What treats can I give a 3 month old puppy

If you’ve ever watched a 3-month-old puppy zoom around your living room, you know they’re tiny bundles of energy—with equally tiny tummies and developing taste buds. As a new dog parent, figuring out what treats are safe (and actually enjoyed) can feel like solving a puzzle. You want something that rewards good behavior, keeps them happy, and won’t upset their sensitive stomachs. Let’s break down the best treats for your 3-month-old pup, plus how to use them responsibly.

First, let’s talk about why puppy treats need to be different. A 3-month-old’s digestive system is still maturing—their stomachs can’t handle rich, processed foods, and their teeth are just starting to come in, so hard treats can hurt or pose choking risks. Their tiny bodies also need nutrient-dense snacks, not empty calories, to support growth. My friend in Colorado learned this with her Beagle puppy, Milo, who got an upset tummy from a store-bought “puppy treat” with added sugars. Now she sticks to simple, homemade options, and Milo’s digestion stays happy.

Let’s start with the safest, easiest options. Plain, unsweetened yogurt (no artificial sweeteners!) is a winner—my neighbor’s Golden Retriever puppy, Lila, laps it up, and the probiotics support her gut health. Serve it in small spoonfuls or frozen in ice cube trays for a cool snack. Cooked sweet potato (mashed or cut into tiny soft pieces) is another hit—Lila’s breeder recommended this, and it’s become our go-to training reward. Freeze-dried chicken (crumbled into small bits) works too—just make sure it’s 100% chicken with no additives. Avoid hard treats, rawhide, or anything larger than your thumbnail—these can get stuck in their throats.

Treats are also powerful training tools. At 3 months, puppies are like little sponges, learning basic commands like “sit” or “come.” A tiny yogurt drop or sweet potato piece makes training feel like a game instead of a chore. My Texas vet emphasized that positive reinforcement—cheering and rewarding good behavior—builds trust far better than scolding. When my friend’s puppy, Max, finally sat on command, the excited “good boy!” and tiny treat made him eager to try again, proving that kindness works better than frustration.

Now, let’s cover the must-knows for responsible puppy parenting. First, vaccines: Rabies shots aren’t just recommendations—they’re legally required in every U.S. state, and many cities (like Chicago) ask for proof before letting your pup into public spaces. When you take treats to the park (once they’re vaccinated), clean up any crumbs—just like you’d pick up their poop (always carry biodegradable bags; fines for leaving messes start at $50 in most areas). Apartment dwellers, note this: Stick to non-staining treats (no beetroot!) to keep your landlord happy, and limit treats to 10% of their daily calories to avoid weight gain.

With these simple, safe treats, you’ll bond with your puppy while teaching them good habits. Whether it’s a yogurt spoonful for “sit” or a frozen sweet potato cube for calm behavior, the right treats make training joyful—for both of you.