Best Puppy Treats for Training and Teething (2026)

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Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with a mountain of responsibility. From housebreaking to basic obedience, training is a daily commitment during those first critical months. And the single most powerful tool in your puppy training arsenal? A really good treat.

But not just any treat will do. Puppies have developing digestive systems, tiny mouths, and extremely short attention spans. You need treats that are small enough to eat in a second, soft enough for puppy teeth, low enough in calories to use dozens of times per session, and made with wholesome ingredients that support healthy growth.

After testing and researching the most popular puppy training treats on the market, we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect reward for your new best friend. Whether you are working on sit, stay, or simply trying to get your puppy to stop chewing on your shoes, the treats below will make every training session more productive and more fun.

If your puppy is on the smaller side, you may also want to check out our guide to the best dog treats for small dogs for additional options sized for tiny mouths.

What to Look For in Puppy Training Treats  

Choosing the right training treat is about more than just grabbing whatever is on sale at the pet store. Here are the key factors to consider when shopping for your puppy.

Size and Calorie Count  

Training sessions can involve 30 to 50 repetitions or more. If each treat packs 15 or 20 calories, your puppy will be consuming an entire meal’s worth of calories before the session is over. Look for treats that are 5 calories or fewer per piece, ideally in the 1.5 to 3 calorie range. This lets you reward frequently without worrying about weight gain. For more options that keep the calorie count down, see our roundup of the best low-calorie dog treats.

Soft Texture  

Puppies are still developing their adult teeth, and many are actively teething between 3 and 6 months of age. Hard, crunchy treats can be difficult or even painful for them to eat. Soft, chewy treats are easier to consume quickly, which also keeps the momentum of your training session going. You do not want your puppy spending 30 seconds chewing a treat when you could be working on the next repetition.

High-Quality Ingredients  

A puppy’s body is growing rapidly, so every calorie counts from a nutritional standpoint. Look for treats made with real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid products loaded with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Some puppy-specific treats also include DHA for brain development, omega fatty acids for skin and coat, and other nutrients that support healthy growth.

Aroma and Flavor  

Puppies are highly motivated by smell. Treats with a strong, appealing aroma tend to capture and hold a puppy’s attention much better than bland options. Chicken, pork liver, and salmon tend to be especially popular with puppies.

Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive  

Many popular puppy treats are grain-free, but this is largely a matter of preference unless your puppy has a diagnosed allergy. Both grain-free and grain-inclusive treats can be excellent choices. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian.

Best Puppy Training Treats: Our Top Picks  

1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats (16oz) - Best Overall  

Price Range: $12-16 | Calories: ~2 per treat | Amazon Best Seller with 30,000+ 5-Star Reviews

Zuke’s Mini Naturals 16oz have earned their reputation as one of the most trusted training treats on the market, and for good reason. With just 2 calories per treat, they are small enough to use throughout an extended training session without packing on unwanted weight.

These treats are grain-free and made with real meat as the first ingredient. They come in multiple flavors including chicken, peanut butter and oats, salmon, duck, rabbit, and pork, making it easy to find a flavor your puppy goes wild for. The soft, chewy texture is perfect for young puppies who are still developing their teeth.

What really sets Zuke’s apart is the sheer volume of positive reviews. With over 30,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, these treats have been tested and approved by a massive community of dog owners. They consistently earn the Amazon Best Seller badge in the training treats category.

Pros:

• Only 2 calories per treat, ideal for frequent rewarding
• Grain-free with real meat as the first ingredient
• Available in multiple flavors to prevent treat fatigue
• Soft, chewy texture perfect for puppies
• Massive positive review count confirms quality

Cons:

• Can become crumbly in warm conditions
• Some flavors may cause soft stools in very young puppies
• The 16oz bag may not last long with heavy training schedules

2. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist Training Treats (19oz) - Best for Puppy Development  

Price Range: $10-14 | Amazon’s Choice

Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist 19oz bring something unique to the table that most competing treats do not: DHA. This omega fatty acid is specifically included to support cognitive development in puppies, making these treats not just a reward but an investment in your puppy’s brain health.

The soft, moist texture makes these treats incredibly easy for puppies to eat quickly, and the small size means you can use them freely during training without worrying too much about overfeeding. Blue Buffalo is well known for avoiding chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives in their recipes, so you can feel good about what you are putting into your puppy’s body.

