Quick Answer
Puppies can eat dog cookies in moderation as an occasional treat, but cookies should not make up a significant portion of a puppy’s diet. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and require a balanced diet formulated specifically for puppy growth and development.
Can Puppies Eat Dog Cookies?
Yes, puppies can eat dog cookies, but there are some important factors to consider:
- Puppies should only eat dog cookies in moderation – cookies should make up no more than 10% of their daily calories.
- Look for dog cookies made specifically for puppies or all life stages – these have appropriate nutrient levels.
- Avoid cookies with artificial sweeteners, spices, or rich ingredients that may upset a puppy’s stomach.
- Supervise puppies when eating cookies to prevent choking.
- Reduce or eliminate cookies if they cause diarrhea, gas, or excess weight gain.
While the occasional dog cookie won’t harm an otherwise healthy puppy, they lack complete and balanced nutrition for growing dogs. Puppies have higher calorie needs and require more protein, fat, vitamins and minerals than adult dogs.
Puppy Nutritional Needs
Puppies require specially formulated diets to support their rapid growth and development in the first year of life. Here are some key nutritional requirements:
- More calories – Puppies need 2-3 times more calories per pound than adult dogs.
- Higher protein – Puppies require more protein for muscle growth, usually 25-30% dry matter.
- More fat – Puppy diets have increased fat for energy and brain development.
- More vitamins & minerals – Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron levels are elevated.
- Better digestibility – Highly digestible carbs and protein.
- DHA for brain development.
Commercial puppy foods are designed to meet all of these nutritional needs. Cookies may be used sparingly as treats but cannot replace complete puppy foods.
Potential Risks of Cookies for Puppies
There are some potential risks of over-feeding puppies dog cookies:
- Nutritional imbalance if cookies displace too much regular food.
- Excess calories leading to rapid growth or obesity.
- Gastrointestinal upset from unusual ingredients or fillers.
- Dental issues if crunchy cookies stick to teeth.
- Choking risk from improperly sized or shaped cookies.
While the odd cookie is fine, owners should limit treats to 10-15% of a puppy’s daily caloric needs spread throughout the day. Puppies also have smaller mouths so some cookie shapes and sizes pose a choking hazard.
Tips for Feeding Cookies to Puppies
Here are some tips for safely feeding the occasional cookie to puppies:
- Choose puppy-formulated or all life stage dog cookies. Avoid cookies for senior or overweight dogs.
- Pick a reputable brand that uses quality ingredients. Avoid artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.
- Check cookie size – make sure it can be chewed and swallowed safely.
- Break large or hard cookies into smaller pieces.
- Supervise puppies when eating to prevent rapid consumption and choking.
- Brush puppy’s teeth or rinse mouth after eating if dental health is a concern.
- Avoid giving cookies too soon before or after meals to prevent digestive issues.
- Track treats as part of puppy’s daily calorie intake limit.
Healthy Homemade Cookie Recipes for Puppies
Dog owners can also make healthy homemade cookies for puppies using digestible ingredients:
Peanut Butter & Banana Cookies
| Ingredients: | |
| 1 ripe banana | 1/2 cup peanut butter |
| 1 egg | 2 cups whole wheat flour |
| 1 tsp baking soda |
Instructions: Mash banana and mix with peanut butter, egg, baking soda and flour. Roll dough into 1/2 inch balls and press with a fork to flatten. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Cool before serving. Keeps for 5 days sealed at room temperature.
Pumpkin & Carrot Cookies
| Ingredients: | |
| 1 cup canned pumpkin | 1/2 cup shredded carrot |
| 1 egg | 2 cups oat flour |
| 1 tsp cinnamon |
Instructions: Mix all ingredients together into a dough. Roll into 1 inch balls and flatten slightly. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until slightly browned. Let cool before serving. Keeps refrigerated for 7 days.
Conclusion
While cookies should not make up a large part of any puppy’s diet, the occasional treat in moderation is fine. Choose cookies made for puppies or all life stages and limit to no more than 10% of daily calories. Supervise young puppies when eating to prevent choking and be mindful of ingredients that may cause stomach upset. Homemade cookies can allow control over ingredients. Focus on digestible whole foods like bananas, peanut butter, pumpkin and carrots. With care and moderation, puppies can enjoy dog cookies safely and in good health.