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Every training session with a puppy relies on a reward that is small enough to swallow in a second but tasty enough to keep those ears locked on you. A treat that is too big interrupts the flow. One that is too hard can hurt developing teeth. And too many calories can turn a focused drill into an upset stomach. The nine treats here all fit a puppy’s mouth and keep calories low so you can reward freely.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The picks range from crunchy classics to soft chewy bites. All are small enough for a puppy’s mouth. Choosing the right dog training treats for puppies means matching the texture to your pup’s chewing style and your training goals.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dog Training Treats for Puppies
You pick a training treat based on three things: size, how many calories it packs, and whether it is soft or crunchy. A treat that is too big slows down training. A rock-hard one can hurt puppy teeth. Here is what to look for.
Calorie Count Per Treat
You hand out dozens of treats in one training session. A treat with 3 or fewer calories lets you reward your puppy often without adding too much to their daily food. Low-calorie treats also help prevent an upset stomach from too many snacks during a long drill.
Texture: Soft vs. Crunchy
A soft chewy treat is easier for a young puppy to eat quickly, so the training session keeps moving. A crunchy treat can help your pup while they are teething and provides a mild scraping action on their teeth (a light dental cleaning effect). Avoid very hard biscuits for puppies under six months — their adult teeth are still coming in and need gentle food.
Ingredients and Allergen Profile
Look for treats with a short list of ingredients you recognize. Real meat or meat meal as the first ingredient is a good sign. Skip treats with wheat, corn, or soy if your puppy has a sensitive stomach or known allergies. The “no artificial preservatives” claim is also worth checking for long-term health.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Calories Per Treat | Treats Per Bag | Texture | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk-Bone Original Puppy Biscuits★ Best Overall | Classic crunchy training | — | 250+ per 16-oz box | Crunchy | Amazon |
| Crazy Dog Mini Train-Me!Trainer’s Top Pick | High volume training sessions | 1.5 | 500 per 10-oz bag | Soft Pellet | Amazon |
| Pet Botanics Training RewardPremium Soft Chew | Trainer-recommended soft rewards | 1.5 | 500 per 10-oz pouch | Soft Pellet | Amazon |
| Fruitables Skinny Minis | Low-calorie frequent rewards | Less than 4 | ~200+ per 20-oz bag | Soft & Chewy | Amazon |
| Jinx Beef Bites | High-value picky eater reward | — | 15-oz bag | Soft & Chewy Jerky | Amazon |
| Amp’d Up | Unique flavor training | 2.4 | 14-oz bag | Soft Chunk | Amazon |
| BRUTUS & BARNABY Peanut Butter & Banana | Vegetarian training treat | Less than 3 | ~200 per 8-oz bag | Soft Bits | Amazon |
| Charlee Bear Crunchy Chicken Pumpkin Apple | Crunchy without mess | 3 | 2-pack, 8 oz each | Crunchy Disc | Amazon |
| Charlee Bear Original Crunch Liver | Pocket-friendly liver reward | 3 | 2-pack, 16 oz total | Crunchy Disc | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Milk-Bone Original Biscuits Dog Treats for Puppies
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 81,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crunchy classic with DHA for brain development, backed by tens of thousands of happy owners.
This is the treat that sets the bar for the best dog training treats for puppies. Each 16-ounce box holds over 250 mini biscuits — a huge value for daily training sessions. The treats are fortified with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid), a nutrient that supports healthy brain development in puppies under one year. The mini size fits small mouths with growing teeth. The crunchy texture gives a little scraping action on teeth (a light dental benefit) as the pup chews.
Buyers report the texture is “perfect size, crunchy texture, great for training,” and note that the biscuits stay fresh in the carton packaging for weeks. The 4.8-star rating across a massive pool of owners puts it securely at the top — this is the treat that works for nearly every puppy, from toy breeds to medium-sized pups.
The trade-off is the allergen profile: the treats contain wheat, so if your puppy has a known wheat sensitivity or shows signs of digestive upset after wheat-based foods, you will want to choose a grain-free option instead. Also, the crunchy texture may be too hard for very young puppies still cutting their first adult teeth — offer one half at a time to test the waters.
Why It Leads
- DHA (omega-3) added for brain development
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth
- 250+ treats per box, great value
- Trusted classic brand with decades of use
Consider This
- Contains wheat — not for sensitive pups
- Crunchy texture may be too hard for very young teething puppies
Stick with it if: you want a proven, crunchy training biscuit with DHA for your puppy’s first year and no dietary restrictions.
