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ToggleEvery dog deserves a treat, but giving too many high calorie snacks can lead to serious health issues. As awareness about pet obesity grows, more dog owners are looking for low calorie dog treats as a healthier alternative. These treats are specially designed to offer flavor, nutrition, and reward without overloading your pup with unnecessary calories.
Whether you’re working on training, weight management, or simply offering a daily reward, low calorie dog treats help maintain your dog’s ideal weight while still keeping their tails wagging.
Take action today and give your dog the treat they deserve without the extra calories! Explore our selection of top rated low calorie dog treats that keep your pup happy and healthy. Choose from our carefully curated options:
| Brand | Charlee Bear |
| Flavor | Turkey Liver & Cranberries |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Specific Uses For Product | all sizes |
| Special Ingredients | Cranberry |
| Brand | Fruitables |
| Flavor | Pumpkin Mango |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Item Form | Stick |
| Specific Uses For Product | Training |
| Brand | Zuke’s |
| Flavor | Duck & Apple |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Tender |
| Specific Uses For Product | Active |
Grain-Free
| Brand | Honest to Goodness |
| Flavor | Blueberry & Carrot |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Wafer |
| Specific Uses For Product | Senior Support |
Ingredients: Oat Flour, Blueberries, Carrots, Coconut Oil, Natural Blueberry Flavor, Cranberries, Broccoli, Pomegranate, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Natural Carrot Flavor, Marine Microalgae Oil, Yeast Culture, Cinnamon, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Mixed Tocopherols (used as a preservative), Rosemary Extract.
| Brand | Nulo |
| Flavor | Duck |
| Item Form | Pellet |
| Specific Uses For Product | Training, Suitable for Adult and Puppy Dogs, Grain-Free |
| Special Ingredients | Duck |
| Brand | Fruitables |
| Flavor | Pumpkin & Cranberry |
| Item Form | Discs |
| Special Ingredients | wheat-free, soy-free, weight-control, vegetarian, made-in-the-usa, corn-free |
| Unit Count | 14 Ounce |
Pumpkin, Oats, Pearled Barley, Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Cane Molasses, Cinnamon, Cranberries, Natural Apple Flavor, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols (to preserve freshness), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint.
| Brand | Caledon Farms |
| Flavor | Sweet Potato & Liver |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Discs |
| Specific Uses For Product | Active, Allergy Relief |
Grain-Free
| Brand | Pet ‘n Shape |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Treats |
| Specific Uses For Product | Training |
Chicken, Albumen (egg whites)
| Brand | HEALTHFULS |
| Flavor | Salmon |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Granule |
| Specific Uses For Product | Skin and Coat Health |
Salmon
| Brand | BIXBI |
| Flavor | Sweet Potato and Apple |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Crunchy Treats |
| Special Ingredients | gluten-free |
Sorghum Grits , Sunflower Oil, Dried Sweet Potato, Dried Apple, Cane Sugar.
| Brand | Fruitables |
| Flavor | Bacon |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Special Ingredients | Wheat Free |
Pumpkin, Oats, Pearled Barley, Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Bacon, Apple Pomace, Natural Bacon Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols (to preserve freshness), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint.
| Brand | Pet ‘n Shape |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Item Form | Bag |
| Specific Uses For Product | Active |
| Brand | Caledon Farms |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Stick |
| Specific Uses For Product | Active, Allergy Relief |
Grain-Free
| Brand | Wellness |
| Flavor | Beef & Turkey |
| Age Range (Description) | Puppy |
| Item Form | Chunk |
| Special Ingredients | Salmon Oil |
Beef, Turkey, Chickpeas, Ground Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Guar Gum, Carrots, Cane Molasses, Salmon Oil, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Blueberries, Flaxseed, Phosphoric Acid, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Sorbic Acid (a preservative), Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Over 50% of dogs are considered overweight or obese, leading to increased risks of:
Even small amounts of excess weight can cause health problems in dogs, especially smaller breeds or senior pets. Regular walks and a balanced diet are crucial but so is being mindful of treats
That’s why low calorie dog snacks are becoming essential for responsible pet owners.
Here’s what makes these treats such a smart choice:
During training, dogs may consume 10–30 treats per session. Using low calorie training treats allows frequent reinforcement with minimal calorie load.
