Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats for Weight Management (2026)

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According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. That is a staggering number, and treats are one of the biggest culprits. A single standard dog biscuit can contain 30-100 calories, and when you hand out several throughout the day, those calories add up fast. For a 20-pound dog that needs roughly 500 calories per day, just three large treats could account for 20-60% of their daily caloric intake. No wonder the pounds creep on.

The good news is that you do not have to stop giving treats entirely. Low-calorie dog treats let you continue rewarding, training, and bonding with your dog while keeping their waistline in check. The best options deliver just 1.5 to 3 calories per treat, meaning you could give your dog a dozen rewards during a training session for fewer calories than a single standard biscuit.

Whether your dog is on a vet-prescribed weight loss plan, maintaining a healthy weight, or you simply want to treat responsibly, this guide will walk you through the best low-calorie dog treats available in 2026 and help you understand exactly what to look for.

What to Look For in Low-Calorie Dog Treats  

Calories Per Treat  

This is the most important metric. Look for treats that contain 5 calories or fewer per piece. The best low-calorie treats on the market range from 1.5 to 3 calories each, which gives you enormous flexibility to reward your dog frequently without blowing their caloric budget. Always check the guaranteed analysis or nutritional information on the package – some brands advertise “low calorie” but still contain 10-15 calories per treat, which is not truly low calorie.

Treat Size and Count  

Smaller treats are naturally lower in calories, but they also have a practical advantage: dogs respond to the frequency of treats, not the size. Your dog gets the same dopamine hit from a tiny 2-calorie treat as from a 50-calorie biscuit. Look for brands that offer high counts per bag (200+ pieces) to maximize your cost per reward.

Ingredient Quality  

Low calorie should not mean low quality. The best low-calorie treats use real protein sources, whole vegetables, and natural ingredients rather than filling up on cellulose, air, and artificial flavors to keep the calorie count down. Real chicken, salmon, pumpkin, and sweet potato are excellent low-calorie ingredients that also provide genuine nutritional value.

Protein Content  

Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning it helps your dog feel fuller for longer. Treats with a higher protein-to-calorie ratio will satisfy your dog more effectively than carbohydrate-heavy options of the same calorie count. Look for treats where a named protein source is the first ingredient.

Avoid Hidden Calorie Traps  

Some treats marketed for weight management contain added fats, sugar, or high-calorie fillers that undermine their purpose. Watch out for ingredients like animal fat, sugar, corn syrup, and glycerin, which can sneakily increase the calorie count. Also be cautious of treats that list calories per “serving” rather than per individual treat, as the serving size may include multiple pieces.

Dual-Purpose Benefits  

Some low-calorie treats offer additional benefits beyond simple rewards. Dental chews that clean teeth, treats with joint-supporting ingredients, or options with added vitamins and minerals give your dog extra value from every calorie consumed. If your dog needs both weight management and dental care, for example, a low-calorie dental chew kills two birds with one stone.

Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats: Our Top 6 Picks  

1. Fruitables Skinny Minis 5oz ($5-8) - Best Overall Low-Calorie Treat  

Price range: $5-8

Fruitables Skinny Minis 5oz have earned their reputation as one of the most popular low-calorie treats on the market, and for good reason. At just 3 calories per treat, these soft, chewy bites are made with real pumpkin and sweet potato as primary ingredients, delivering natural fiber and vitamins alongside their incredibly low calorie count. The gluten-free formula avoids common allergens while maintaining a taste that dogs consistently go crazy for.

Earning the Amazon’s Choice badge, Fruitables Skinny Minis are available in multiple flavors including pumpkin and mango, grilled bison, watermelon, and pumpkin and berry. This variety lets you rotate flavors to keep your dog excited about treat time without ever exceeding your calorie budget. The soft texture is also gentle on the teeth of senior dogs and puppies alike.

Pros:

• Only 3 calories per treat
• Made with real pumpkin and sweet potato for natural fiber
• Gluten-free formula with no artificial preservatives
• Amazon’s Choice product with thousands of positive reviews
• Multiple flavor options for variety
• Soft, chewy texture suitable for all ages and sizes

Cons:

• 5oz bag may not last long for owners who treat frequently
• Contains some plant-based fillers beyond the primary ingredients
• Not grain-free (some varieties contain oats)
• Price per ounce is higher than bulk training treats

2. Zuke’s Mini Naturals 16oz ($12-16) - Best for Training  

Price range: $12-16

Zuke’s Mini Naturals 16oz are the undisputed champion of low-calorie training treats. At only 2 calories per treat and packed in a generous 16oz bag, you get hundreds of individual rewards per purchase. The grain-free formula features real meat as the first ingredient (available in chicken, duck, salmon, peanut butter, and other varieties), delivering genuine protein-based flavor in a tiny, soft morsel that dogs devour instantly.

