Whether used to train your pup or as a fun snack, treats can push your dog’s daily calories over a healthy limit. Too many tasty rewards, especially those high in calories and full of low-quality ingredients, can lead to weight gain and subsequent health problems. Fortunately, there are a few yummy alternatives that taste just as good but with fewer calories. I have found the best low-calorie dog treats for healthy, natural snacks, so let’s look closer.
| Overall | Training | Crunchy | Grain-Free Biscuits | Dental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| Rocco & Roxie | Pupford | Old Mother Hubbard | American Journey | Virbac C.E.T. |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Chewy | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Why Are Healthy, Low-Calorie Dog Treats So Important?
Dogs can gain weight quickly, and even a few extra pounds can lead to weight-related health problems down the road. Weight-related health problems include arthritis, diabetes, heart conditions, and more. So, choosing low-calorie, high-quality, and all-natural treats is crucial to maintaining a pup’s overall health, especially if your dog is prone to weight gain. Be sure to read the ingredients and caloric content of any treats you’re considering.
Expert Tip
Remember to factor in calories your pup consumes from treats and snacks and cut back on your dog’s food at mealtimes to compensate for any treats given. Most vets and dog experts recommend following the 90/10 rule: 90% of calories should come from complete and balanced dog food and 10% from treats.
High-Calorie Snacks & Treats To Give Sparingly Or Avoid
For many dogs, a high-calorie snack is okay occasionally (as long as you cut back on your dog’s food that day in proportion to the treat). But for overweight and obese dogs, it’s generally not a good idea. Use caution in breeds particularly prone to weight gain, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, Beagles, Dachshunds, and Basset Hounds. I have a Doxie who loves to eat everything, but I know I can’t go over the top with treats because of her breed’s increased risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Some treats and snacks that my dogs and others love but are high in calories include:
- Peanut butter
- Cheese, especially cheddar and cream cheese
- Tuna
- Bully sticks and rawhide
- Marrow bones
- Pig ears
8 Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats
I’ve chosen these healthy, low-calorie dog treats based on the quality of ingredients, brand reputation, pricing, customer feedback, and other factors. I’ve categorized my recommendations to help you find the best options for you and your pup’s treat preferences. Every treat I review here is all-natural and made in North America.
Best Overall: Rocco & Roxie Chicken Jerky Sticks Review
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Rocco & Roxie is a well-respected brand of high-quality dog products, and these treats are extremely popular among pup parents and their canine companions. Each stick contains real American-raised chicken, and foil-lined packaging keeps them fresh. They contain no wheat, corn, soy, or gluten, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies. They have a soft, chewy texture and are hickory smoked for 10 hours for a tasty reward.
Each chicken jerky stick is 20 calories (which is pretty low-calorie compared to most dog treats), so I’ve chosen them as my top winner. Why? What I love about these treats is that a six-inch stick is an excellent option for larger dogs. But you can easily break them up to give smaller canines (a quarter of a stick is only five calories). Although the beef option is just as tasty, they have 66.5 calories per stick and are not a great choice for any pup trying to manage their weight.
Ingredients: American-Raised Chicken, Rice Protein, Spices, Salt, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Potassium Sorbate, Natural Wood Smoke Flavoring
Calories/Treat: 20 | Crude Protein: 20% | Crude Fat: 4% | Crude Fiber: 2% | Texture: Soft & Chewy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Only 20kcal per stick | Some customers complain the bags are difficult to seal |
| Made with real chicken | |
| Soft, chewy texture | |
| Easy to break up | |
| Foil-lined packaging for freshness |
Price:
- Starts at $19.97 ($19.97 / lb)
Best For Training: Pupford Freeze-Dried Rabbit Dog Training Treats Review
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While it’s somewhat easier to find low-calorie dog training treats because of their small size, the caloric content of these Pupford freeze-dried treats is hard to beat for the quality. When you’re training your pup in specific skills, rewarding them multiple times in a short period is crucial. So, these high-protein and super low-calorie bites are ideal for those needs. These treats are naturally preserved with tocopherols, which prevent the chew from becoming too crumbly.
These little chews are also an excellent choice for dogs with allergies or food intolerances because they’re grain-free and feature the novel protein rabbit, which is less likely to trigger allergy symptoms. Pupford makes these treats in various flavors, and blueberry, chicken, salmon, and sweet potato are all less than one calorie per treat. The beef, duck, turkey, and surf and turf treats are more calorific but still less than two calories per treat.
Ingredients: Rabbit, Mixed Tocopherols (Natural Preservative & Antioxidant)
Calories/Treat: <1 | Crude Protein: 37% | Crude Fat: 11% | Crude Fiber: 6% | Texture: Soft
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 kcal per treat | Treats are small & might not satisfy larger dogs |
| Uses single ingredient | |
| Rabbit is a novel, sensitive-friendly protein | |
| High in protein & fiber | |
| Ideal for training |
Price:
- Starts at $11.49 ($91.92 / lb)
Best Crunchy: Old Mother Hubbard Savory Mix Biscuits Review
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Made by premium pet food brand Wellness, these grain-inclusive treats are surprisingly low in calories for traditional dog biscuits. And to give your pup a variety, you get three different flavors in one bag: Liv’R’Crunch, P-Nuttier, and Bac’N’Cheez. Each low-fat treat includes protein and high fiber from all-natural sources.
