Puppy Treats & Chews Guide – How to Choose Safe, Healthy Treats for Puppies

Puppies learn about the world through their mouths. Chewing, biting and tasting are all natural behaviours, especially during teething and early development. While treats and chews play an important role in training, enrichment and comfort, not all dog treats are safe or suitable for puppies.

Choosing the wrong treats can lead to choking risks, digestive upset or damage to developing teeth. That’s why it’s essential to understand which puppy treats and chews are safe, how to use them correctly, and what to avoid during your puppy’s early months.

This complete puppy treats and chews guide explains everything you need to know — from the best types of treats for training and teething, to safe chewing options, feeding guidelines, and how to choose treats based on your puppy’s age, size and development stage.

Why Treats and Chews Are Important for Puppies

Treats and chews are more than just rewards. When used correctly, they support both physical and mental development.

Puppy treats and chews help with:

Training and positive reinforcement
Teething discomfort relief
Mental stimulation and enrichment
Building confidence and trust
Preventing destructive chewing

The key is choosing options that are safe, gentle and age-appropriate.

Understanding Puppy Teething and Chewing Behaviour

When Do Puppies Start Teething?

Most puppies begin teething at around 3–4 weeks, with adult teeth starting to come through between 12–16 weeks. During this time, puppies experience sore gums and an increased urge to chew.

Why Puppies Chew Everything

Chewing helps puppies:

Relieve gum discomfort
Explore their environment
Strengthen jaw muscles
Release stress and frustration

Providing safe chews prevents them from chewing furniture, shoes or unsafe household items.

What Makes a Treat or Chew Safe for Puppies?

Texture Matters

Puppy treats and chews should be:

Softer than adult chews
Flexible rather than brittle
Easy to break down when chewed

Very hard chews can damage developing teeth and should be avoided.

Size and Shape

Always choose treats that:

Match your puppy’s size
Can’t be swallowed whole
Don’t splinter or break into sharp pieces

Supervision is essential during chewing sessions.

Best Types of Puppy Treats

Training Treats for Puppies

Training treats should be:

Small
Soft
Highly palatable
Low in calories

These allow frequent rewards without overfeeding. Soft natural treats are ideal for early training and socialisation.

Natural Treats for Puppies

Natural treats made with simple ingredients are easier to digest and gentler on young stomachs. Single-protein treats are especially helpful for puppies with sensitive digestion.

Treats for Socialisation and Confidence

Using treats during vet visits, grooming and new experiences helps puppies form positive associations and reduces anxiety.

Best Puppy Chews for Teething

Gentle Chews for Teething Relief

During teething, puppies benefit from chews that:

Soothe sore gums
Encourage safe chewing
Don’t require excessive force

Thin collagen chews and soft natural chews are popular choices during this stage.

Long-Lasting Chews (When Are They Suitable?)

Some long-lasting chews can be introduced once adult teeth start developing, usually from 12–16 weeks, depending on the chew and your puppy’s chewing style.

Always choose softer, puppy-appropriate versions and supervise closely.

Puppy Treats and Chews to Avoid

Avoid giving puppies:

Rawhide (poor digestibility and choking risk)
Very hard bones
Chews designed for adult power chewers
Treats with artificial colours, preservatives or sugars
Large or brittle chews that can splinter

These can cause dental damage, blockages or digestive upset.

How Many Treats Should a Puppy Have?

Feeding Guidelines for Puppy Treats

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake.

General guideline:

Small puppies: small treats spread throughout the day
Medium puppies: several small training treats daily
Large puppies: portion-controlled treats alongside meals

Always adjust based on activity level and growth stage.

Puppy Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Some puppies have delicate digestion. Signs include loose stools, gas or vomiting after treats.

Best Options for Sensitive Puppies

Single-protein treats
Fish-based treats
Pumpkin flakes (digestive support)
Limited-ingredient natural treats

Introduce new treats slowly and monitor your puppy’s response.

Dental Health and Chewing for Puppies

Chewing plays an early role in dental health by:

Encouraging healthy jaw development
Reducing early plaque build-up
Supporting gum health

Puppy chews should be gentle and not replace brushing or vet check-ups, but they can support healthy habits from an early age.

Safety Tips for Giving Puppies Treats and Chews

Always supervise chewing
Choose age-appropriate sizes
Remove chews once they become small
Provide fresh water
Introduce new treats gradually

Safety and moderation are key to healthy treat use.

FAQs About Puppy Treats and Chews

Can puppies eat dog treats?

Yes — but only treats designed for puppies or soft, natural treats suitable for young dogs.

When can puppies have chews?

Many puppies can have gentle chews from around 12 weeks, depending on texture and size.

Are natural treats safe for puppies?

High-quality natural treats with simple ingredients are generally safe when fed appropriately.

How often should puppies have treats?

Daily treats are fine when portion-controlled and balanced with meals.

Related Dog Advice Guides

Shop Puppy Treats & Chews at PetBuddy

At PetBuddy, we carefully select puppy-safe treats and chews made from natural ingredients to support healthy growth, training and teething.

Explore our range of:

Puppy training treats
Gentle puppy chews
Natural single-ingredient treats

And give your puppy the best possible start with safe, healthy rewards.