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At What Age Can My Dog Have Natural Treats?
Jul
Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys. Those big eyes, floppy ears, and wiggly tails make you want to spoil them rotten! But when it comes to treats—especially natural dog treats—you might wonder:
At what age is it safe to start giving them?
Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about when and how to safely give your puppy or adult dog natural treats.
🐶 Puppies and Treats: The Basics
Most veterinarians recommend waiting until your puppy is around 8 weeks old before introducing any kind of treat.
Why? Before 8 weeks, puppies are typically nursing or transitioning to solid puppy food. Their digestive systems are very sensitive, and treats can upset their nutritional balance or cause tummy trouble.
✅ General guideline:
➡️ 0–8 weeks: No treats (milk or specialized puppy food only)
➡️ 8+ weeks: Small, puppy-safe treats in moderation
✅ Are Natural Treats Safe for Puppies?
Natural treats can be a healthier choice for puppies compared to highly processed treats loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. But “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe for all ages.”
Here’s what to look for:
✔️ Puppy-specific or size-appropriate treats
✔️ Limited, gentle ingredients
✔️ Easy-to-chew, small pieces
✔️ Low in salt, sugar, and fat
Some natural treats may be too hard (like certain bones or chews) or too rich for young puppies. Always read the packaging and check age guidelines.
🦴 Avoid These for Young Puppies
While natural, some treats aren’t suitable for very young dogs:
🚫 Rawhide chews (can cause choking or digestive blockages)
🚫 Hard smoked bones (can splinter)
🚫 Very high-fat treats (can cause digestive upset)
🚫 Large treats that can’t be chewed safely
🐾 How Many Treats Can I Give My Puppy?
Even natural treats should be given in moderation. A good rule of thumb is:
Treats = no more than 10% of daily calories.
Overfeeding treats—even healthy ones—can lead to weight gain or disrupt balanced nutrition from their regular puppy food.
✅ For Adult Dogs
If you have an adult dog, natural treats are an excellent choice! You can usually start them at any age after puppyhood, as long as they’re the right size, texture, and ingredient profile for your dog.
Natural treats:
🌿 Provide better nutrition
🌿 Have fewer artificial additives
🌿 Can help with training, dental health, or enrichment
🩺 Talk to Your Vet
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for advice—especially for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with allergies or health conditions. Your vet can recommend safe, age-appropriate treat options.
⭐ Final Tips
✅ Wait until at least 8 weeks to give any treats
✅ Choose small, gentle, limited-ingredient natural treats for puppies
✅ Always supervise your dog while they enjoy treats
✅ Keep portion sizes small and healthy
❤️ In Summary
You can start giving your puppy natural treats around 8 weeks of age—but choose wisely! Look for simple, puppy-friendly options designed to be safe for their little teeth and tummies.
For adult dogs, natural treats are a fantastic, healthier alternative to highly processed options.
Because after all—they deserve the very best. 🐾