Mother Hubbard dog treats come in a wide range of biscuit sizes to suit all breeds, but this savory selection uses medium-sized treats to suit all doggy sizes. The crunchy texture means they are easy to break up if you have a small dog. They’re slow-baked to preserve nutrients and freshness, naturally preserved with tocopherols.
Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Oatmeal, Wheat Bran, Chicken Fat, Cane Molasses, Apples, Carrots, Chicken Liver, Eggs, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Natural Flavor, Salt, Maltodextrin, Turmeric, Paprika, Natural Bacon Flavor, Paprika Extract, Natural Peanut Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Calories/Treat: 10 | Crude Protein: 12% | Crude Fat: 7% | Crude Fiber: 5.5% | Texture: Crunchy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crunchy texture | Some reviews mention biscuits break easily during transportation |
| Selection of 3 tasty flavors | |
| Only 10kcal per treat | |
| Slow-baked to retain nutrients | |
| High in fiber to keep dogs feeling fuller for longer |
Price:
Best Grain-Free Biscuits: American Journey Oven-Baked Biscuits Review
If crunchy biscuits are your furball’s favorite, but he has a sensitive tummy or allergies, Chewy brand American Journey offers these grain-free, limited-ingredient alternatives. The chickpeas replace the need for grains and provide a high fiber content that helps Fido stay fuller for longer. They’re small enough to fit in your pocket for on-the-go rewards but a satisfying size for many pups.
I recommend the peanut butter recipe as the healthiest low-calorie option, but it comes in seven other flavors. The dog-friendly peanut butter is made from dry-roasted peanuts and is naturally preserved with tocopherols. Most owners say their dogs love these extremely affordable treats. Only a handful of customers say their fussy pups didn’t show much interest in them.
Ingredients: Chickpeas, Peas, Peanut Butter, Cane Molasses, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rosemary Extract
Calories/Treat: 13 | Crude Protein: 16% | Crude Fat: 9% | Crude Fiber: 6% | Texture: Crunchy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Grain-free and limited-ingredient | Reviews suggest only a few dogs show little interest in them |
| Only 13 kcal per treat | |
| High in fiber and crunchy texture | |
| Made with tasty dog-friendly peanut butter | |
| Affordable option |
Price:
- Starts at $3.13
Read our full review of American Journey and their range of products.
Best Dental: Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Chews Review
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Unfortunately, all dental chews are pretty high in calories. However, veterinarians still highly recommend their use to prevent dental disease along with daily teeth brushing. But these Virbac dental sticks are among the lowest-calorie options for a Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved product that reduces plaque and tartar. The z-shaped chews help Fido pick them up and chew them, and they also help scrape away plaque. 90% of pet owners noticed a significant improvement in their pet’s breath from day one. Making this a great option if you’re looking for a low-calorie treat that also targets dental health.
Each pack contains 30 chews to last the month. These vegetarian chews get tons of positive reviews for their effectiveness, and most owners say their dogs love the taste and consistency. They come in four sizes: X-small (23 kcal/chew), small (48 kcal/chew), medium (75 kcal/chew), and large (105 kcal/chew). Inulin, a natural prebiotic, is included to promote healthy digestion.
Ingredients: Corn Starch, Glycerin, Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Brewers Dried Yeast, Sorbitol, Ground Corn Cob, Erythritol, Potassium Sorbate, Water, Inulin, Pomegranate
Calories/Chew: 23 / 48 / 75 / 105 | Crude Protein: 17% | Crude Fat: 0.4% | Crude Fiber: 2% | Texture: Firm & Chewy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low-calorie dental stick | Not as low in calories compared to other options on this list |
| VOHC approved | |
| Vegetarian option | |
| Z-shaped helps remove plaque | |
| Customers noticed a significant improvement in breath odor |
Price:
- Starts at $23.72 ($2.96 / ounce)
Best Low-Fat: Stewart Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Treats Review
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I recommend Stewart’s freeze-dried chicken bites as the best low-fat dog treats. At only four calories each, they pack a high-protein punch. Made with 100% premium-quality lean chicken breast, they’re an excellent choice for pups with sensitive stomachs and food sensitivities. You can use them as training treats or rewards at any time. They’re also easy to break apart into smaller pieces.
Pet parents rave about Stewart’s freeze-dried treats, which also come in salmon, beef liver, and chicken liver. If your pup is sensitive to chicken, the beef liver treats are an excellent alternative at 5% fat and six calories each. While still low in calories, the salmon and chicken liver treats are higher in fat. These treats are made in the USA with locally sourced chicken.
