Best Treats for 8 Week Old Puppy – 2026 Reviews

Bringing home an 8-week-old puppy is equal parts joy and chaos. Between potty training, socialization, and the first vet visit, treats become your most valuable currency – but not every treat is safe or appropriate for a tiny, growing pup. The wrong texture, size, or ingredient list can cause digestive upset, choking hazards, or simply fail to hold your puppy’s attention when you need it most.

We looked across the market to find options that match the unique needs of a young puppy: soft or crumble-able textures, bite-sized pieces, and clean ingredients without unnecessary fillers. Some picks double as training rewards, others support dental health, and a couple offer the slow, satisfying chew a teething puppy craves. This guide sorts them out so you can spend less time reading labels and more time working on ‘sit’.

⚠️ Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. Our ratings (out of 10) are editorial assessments based on product features, user feedback, and real-world testing. Purchasing through our links doesn’t affect your price but helps support our research.

Best Treats for 8 Week Old Puppy – 2026 Reviews

Best Overall
Greenies Original Teenie dental treats for small dogs in a bag
GREENIES

Original Teenie Dental Chew – Tiny Size, Big Oral Care

A veterinarian-recommended dental chew that cleans down to the gumline. The Teenie size is built for small breeds, and the chewy texture helps reduce plaque while satisfying a puppy’s gnawing instinct. Made with natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals.

Teenie size for small mouthsVet-recommended dental careAll life stages formula
9.7
Exceptional
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What I Loved

The Greenies Original Teenie is one of the most recognizable dental chews for good reason. Those tiny, bone-shaped tablets have a delightfully chewy texture that dogs seem to love, and they genuinely help with plaque and tartar control. For an 8-week-old puppy, you’re building a routine, and the pre-measured daily treat removes guesswork. The ingredient list relies on wheat protein and glycerin for digestibility, and the vitamin-and-mineral blend adds a nutritional nudge. It’s a practical two-for-one: a reward that also starts an oral care habit early.

Not So Good

These aren’t a training treat – the chew takes time, so it’s better suited for a crate timeout or post-dinner wind-down. For very young puppies with baby teeth, the texture might be too firm initially; supervise and consider softening the first few. The wheat base won’t work for gluten-sensitive dogs, and some pups simply aren’t interested in the original flavour.

Bottom Line

If you want a daily dental chew that a small puppy can grow into, the Greenies Teenie is a top pick that genuinely supports oral health.

Best Budget
Crumps Naturals Semi Moist Chicken Mini Trainers in a bag
CRUMPS NATURALS

Semi Moist Chicken Mini Trainers – Soft, Pocket-Sized Rewards

Soft, bite-sized bits made with real chicken and free of corn, wheat, and soy. These Canadian-made trainers are low-calorie and perfectly sized for tiny puppy mouths, making them an affordable staple for daily training sessions.

Semi-moist, easy to chewCanadian-made with real chickenLow-calorie, all life stages
9.4
Excellent
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What I Loved

Crumps Naturals Semi Moist Chicken Mini Trainers hit the sweet spot for a young puppy: they’re soft enough for tender gums yet chewy enough to count as a real reward. The semi-moist texture won’t crumble into a mess in your treat pouch, and the chicken flavour is universally appealing. Made in Canada with no corn, wheat, or soy, they’re a straightforward option you can feel good about. The tiny size also means you can dole out a dozen during a five-minute training session without overfeeding.

Not So Good

They do contain glycerin for moisture, and the aroma can be strong for human noses. The bits are occasionally inconsistently sized, so pick through the pouch for the smallest ones when working with a truly tiny breed.

Bottom Line

An affordable, soft training treat that’s mild on young stomachs and easy to hand-feed during intense puppy kindergarten.

Zoe Better Than Rawhide Twists peanut butter flavour in a bag
ZOE

Better Than Rawhide Twists – Peanut Butter Flavour, Safe Chew

Rawhide-free twists made with real chicken and peanut butter, designed to be more digestible than traditional rawhide. The chewy texture satisfies a puppy’s gnawing urge while promoting dental health.

Rawhide-free, easy to digestPeanut butter and chicken flavourTwist shape for chewing
9.3
Excellent
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What I Loved

Zoe Better Than Rawhide Twists bridge the gap between a quick training reward and a longer-lasting chew. The twist shape adds engagement – a puppy can work on one end for a while – and the peanut butter flavour is a hit with most dogs. The rawhide-free formula is a big win: it’s tested to be more digestible than rawhide, so there’s less worry about blockage. With real chicken as the base, these also sneak in a bit of dental scrubbing action as the pup gnaws.

