TL;DR: Puppies can start having treats from around 8 weeks, but what's safe changes fast as they grow. Soft training treats like Rufus Chews Beef Liver or Lamb Liver Nibbles suit young pups from 12 weeks, while gentle chews like chicken feet and necks work well from 4 months. WAG offers puppy-specific ranges too, but nothing beats a single-ingredient treat with zero mystery additives when you're feeding a developing pup.
What treats are safe for puppies in Australia?
Single-ingredient, air-dried treats made from Australian meat are among the safest options for puppies. Soft liver treats and air-dried poultry chews are easy to digest, free from preservatives, and provide protein, vitamins, and minerals that growing pups genuinely need.
Raising a puppy in Australia is equal parts joy and stress. One minute you're watching them sleep like an angel, the next they're eating a thong and knocking over your coffee. Somewhere in between, you're asking Google: "what treats can I actually give this thing?"
Here's the honest answer: puppies have specific nutritional needs, developing teeth, and digestive systems that are still finding their feet. The wrong treat at the wrong age can cause stomach upset, cracked baby teeth, or worse. But get it right, and treats become one of the most powerful tools you have for training, bonding, and supporting your pup's development.
This guide breaks down exactly what's safe, what to avoid, and which treats are best at every stage from 8 weeks through to 6 months and beyond.
When can puppies have treats? The basics
Most puppies can begin receiving treats at around 8 weeks of age -- which is generally when they arrive home. At this stage their digestive system has matured enough to process foods beyond their mother's milk, and their milk teeth (baby teeth) are in. What they cannot handle yet is anything hard, chewy, or rich.
The key rules for puppies in the early weeks:
- Treats should be soft, small, and highly digestible
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily caloric intake
- Single-ingredient treats are always safer than multi-ingredient ones (fewer things to react to)
- Always supervise a puppy with any treat, especially in the first few months
- Introduce new proteins one at a time, so you can pinpoint any sensitivity
Puppies grow and change faster than almost any other animal. What's appropriate at 8 weeks is completely different to what's appropriate at 6 months. Use the age guide below to stay on track.
Age guide: best treats for puppies by stage
Puppy development follows a fairly predictable trajectory, and treat suitability tracks closely with it. Here is a stage-by-stage breakdown.
8 to 12 weeks: gentle introduction
Your pup has arrived home. They have milk teeth, a tiny stomach, and zero impulse control. At this stage, the goal is simply to introduce treats positively and begin very basic reward training.
What works: Small, soft, and flavourful. Liver treats are ideal -- they're incredibly palatable (puppies go wild for them), easy to break into tiny pieces, and gentle on developing digestive systems. A crumb of Beef Liver the size of your thumbnail is all you need as a training reward. Keep sessions short -- puppies this age have about a 30-second attention span.
What to avoid: Hard chews, bones, rawhide, jerky strips, anything too chewy or difficult to break down. Their milk teeth cannot handle hard items and may crack. Their guts are still getting established -- rich or fatty treats can cause diarrhoea quickly.
12 to 16 weeks: training begins in earnest
Most puppies have their first vet vaccinations done by 12 weeks and can start venturing out for socialisation and proper training classes. This is when treat training really kicks off, and your pup starts learning that "sit" equals good things.
What works: Training treats are your best friend here. Beef Liver and Lamb Liver Nibbles are the gold standard -- break them into pencil-eraser-sized pieces and use them for high-repetition reward training. The strong smell is part of the appeal; it cuts through distractions and keeps your pup's nose (and attention) locked on you.
You can also introduce very light chews at this stage, under supervision. Air-dried Chicken Necks are often a good first chew for puppies over 12 weeks -- the bones are soft, crushable, and safe when air-dried (they crumble rather than splinter).
What to avoid: Anything that requires serious jaw strength. The adult teeth haven't arrived yet, and the permanent teeth are just beginning to push through.