Ingredients: Chicken Breast
Calories/Treat: 4 | Crude Protein: 74% | Crude Fat: 3% | Crude Fiber: 1% | Texture: Soft
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Single-ingredient option | Few reviews mention they are too crumbly |
| Made with lean chicken breast | |
| Only 4 calories per treat | |
| Very high in protein | |
| Freeze-dried to maintain nutrient and flavor potency | |
| Made in the USA with local chicken |
Price:
Best Human-Grade: The Honest Kitchen Chicken Jerky Harvest Mini Bars Review
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A pioneer in human-grade dog food, The Honest Kitchen uses only healthy, whole-food ingredients in these protein-packed minibars. Featuring cage-free chicken and highly nutritious fruits and veggies, these treats also have tons of flavor that many dogs love. The first ingredient is real chicken, and each bar contains apples, blueberries, ginger, and other nutrients that help to boost your dog’s immunity.
They’re gently roasted in small batches to retain nutrients, flavor, and a soft texture. They make a fantastic, healthy treat for dogs of all sizes. The treats measure approximately one inch across. They are easy to break into smaller pieces if you have a smaller pup or want smaller training bite sizes. The Honest Kitchen also offers a beef alternative, only one extra calorie in every bite.
Ingredients: Chicken, Oats, Apples, Carrots, Coconut Glycerin, Blueberries, Celery Juice, Chicken Bone Broth, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (A Natural Preservative), Ginger
Calories/Treat: 15 | Crude Protein: 26.5% | Crude Fat: 22% | Crude Fiber: 0.5% | Texture: Soft
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Human-grade ingredients | Only a few customer’s dogs found these treat too chewy |
| Made with real chicken | |
| Only 15 calories per treat | |
| Soft, chewy texture | |
| High-quality option |
Price:
Read our full review of The Honest Kitchen and our personal experience with their high-quality products.
Best Sustainable: Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treat Review
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Are you committed to reducing your environmental footprint? Using insect-based dog treats (and food) is an excellent way to help sustain our planet. These small, low-calorie treats feature cricket, a healthier protein source than animal meat. Cricket is high in omega fatty acids, fiber, iron, and vitamins and has also been shown to support gut health in dogs. These treats are also a fantastic alternative for pups with food intolerances.
These hypoallergenic dog chews are moist and chewy and contain prebiotic fiber, which assists with doggy digestive systems. Some customers complain they’re stinky but forgo the odor because their dogs love them. This brand offers a variety of flavors, but at less than three calories per treat, this option is the best low-calorie choice.
Ingredients: Pumpkin, Carrot, Oats, Cricket, Vegetable Glycerin, Molasses, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Gelatin, Canola Oil, Salt Natural Flavor, Cultured Dextrose (A Preservative), Distilled Vinegar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Garlic, Rosemary
Calories/Treat: 2.9 | Crude Protein: 12% | Crude Fat: 6% | Crude Fiber: 3% | Texture: Chewy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with sustainable insect protein | Lower in protein compared to others |
| A hypoallergenic option | Some customers say the treats are firmer than expected |
| Only 3 calories per treat | |
| Contains prebiotic fiber | |
| Tasty choice |
Price:
- Starts at $9.95 ($26.53 / lb)
Homemade Diet Dog Treats: DIY Alternatives
If your pup is overweight, several fruits and veggies make perfect low-calorie snacks for dogs. Some of your best options are blueberries, broccoli, carrots, celery, green beans, and plain canned pumpkin. They’re all super low in calories and fat and fantastic fiber sources. A recent study found that a reduced-calorie, high-fiber, and high-protein diet has multiple health benefits for overweight dogs. While many human foods are safe and healthy for dogs, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with foods you shouldn’t give your pup. Some can even be toxic.
If your furry friend needs to shed some pounds, check out our reviews of the best dog foods for weight loss, including fresh meals, kibble, and canned options. And be sure to consult your vet for a comprehensive weight-loss plan for your pudgy pup. Check out our guide on how heavy your dog should be and how much food you should feed your dog if you’re unsure. Watch this short video with tips on keeping your dog at an ideal weight and why it is important.
Are You Considering A Healthier Diet For Your Dog?
In addition to being vigilant about the treats you give your pup, you may want to ensure your dog’s diet provides them with the highest quality nutrition. Look at some premium alternatives if you’re not thrilled with your pup’s current dog food. We have reviews of the best fresh dog food and all-natural dog food for some high-quality options. You may also want to explore our best dog food delivery article, which includes reviews for other top-notch food brands that deliver right to your door.
Does your dog love the above low-calorie treats? Maybe you use another brand or stick to homemade low-calorie options to satisfy their appetite? We love to hear about our readers’ experiences, so please let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Before becoming a writer specializing in canine content, she worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years. Emma always chose healthy, low-fat treats for her dogs and canine clients. She has undergone various pet care courses and has looked after several dog breeds with different needs. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible.
