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Can Puppies Have Adult Dog Treats? We Sniff Out The Answers…

Words by: WAG Team

Published on: May 02, 2024
Can Puppies Have Adult Dog Treats? We Sniff Out The Answers…

Bringing a puppy into your home is an adventure filled with cuddles, playtime, and, of course, lots of love. As a devoted puppy parent, you want to ensure your furry friend grows up healthy and happy. One of the key aspects of puppy care is nutrition, particularly when it comes to treats.

With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right treats for your growing fur-child. That's where we come in – to help you determine the best dog treats for puppies that are suitable for your new furry bundle-of-joy. 

Do the nutritional needs of puppies vs adult dogs differ

Do the nutritional needs of puppies vs adult dogs differ?

Puppies are not just smaller versions of adult dogs - their nutritional needs are quite different. 

While adult dogs require a diet that maintains their health, puppies need a diet that supports their rapid growth and development. This includes higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone development, muscle growth, and energy.

Feeding adult dog treats to your puppy might seem like a fun snack hack, but it's a bit like giving a toddler a bodybuilder's diet - too much, too soon! Those grown-up snacks are whipped up with big dog bellies in mind, not the energy and growth needs of your pint-sized pup. 

Are there any risks of feeding adult treats to young pups

Are there any risks of feeding adult treats to young pups?

Adult dog treats are often too large and tough for little ones, which could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, the hardness of some treats might not be suitable for their delicate teeth, potentially leading to tooth damage. To ensure your puppy grows up healthy and happy, it's a good idea to choose treats that are specifically designed for their age and size, so they can enjoy snack time safely!

 Also, adult treats are often too rich for your puppy's belly, leading to an upset stomach or even bigger tummy troubles. It's best to stick to snacks which are just the right size and gentleness for your puppy's growing body. 

Natural is always best!

When it comes to choosing treats for your puppy, natural is best. Natural dog treats are made from whole, unprocessed ingredients that provide essential nutrients without the additives and preservatives found in many mass-produced treats. 

These wholesome snacks support your puppy's growth and health, offering benefits such as:

  • Better digestibility: Natural treats are easier for puppies to digest, making them ideal for sensitive tummies.
  • Nutrient-rich: They're packed with the wholesome nutrients your puppy needs to thrive, including proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Promotion of dental health: Chewing on natural treats can help keep your puppy's teeth clean and promote healthy gum development – crucial during that pesky teething stage!
naturalis best treats for dogs

WAG's Puppy Pack - a party in every bite! 

Puppies are these adorable little bundles of joy and energy, with appetites and tiny teeth that demand the perfect kind of deliciousness! That’s why we created the WAG Puppy Pack, a treasure chest of 100% natural, puppy-approved goodies tailored to support your pup's growth spurt and provide chomping fun. 

Packed with a Moo Tube, a regular-sized Bully Stick, a regular-sized Collagen Stick, and Kangaroo Jerky, this delightful combo is the ultimate pup-friendly assortment to keep your furry friend happily chewing and chomping away.

Every snack in this magical pack is handpicked to hit the sweet spot of nutrients, size, and softness for puppies, steering clear of any additives or preservatives. Here’s the scoop on why the WAG Puppy Pack is the top-dog choice for your furball’s snack drawer:

  • Nutritional balance: Our treats are formulated to complement your puppy's daily diet, supporting their overall health and wellbeing.
  • Safe chewing: We've selected treats that are the right size and texture for puppies, reducing the risk of choking and ensuring they can enjoy their snacks safely.
  • High-quality ingredients: WAG treats are made from premium, natural ingredients, providing a healthy and delicious snack for your puppy.

Some other pup friendly options are our Kangaroo Tendons - which are hypoallergenic and packed with lean protein to support that boundless puppy energy. Looking for puppy training incentives? You can’t go past our Forage Fish. These bite-sized single ingredient treats packed with Omega 3’s to help support healthy brain function and joint development. 

Snack time safety tips for dogs

Snack time safety tips: making treat time a blast

Introducing treats to your puppy's diet should be done thoughtfully to ensure they're enjoyed safely and healthily. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

  • Take it slow: Ease into new treats. Start small to keep that puppy belly happy and calm.
  • Watch and learn: Keep your eyes peeled while your pup tries out new treats. See how they handle the goodies and tweak their menu as needed.
  • Be the snack boss: Hang around during snack time to steer clear of any sneaky choking hazards.
  • Keep treats as treats: Remember, treats are the sprinkles on the cupcake, not the whole dessert! Keep them as little extras to avoid those sneaky extra pounds. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

Treat them right: nutritious snacks for your growing pup

Remember, the best treats aren't just tasty; they're also packed with nutrition and are safe for your growing buddy. Check out our specially curated puppy treats selection today.

Here's to many happy snack times ahead!