Older dogs are less active and prone to weight gain. Low fat options help maintain health while preventing stress on joints.
Dogs with pancreatitis, allergies, or metabolic disorders often need low fat, limited ingredient treats. These are often recommended by vets.
You can stuff low calorie treats into puzzle toys, lick mats, or frozen Kongs for brain games that won’t ruin their diet.
There’s no universal standard, but most pet nutritionists define low calorie dog treats as those having:
Here’s a rough calorie guideline:
Dog Size | Daily Calorie Limit | Max from Treats (10%) |
Small (5–20 lbs) | 200–400 kcal | 20–40 kcal |
Medium (20–50 lbs) | 500–900 kcal | 50–90 kcal |
Large (50–100 lbs) | 1,000–1,800 kcal | 100–180 kcal |
Even 3 to 4 treats can take up most of your dog’s daily snack budget so make every treat count!
You can choose from a variety of low calorie options depending on your needs and your dog’s preferences:
Making homemade low calorie dog treats is a great option for owners who want to control the ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives. There are many recipes available for low calorie dog treats that can easily be made at home. For instance, carrot and apple dog treats are simple to make and full of nutrients. Simply blend fresh apples and carrots together, add a little whole wheat flour, and bake at a low temperature. Other favorites include frozen treats like frozen yogurt with fruit or sweet potato chews. Homemade treats allow you to control what goes into your dog’s snack while keeping the calorie count low.
If your dog is overweight or obese, low calorie dog treats for weight loss are a must have. Many commercial dog treats are packed with unnecessary sugars and fats that can hinder your dog’s weight loss journey. Opting for low calorie dog treats made with healthy, whole ingredients like lean protein or vegetables ensures your dog gets the satisfaction of a treat without the extra calories. Additionally, incorporating homemade low calorie snacks like boiled chicken breast, carrots, or green beans can help support weight loss efforts by providing satisfying yet nutritious options.
Many human foods are safe and healthy for dogs in moderation and can make great low calorie dog treats. Some of the best low calorie dog treats made from human food include:
Training can be a challenging but rewarding process, and low calorie dog treats for training are essential for keeping your pup motivated without overfeeding them. Since dogs can go through multiple treats in a single training session, opting for small, low calorie training treats is ideal. Zuke’s Mini Naturals or Wellness CORE RawRev are examples of excellent, low calorie options designed for training. These treats are small, so you can give your dog multiple rewards without adding too many extra calories.
Vegetables make excellent low calorie dog treats as they are low in calories and high in nutrients. Dogs love the crunchy texture and natural flavors of vegetables like:
These vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories while providing essential vitamins and minerals that help your dog stay healthy.
Small dogs have different calorie needs than larger breeds, so low calorie dog treats for small dogs are essential to ensure they get the right portion sizes. For small dogs, treats should be tiny, nutrient dense, and under 3 to 4 calories each. Brands like Zuke’s Mini Naturals and Blue Buffalo Blue Bits offer bite sized training treats that are both delicious and healthy for smaller pups.
The Reddit community is full of dog owners sharing their favorite low calorie dog treats. Many users recommend homemade treats as the best option for controlling calories and ensuring your dog gets a healthy snack. Some popular low calorie treats shared on Reddit include:
Redditors also discuss how they incorporate these treats into their dog’s daily routine to support weight management and training.
Large dogs often have higher calorie needs, but that doesn’t mean you should overfeed them with high calorie treats. Instead, choose low calorie dog treats for large dogs that still provide a satisfying reward without overloading them with calories. Look for treats that are high in protein and low in fat, such as freeze dried chicken or low calorie biscuits. These treats will help maintain your dog’s health and weight without compromising on flavor. Some brands to consider include Merrick and Natural Balance for their large dog friendly, low calorie options.
Before buying, check for:
Here’s how to maximize their benefit:
Generally, yes. They’re especially useful for:
But always consult your vet before making major changes, especially for dogs with medical conditions.
Low calorie dog treats are a simple, effective way to improve your dog’s overall health. You don’t have to stop treating your furry companion, you just need to make smarter choices. By choosing nutritious, low fat, and low calorie options, you’re not only keeping your dog’s weight in check, but also supporting a longer, happier, and more energetic life.
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