As a Best Seller with a decades-long track record, Zuke’s Mini Naturals have become the default recommendation from professional dog trainers who need a treat small enough and low-calorie enough to use dozens of times in a single training session. The soft texture means your dog chews and swallows quickly, keeping the pace of training sessions fast and efficient.

Pros:

• Only 2 calories per treat
• 16oz bag provides hundreds of treats for extended value
• Grain-free with real meat as the first ingredient
• Best Seller with a long-established reputation among trainers
• Multiple flavor options to maintain dog interest
• Soft, quick-to-eat texture ideal for rapid training repetitions

Cons:

• Soft texture means shorter shelf life once the bag is opened
• Some flavors contain chickpeas and other legumes
• Can crumble in pockets during outdoor training
• Not single-ingredient, so not ideal for dogs on strict elimination diets

3. Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Salmon ($8-12) - Best Value  

Price range: $8-12

Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Salmon delivers one of the best value propositions in the low-calorie treat category. At approximately 2 calories per treat and a whopping 450 pieces per bag, you are looking at roughly 2 cents per reward. The real salmon flavor is a standout, providing a protein-rich taste that dogs find highly motivating without the common chicken or beef proteins that some sensitive dogs react to.

Cloud Star has built its brand around simple, wholesome ingredients, and the Tricky Trainers line reflects that commitment. These treats are made in the USA and use real salmon as a primary protein source, giving them a genuine nutritional edge over treats that rely on artificial flavoring. The small, uniform size makes them ideal for consistent portion control.

Pros:

• Only 2 calories per treat
• Approximately 450 pieces per bag for outstanding value
• Real salmon as a primary protein source
• About 2 cents per treat – best cost-per-reward on our list
• Small, uniform size for consistent portions
• Made in the USA with quality ingredients

Cons:

• Salmon flavor, while great for most dogs, is the only option in this specific variety
• Small size may not feel rewarding enough for very large breeds
• Bag packaging could be improved for resealability
• Some dogs may have fish sensitivities

4. Greenies Weight Management Dental Chews ($30-33) - Best Dual-Purpose  

Price range: $30-33

Greenies Weight Management Dental Chews are the only treat on our list that serves double duty: weight management and dental care in a single product. These specially formulated dental chews contain fewer calories than standard Greenies while still delivering the same clinically proven tooth-cleaning benefits. The unique texture helps reduce tartar and plaque buildup as your dog chews, freshening breath and supporting oral health.

For dogs that need both weight control and dental support, Greenies Weight Management eliminates the need to choose between a low-calorie treat and a dental chew. The chews come in multiple sizes tailored to your dog’s weight, ensuring appropriate caloric intake and chewing experience. While they are more expensive than simple training treats, the dual benefit makes them highly cost-effective when you consider you are getting two products in one.

Pros:

• Dual-purpose: weight management plus dental benefits
• Clinically proven to reduce tartar and plaque
• Available in multiple sizes for different dog weights
• Lower calories than standard Greenies dental chews
• Freshens breath while supporting weight goals
• Vet-recommended dental chew brand

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive than simple low-calorie training treats
• Higher calorie count per chew than tiny training treats (still lower than standard chews)
• Only one chew per day recommended, limiting treat frequency
• Some dogs with aggressive chewing styles may swallow large pieces

5. Buddy Biscuits Trainers ($8-12) - Lowest Calorie Option  

Price range: $8-12

Buddy Biscuits Trainers hold the distinction of being the lowest-calorie option on our list at just 1.5 calories per treat. With approximately 500 treats per bag, this is an extraordinary amount of rewarding potential for a very modest caloric investment. The formula uses simple, wholesome ingredients that dogs love, and the tiny size means each treat is consumed almost instantly.