Think twice if: your puppy has wheat sensitivity or you prefer soft treats for rapid-reward training sessions.
2. Crazy Dog Mini Train-Me! Training Treats, Beef Flavor
A tiny 1.5-calorie pellet that packs a flavor punch — 500 treats per 10-ounce bag.
This is the treat that the training crowd loves. At just 1.5 calories per pellet, you can run a 20-minute session without feeling guilty. The 10-ounce bag holds a massive 500 treats, which gives you a per-session cost that is tough to top. The beef flavor uses a natural pork liver base that owners say smells amazing to their pups, turning even reluctant learners into eager participants. Buyers consistently report that their dogs “respond very well with commands using these.”
The soft pellet texture means there is zero chewing delay — your puppy pops it and gets right back to the sit-stay. This keeps the momentum flowing, which is critical for teaching new cues. The clean ingredient list has no corn, soy, or artificial flavors, so it fits sensitive stomachs too.
The catch is the strong aroma. A few owners note that the pungent smell can be off-putting for picky dogs, and one owner’s chihuahua cross developed a dislike specifically for the scent. If your puppy is a super-picky eater, you might want to test a small bag first.
Training dynamite: 1.5 calories and a flavor that makes food-motivated pups work harder — ideal for high-repetition drills where every treat needs to count.
Reach for it when: you need a powerful, low-calorie motivator for focused training sessions or walking drills.
Look elsewhere if: your puppy rejects strong-smelling foods or you prefer a plain aroma-free treat for pocket carry.
3. Pet Botanics Training Reward Mini Soft & Chewy, Chicken Flavor
Soft, low-calorie pellets with a botanical antioxidant blend — 500 treats in a resealable bag.
Pet Botanics matches the Crazy Dog on calorie count (1.5 per treat) and count per bag (500 in a 10-ounce pouch), but adds its own twist: the BotaniFits blend of antioxidant-rich botanicals like blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and green tea. Owners say the chicken flavor is delicious enough that their dogs “will do anything for these,” and the resealable bag keeps them soft for weeks.
The soft texture is a standout for new puppies. One owner summed it up: they are “soft enough for a new puppy and delicious enough for her to want to listen like an angel.” That ease of eating is critical during the early weeks when a pup’s attention span is measured in seconds. There are no BHA or BHT preservatives, and it is made in the USA.
The only limitation is the mostly-positive-but-not-unanimous flavor. While the vast majority of owners mention their dogs go crazy for the chicken taste, a handful note that their picky pup turned up their nose. If your puppy is a notoriously finicky eater, buying a smaller bag first is a safe bet.
What wins owners over: the soft, low-calorie bite works for all life stages, and the botanicals give it a premium ingredient story that health-conscious pet parents appreciate.
Best for: owners who want a soft, low-calorie training treat with a clean ingredient list and a resealable bag for freshness.
Skip if: your puppy is extremely picky about chicken flavors — stick to the beef or liver options instead.
4. Fruitables Skinny Minis Soft & Chewy, Bacon & Apple
A chewable bacon-apple reward with under 4 calories and a clean ingredient list.
This is a huge 20-ounce bag of soft, low-calorie treats that dogs genuinely love. With fewer than 4 calories per piece, you can reward your puppy frequently throughout the day without worrying about weight gain. The bacon and apple flavor uses real bacon and sweet potato, and the formula is free from wheat, corn, and soy — making it a safe option for pups with sensitivities.
The softness is a key feature. Owners say the treats stay soft when the bag is resealed, which matters for training sessions where you reach into the bag dozens of times. One owner noted the treats are “small enough for a miniature dachshund and soft for her old teeth,” which translates well for young puppy mouths too. The calorie count and soft texture make this a strong alternative for owners who want to avoid crunchy biscuits.
The fruit and vegetable content (apple, sweet potato) appeals to owners who want more than just meat-based treats. At 20 ounces, the bag lasts noticeably longer than the 10-ounce options, giving you a solid cost-per-treat advantage.
What wins people over: the pet preference at 312 mentions is the most-discussed aspect — dogs simply love the flavor, and the softness makes it easy to break into even smaller pieces.
Reach for it when: you want a big soft bag of low-calorie treats that you can break into tiny pieces for frequent rewards.