4 to 6 months: teething zone
Between 3 and 6 months, puppies lose all 28 baby teeth and grow 42 adult teeth. During this period, they will chew everything. This is a physiological need, not bad behaviour. Their gums itch, their jaws ache, and chewing brings relief.
What works: Appropriate chews are a lifesaver at this stage -- for your pup's comfort and your furniture's survival. Chicken Feet are brilliant for teething puppies: the texture is tough enough to satisfy the urge to gnaw, but the bones are small and crushable so they won't damage erupting adult teeth. Each chicken foot also delivers approximately 450mg of natural glucosamine -- which supports healthy joint development as your pup grows rapidly.
Chicken Necks are another excellent option. They provide a good source of calcium and phosphorus (important for growing bones and teeth) and the air-dried bone crumbles safely.
Continue using liver treats for training -- your pup's appetite and motivation will be strong during this phase.
What to avoid: Very hard chews like dense beef bones, hooves, or antlers. These can fracture new adult teeth that haven't fully hardened yet. Avoid anything large enough to swallow whole.
6 months and beyond: growing into a proper dog
By 6 months, most puppies have their full set of adult teeth and a digestive system that can handle a broader range of treats. Large breeds are still growing (some until 18-24 months) so joint support remains important. Smaller breeds are approaching adult size.
What works: The full Rufus Chews range is gradually accessible from here. Continue with Chicken Feet for ongoing joint support and dental health. Liver treats remain excellent for training. For a puppy starting to show some serious chewing enthusiasm, you can begin introducing tougher options with supervision -- but there's no rush.
What to avoid: For large breed puppies still growing (think Labradors, Rottweilers, German Shepherds), be cautious about overfeeding treats that are very high in calcium or phosphorus, as this can interfere with bone development. Stick to the 10% rule and vary protein sources to build a balanced treat rotation.
Puppy treats at a glance: comparison table by age and stage
Use this as a quick reference when you are standing in the kitchen wondering whether your pup can have what's in your hand.
| Age / Stage | Recommended Treats | Chew Level | Key Benefit | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 to 12 weeks New arrival |
Beef Liver (crumbles), Lamb Liver Nibbles (crumbles) | Very soft only | High palatability for early training; iron, B vitamins, Vitamin A | Hard chews, bones, rawhide, jerky strips |
|
12 to 16 weeks Training starts |
Beef Liver, Lamb Liver Nibbles, Chicken Necks (supervised) | Soft treats + gentle introductory chews | Reward training; calcium and phosphorus from chicken necks | Dense bones, hooves, antlers, anything the pup can bolt whole |
|
4 to 6 months Teething zone |
Chicken Feet, Chicken Necks, Beef Liver (training) | Moderate -- crushable bones | Teething relief; glucosamine for joint development; dental health | Hard dense chews that could fracture new adult teeth |
|
6 months+ Growing up |
Full range accessible; Chicken Feet, Chicken Necks, Beef Liver, Lamb Liver | Full range with supervision | Continued joint support; ongoing training; dental health | Overfeeding; very high calcium treats for still-growing large breeds |
Training treats for puppies: what actually works
Reward-based training is the most effective approach for puppies -- research in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior consistently shows that positive reinforcement outperforms any other training method for young dogs. The treat you choose as a reward matters more than most people realise.
The best puppy training treats share four characteristics:
- Small -- the size of a pea or pencil eraser. You may do 50 repetitions in a training session. Even tiny treats add up in calories.
- Soft -- chewing interrupts the training flow. You want the pup to eat it in half a second and look back at you immediately.
- High value -- strong smell and flavour cuts through distractions, especially in new environments.
- Single ingredient -- you're feeding dozens of these a day during heavy training phases. You want to know exactly what's going in.
Liver ticks every box. Beef Liver and Lamb Liver Nibbles from Rufus Chews are both easy to pinch into tiny crumbles, intensely aromatic (in a dog-approved way), and made from one ingredient: 100% Australian liver, air-dried. Nothing else.
For puppies with a sensitivity to beef, Lamb Liver Nibbles are the go-to alternative. Lamb is a less common protein allergen than beef or chicken, and the B vitamin and iron content is excellent for growing pups.
