6 Best Dog Treats for German Shepherd Puppies | Training Treats

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The wild-sourced training nib that turns any session into laser focus.

These tiny 3/8″ nibs from MOUNTAIN WILD are built for training, and the numbers back it up. Each piece contains just 2 calories per nib, and you get roughly 300 treats per bag — that is a lot of repetition without blowing past your puppy’s daily calorie limit. The protein source is sustainably harvested elk and venison from the Rocky Mountains, a wild protein that dogs instinctively crave. That makes it an extremely high-value reward, which is exactly what you need when teaching a stubborn or easily distracted German Shepherd puppy a new command.

Unlike the single-protein freeze-dried treats from Vital Essentials (which are also great), MOUNTAIN WILD delivers a more unique protein profile that many puppies have never tasted, keeping novelty high during training. Buyers report that the smell is “very attractive to my pup” and the size “fits perfectly into your pocket for training.” One buyer of a mini labradoodle even called it “a great high value training treat” that helped correct behavior patterns. Just be aware that a few buyers mentioned a slight artificial smoke scent, though most dogs did not seem to mind.

The ingredient list is all-natural with no fillers, grains, or artificial preservatives. For a breed prone to sensitive stomachs, this clean recipe is a major plus.

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The pure beef bite that works magic on training recall.

Vital Essentials packs a lot of protein into each bite. The beef is frozen within 45 minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness, then slow freeze-dried to preserve the good stuff without artificial preservatives, fillers, or grains. This makes it a single-protein, limited-ingredient treat that is ideal for German Shepherd puppies whose stomachs are still learning what is food and what is not. The All Life Stages label means it is safe for growing pups, and the texture is soft enough even for a “toothless senior Yorkie,” according to one reviewer.

These bite-sized morsels are a fantastic high-value reward for training. One reviewer noted, “My dog will all of a sudden remember all of her training when these come out.” That is the kind of engagement you want during a session. Compared to the MOUNTAIN WILD nibs, Vital Essentials offers a more traditional beef protein that many dogs already love, which can be a safer bet if your pup is picky with novel proteins. A potential trade-off is the lack of a stated calorie count per piece — you will need to gauge the portion size yourself based on your puppy’s daily food intake.

The 2.5 oz bag is compact, but the freeze-dried process means a little goes a long way in terms of volume. It is a premium product at a fair price that supports healthy skin, shiny coats, and strong teeth.

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The portion-controlled chicken tot built for training precision.

iPaw designed these treats with training math in mind. Each tot contains 6–10 calories, and the maker says you can easily cut each one into training portions of 1–2 calories each. That kind of flexibility is a huge help when you are running a young German Shepherd through multiple short sessions throughout the day without overfeeding. The recipe is grain-free with chicken as the sole named protein, making it a limited-ingredient option that is easier for a sensitive stomach to process. It is also SQF certified as human-grade food, which adds a layer of quality assurance that many treat bags lack.

Reviewers report that even fussy dogs cannot resist these. One owner said, “I have a very picky dog who will turn his nose up at almost any treat… I just ordered 2 more bags. He loves them!” That kind of enthusiasm matches what many owners need for a stubborn puppy. The chewy texture is “firm” but not rock-hard, though one reviewer did say they were “very hard” and their dog struggled to chew them. For a German Shepherd puppy, this should not be an issue, but you may want to test one first. Unlike the soft jerky from KUADELRO, iPaw Chicken Tots hold their shape better for hand-feeding during training.

The hypoallergenic claim and the ability to break each tot into tiny reward pieces make this a standout for owners who are serious about positive reinforcement without the calorie creep. It works for all life stages, so it grows with your puppy.

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The time-tested soft chew that supports growing bodies without hard crunch.

Milk-Bone is a brand many owners grew up with, and this Soft & Chewy formula is a smart choice for a German Shepherd puppy transitioning from puppy kibble. It is made with real beef and filet mignon, providing 18% protein along with 12 vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, and B12. Unlike hard biscuits, these are soft and easy to chew, which is gentle on developing teeth and tummies. The 25 oz canister is a massive value that lasts much longer than many smaller bags — a practical advantage when you have a large breed puppy with a growing appetite.

Reviewers consistently highlight how gentle these are for dogs with “dental or digestive issues.” One buyer of senior dogs with few teeth left said, “These are perfect for them. They look forward every day to their morning treat.” Another noted their picky Yorkie approved, finding the treats “small, brown, chewy (not super soft), no offensive odor.” The twist-top canister keeps them fresh, which is a nice touch. Compared to the KUADELRO chicken jerky, Milk-Bone offers a more balanced nutritional profile with added vitamins, but the ingredient list is not as minimal as the freeze-dried options from Vital Essentials.

If your German Shepherd puppy has a sensitive stomach or you want a treat that doubles as a nutritional supplement, this is a strong contender. The all-life-stages label means you can use it through puppyhood and beyond.

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The soft chicken jerky that is gentle on puppy teeth and easy on the budget.

KUADELRO Chicken Jerky strips are made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient, and the soft, digestible texture makes them a safe choice for young puppies. The low-fat formula is helpful for breeds that can be prone to weight gain, and the stick form gives your German Shepherd a longer chewing experience compared to a small training nib. Chicken is known to be an easily digestible protein, which reduces the chance of stomach upset — a common concern with large breed puppies. The 10.58 oz pouch is a solid mid-range size that balances convenience with value.

Reviewers with older dogs noted these are “great for older dogs that have poor teeth,” which tells you the texture is genuinely soft. One buyer mentioned, “Great for medium dogs. Good value. No weird smell and the dogs love them.” That lack of an off-putting odor is a real plus for owners who keep treats in their pocket during training. Compared to the Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats, KUADELRO focuses on a simpler, low-fat, high-protein recipe with fewer ingredients, making it a better choice if you prefer a more minimal ingredient list for a sensitive pup. The main catch is the relatively large stick size — for a very young puppy, you will want to tear the strips into smaller pieces to avoid a choking risk.

The chew time also helps with dental health by reducing plaque, according to the maker. For a teething German Shepherd, that extra chewing action is a bonus.

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The long-lasting, odor-free chew that settles a teething puppy and protects your furniture.

These Cowdog Chews bully sticks are a 100% natural, single-ingredient beef collagen chew. For a German Shepherd puppy, chewing is not just a habit — it is a biological need that helps with teething, jaw development, and reducing anxiety. Unlike rawhide, these are fully digestible and grain-free, with a high protein content that makes them a healthier alternative. The 5-7″ length gives you a decent 20-minute chew session, which is plenty of time to redirect that destructive chewing behavior away from your shoes and baseboards. The 25-count bag provides a good supply for a busy puppy month.

The odor-free claim is a big deal for any bully stick substitute, and reviewers back it up. One buyer of a golden retriever shared, “I buy these on repeat… They don’t have terrible smell either. Price is good compared to most. Win. Win.” Another owner of an 86lb GSD/Husky mix confirmed, “Very tasty, provides decent chew time.” Puppies, especially large breeds, can initially be unsure about novel textures — one owner reported their puppy was “initially uninterested” but eventually chewed for “extended periods.” This is typical and patience pays off. Compared to the soft, digestible treats like the KUADELRO jerky, these are purpose-built for sustained independent chewing, not for training rewards.

They also promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup through the mechanical action of chewing. Just supervise your puppy during chew time to ensure the stick is not swallowed whole as it gets smaller.