Consider something else if: your puppy prefers a strong meat-only flavor — the bacon-apple-sweet potato combo is lighter than straight liver or beef.
5. Jinx Beef Bites, Soft & Chewy Jerky
Slow-smoked jerky bites made from grass-fed beef — a high-value reward for picky puppies.
If your puppy turns up their nose at standard training biscuits, this is the treat to try. Jinx Beef Bites are made with all-natural ingredients where real beef is the first ingredient, then slow-smoked for over 14 hours to create a soft, gooey-chewy texture. Owners say the flavor is so good that “my dog absolutely goes crazy for them,” even for older, pickier dogs who have rejected other brands.
The jerky pieces are larger than typical training pellets — several owners mention cutting them in half to use as training rewards. That means a 15-ounce bag goes further than the raw count suggests. The ingredient list includes beef, beef liver, and no artificial preservatives, which supports digestive health, immune support, and skin and coat health.
The mixed feedback on size and fragility is worth noting. Some owners find the pieces crumble easily in the bag, and the larger size means they are not a true one-bite training treat straight out of the pouch. You will probably spend an extra few seconds cutting them into training-sized pieces before a session.
Standout appeal: the flavor and texture are so compelling they can turn a food-disinterested pup into a focused training partner — the softness also works well for senior dogs with tender teeth.
Best for: picky eaters, older puppies, or owners who want a single-ingredient-style jerky with grass-fed beef as the first ingredient.
Look elsewhere if: you need a true one-bite training treat straight from the bag — these need pre-cutting for training use.
6. Gnarly Bites Amp’d Up Training Treats, Chicken & Venison
Chicken and venison with carrots and kale — 2.4 calories each in a unique lightning-bolt shape.
This is a newer entry with a clever angle: the first ingredient is real chicken, and the recipe adds venison and carrots for a nutritionally varied profile. Each lightning-bolt-shaped chunk is 2.4 calories, low enough for repeated rewards but a bit more substantial than the 1.5-calorie pellets from the Crazy Dog Mini Train-Me! The soft and chewy texture means puppies eat them in seconds without breaking the training rhythm.
Owners find them “the perfect size for rewards” and appreciate that they keep the dog focused during sessions. The grain-free formula with no corn or soy suits puppies with sensitivities. The resealable 14-ounce bag is practical for on-the-go use, and the flavor blend is different enough to feel like a special reward.
The moderate rating reflects a small sample — and one puppy flatly rejected them, which is a reminder that every dog has individual taste preferences. If your puppy is a super-picky eater, start with a single bag rather than stocking up.
What stands out: the venison-and-carrot twist gives this treat a nutritional range that most training pellets lack, with a softness that works for all training stages.
Best for: owners who want a grain-free, multi-protein soft treat with added vegetables and a fun shape.
Think twice if: your puppy only eats poultry-based treats — the venison is a different flavor profile that not all pups accept.
7. BRUTUS & BARNABY Peanut Butter & Banana Training Treats
Six simple ingredients including oat flour and real banana — a vegetarian training treat under 3 calories each.
This is a standout for puppies with poultry allergies or owners who want a plant-based training option. The treats are made from just six ingredients: oat flour, peanut butter, banana, coconut oil, flaxseed, and natural flavor. With fewer than 3 calories per soft bit and around 200 pieces in an 8-ounce bag, the value is solid. The peanut butter aroma is powerful enough to grab attention instantly, even from a distracted puppy at the dog park.
Owners find the small, soft bites perfect for pugs, small breeds, and training sessions where rapid rewards are key. One owner described using them to potty train their puppy: “they worked like a charm. She quickly caught on that a potty outside got a reward.” The treats are also Furbo-compatible and leave zero greasy residue in treat pouches.
The durability aspect gets mixed feedback — the soft bits are low-crumb but can dry out and crumble if the bag is left open. The 8-ounce bag is also smaller than most options here, so if you run extensive daily sessions, you will reorder more frequently.
The honest trade-off: the vegetarian, low-calorie formula is perfect for poultry allergies and potty training, but the bag volume means you may need to reorder more often with heavy training use.
Reach for it if: your puppy has a poultry allergy or you prefer a vegan, simple-ingredient training treat that is low-calorie and clean.
Consider something else if: you need a large-volume bag for multi-puppy training or daily sessions with multiple commands.