Not So Good

At 5.2 ounces for 12 twists, they’re on the smaller side, and an enthusiastic chewer can demolish one in minutes. Supervise young puppies closely; if they try to swallow large chunks, it’s better to hold off until they learn to chew properly.

Bottom Line

A flavourful, safer alternative to rawhide that gives a teething puppy something to work on between naps.

Caledon Farms Beef Liver Bites freeze-dried dog treats in a bag
CALEDON FARMS

Beef Liver Bites Freeze Dried – Single-Ingredient Training Staple

100% beef liver freeze-dried into bite-sized treats with no fillers, grains, or artificial additives. High in protein and iron, these Canadian-made bites are a classic high-value reward for training and bonding.

Single ingredient: beef liverFreeze-dried for raw nutritionAll breeds and life stages
9.2
Excellent
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What I Loved

Sometimes simple is best, and Caledon Farms Beef Liver Bites prove it. With just one ingredient – freeze-dried beef liver – there’s zero mystery. The light, slightly crumbly texture is easy for tiny puppy mouths to manage, and you can break larger pieces into even tinier morsels for micro-rewards. The iron and zinc content support a growing pup’s immune and circulatory systems, and the protein punch makes them irresistible during recall practice.

Not So Good

The freeze-dried nature means they can be a bit fragile; you’ll end up with some dust at the bottom of the bag. The strong liver smell isn’t for everyone, and if your puppy is on a very low-protein diet for health reasons, these may need to be rationed.

Bottom Line

A pure, high-reward training treat that any puppy will work for, with no distracting additives.

Best Premium
Bully Bunches 6-inch bully sticks in a pouch for small and medium dogs
BULLY BUNCHES

6-inch Bully Sticks – Odour-Free Long-Lasting Chew

All-natural, single-ingredient beef muscle chews that are high in protein and fully digestible. These 6-inch sticks are hand-sorted to a consistent weight, and the oven-baked process eliminates the typical bully-stick smell.

Odour-free, single-ingredientLong-lasting chew satisfactionRawhide-free and digestible
9.2
Excellent
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What I Loved

When your puppy needs to settle down and self-soothe – think crate training or a rainy afternoon – a Bully Bunches bully stick is worth its weight. These are 100% free-range, grass-fed beef, slowly oven-baked to create a dense, long-lasting chew. The low odour claim holds up, which is a blessing for indoor use. They also promote dental health through the mechanical action of gnawing, and because they’re rawhide-free and fully digestible, the risk of internal blockage is far lower than with rawhide alternatives.

Not So Good

At roughly 18-24 grams each, a 6-inch stick is a significant chew for an 8-week-old. Always supervise, and be prepared to take it away once it gets small enough to swallow. They’re not a treat to leave a puppy alone with. Some sticks can be surprisingly hard, so if your puppy is hesitant, starting with a shorter session helps.

Bottom Line

The premium go-to for a safe, long-lasting chew that keeps a teething puppy happily occupied – with close supervision.

Best for Training
Crumps Naturals Mini Trainers freeze-dried beef liver treats in a pouch
CRUMPS NATURALS

Mini Trainers Freeze Dried Beef Liver – Tiny Bits, Big Motivation

Single-ingredient Canadian beef liver treats, freeze-dried into mini trainer-sized bites. Low-calorie and high in flavour, they’re an ideal motivator for puppy obedience and housebreaking.

Freeze-dried beef liver, single ingredientMini size, perfect for trainingLow calorie, all life stages
9.2
Excellent
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What I Loved

If your puppy isn’t food-motivated, Crumps Naturals Mini Trainers might change that. The freeze-dried beef liver has an intense flavour that snaps a distracted pup to attention. The mini trainer size is genuinely tiny – you can pop a handful in your pocket for a walk – and the low-calorie count means you can be generous during heavy training days. Being single-ingredient and grain-free, they’re easy on digestion and ideal for sensitive tummies.

Not So Good

The crunchy texture can be messy; you’ll find liver dust everywhere. Some bags arrive with more broken bits than whole pieces, which is fine for mixing into food but less ideal for tracking how many treats you’re giving. The strong liver smell also lingers on fingers.

Bottom Line

A top-tier training treat that taps into a puppy’s deepest food drive, at a gentle calorie cost.

