All dogs love treats and German shepherd puppies are no exception. Treats are of great importance when training your dog, rewarding him for a good deed or you want him to stay cool when grooming him.
Treats also help to keep the dog healthy, active, and happy. The problem comes in when you have to select the best treats for your puppy in a market flooded with different brands. You can also check out the best food to buy for an 8-week old German Shepherd. This article reviews the best treats for German shepherd puppies and what to consider before buying them.
Contents
What to Consider Before Buying Treats German Shepherd Puppies
Their Overall Health
You should check the ingredients of the treats to know their nutritional value to your puppy. You should exercise the same caution that you take when buying the dog’s food. You should check if there is an ingredient that can cause allergic responses to your dog.
Purpose for treating
You should know the reason for buying a treat and the time when it will be consumed. If you are buying a treat for training purposes, it should be in small sizes and easy to swallow. A large treat can easily choke him or take him too long to finish while you are in the middle of a training session.
If you are buying treats to use when you are relaxed indoors, they can be any size as you have lots of time.
Preferred flavor
Every dog has its preferred flavor of food, and you should find flavored treats that your dog will enjoy. You should be guided by the favorite flavor of your dog when choosing his treat.
4 Best Treats for German Shepherds Puppies
Wellness Natural Grain Free Puppy Training Treat
Wellness puppy bites come in two packets; (Soft Lamb & Salmon or Crunchy Chicken & Carrots).
They are best for training and rewarding your dog. It is grain-free and is enhanced with fruits and vegetables which are nutritious to your puppy.
There are no added colors or flavors. They are high quality as they are not made with any byproducts.
They can be fed between meals. They are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids which helps in the development of the brain in the puppy.
These treats have a homemade liver which is a great source of proteins.
These treats have eight different flavors.
Pros
- Delicious and nutritious.
- Made in the USA.
- Made of quality ingredients.
- No artificial colors and flavors.
Cons
- Not favorable to all dogs.
Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treat
These treats are like small crunchy biscuits for puppies that can be added to the dog’s diet. They are made of natural ingredients and assorted flavors like chicken and eggs.
They are made of ingredients like peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables to nourish your puppy. The biscuits are moderately baked to retain their natural flavors.
It is not made with any artificial flavors or meat byproducts.
These treats are made by experienced bakers.
Pros
- Crunchy and delicious.
- Natural flavors and ingredients.
- Has a nutritional value.
Cons
- The packaging is not standard.
- Can be gassy to some dogs.
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats
Blue buffalo treats are made with real beef which is tasty and nutritious.
They are tender so they are fit for puppies. They can be used while training because they are bite-sized and not easy to choke your pup.
They are not made using chicken products meaning they have the whole nutritional value. These treats are free from grains, artificial colors, and preservatives.
They are rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. They are moist and easy to swallow.
Pros
- Soft and moist.
- No preservers or artificial colors.
- Grain-free.
- Best when training your pup.
Cons
- Not best for picky eaters.
Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats with 12 Vitamins and Minerals
A container of milk bone soft & chew dog treat weighs 25-ounce filled with treats made of chicken breasts. It is made of real chicken breasts but not byproducts.
It is enriched with 12 vitamins and minerals.
These treats are made in different sizes and shapes to make every moment special. They can assist when the puppy is taking tablet medications.
They are tender and small in size, hence can be used for training purposes.
It is made by the Milk-Bone company, which has built a reputation of over a century.
Pros
- Tasty treats.
- Rich in minerals and vitamins.
- Made wholly with chicken breasts.
- No added preservatives.
Cons
- They contain BHA.
FAQs
Can 8 week German Shepherd puppies have treats?
An 8-week German shepherd can have treats but you should give the right amount as per the age. He should not feed on excess treats as they can lead to obesity. They should be safe for puppies and have low calories.
What should not be in dog treats?
Corn syrup, artificial colors, xylitol or any other sugar alcohols, excessive salt, propylene glycol, brewer’s rice, nitrates or nitrites, and vegetable oil. If these ingredients are included in the dog treats, don’t buy it.
Is cheap dog treats unsafe?
Many people believe that cheap treats are not safe for dogs, this can be halfway true and halfway false. Some cheap treats are safe while others have caused serious problems to dogs.
Are dogs meant to be pure carnivores?
Many dog owners tend to look at dog treats with non-meat as not fit for their dogs. However, non-meat treats are pretty healthy for your pooch, and you should alternate between meat and non-meat treats.
Are dog treats safe for human consumption?
Dogs like treats so much that sometimes you might be tempted to have a piece too, but the main question is are they safe for human consumption? Dog treats are non-toxic and can be consumed by human beings but their flavors can be displeasing.
Conclusion
When buying dog treats, you should be keen on the ingredients lists to make sure you are giving your dog healthy treats. Avoid treats with unsafe components like corn syrup and artificial colors that can trigger allergies in your pup. Remember, don’t serve treats as meals; use them for training or as rewards for good behavior but they should not replace the regular meals for your dog.