8. Charlee Bear Crunchy Dog Training Treats, Chicken Pumpkin Apple
A crunchy, 3-calorie disc that stays clean in your pocket — now in a 2-pack for multi-session use.
Charlee Bear’s crunchy discs are the gold standard for pocket-friendly training: no grease, no crumbs, no strong odor. At 3 calories per disc, they are designed for frequent rewards. The Chicken, Pumpkin, and Apple flavor (2-pack, 8 ounces each) gives you two full bags to split between home and your training kit. Owners love that they are small enough for “his little mouth” but big enough that larger dogs enjoy the crunch too.
The crunchy texture provides a satisfying chewing experience that keeps puppies engaged, and the pumpkin and apple add a subtle sweetness that many dogs find irresistible. The treats are grain-free and made in the USA with USA-sourced ingredients. The resealable bags keep the discs crisp for weeks.
The crunchy texture is excellent for teething puppies, but it is not as fast to eat as a soft treat. If your training style relies on rapid-fire treats (clicker training, for example), the time the puppy spends chewing each disc may slow the pace slightly.
What wins people over: pet preference is the most-discussed aspect at 73 mentions, and the low-calorie, no-mess design makes it a daily-driver favorite for owners who carry treats in their pocket.
Best for: owners who want a clean, crunchy training treat that fits in a pocket and stays crumb-free for walks and park sessions.
Skip if: you need a soft treat for rapid-reward training that does not require chewing time.
9. Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Training Treats, Liver Flavor
A liver-flavored crunchy disc that has been a staple for over a decade — 3 calories, 2-bag pack.
This is the Charlee Bear Original, a treat that has earned loyal fans for over 13 years. The liver flavor uses real chicken liver for a rich taste that food-motivated puppies find irresistible. The 2-pack gives you 16 ounces total, each disc at just 3 calories. Owners say these are “the ONLY treat that doesn’t upset their stomachs,” making them a safe bet for puppies with sensitive digestion.
The crunchy disc shape is designed to be pocket-friendly — no sticky residue, no crumb mess, no strong smell wafting from your jacket. Use them for crate training, potty training, or obedience classes. The taste-aspect leads with 86 mentions as the most-discussed positive, showing that dogs genuinely crave the liver flavor.
The crunchy texture requires chewing, so it is slightly slower to eat than soft pellets. For puppies under three months with very small jaws, you may need to break each disc in half to make it easier to manage.
The honest trade-off: the trust built over thousands of owners and 13+ years makes this a “first-treat-ever” for many puppies, but the crunch means slightly slower consumption during rapid-fire training.
Best for: owners who want a proven, stomach-friendly crunchy treat that stays clean in a pocket and works for all life stages.
Think twice if: your puppy is under three months or has difficulty with crunchy textures — stick to the soft chewy options in this list.
Understanding the Specs
Calories Per Treat
The most important number for training treats. A treat with 1.5 to 4 calories lets you reward your puppy dozens of times in a single session without exceeding their daily food intake. Lower-calorie treats also reduce the risk of loose stools from over-treating. Keep in mind that a puppy’s daily food allowance is small, so those calories add up fast.
Texture: Soft vs. Crunchy
Soft chewy treats (usually pellets or bits) are eaten instantly, which keeps your training session flowing. They are ideal for clicker training, recall drills, and any exercise where you reward multiple times per minute. Crunchy treats (biscuits or discs) take a few seconds to chew, which can slow the pace but also provides a satisfying experience that some puppies prefer. Soft treats are generally better for very young puppies with developing teeth.
FAQ
Can I use regular dog treats for puppy training?
How many training treats can I give my puppy in a day?
Soft or crunchy treats — which is better for a new puppy?
Are grain-free treats necessary for puppies?
What does “low calorie” mean for dog training treats?
Can I use training treats for potty training?
How should I store training treats to keep them fresh?
What should I do if my puppy refuses a training treat?
Can treats help with teething pain in puppies?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the dog training treats for puppies winner is the Milk-Bone Original Puppy Biscuits because the DHA content, crunchy texture, and massive value make it the best all-rounder for the puppy’s first year. If you want a soft, low-calorie treat with a botanical twist for repeated rewards, grab the Pet Botanics Training Reward. And for the trainer who needs a potent, 1.5-calorie beef pellet that dogs crave, the Crazy Dog Mini Train-Me! is the one to reach for. Whichever you choose, your puppy will thank you with a tail wag.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.