A note on treat budgets during training: keep an eye on how many treats you're using per session. If you are doing multiple sessions a day (which is ideal for puppies), reduce the amount of their regular meal accordingly so you stay within their daily caloric needs.
Teething chews: giving your puppy something appropriate to gnaw on
Between 3 and 6 months of age, a puppy loses all 28 baby teeth and replaces them with 42 permanent adult teeth. During this transition, chewing is not a behaviour problem -- it is a physiological need. Puppies chew because their gums are sore, their jaws ache, and chewing brings genuine relief.
The challenge is finding something safe enough for developing teeth that still satisfies the urge. The options fall into two camps:
Natural edible chews: Air-dried Chicken Feet and Chicken Necks are well suited to teething puppies. The bones air-dry to a crushable, brittle texture -- they crumble under chewing pressure rather than splintering. This means they're digestible and won't damage erupting teeth. The chewing action also provides gentle gum massage, which may help soothe teething discomfort.
What to steer clear of: Rawhide, pressed rawhide, and most processed dental chews. Rawhide swells when wet, sits heavily in the stomach, and is difficult for puppies to digest. Dense bones (cooked or smoked marrow bones, cow hooves, deer antlers) are too hard for puppy teeth -- they can cause tooth fractures, particularly on the carnassial teeth (the large molars at the back).
The rule of thumb used by many veterinary dental specialists: if you can't make a dent in the chew with your thumbnail, it is too hard for a puppy.
What nutrients do puppies need from treats?
Treats shouldn't just taste good -- they should contribute something useful to a growing puppy's diet. Here's what to look for:
Protein
Puppies have a higher protein requirement per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs. Protein supports muscle development, immune function, enzyme production, and tissue repair. Liver treats are protein-dense (air-dried beef liver is roughly 65-70% protein by dry weight) and provide protein in a highly bioavailable form.
Calcium and phosphorus
Critical for bone and teeth development. Air-dried Chicken Necks provide a natural, balanced source of calcium and phosphorus -- delivered in the matrix of real bone and cartilage, which may be better absorbed than synthetic calcium supplements.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Often thought of as joint supplements for seniors, these compounds are actually important for puppies too. Rapid growth phases put significant stress on developing joints. Chicken Feet deliver approximately 450mg of natural glucosamine and 300-400mg of chondroitin per foot -- supporting cartilage development as your pup grows.
Vitamins and minerals
Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Beef and lamb liver are rich in Vitamin A (critical for vision and immune function in puppies), iron (for red blood cell development), zinc (skin and coat), copper (bone development), and B vitamins including B12, folate, and riboflavin. Given in appropriate amounts, liver treats provide a meaningful micronutrient contribution to a puppy's diet.
A word on Vitamin A: Liver is high in Vitamin A, which is fat-soluble and can accumulate. This is exactly why the 10% treat rule matters -- a few crumbles of liver as a training reward a few times per day is beneficial; feeding liver as a meal replacement is not.
Safety rules: treats and puppies
Even the safest natural treats require some common sense. Here are the non-negotiables:
- Always supervise: Never leave a puppy unattended with a chew, especially in the early weeks when you don't yet know their chewing style. Some pups are methodical chewers; others are bolt-it-down goblins who try to swallow things whole.
- Size matters: Treats and chews should always be larger than your puppy's airway. If in doubt, go bigger.
- One new protein at a time: Introduce new ingredients one at a time and observe for 48-72 hours. Signs of sensitivity include itchy skin, ear scratching, loose stools, or vomiting.
- No cooked bones, ever: Cooked bones (from your own meals) splinter dangerously. Air-dried treats are a completely different product -- the drying process makes bones brittle in a safe, crumbling way.
- The 10% rule: Treats should account for no more than 10% of your pup's daily caloric intake. Overfeeding treats during puppyhood can disrupt balanced nutrition and create weight issues later.
