The Best Puppy Treats to Help Potty Train Your Puppy

Did you know that you can start training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old? Even while they’re still tiny and figuring out the world, puppies are already learning patterns—what earns praise, what gets ignored, and which behaviors lead to something good. Training treats help reinforce those lessons by turning the right actions into positive, memorable experiences.

Training treats play a huge role in early dog training, especially during potty training. They help your puppy connect the dots between the right behavior and a positive outcome. Pee outside? Something tasty appears. Over time, that simple reward system builds habits faster and with far less frustration—for both of you.

Potty training is often the first real challenge new puppy parents face. Accidents happen, carpets suffer, and patience gets tested. But with the right puppy training treats, consistent timing, and a clear setup, the process becomes much smoother. This guide breaks down what to look for in training treats, which options work best, and how to reinforce good potty habits beyond treats alone.

Key Takeaways

• Puppies can begin learning as early as 8 weeks old, and using puppy training treats helps reinforce positive behaviors, especially during potty training.

• Choose treats that are small, easy to chew, and quick to swallow, with natural ingredients and minimal fillers, while keeping treats under 10% of daily caloric intake.

• Texture, flavor, and scent are critical—soft, aromatic, high-value treats work best to maintain attention and motivation during training.

• A variety of treats—from freeze-dried liver and soft meats to safe fruits and vegetables—allow flexibility and keep puppies engaged without overfeeding.

• Beyond treats, tools like Gotta Go Grass pads provide a consistent potty location, helping puppies learn where to go while making training easier for owners.

Choosing the Best Puppy Treats for Training

Dogs will eat just about anything. Fruits, vegetables, leftover crumbs—if it hits the floor, it’s fair game. That gives you plenty of options when rewarding adult dogs. Puppies, however, are a different story.

Because of their small mouths, developing teeth, and sensitive digestive systems, puppies face more restrictions. Choking hazards, overly hard textures, and low-quality fillers can all cause problems. It's why training treats for puppies should be chosen carefully, especially during potty training when rewards are frequent.

Puppy treats differ from other dog treats to make them easier to eat and digest. Many puppies are also pickier about taste and texture, which means what works for one dog may not work for another.

One important rule: keep treats separate from regular dog food. Meal times happen in the bowl, while treats are reserved strictly for training. This clear distinction helps your puppy associate treats with good behavior and speeds up learning. Just be mindful of portions—training treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily caloric intake to support healthy growth.

Potty training is often the toughest part of early dog training. You’ll likely clean up accidents while your puppy learns timing and location. Using enticing, fast-to-eat treats makes a noticeable difference, reinforcing the exact moment your puppy gets it right.

Training treats should be:

• Small

• Easy to chew

• Quick to swallow. Not something your puppy will carry off and chew for five minutes mid-training.

Let’s break down what really matters when choosing the best puppy treats.

Size

Size matters more than you might think. Puppies have tiny mouths and limited chewing ability. Treats should be small enough to eat in one bite but not so tiny that they become a choking risk.

For potty training, aim for pea-sized pieces. This keeps calories in check while still delivering a reward. Larger treats are better saved for playtime or special milestones, not frequent training sessions.

Avoid treats designed for long chewing. Chewy treats may seem appealing, but they interrupt training flow and delay reinforcement.

Texture

Texture plays a huge role in both safety and effectiveness. Hard or crunchy treats require more jaw strength and time.

Soft treats are usually the best option. They’re easier to chew, quicker to swallow, and gentler on developing teeth. However, note that some puppies dislike treats that are too mushy. You may need to test a few textures to find what clicks.

Texture also affects digestion. Very hard treats can slow digestion and delay your puppy’s next potty opportunity—working against your training goals.

Flavor

There’s no universal favorite flavor for dogs. Some puppies love poultry, others prefer fish, and some go wild for liver. Trial and error is part of the process.

Rotate flavors if needed to keep your pup interested. Potty training can take up to six months, so you’ll have time to experiment. High-reward moments may call for high value flavors, while routine successes can be reinforced with simpler options.

Ingredients

This is the most important factor. Puppies are in a critical growth stage, and poor nutrition can affect development long-term.

Look for treats made with natural ingredients and minimal fillers. Avoid artificial colors, excessive preservatives, and vague labels. Read ingredient lists the same way you would your own food labels.

Protein should be a priority. Quality protein supports muscle growth, brain development, and overall health. Many of the best dog treats use single-source proteins for simplicity and digestibility.

Scent

A dog’s sense of smell is up to 100,000 times stronger than ours. Puppies rely heavily on scent to decide what’s worth their attention.

It's why stinky treats often work best during potty training. Strong-smelling options like fish, liver, or certain dried food grabs attention instantly and keep your pup focused.

Puppies are still developing their sense of smell, so aromatic treats help engage that system early and make training more effective.

