Imagine your German Shepherd puppy’s tail wagging furiously, eyes bright with anticipation. You reach for a treat, hoping to reward good behavior or simply show your furry friend some love. But a nagging question lingers: is this treat actually good for them? Choosing the right dog treats for your German Shepherd puppy can feel like navigating a minefield. So many brands, ingredients, and promises – how do you know what’s truly healthy and safe?
As German Shepherd owners, we all want the best for our pups. But finding treats that support their rapid growth, strong bones, and sensitive stomachs can be a real challenge. Many treats are filled with fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives that can upset your puppy’s digestion or even lead to long-term health problems. It’s overwhelming and frustrating to sift through the noise and find genuinely nutritious options.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential things to consider when choosing treats for your German Shepherd puppy. You’ll learn about safe ingredients, appropriate sizes, and the best types of treats for training and rewarding. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in selecting treats that not only make your puppy happy but also contribute to their overall health and well-being. Let’s dive in and discover the world of healthy and delicious treats for your growing German Shepherd!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For German Shepherd Puppies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats For German Shepherd Puppies Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats
Rating: 9.4/10
The Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats are designed for puppies. These soft, savory chicken treats are perfect for training your new best friend. They come in a 4-oz bag and are made with real chicken as the first ingredient. Plus, they have DHA to help your puppy’s brain develop. These treats are a great way to reward good behavior during training sessions.
What We Like:
- Real Chicken First: The treats are made with real chicken, which is a healthy and tasty protein source for puppies.
- Perfect for Training: These treats are soft and bite-sized, making them ideal for quick rewards during training.
- Wholesome Ingredients: They don’t have any chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. This is great for puppies with sensitivities.
- No Artificial Additives: The treats are free of artificial preservatives and colors, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your puppy.
- DHA for Brain Development: The added DHA supports healthy cognitive development in growing puppies.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bag Size: A larger bag option could be useful for owners who train frequently or have multiple puppies.
- Packaging Clarity: While the digital packaging is enhanced, some customers might prefer the physical packaging to more closely match the online representation.
Overall, the Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats are a healthy and effective way to train your puppy. They are made with good ingredients, and your puppy will love the taste of real chicken.
2. Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies
Rating: 9.4/10
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats are a fantastic option for dog owners who want healthy and effective training treats. These treats come in a convenient 4 oz bag packed with over 475 bite-sized pieces. With only two simple ingredients, you know exactly what your dog is eating. The chicken flavor is a popular choice, and the freeze-dried process locks in flavor and nutrients.
What We Like:
- Simple Ingredients: Only two all-natural ingredients mean no fillers or artificial additives. This makes for a healthy and low-calorie treat.
- Perfect for Training: The small size and lightweight nature make these treats ideal for quick rewards during training sessions.
- Mess-Free: These freeze-dried treats won’t leave oily or crumbly messes in your hands, pockets, or training pouch.
- Appealing to Picky Eaters: The wide range of flavors available ensures you can find one your dog loves.
- Pupford Promise: The company stands behind its products and offers support if you or your pup aren’t satisfied.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bag Size: While the 4oz bag is convenient, larger bag sizes could be offered for owners with multiple dogs or frequent training needs.
- Price Point: Depending on your budget, the price per ounce might be slightly higher compared to some other training treat options.
Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats are a healthy and convenient way to reward your dog during training. These treats are a great choice for dog owners looking for a simple, effective, and mess-free training solution.
3. Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats 14 oz. Pouch
Rating: 9.1/10
The Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats are designed to make training your dog easier and more rewarding. These salmon-flavored treats come in a 14 oz pouch and are packed with 360 individual treats. They are low in calories, so you can reward your dog frequently without worrying about weight gain. Made with real salmon, these treats are highly palatable and have a soft, chewy texture that dogs love.
What We Like:
- Recommended by Professionals: Trusted and used by professional dog trainers for effective behavior modification.
- Low Calorie: At only 3 calories per treat, they’re perfect for training sessions without overfeeding.
- Highly Palatable: The real salmon flavor is irresistible to dogs, keeping them motivated and engaged.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Easy for dogs of all ages to chew and won’t make a mess in your pocket or training pouch.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made without artificial flavors, colors, wheat, or corn, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitivities.
- Perfect for All Sizes: Great treats for all size dogs.
What Could Be Improved:
- Smell: The salmon smell might be strong for some owners.
- Texture: Some dogs may prefer a crunchier treat.
If you are looking for a healthy and effective training treat, Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are a great option to consider. Your dog will love the taste, and you will love how easy it makes training!
4. Zesty Paws Training Treats for Dogs & Puppies – Healthy Dog Treats for Hip
Rating: 8.8/10
Zesty Paws Training Treats are soft, chewy, and bacon-flavored. They are designed to help you train your dog while supporting their overall health. These treats contain ingredients that benefit your dog’s heart, brain, joints, immune system, and skin and coat. They are suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.
What We Like:
- Delicious bacon flavor that dogs love.
- Soft and chewy texture is easy for dogs of all ages to chew.
- Contains EpiCor Pets to support the immune system.
- Includes Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for hip, joint, and cardiovascular health.
- Suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
- Great for training dogs of all breeds and sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bacon flavor may not appeal to all dogs, although it is generally well-received.
