March 14, 2025Dog Treats

The Ultimate Checklist to Prepare for Your Puppy’s Dog Treats

When you bring a puppy into your home, there’s a lot to consider—training, care, and choosing the right products for their needs. One of the most important yet often overlooked items is the dog treats you give your puppy. Treats are essential for training, rewarding good behavior, and helping your puppy stay happy and healthy.

Here’s your ultimate checklist to help you prepare for your puppy’s dog treats.

1. Know Your Puppy’s Age and Size

The treats you select should align with your puppy’s size, age, and breed. Some treats are made specifically for puppies under four months, while others are designed for larger breeds or older pups. Be sure to choose treats appropriate for their developmental stage.

For puppies under 4 months: Choose softer, smaller treats that are easy to chew.
For puppies over 4 months: Gradually introduce firmer treats that can support their growing teeth and jaws.

For example, Premium Beef Liver, ideal for young puppies, ensuring they can chew easily without choking hazards.

2. Choose High-Quality Ingredients

Ensure the treats you choose are made from natural, high-quality ingredients. Puppies need nutrients that support their growth, and the right treat can provide more than just a tasty snack.

These are a great choice for puppies like Kangaroo Jerky and Duck Wings, both packed with healthy protein and free from artificial additives. These treats are designed to be both delicious and beneficial for your puppy’s health.

Look for real meat: Such as beef, kangaroo, or duck as the main ingredient.
No fillers: Choose treats that avoid fillers like corn or soy.

3. Consider Your Puppy’s Diet and Allergies

Puppies can have food allergies or sensitivities, so it’s important to choose treats that are safe for them. Barke offers a range of treats for puppies with specific health needs, including those that are easy to digest, low in fat, or made with exotic proteins like kangaroo.

Grain-free options: If your puppy has sensitivities to grains, Barke’s treats are made without grains, ensuring they get a healthy snack without any tummy upset.
Limited ingredients: If your puppy has known allergies, treats like Kangaroo Jerky can be a safe and healthy choice due to its single-protein ingredient.

4. Treats for Training

Treats play a crucial role in puppy training. They encourage positive behavior and help reinforce commands. For training, smaller, soft treats are ideal because you can reward your puppy frequently without overfeeding them.

Beef Liver is a great example of a soft, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for training sessions. It’s not only tasty but packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free reward.

Choose soft, bite-sized treats for frequent training rewards.
Look for easily digestible treats that won’t upset your puppy’s stomach during training.

5. Safety First: Avoid Choking Hazards

Always ensure that the treats you give your puppy are the right size for their age and size. Hard treats can pose a choking risk, so it’s important to supervise your puppy while they’re enjoying a treat.

Barke offers treats with varying chew levels, so you can select a treat that fits your puppy’s chewing abilities. For example, Duck Wings are suitable for moderate chewers and can help satisfy your puppy’s natural need to chew while being mindful of their safety.

Choose treats that match your puppy's chew level.
Supervise chewing sessions to prevent choking.

6. Portion Control

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily caloric intake. Overfeeding treats can lead to obesity or digestive issues, so it’s essential to monitor how many treats you’re giving them.

Barke’s treats come in convenient sizes, like 80g packages of beef liver or kangaroo jerky, allowing you to control portions easily. It’s important to balance treats with regular meals to maintain a healthy diet for your puppy.

Follow portion guidelines on the packaging.
Reduce meal portions to account for treats to avoid overfeeding.

7. Homemade Treats

While store-bought treats are convenient, homemade treats are another excellent option. You can control exactly what goes into the treat and ensure your puppy is eating healthy. Ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and oats are safe and nutritious for most puppies.

Try simple homemade recipes: Such as peanut butter biscuits or frozen treats using safe ingredients.
Avoid harmful foods: Always ensure ingredients like chocolate, raisins, and xylitol are not included.

8. Consider Dental Health

Chewing is essential for maintaining your puppy’s dental health, and some treats are specifically designed to clean teeth and promote healthy gums.

Barke’s treats, such as Duck Wings, are perfect for satisfying your puppy’s chewing instinct while helping to clean their teeth. Chews that promote dental health can prevent plaque buildup and maintain a healthy smile.

Look for dental chews that help keep your puppy’s teeth clean.
Choose natural chews like duck wings or jerky for longer-lasting enjoyment.

9. Consult Your Veterinarian

Before introducing new treats into your puppy’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide advice on the best treats based on your puppy’s health, breed, and specific needs.

Conclusion

Treats are an important part of your puppy’s diet, training, and overall happiness. By choosing high-quality, safe, and nutritious options like those from Barke—such as Beef Liver, Kangaroo Jerky, and Duck Wings—you can feel confident that your puppy is enjoying treats that contribute to their health and well-being.

Use this checklist to ensure your puppy’s treats are safe, healthy, and appropriate for their stage of life. And don’t forget to enjoy the puppy cuddles that come with every successful training session and treat reward!