Hello, furry lovers! If you want your dog to become a straight-A student in “sit” and “stay,” we know the secret ingredient: treats! Beyond training, treats can significantly help in the bonding process, and let’s be honest, we love giving them as much as our dogs love receiving them.
Treats are wonderful tools, provided they are used wisely. A few too many high-calorie snacks, and you might find yourself googling “dog gym membership” or perhaps even looking into a new dog pram to help with their reduced mobility. Low-calorie dog treats are crucial for preventing undesirable weight gain, which can lead to serious health issues such as joint problems, reduced mobility, and diabetes.
Therefore, when choosing rewards for your canine companion, you should always seek low-calorie dog treats and be mindful of their ingredients, nutritional value, and the method of administration. Let’s delve deeper into healthy low-calorie dog treats for weight loss and overall well-being!
The Importance of Low-Calorie Treats for Your Dog’s Health
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reshaped daily life, not just for us, but for our dogs too. A survey conducted between 2020 and 2022, involving 309 dogs, found that 35.3% were overweight, with 2.3% classified as obese. While treats are an excellent way to encourage your dog during training sessions, the type of treat matters immensely.
Another study revealed that although nearly 60% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, the majority of pet owners still perceive their dogs as being at a healthy weight. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, helping you become an informed and proactive dog owner! It’s incredibly easy to go overboard with treats, especially when our dogs give us “that” innocent look. That’s why opting for low-calorie dog treats is highly recommended. Too many high-calorie snacks can easily add extra pounds, which, combined with poor diet quality and lack of physical activity, can worsen your dog’s health.
Switching from high-calorie to healthy, low-calorie dog treats is a fantastic way to indirectly prevent obesity-related health issues and significantly enhance your dog’s quality of life and lifespan. You can also read more about weight management in dogs with arthritis.
Important Note: When choosing treats for your dog, don’t just look at the calories per treat—focus on calories per kilogram (kcal/kg), which indicates caloric density. A treat might seem “low-calorie,” but if it’s tiny, your dog will keep begging for more without feeling satisfied. The goal is to find treats that are both low in calories per treat and low in caloric density, ensuring they provide some fullness without packing on extra pounds.
Top Low-Calorie Dog Treat Options
When selecting the best low-calorie dog treats, begin by deciding whether you prefer natural options, commercial treats, or homemade recipes. For most dogs, the sheer number of treats is often more important than the specific taste. We’ve compiled excellent choices from all categories, so the ultimate decision is yours!
Natural Low-Calorie Treats
Whole and unprocessed foods represent some of the best options for low-calorie dog treats. These foods are naturally free of additives, preservatives, and fillers, while still providing your dog with essential nutrients and maintaining a healthy calorie intake.
You can start with vegetables as excellent low-calorie choices:
- Carrot Sticks: These offer a crunchy and sweet taste that dogs love. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, beneficial for eye health, and fiber, which aids digestion. Their slightly rough texture can also help keep teeth healthy by gently scraping plaque, serving as a good, healthy preventative measure against dental issues.
- Cucumbers: Hydrating and refreshing, cucumber slices are primarily water, making them an ultra-low-calorie snack. Dogs often enjoy their crisp texture.
- Zucchinis: Dogs typically enjoy the light, refreshing taste of zucchini. They are packed with fiber, supporting digestion and helping your dog feel full and hydrated. The high water content is also beneficial for maintaining hydration.
Note: While these three are our top picks, many other vegetables are safe for dogs (always check with a veterinarian). We recommend cutting vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Serve them raw without any dressings or seasonings.
Fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and zucchini, ideal as natural low-calorie dog treats
Other healthy foods you can include in your pet’s diet are green beans, baby carrots, cooked carrots, blueberries, apple slices (without seeds), and rice cakes. However, be vigilant about potential food allergies and always avoid highly toxic foods such as grapes, chocolate, and onions. Also, be careful with cream cheese and cheddar cheese, as they contain more calories and fat than recommended for dogs on a weight management plan. In addition to treats, ensuring effective training tools is vital for your dog’s development. For instance, selecting the best e collar for dogs can significantly enhance communication and behavior, always prioritizing humane and positive reinforcement methods.
Besides veggies, don’t forget lean proteins, which are essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. Proteins can significantly accelerate the weight loss journey.
- Boiled Chicken: This is a high-protein, low-fat option. Meat can improve an animal’s satiety and energy while managing calorie intake. Veterinarians often prescribe boiled chicken for dogs with digestive upset due to its light nature and positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Boiled Turkey: Another healthy, low-protein, and low-fat alternative.