Price

Great-value treats don’t have to be expensive, but cheaper isn’t always better. Instead of focusing on price alone, weigh cost against ingredient quality and effectiveness.

You don’t need luxury treats for every reward. Save pricier, high-value options for challenging moments or distractions, and use simpler treats for routine wins.

Organic vs. Non-Organic

Organic treats often contain fewer chemicals and higher-quality ingredients, but the label alone doesn’t guarantee quality. Compare different buying options, research brands, and verify sourcing before making a choice to ensure your puppy gets the safest, most nutritious treats.

Country of Origin

Manufacturing standards vary by country. If this matters to you, choose treats made in regions with stricter safety regulations. Local products can also support smaller businesses while offering peace of mind.

The Best Puppy Treats for Potty Training

Here’s a breakdown of popular, effective options—ranging from store-bought to fridge-friendly.

Freeze-Dried Liver

Freeze-dried liver is a classic high-value training treat. It’s rich in protein, easy to break into small pieces, and incredibly appealing to most puppies.

It works well for puppies over two months old and can be snapped into tiny pieces to avoid overfeeding.

Dehydrated Meats, Fish, and Jerky

Dried meats are powerful motivators. Options include chicken, beef, lamb, venison, duck, rabbit, salmon, or trout. Choose softer varieties and tear them into small pieces.

These are excellent dog training treats, especially when distractions are high. Make sure the meat isn’t overly tough or dry.

Puppy-Sized Dog Biscuits

Mini biscuits are affordable and widely available. Break them into smaller pieces and check labels carefully, as ingredient quality varies widely.

They’re crumbly, which can be distracting, but still useful for low-distraction environments.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is aromatic, flavorful, and nutrient-dense. Use sparingly and always ensure it’s xylitol-free.

It works best when paired with other treats or toys, rather than as a primary potty-training reward.

Grain and Oat-Based Treats

Grains can work for puppies without sensitivities. They’re often used as fillers but can still be effective when combined with stronger flavors.

Filler Treats

These squeeze-style treats deliver quick rewards with minimal chewing. They’re best for controlled sessions or post-training rewards rather than active potty moments.

Fruits and Vegetables

Some fresh foods make excellent low-cost training options. Dice everything small and introduce gradually. Safe options include:

• Apples (no seeds): A crunchy, low-calorie snack that provides vitamins A and C, plus fiber to support digestion. Always remove the seeds and core.

• Bananas (in moderation): Rich in potassium and vitamin B6, bananas can be a quick energy boost, but their natural sugar content means small portions are best.

• Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, these tiny berries are a great low-calorie option and easy for puppies to chew.

• Broccoli (small amounts): Contains vitamins C and K and beneficial fiber, but too much can cause stomach upset, so offer only occasionally.

• Carrots: High in beta-carotene and fiber, carrots support eye health and digestion. Dice them small to make chewing easier for puppies.

• Cucumbers: Mostly water, cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them a good option for frequent rewards without overfeeding.

• Strawberries: Provide vitamin C and antioxidants that support skin and coat health, but should be given sparingly due to natural sugars.

• Ripe tomatoes: Safe in small amounts and offer vitamins A and C, but avoid unripe tomatoes and any stems or leaves, which can be harmful.

• Watermelon (no rind or seeds): A refreshing, hydrating treat rich in vitamins A and C. Remove the rind and seeds to prevent digestive issues.

You can also experiment with sweet potato, lightly cooked and diced, as a gentle, fiber-rich treat.

Reinforcing Potty Training Beyond Treats: Grass Pads

Treats are powerful, but they’re only part of the equation. Puppies also need clear, consistent potty locations—especially when outdoor access is limited.

A dog grass pee pad with a tray, like Gotta Go Grass, offers a practical solution during potty training. It uses natural grass, helping puppies instinctively understand where to go. This is especially useful for:

• Apartment living

• Bad weather

• Late-night potty breaks

• Puppies without full vaccination clearance

Using grass pads alongside puppy training treats reinforces the behavior from both sides: location and reward. When your puppy uses the pad correctly, immediate praise and a high-value treat strengthen the habit faster.

Over time, this setup can make transitioning to outdoor potty routines much easier.

Potty Train Your Puppy Today

Potty training is one of the most important—and challenging—parts of raising a puppy. The right treats, paired with consistent routines and smart tools, make the process faster and far less stressful.

Choose training treats that are safe, appealing, and easy to eat. Mix in high-value rewards when needed, and reinforce success with clear potty locations like grass pads.

Gotta Go Grass is all about helping puppies learn where to go—without ruining your carpet. Our natural grass pads provide a natural, comfortable potty solution for indoor or outdoor use. Visit our website to find the perfect potty-training grass for your puppy and start building better habits today.