- Some dogs may have sensitivities to certain ingredients, so always check the label.
- The 12oz size might not be enough for owners with multiple dogs or frequent training sessions.
Zesty Paws Training Treats are a tasty and healthy way to reward your dog during training. They are packed with beneficial ingredients to help your dog thrive.
5. Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
Rating: 9.4/10
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is made just for your growing German Shepherd puppy. This 30 lb. bag has everything your pup needs to thrive from 8 weeks to 15 months old. It helps them grow up strong and healthy with special ingredients designed for their unique needs.
What We Like:
- This food is specifically made for German Shepherd puppies. It meets their unique needs.
- The kibble shape is designed for a German Shepherd’s muzzle. It encourages them to chew properly.
- It supports a healthy immune system. The food has antioxidants like vitamin E.
- This food aids digestion. It has highly digestible proteins and fibers for good stool quality.
- It helps keep bones and joints healthy. Glucosamine and chondroitin are included.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large bag size might not be ideal for small-breed dog owners.
- It is a breed-specific food, so it is not suitable for other breeds.
- Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to ingredients in the food.
This Royal Canin food is a great choice if you have a German Shepherd puppy and want to give them the best start. It helps them grow into strong, healthy dogs.</
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Paw-some Treats for Your German Shepherd Puppy
Bringing a German Shepherd puppy into your home is exciting! These intelligent and energetic dogs need proper nutrition, and that includes choosing the right treats. This guide will help you pick the best and safest treats for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When buying treats for your German Shepherd puppy, keep these features in mind:
- Puppy-Specific Formula: Look for treats specifically made for puppies. These are often smaller and easier to chew. They also have the right balance of nutrients for growing pups.
- Size and Texture: German Shepherd puppies have strong jaws, but they still need appropriately sized treats. Choose treats that are small enough to prevent choking but large enough to be satisfying. Soft or semi-moist textures are easier on puppy teeth.
- Training Focus: Consider what you will use the treats for. Small, easily consumed treats are great for training. Larger, longer-lasting treats can keep your puppy occupied.
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients usually mean fewer potential allergens or irritants. Look for treats with simple, recognizable ingredients.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients in your puppy’s treats matter. Here are some things to look for and avoid:
- Good Ingredients: High-quality protein sources (like chicken, beef, or fish), whole grains (like brown rice or oats), and fruits and vegetables are excellent additions.
- Avoid: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Also, avoid treats with excessive amounts of salt or sugar. Stay clear of ingredients like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.
- Watch Out For: Common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, these ingredients might cause problems.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors can affect the quality of dog treats.
- Improve Quality:
- Natural Ingredients: Treats made with natural, whole ingredients are generally healthier.
- Made in the USA/Canada/EU: Treats made in these countries often have stricter quality control standards.
- Transparent Sourcing: Companies that are open about where they get their ingredients are often more trustworthy.
- Reduce Quality:
- Artificial Additives: As mentioned, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are a red flag.
- Filler Ingredients: Ingredients like corn syrup, cellulose, and wheat middlings offer little nutritional value.
- Vague Ingredient Lists: If the ingredient list simply says “animal by-products” without specifying the animal, it’s best to avoid it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats and your puppy’s experience with them are important.
- Training: Use small, easily digestible treats during training sessions. This will help your puppy stay focused and motivated.
- Positive Reinforcement: Treats can be used to reward good behavior. This helps your puppy learn what you want them to do.
- Dental Health: Some treats are designed to promote dental health. Chewy treats can help clean your puppy’s teeth.
- Enrichment: Puzzle toys filled with treats can provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom.
- Always supervise your puppy while they are eating treats to prevent choking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in puppy treats?
A: Look for puppy-specific formulas, appropriate size and texture, training-friendly options, and limited ingredient lists.
Q: What ingredients should I avoid in dog treats?
A: Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, avoid excessive salt, sugar, and common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy.
Q: How many treats should I give my German Shepherd puppy each day?
A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Adjust the amount based on your puppy’s size, age, and activity level. Consult your vet for specific recommendations.
Q: Are grain-free treats better for my puppy?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free doesn’t always mean healthier. Some grain-free treats use other fillers that aren’t good for your puppy. Unless your puppy has a grain allergy, grains are usually fine.
Q: Can I give my puppy adult dog treats?
A: It’s best to stick to puppy-specific treats. Adult treats may be too large or hard for your puppy to chew, and they may not have the right balance of nutrients.
Q: How do I know if my puppy is allergic to a treat?
A: Signs of an allergy include itching, skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive gas. If you suspect an allergy, stop giving the treat and consult your veterinarian.
Q: Where should I store my puppy’s treats?
A: Store treats in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from spoiling.
Q: What are some good brands of dog treats for German Shepherd puppies?
A: Some popular brands include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, Zuke’s, and Merrick. However, always read the ingredient list and choose treats that are appropriate for your puppy’s age and size.
Q: Can I make my own dog treats?
A: Yes! Making your own dog treats can be a great way to control the ingredients. There are many recipes online for healthy and delicious puppy treats. Just make sure to research safe ingredients for dogs.
Q: How can I use treats to train my German Shepherd puppy?
A: Use small, high-value treats to reward your puppy for good behavior. When your puppy does something you want, immediately give them a treat and praise. This will help them associate the behavior with a positive reward.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.