Note: Always ensure meat is thoroughly cooked to avoid bacterial infections. Also, avoid seasoning and cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Best Commercial Low-Calorie Dog Treat Brands
We’ve identified some of the best commercial low-calorie dog treats based on product quality and positive customer experiences and reviews. When evaluating commercial treats, look for options with a caloric density below 3100 kcal/kg, ideally around 2500 kcal/kg. While finding treats in this ideal range can be challenging, we’ll provide the calorie content for each treat mentioned.
Let’s take a look at our top recommendations!
1. Blue Buffalo Health Bars
Why trust it?
- These treats are oven-baked with real fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, providing essential nutrients without artificial additives.
- They contain no corn, wheat, or soy, making them suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
- A healthier alternative to high-calorie treats, allowing you to reward your dog without compromising their health.
- Available in a variety of flavors to suit every dog’s unique taste.
These treats have 3272 kcal/kg, which is slightly higher than the recommended density. This might be due to a higher concentration of carbohydrates, so exercise caution not to overfeed your dog, even with these treats.
2. Zuke’s Mini Naturals
Why trust it?
- Made with high-quality ingredients like real chicken, turkey, or salmon as the first ingredient, ensuring a protein-packed snack.
- With less than 3 kcal per treat, they are excellent for frequent rewards during training sessions without overloading your dog with extra calories.
- Contains cherry and turmeric, offering antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory benefits to support overall health.
- Their small size makes them ideal for repetitive rewards during training without significantly impacting your dog’s daily diet.
- Available in eight delicious flavors (chicken, peanut butter+oats, beef, salmon, duck, pork, pumpkin, turkey+cranberries).
The main drawback of these treats is their low fiber content (2%). However, if your dog already gets sufficient fiber from their regular diet, this should not be a concern. If you are specifically looking for treats with added fiber to support healthy digestion, you might consider other options.
3. Fruitables Skinny Minis
Why trust it?
- Crafted with natural ingredients like real pumpkin and apple as primary components, ensuring a nutrient-packed snack rich in fiber and antioxidants.
- Under 3 kcal per treat, these provide guilt-free snacking and rewarding during training.
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, containing only wholesome, natural ingredients.
- Their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for dogs of all ages, including seniors or those with dental sensitivities.
- Available in seven enticing flavors (apple bacon, pumpkin mango, pumpkin berry, rotisserie chicken, grilled bison, watermelon, pumpkin spice).
These treats have 3030 kcal/kg, placing them within the desired range, though a little above the ideal (2500 kcal/kg). They are also low in fiber, which is important for providing satiety and fullness. Despite this, Fruitables Skinny Minis are generally a very good low-calorie treat option.
4. Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treats
Why trust it?
- These treats contain 2715 kcal/kg or less than 3 kcal per treat, making them an excellent low-calorie choice.
- They are USA-made, hypoallergenic, and utilize sustainable cricket protein, which is a highly digestible prebiotic.
- Contains wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, carrots, and oats.
- Perfectly sized and easy to break into smaller pieces for training.
- Do not contain corn, wheat, soy, or fillers.
Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket treats are not baked and have a moist texture. This can be advantageous for dogs who prefer softer treats or for easier portioning during training sessions. Read more about Pre, Pro & Post-Biotics for Dogs for insights into gut health.
5. Charlee Bear Dog Treats
Why trust it?
- Each treat contains only 3 kcal, making them ideal for frequent rewards without concerns about weight gain.
- Contains garden veggies, cranberries, chicken liver, and real cheese for a palatable taste.
- Available in four flavors to suit various dog preferences.
- Made without wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Charlee Bear treats are an excellent low-calorie option, but they do have a higher carbohydrate content and typically contain 3160 kcal/kg, depending on the specific recipe. They are designed to be small and low in calories, making them perfect for rewards during training without significantly adding to your dog’s overall caloric intake.
A variety of commercial low-calorie dog treats from different brands, suitable for training
DIY Low-Calorie Treats
If you’re eager to spend some extra time pampering your furry friend with homemade treats, that’s a fantastic choice! Here are some simple and healthy recipes for low-calorie dog treats you can try:
- Baked Sweet Potato Slices: Thinly slice sweet potatoes and bake them until crispy. These are packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Frozen Banana Bites with Greek Yogurt: Mash a banana, mix with plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt, and freeze in small dollops. A refreshing and healthy snack.