- Fresh water always available: Air-dried treats are low in moisture. Make sure your pup has access to fresh water when enjoying a chew.
Why single-ingredient treats matter for puppies
When something goes wrong -- a rash, a runny tummy, a bout of scratching -- knowing what's in the treat makes all the difference. With a single-ingredient treat, you know instantly whether it's the treat causing the problem. With a multi-ingredient treat listing 15 components, you're left guessing.
This is especially important in puppyhood, when food sensitivities first emerge and you are still learning what your dog tolerates. Every Rufus Chews treat lists one ingredient. Flip the pack: 100% Australian beef liver. Or 100% Australian chicken feet. That's it. No preservatives, no additives, no fillers, no overseas-sourced mystery proteins.
Compare that to the average supermarket puppy treat, which might list: wheat flour, glycerin, chicken flavouring (2%), maize starch, sorbitol, salt, sodium propionate, potassium sorbate. Zero actual chicken, multiple preservatives, and a flavouring doing the heavy lifting.
Your puppy's gut is learning what the world is made of. Start it off on good information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can puppies have treats?
Puppies can begin receiving treats from around 8 weeks of age, which is typically when they arrive home. At this stage, only very soft, small, easily digestible treats are appropriate. Firmer treats like air-dried chews can be introduced gradually from 12-16 weeks under supervision, with tougher chews suitable from around 4-6 months as adult teeth come in.
What are the best treats for puppy training in Australia?
Liver treats are widely considered the best option for puppy training -- they're soft, highly palatable, easy to break into tiny pieces, and single-ingredient. Rufus Chews Beef Liver and Lamb Liver Nibbles are both popular choices among Australian puppy owners and trainers. They're made from 100% Australian liver, air-dried with zero additives, and can be crumbled into pea-sized training pieces.
Are chicken feet safe for puppies?
Yes -- air-dried chicken feet are generally safe for puppies from around 12-16 weeks, with supervision. The bones are soft and crushable when air-dried, crumbling rather than splintering. They're particularly useful during the teething phase (3-6 months) and deliver approximately 450mg of natural glucosamine per foot to support growing joints. Always supervise and ensure the size is appropriate for your pup.
Can I give my 8-week-old puppy treats?
Yes, but keep them very small and very soft. Tiny crumbles of air-dried liver are ideal -- one ingredient, soft texture, and high palatability for early reward training. Avoid anything hard, chewy, or rich. Their digestive system is still establishing itself and their milk teeth cannot handle firm chews yet.
What chews are safe for teething puppies?
Air-dried chicken feet and chicken necks are among the safest natural chews for teething puppies. The bones crumble safely when chewed, the texture satisfies the urge to gnaw, and both provide calcium and glucosamine that support development. Avoid rawhide, cooked bones, dense marrow bones, cow hooves, and antlers -- these are too hard for puppy teeth and can cause fractures or digestive blockages.
How many treats should I give my puppy per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy's daily caloric intake. For a small breed puppy (Cavoodle, Dachshund), that might mean 5-10 small liver crumbles across a training session. For a medium-large breed pup, slightly more. If you are doing intensive training with many repetitions, reduce the main meal slightly to compensate. Always ensure fresh water is available alongside treats.
What treats should I avoid for puppies?
Avoid hard chews (hooves, antlers, dense marrow bones) that can fracture developing teeth. Avoid rawhide -- it's difficult to digest and can cause blockages. Avoid anything with artificial preservatives, colourings, or flavourings. Avoid human foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, and anything containing xylitol (a sweetener toxic to dogs). Multi-ingredient treats with long ingredient lists are harder to troubleshoot if your puppy develops a sensitivity.
Do puppies need special treats or can they eat adult dog treats?
The distinction is less about "puppy" vs "adult" labelling and more about texture, size, and ingredient quality. A soft, small, single-ingredient treat is appropriate for puppies regardless of what the packaging says. Conversely, a hard chew marketed as a "puppy treat" may not be suitable if the texture is too firm. Focus on the actual texture and ingredients rather than the age label on the pack.