If your dog is anything like ours, treats rule when it comes to what they want to eat. Add to that young family members who just want to give your dog “one treat” that turns into five, and you have now added extra calories to your dog’s diet that they don’t need. Low calorie dog treats are a great way to reward your pup without adding extra pounds.
This post will look at what low calorie dog treats are, how they can benefit your pup, ingredients to look for when selecting a low calorie treat for your dog, how to choose the right treats for your dog, alternative options of low calorie dog treats, and some examples of low calorie dog treats available.
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What Are Low Calorie Dog Treats?
Low calorie dog treats are treats that have 5 calories or less per treat. They tend to use high quality ingredients and are made with either meat, like chicken or beef, or fruits and vegetables.
Low calorie dog treats also come in soft chews, or crunchy treats and are generally smaller in size than regular treats. This makes them a great option to be used as training treats as well.
What Are The Health Benefits of Low Calorie Dog Treats?
Low calorie dog treats can help keep your pup healthy and fit. They aid in weight control, promote dental health, and may even support joint health in some cases.
Weight Management For Dogs
Overweight dogs face many health risks. Low calorie dog treats let you reward your pup without adding extra pounds. Since these treats often have fewer than 5 calories each, you can give more treats without worry.
Choose treats with high protein and fiber. These help your dog feel full. Good options include freeze-dried meats or veggies like carrots. Avoid treats with added sugars or fats.
Dental Health Considerations
Some low calorie treats can help clean your dog’s teeth. Look for treats that are crunchy or chewy. These can scrape away plaque as your dog eats them.
Avoid soft, sticky treats. These can get stuck in teeth and cause decay.
Low Calorie Treats And Joint Health
Some low calorie treats can support joint health. These may help keep joints strong and flexible.
Fish-based treats are often good choices. They’re usually low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids. These can help reduce inflammation in joints.
What Ingredients Should I Look For When Selecting A Low Calorie Dog Treat?
Low calorie dog treats use specific ingredients to keep calories down while providing nutrition. The right ingredients and nutrient balance are key for healthy, satisfying treats.
Selecting Quality Ingredients
Choose treats with whole food ingredients you recognize. Look for real meat, fruits, or vegetables as the first items listed. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Good options include:
- Lean meats: chicken, turkey, fish.
- Fruits: blueberries, apples.
- Vegetables: pumpkin, sweet potato, green beans.
- Whole grains: brown rice, oats.
Single ingredient treats like freeze dried meat or dehydrated fruits make great low calorie options. Avoid treats with added sugars, salt, or unhealthy fats.
Analyzing Nutrient Profiles
Check the guaranteed analysis on treat packaging. This shows minimum percentages of protein and fat, and maximum percentages of fiber and moisture.
For low-calorie treats, look for:
- Higher protein (15-30%).
- Lower fat (5-10%).
- Moderate fiber (3-5%).
Protein helps your dog feel full. Fiber aids digestion. Some healthy fats are good, but too much adds calories.
Consider your dog’s needs. Active dogs may need more protein and calories. Older or less active dogs often need fewer calories and fat.
Understanding Caloric Density
Caloric density measures calories per gram of food. Lower caloric density means fewer calories in each bite.
Look for treats with:
- 3-5 calories per treat for small dogs.
- 5-10 calories per treat for medium dogs.
- 10-20 calories per treat for large dogs.
Air dried or freeze dried treats often have lower caloric density than baked treats. Soft, moist treats tend to be higher in calories.
Remember treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Track treat calories and adjust meals as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
How Do I Choose The Right Low Calorie Treats For My Dog?
Picking treats for your dog takes some thought. You need to consider your dog’s size, age, and health needs. The right treats can help with training and bonding while keeping your pup healthy.
Considerations For Different Dog Breeds
Small dogs need tiny treats. Large breeds can handle bigger bites. Flat faced dogs like pugs may do better with soft treats. Active breeds might enjoy chewier options.
Look at the calorie content. Big dogs burn more energy, so they can have more treats. Smaller dogs gain weight easily, so stick to low calorie options.
Some breeds have special diet needs. For example, some retrievers are prone to hip issues. They may benefit from treats with joint supplements.
Allergies And Sensitivities
Many dogs have food allergies or sensitivities. Common problem ingredients include:
- Beef.
- Dairy.
- Wheat.
- Chicken.
- Soy.
If your dog has allergies, read labels carefully. Look for treats with limited ingredients. Single protein options are good for sensitive pups.
Some dogs do well with novel proteins like rabbit or fish. These are less likely to cause reactions. You can also try vegetable based treats like sweet potato or pumpkin.
Age Specific Treats
Puppies need small, soft treats. Their teeth are still growing. Choose treats made for dental health to support their developing mouths.
Adult dogs can handle a wider range of textures. Mix it up with crunchy and chewy options. Look for treats that support their activity level.
Senior dogs may have dental issues. Soft treats are easier on their teeth. They might also need treats with added nutrients like glucosamine for joint health.
For older dogs, low calorie options are key. They’re often less active and gain weight easily. Treats with added fiber can help them feel full.
What Are Some Alternative Low Calorie Dog Treats For My Pup?
If you are not sure about giving your dog store bought low calorie dog treats, there are other low calorie dog treats available that you can give your dog. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs to consume such as:
- Apple slices (without the core or seeds).
- Celery.
- Carrots.
- Bananas.
- Blueberries.
These can provide your pup with great tasting treats without the extra calories or ingredients of a commercially made dog treat.
This is also a great option if your dog has sensitivities to certain ingredients found in commercial dog treats.
Low Calorie Dog Treats For Your Pup
Here are a few examples of low calorie dog treats available to give your pup. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Pupford Training Treats
- Available in different flavors.
- Less than 1 kcal per treat.
- Freeze dried.
- Made in the USA.
Jiminy’s Chewy Treats
- Peanut Butter, Cranberry, and Oat.
- 3 calories per treat.
- Made with protein from grubs.
- Corn free.
- Wheat free.
- Soy free.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Belly Benefits Training Treats For Sensitive Stomachs
- Available in Bison, Bacon, Salmon, and Venison.
- Corn free.
- Soy free.
- 3.5 kcal per treat.
- High moisture content.
- Uses only one source of protein.
- Made in the USA.
Fruitables Skinny Minis
- Available in different flavors:
- Apple bacon.
- Grilled bison.
- Pumpkin and berry.
- Pumpkin and mango.
- Rotisserie chicken.
- Watermelon.
- 3 calories per treat.
- Wheat free.
- Corn free.
- Soy free.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Charlee Bear Original Crunch
- Available in different flavors.
- Turkey liver and cranberries.
- Chicken soup and garden veggie.
- Chicken liver.
- Cheese and egg,
- 2.9 calories per treat.
- Soy free.
- Corn free.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Made in the USA.
Nutro Crunchy Dog Treats
- Available in different flavors:
- Mixed berries.
- Apple.
- Banana.
- Chicken and carrots.
- Peanut butter.
- 5 kcal per treat.
- No chicken by-product meal.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Corn free.
- Wheat free.
- Soy free.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Bixbi Liberty Ruff Puffs
- Available in different flavors:
- Chicken.
- Sweet potato and apple.
- White cheddar.
- Under 4 kcal per treat.
- Human grade.
- Light and crunchy treats.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
We all know our dogs like treats. Low calorie dog treats allow us to give our pups a reward without the extra calories larger treats can have. This allows us to give them a few more than a regular treat and are great options to be used as training treats.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian to see if the treats you use are a good option for your dog, especially if your pup has any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.