Blue Bits are available in several flavors including chicken, beef, turkey, and salmon. The 19oz bag offers solid value, and the Amazon’s Choice designation speaks to the product’s combination of quality and price.

Pros:

• Contains DHA for puppy brain development
• Soft, moist texture is easy on puppy teeth
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
• Good value with the 19oz bag size
• Amazon’s Choice designation

Cons:

• Slightly higher calorie count than some competitors
• The moist texture means they can dry out if the bag is not sealed well
• Strong smell may not appeal to all owners

3. Buddy Biscuits Trainers (14oz, ~500 treats) - Best Value  

Price Range: $8-12 | Calories: ~1.5 per treat

Buddy Biscuits Trainers 14oz deliver an almost unbeatable combination of value and quality. At approximately 500 treats per bag and just 1.5 calories each, you are looking at a cost of roughly 2 cents per treat. For high-volume training, that kind of value is hard to beat.

The bacon flavor is a universal puppy pleaser, and the treats are small enough for even the tiniest breeds. They are crunchy rather than soft, which some puppies actually prefer, though this may not be ideal for very young puppies who are in the middle of teething.

The simple ingredient list is refreshing. Buddy Biscuits keeps things straightforward without a lot of unnecessary fillers or additives, and the treats are made in the USA.

Pros:

• Approximately 500 treats per bag, incredible per-treat value
• Only 1.5 calories per treat, lowest on this list
• Bacon flavor that most puppies love
• Made in the USA with simple ingredients
• Great for high-volume training sessions

Cons:

• Crunchy texture may not be ideal for teething puppies
• Only one flavor option
• Can be a bit crumbly

4. Wag Chicken Training Treats (2lb) - Best Large Bag  

Price Range: $12-16 | Amazon Brand

Wag Chicken Training Treats 2lb are Amazon’s own brand entry into the training treat space, and they offer excellent quality at a competitive price. Made with American-raised chicken as the primary ingredient, these soft, grain-free treats are designed for repeat use during training sessions.

The 2-pound bag is one of the largest available in this category, making it a strong choice for owners who train frequently and do not want to reorder every few weeks. The soft texture is easy on puppy teeth, and the chicken flavor is consistently popular with dogs of all ages.

As an Amazon brand, Wag products benefit from competitive pricing and reliable availability, including Subscribe and Save discounts that can bring the cost down even further.

Pros:

• Large 2lb bag offers long-lasting supply
• Made with American chicken, grain-free
• Soft texture suitable for puppies
• Competitive Amazon brand pricing
• Available with Subscribe and Save discounts

Cons:

• Specific calorie-per-treat count not prominently listed
• Only available through Amazon
• Fewer flavor options than some competitors

5. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites (3oz / 6oz) - Best for Very Young Puppies  

Price Range: $7-10 | Grain-Free

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are specifically formulated for puppies, which sets them apart from many treats on this list that are marketed more broadly. The combination of lamb and salmon provides a protein-rich, omega-fatty-acid-packed treat that supports your puppy’s development from the inside out.

These treats are extremely soft, which is perfect for puppies under 6 months who are still developing their teeth. The grain-free formula avoids common allergens, and the ingredients are carefully selected to provide maximum nutrition in a minimal package.

The smaller bag sizes are well suited for owners who want to try the product before committing to a larger purchase, or for those with smaller puppies who go through treats more slowly.

Pros:

• Specifically formulated for puppies, not just dogs in general
• Extremely soft texture, ideal for teething puppies
• Lamb and salmon recipe rich in omega fatty acids
• Grain-free and made with natural ingredients
• Perfect small size for puppy mouths

Cons:

• Smaller bag sizes mean more frequent purchasing
• Higher per-treat cost compared to bulk options
• May be too soft for older puppies who prefer some crunch

6. Pet Botanics Training Rewards (20oz, ~500 treats) - Best Aroma  

Price Range: $8-12 | Calories: ~3 per treat | Best Seller

Pet Botanics Training Rewards 20oz have built a massive following among professional dog trainers and puppy owners alike. Made with real pork liver, these treats have an aroma that is practically irresistible to dogs. That strong scent is a major advantage during training, as it helps capture and hold your puppy’s attention even in distracting environments.