- Unsweetened Pumpkin, Peanut Butter, and Oat Bites: Combine unsweetened pumpkin puree, natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!), and rolled oats. Form into small balls and bake or freeze.
Note: These are some of the simplest and healthiest options, but feel free to explore more recipes. Just remember, when cooking for your dog, always avoid adding any sweeteners, spices, or ingredients harmful to dogs.
How to Use Low-Calorie Treats in Weight Management
Tracking the calories in treats can be challenging, but you can simplify this by checking the labels of commercially bought products or by choosing healthy vegetables. A crucial guideline is to ensure that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
It is particularly important to use low-calorie dog treats during the training process. During these sessions, you might find yourself giving more treats than anticipated, especially if your dog is an enthusiastic learner. To avoid overfeeding with unnecessary calories, choose a low-calorie treat and use smaller pieces to minimize the caloric impact. The primary goal of treats during training is to motivate your dog, not to over-saturate them with calories.
If your dog is on a weight management program, make sure to time treats for moments when your dog is most active. This strategy helps ensure your dog burns off those calories, contributing positively to their overall weight goals. While focusing on treats for weight management, remember the importance of overall activity. Whether it’s a walk in the park or exploring options like the best dog bike trailer uk for adventures, consistent exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle.
You might wonder why we consistently connect treats with training. The answer is simple: because science supports it! It is proven that positive reinforcement methods are significantly more effective than negative training methods.
A Cambridge study that surveyed 364 dog owners compared various training methods and their impact on behavior. The study found the following results:
- 66% used vocal punishment
- 12% used physical punishment
- 60% used praise as a reward
- 51% used food rewards
- 11% used play with their dogs as a reward
The findings revealed that most dogs trained with rewards performed better, whereas punishment had no positive effect on obedience.
A dog performing a trick, being rewarded with a small, healthy low-calorie treat during training
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Dog Treats
When pet owners start incorporating treats into their pets’ diets, they often make a few common mistakes. Here are some of the most frequent ones to help you avoid them:
- Giving treats as main meals: Treats should supplement, not replace, a balanced diet.
- Overfeeding with treats: Even low-calorie treats can contribute to weight gain if given in excess.
- Misinterpreting “low-fat” with “low-calorie” labels: These terms are not interchangeable. A low-fat treat might still be high in calories due to other ingredients.
- Not looking at caloric density (kcal/kg): Focus on the overall calorie content per weight, not just per individual treat.
- Using unhealthy treats: Avoid treats with artificial ingredients, excessive sugars, or harmful components.
- Not being careful about the special dietary needs of the dog: Always consider any allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions your dog may have.
- Forgetting the 10% limit in daily calorie intake: Treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s total daily calories.
- Using treats for every small task: While positive reinforcement is good, excessive treating can lead to overfeeding.
Note: Although we encourage you to include treats during the training process, be extra careful not to overfeed your dog. Check out our complete guide to weight loss for dogs here and learn more about the weight loss process!
To Sum Up
When incorporating treats into your dog’s diet, it’s vital to find the right balance to ensure their weight stays healthy and normal. Keep in mind the importance of choosing low-calorie dog treats and make sure to avoid common mistakes like overfeeding or misinterpreting nutritional labels. By making informed choices, you can effectively use treats to support your dog’s training, bonding, and overall health without contributing to weight issues.
Have you noticed any weight gain in your dog after introducing treats? If so, what steps did you take to manage it? We’d love to hear your experience—let us know in the comments below!
Author: Dr. Sandra
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Meet Dr. Sandra, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) who skillfully combines her two passions: writing and veterinary medicine. Dedicated to animal welfare, she is actively conducting research aimed at solving the problem of stray dogs. In addition to her research endeavors, Sandra possesses valuable experience in the pharmaceutical industry and serves as a veterinary advisor. Her primary goal is to inform pet parents about dog health, effectively “translating” complex veterinary language into simple, easy-to-understand terms.
Join Dr. Sandra to learn more about pets and discover how simple advice can significantly improve your dog’s life.
The content presented here is for informational purposes and reflects Sandra’s own opinions, expertise, and experience. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized advice and care for your pets, always consult with your veterinarian.
Education: 2016-2023 | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Skopje, Macedonia
Researches: (October 2023) “Model for identifying appropriate strategies for dog control population” (April 2019) “Comparative overview of stray dog control population between countries” (September 2018) “Influence of Dermanyssus Gallinae on animal health – One Health Approach” (May 2018) “Circadian behavioral rhythm of dairy cows in a loose housing system”
