Puppy Treats 101: The 3 Rules Every New Dog Owner Breaks (And How to Fix Them)

New puppy parents make the same treat mistakes over and over. Here are the three biggest ones—and how to avoid them.

Rule 1: Treats Should Be Tiny

The Mistake: Giving full-sized treats during training sessions.

Why It's Wrong: Puppies need dozens of repetitions to learn. Large treats mean too many calories, upset stomachs, and a full pup who loses motivation.

The Fix: Break treats into pea-sized pieces. Your puppy cares about frequency, not size. A tiny morsel works just as well as a whole biscuit.

Rule 2: The 10% Rule Is Sacred

The Mistake: Treating whenever your puppy is cute (which is always).

Why It's Wrong: Treats should only make up 10% of daily calories. Overfeeding leads to obesity, nutritional imbalances, and picky eating.

The Fix: Count your treats. Pre-portion your daily training treats in a container. When it's empty, switch to praise or playtime rewards.

Rule 3: Not All Treats Are Puppy-Safe

The Mistake: Assuming any dog treat works for puppies.

Why It's Wrong: Puppies have sensitive digestive systems and developing teeth. Adult treats may be too hard, too rich, or contain inappropriate ingredients.

The Fix: Choose soft, easily digestible treats specifically labeled for puppies. Avoid rawhide, hard bones, and anything with artificial additives. Check that treats are appropriate for your puppy's age and size.

Bonus Tip

Use your puppy's regular kibble as treats during training. It's nutritionally balanced, portion-controlled, and free!

Master these three rules and you'll have a well-trained, healthy puppy without the common pitfalls.