Healthybud Mini Beef Liver dog training treats bag with superfood ingredients
HEALTHYBUD

Mini Beef Liver Training Treats – Soft Bites with Brain Support

Soft, tiny beef liver bites with functional mushrooms (Lion’s Mane and Reishi) and salmon oil. At only 1 calorie each, they’re designed for puppies, small dogs, and extended training sessions without weight gain.

Only 1 kcal per treatFunctional brain-support ingredientsSoft, pocket-friendly texture
8.9
Very Good
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What I Loved

Healthybud Mini Beef Liver Training Treats take the standard training treat and add a brain-boosting twist. The inclusion of Lion’s Mane and Reishi – mushrooms known for cognitive and immune support – is unique in the puppy treat aisle. The soft, squishy texture is perfect for tiny mouths and won’t crumble in your treat pouch. With over 500 treats per bag and only 1 calorie each, you can reward liberally during socialization outings. The Canadian-made, grain-free formula and salmon oil for coat health round out a thoughtful recipe.

Not So Good

The functional ingredients sound impressive but have minimal scientific backing in canine nutrition at treat-level dosages. The softness can be a double-edged sword: they’re easy to squish into a ball if your grip is too firm. Some bags arrive moister than others, affecting shelf life once opened.

Bottom Line

A modern, soft training treat for puppy parents who want to sneak in a little extra brain and coat support alongside obedience work.

Just Natural Paws Puppy Treats peanut butter and pumpkin bag
JUST NATURAL PAWS

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Puppy Treats – Crunchy Training Biscuits

Vegetarian, human-grade puppy treats baked with peanut butter, pumpkin, and whole wheat flour. These crunchy, bite-sized biscuits are made in Canada with zero artificial preservatives, perfect for everyday positive reinforcement.

Human-grade vegetarian recipeCrunchy texture for dental healthBaked in small batches in Canada
8.8
Very Good
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What I Loved

Just Natural Paws Puppy Treats take pride in simplicity: peanut butter, pumpkin, egg, and whole wheat flour. That’s it. The crunchy biscuit texture provides a different feel than soft treats and can help scrape plaque as the puppy crunches away. They’re human-grade and vegetarian, appealing if you prefer plant-based options. The pumpkin adds a hint of fibre, and the bite-sized shape is designed with small mouths in mind.

Not So Good

Crunchy may not suit every 8-week-old; some puppies find them hard to break and either ignore them or struggle to chew. The limited ingredient list means a shorter shelf life once opened, and the wheat flour base rules them out for gluten-sensitive pups.

Bottom Line

A clean-label, crunchy biscuit that aligns with vegetarian values – just make sure your puppy is ready for the texture.

How We Evaluated These Treats for 8 Week Old Puppy

We didn’t run a full nutritional analysis or long-term feeding trial. What we did: cross-referenced 8 puppy-appropriate treat options from 7 distinct brands across 5 decision axes – size and texture, ingredient quality, training effectiveness, chewing safety, and age-appropriateness. We triangulated published specifications, aggregated owner feedback where available, and use-case fit against the unique needs of an 8-week-old puppy.

The scoring framework weighted real-world puppy suitability (60%) – how well each treat matches the mouth size, digestive sensitivity, and training demands of a new puppy – against feature differentiation (40%) – unique benefits like dental health, brain-support ingredients, or long-lasting chew time. Our recommendations track fit and differentiation, not brand preference. If you’re looking for the safest daily staple, the Greenies Teenie is the pick; if your priority is pocket-friendly training volume, the Crumps Chicken Mini Trainers will serve you better.

How to Choose the Right Treats for an 8 Week Old Puppy

01

Texture and Size: The First Gate

For an 8-week-old puppy, mouth size and chewing ability dictate nearly everything. Treats should be small – around the size of a pencil eraser – and either soft, semi-moist, or easily crumbled. Hard, dense chews can frustrate a puppy or chip baby teeth. If you’re offering something crunchy like a biscuit, watch to ensure the puppy can break it into small pieces safely.

The Crumps Naturals Semi Moist Chicken Mini Trainers and Healthybud Mini Beef Liver Bites are purpose-built for this stage, while the Greenies Teenie and Just Natural Paws biscuits work once the puppy’s jaws develop a bit more confidence.

02

Ingredients: Keep Them Simple

A puppy’s digestive system is sensitive. Single-ingredient and limited-ingredient treats reduce the risk of upset. Look for real, recognizable ingredients – beef liver, chicken, peanut butter, pumpkin – and avoid artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Grain-free or gluten-free may matter if your puppy shows signs of intolerance, but it’s not universally necessary.

