Best Natural Dog Treats for Puppies UK — What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
Bringing a puppy home is one of the most exciting things in the world and one of the most overwhelming. Between food, training, and socialisation, treat choices can feel like a minefield. Walk into any pet shop and you're faced with a wall of brightly coloured packets, each claiming to be the best thing for your pup.
Here's the truth — the best puppy treats are usually the simplest ones. Single-ingredient, natural treats are gentler on young digestive systems, free from the nasties that can cause reactions, and far better for building good habits from the start. Here's everything you need to know.
When can puppies start having treats?
At 12 weeks a puppy should be fully weaned from mum and be comfortable on solid foods. The majority of our natural treats are suitable from 12 weeks as puppies need time for their teeth to develop and become strong enough to handle chews. While puppies are weaning they require specialist puppy food which contains the correct nutrients for them to grow (this is different to adult dogs).
What to look for in a puppy treat
- Short ingredient list — ideally just one ingredient. If you can't pronounce half the list, put it back.
- Appropriate size and texture — soft or small treats are best for young pups. Avoid anything too hard that could damage developing teeth.
- Calorie content — if training, remember to adjust meals to account for extra treat calories.
What to avoid
- Rawhide — a choking and digestive hazard, especially for puppies. There are far better alternatives.
- Anything containing xylitol, onion, or garlic — these are toxic to dogs at any age.
- Treats packed with fillers — cereals, sugars, and artificial binders add bulk but no nutritional value.
Our top picks for puppies at The Dog Corner
Natural Chicken Feet
Crunchy and naturally rich in glucosamine for developing joints. Suitable from 12 weeks and a great first chew for curious pups.
Puffed Rabbit Ears
Light, airy, and easy to chew — perfect for smaller mouths. Rabbit is a novel protein that's gentle on sensitive tummies.
Sprats
Tiny, smelly (dogs love them), and packed with omega-3 for brain and coat development.
Duck Medallions
Small, soft, and easy to break into even smaller pieces for training.
Soft Rabbit Sticks
Soft enough for young teeth and can be broken up for training.
How many treats should a puppy have a day?
As a guide, treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy's daily calories. For a small breed puppy, that might be just 2–3 small treats a day. For larger breeds, a little more — but always check with your vet if you're unsure.
On training days, use tiny pieces and count them as part of that 10%. Medallions and training treats are ideal here because you can break them into small fragments without losing the reward value.
Keep it simple, keep it natural
Dogs grow up fast just like children. Natural, single-ingredient treats aren't just safer — they're better for long-term health, digestion, and behaviour.