If your vet hasn’t recommended a grain-free diet, it’s often safe to choose based on other factors like calorie content and flavor.
4. How do I know if my puppy likes a treat?
Puppies are pretty honest—if they eagerly take the treat, chew it quickly, and look for more, it’s a winner! Signs of disinterest include sniffing and walking away, or taking the treat but dropping it. During training, if your puppy is motivated and responsive, that’s a good indicator. Don’t be afraid to try a few options to find their favorite.
5. Can I use these treats for older dogs?
Absolutely! Many puppy training treats are suitable for dogs of all ages, especially if they’re low-calorie and made with healthy ingredients. However, older dogs might have different nutritional needs, so check for any age-specific recommendations on the packaging. For senior dogs, softer textures can be easier on their teeth.
Final Verdict
After all this testing, it’s clear that the best dog treats for training puppies blend motivation with nutrition—whether you opt for the soft, brain-boosting goodness of Wellness Puppy Treats as your top choice, the budget-friendly variety of Old Mother Hubbard, or any of the other solid options in between. Remember, the perfect treat is one that keeps your pup engaged, supports their health, and fits your training style. Happy training—your furry friend will thank you for it!