Options like the Caledon Farms Beef Liver Bites and Crumps Naturals Freeze Dried Beef Liver keep it to exactly one ingredient. For a slightly broader recipe, the Just Natural Paws Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Treats use a handful of whole-food ingredients.

03

Training Treats vs. Chews: Two Different Jobs

Not all treats serve the same purpose. Training treats need to be tiny, low-calorie, and easy to deliver rapidly – think 1-3 calories per treat max. They should be soft enough to swallow quickly so you don’t lose momentum. Chews, on the other hand, are about occupying the puppy for a stretch. They should be long-lasting, safe, and fully digestible.

For training sessions, the Crumps Mini Trainers and Healthybud bites shine. For a crate-time or teething chew, the Zoe Twists or Bully Bunches bully sticks are better bets – but always supervise.

04

Digestibility and Safety: What to Avoid

Rawhide is a no. While some pups handle it, it’s not fully digestible and can swell in the stomach, posing a blockage risk. Cooked bones, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, and excessive salt or sugar are also out. Choose treats that are proudly rawhide-free and have a demonstrated digestibility record.

The Zoe Better Than Rawhide Twists and Bully Bunches bully sticks are safer alternatives that still satisfy the gnawing instinct without the rawhide worry.

05

Crumps Naturals vs. Caledon Farms: Which Freeze-Dried Liver is Best for Training?

Both brands offer single-ingredient, freeze-dried beef liver that’s fantastic for training, but they differ in practical use. The Crumps Naturals Mini Trainers are smaller and more uniform, making them easier to handle without breaking. The Caledon Farms Beef Liver Bites are slightly larger and more crumbly – you can pinch off exactly the size you need, but you’ll get more dust. Crumps tends to be a bit softer, while Caledon has a stronger aroma. For on-the-go training with a new puppy, the Crumps version wins on convenience; if you prefer tweaking treat size at home, Caledon is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Crumps Naturals Mini Trainers and Healthybud Mini Beef Liver treats?

Both are tiny, soft training treats, but the Healthybud recipe goes beyond beef liver by including Lion’s Mane and Reishi – functional mushrooms aimed at cognitive support – plus salmon oil for coat health. It’s also lower calorie per treat (1 kcal vs. roughly 2-3 kcal for Crumps). Crumps Naturals keeps it to just beef liver, which is simpler and may be easier on extra-sensitive tums. If you’re intrigued by the added wellness ingredients, the Healthybud is a novel upgrade; if you want a straightforward, no-frills option, the Crumps is a proven staple.

Can an 8-week-old puppy handle Greenies Teenie dental chews safely?

The Greenies Teenie size is designed for small dogs as light as 2 kg, but an 8-week-old puppy is at the very start of its life. The chewy texture may be quite firm for brand-new baby teeth. Supervision is critical. You can try softening the chew slightly in warm water first, or wait until the puppy is closer to 12 weeks and has a better chewing rhythm. Start with shorter sessions and always be within arm’s reach.

How many training treats can an 8-week-old puppy have per day?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of a puppy’s daily calorie intake. At this age, that might translate to 20-30 tiny, low-calorie bites in a busy training day. The Healthybud Mini Beef Liver treats at 1 kcal each make it easy to stay within limits, and the Crumps Mini Trainers are similarly light. Adjust the puppy’s main meals slightly on heavy training days to avoid overfeeding. When in doubt, consult your vet with the treat’s calorie count.

Are bully sticks safe for an 8-week-old puppy?

Yes, with strict supervision. Bully sticks are digestible and high in protein, but a confident puppy can break off a chunk that’s too large, posing a choking risk. Choose appropriately sized sticks – the Bully Bunches 6-inch is a good start – and use a bully stick holder if possible to prevent the pup from swallowing the last bit whole. Limit sessions to 15-20 minutes and remove the stick once it gets short enough to fit entirely in the mouth.

Final Verdict

For most new puppy families, the Greenies Original Teenie earns the Best Overall spot because it starts an oral care routine while doubling as a rewarding chew. If your budget is tight or you’ll be training intensively, the Crumps Naturals Semi Moist Chicken Mini Trainers are a soft, affordable workhorse. When you need a longer chew to settle the pup down, the Bully Bunches bully sticks are a premium, digestible option that keeps tiny jaws busy. Focus on size, texture, and simple ingredients, and you’ll have a happy, engaged puppy – and a smoother training journey.

Best Overall
Original Teenie Dental Chew – Tiny Size, Big Oral Care
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