With approximately 500 treats in the 20oz bag and only 3 calories each, you get outstanding value and can train liberally without calorie concerns. The moist texture makes them easy to eat quickly, keeping your training sessions flowing smoothly.

Pet Botanics consistently earns the Best Seller badge on Amazon, and the combination of effectiveness, value, and quality ingredients makes it easy to see why. These treats are a favorite among those who do heavy daily training.

Pros:

• Real pork liver creates a strong, irresistible aroma
• Approximately 500 treats per bag, excellent value
• Moist texture keeps training sessions moving fast
• Only 3 calories per treat
• Amazon Best Seller with strong reviews

Cons:

• The pork liver smell is strong and may not appeal to owners
• Moist treats can stick together in the bag
• Not grain-free

Puppy Training Treats Comparison Table  

Puppy Training Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Treats  

Great treats are only half the equation. Here are some tips to make your training sessions as effective as possible.

Keep sessions short. Puppies have limited attention spans. Aim for 5 to 10 minute sessions, multiple times per day, rather than one long marathon.

Vary your treats. Puppies can lose interest in the same treat over time. Rotate between two or three different options to keep motivation high.

Use treats to lure, then fade. Start by using the treat to guide your puppy into position (like holding it above their nose to encourage a sit), then gradually transition to using the treat only as a reward after the behavior.

Mind the calories. A good rule of thumb is that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your puppy’s daily caloric intake. Reduce their regular meal portions slightly on heavy training days.

Pair treats with praise. Always combine the treat with verbal praise and physical affection. Over time, your puppy will find the praise itself rewarding, and you can reduce treat frequency.

Once your puppy has mastered basic commands and their adult teeth are in, you might want to introduce dental chews as a way to maintain oral health while still providing a rewarding chew experience.

Frequently Asked Questions  

When can I start giving my puppy training treats?  

Most puppies can begin eating soft training treats once they are fully weaned, typically around 8 weeks of age. Start with very small, soft treats and always supervise your puppy while they eat. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian before introducing any new treats.

How many training treats can I give my puppy per day?  

A general guideline is that treats should not exceed 10 percent of your puppy’s daily caloric intake. For a puppy consuming 500 calories per day, that means no more than 50 calories in treats. With treats that are 2 to 3 calories each, you can give 15 to 25 treats per day and still stay within that range.

Are grain-free treats better for puppies?  

Not necessarily. Grain-free treats are important for puppies with diagnosed grain allergies or sensitivities, but for most puppies, both grain-free and grain-inclusive treats are perfectly safe and nutritious. The FDA has been studying a potential link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs, but this research is ongoing and primarily concerns complete diets rather than treats.

Can I use regular dog treats for training?  

You can, but regular dog treats are often too large, too calorie-dense, or too crunchy for effective puppy training. Training-specific treats are designed to be eaten quickly in a single bite so you can maintain the pace of your session. If you use regular treats, break them into very small pieces.

What if my puppy is not interested in training treats?  

Try a higher-value treat with a stronger aroma, like freeze-dried liver or the Pet Botanics options listed above. You can also try training before meals when your puppy is hungrier. Some puppies are more motivated by play or praise than food, so experiment with what drives your individual puppy.

Should I choose soft or crunchy treats for my puppy?  

For puppies under 6 months, soft treats are generally the better choice. They are easier on developing teeth and gums, and they can be eaten more quickly, which helps keep training sessions moving. Once your puppy has their adult teeth (usually by 7 to 8 months), they can handle either texture.

Conclusion  

Finding the right training treat can make a significant difference in how quickly and enjoyably your puppy learns. All six treats on this list are excellent choices, but your best pick depends on your specific priorities.

For the best all-around option, Zuke’s Mini Naturals lead the pack with their 2-calorie count, multiple flavor options, and tens of thousands of positive reviews. If you are training on a budget, the Buddy Biscuits Trainers offer nearly unbeatable value at about 500 treats per bag. And for very young puppies still working through teething, the ultra-soft Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are specifically designed for their developing mouths.

Whichever treat you choose, remember that consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the keys to successful puppy training. The treats are just the tool that makes the process more rewarding for both of you.