At 1.5 calories, you could give your dog 30 of these during a training session and still come in under 50 calories total. For dogs on strict weight management programs or very small dogs where every calorie counts disproportionately, Buddy Biscuits Trainers are unmatched. The brand prides itself on using simple recipes without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Pros:

• Only 1.5 calories per treat – the lowest on our list
• Approximately 500 treats per bag for exceptional quantity
• Simple ingredients without artificial additives
• Tiny size enables rapid-fire training rewards
• Great for very small dogs where calorie budgets are tight
• Affordable price per treat

Cons:

• Very small size may not satisfy larger dogs seeking a more substantial reward
• Limited flavor variety compared to some competitors
• Can be difficult to handle individually due to tiny size
• Less protein-focused than freeze-dried options

6. Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Liver ($10-14) - Best Single-Ingredient  

Price range: $10-14

Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Liver takes a different approach to low-calorie treating by offering a single-ingredient freeze-dried option. Made from 100% beef liver, each piece delivers intense flavor and high protein content in a calorie-efficient format. Because the treats are freeze-dried, they can be easily broken into smaller pieces to further reduce the per-reward calorie count, giving you control over exact portion sizes.

For owners who want the cleanest possible ingredient list alongside calorie control, Stewart Pro-Treat is the answer. The single-ingredient formula means no hidden calories from fillers, sugars, or fats. The high protein content also provides greater satiety per calorie compared to carbohydrate-based treats, helping your dog feel more satisfied with less.

Pros:

• Single ingredient: 100% beef liver
• High protein content for greater satiety per calorie
• Freeze-dried format with no additives or preservatives
• Can be broken into smaller pieces for customized portions
• Made in the USA with decades of brand history
• Resealable tub maintains freshness

Cons:

• Liver treats have a strong smell some owners find unpleasant
• Freeze-dried texture can be crumbly
• Calorie count per piece is less standardized than manufactured treats since pieces vary in size
• Not as exciting in terms of flavor variety as multi-ingredient treats

Comparison Table  

How to Use Low-Calorie Treats for Weight Management  

Follow the 10% Rule  

The standard veterinary guideline is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. For a dog on a 600-calorie-per-day diet, that means 60 calories from treats at most. With 2-calorie treats, that gives you up to 30 treats throughout the day, which is more than enough for training, rewards, and bonding.

Reduce Meals to Compensate  

If your dog receives treats throughout the day, reduce their meal portions slightly to compensate. A simple rule of thumb: for every 20 calories of treats given, reduce the next meal by about a tablespoon of kibble. This keeps the total daily intake consistent.

Use Treats Strategically  

Rather than handing out treats at random, use them for specific purposes: training reinforcement, puzzle toy stuffing, or capturing good behavior. This makes each treat more meaningful to your dog and reduces mindless snacking.

Weigh Your Dog Regularly  

The scale does not lie. Weigh your dog every 2-4 weeks to make sure your treat and feeding strategy is working. If weight is not decreasing (or is increasing), reassess your total daily calorie picture with your veterinarian.

Consider Your Dog’s Activity Level  

A highly active dog that runs, swims, or trains vigorously can afford a few more treat calories than a couch potato. Adjust treat allowances based on activity level, and remember that activity levels can change with seasons, age, and health.

For dogs managing diabetes alongside weight concerns, our guide to the best treats for diabetic dogs offers options that address both issues simultaneously. If you are looking for low-calorie options specifically for training your puppy, check out our guide to the best puppy treats for training. And for more options that offer minimal processing and clean ingredients, see our roundup of the best freeze-dried dog treats.

Frequently Asked Questions  

How many calories should my dog’s treats have?  

Individual treats should ideally contain 5 calories or fewer for effective weight management. The total daily treat calorie count should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric needs. For a 30-pound dog eating 700 calories per day, that means no more than 70 calories from treats total.

Do low-calorie treats still work as training rewards?  

Absolutely. Research and professional dog trainers confirm that dogs respond to the act of receiving a treat, not the size of it. A tiny 2-calorie treat triggers the same reward response in your dog’s brain as a large biscuit. In fact, smaller treats can be more effective for training because your dog finishes them faster and refocuses on you more quickly.

Can I use fruits and vegetables as low-calorie treats?  

Yes, many fruits and vegetables make excellent low-calorie treats. Baby carrots, green beans, cucumber slices, apple slices (without seeds), blueberries, and watermelon (without seeds or rind) are all popular options. Always research before giving any new food, as some fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs, including grapes, onions, and garlic.

Are low-calorie treats less nutritious?  

Not necessarily. Many low-calorie treats, especially freeze-dried protein treats and those made with real vegetables, are highly nutritious relative to their calorie count. The key is choosing treats made with quality ingredients rather than those that are low-calorie simply because they are mostly filler and air.

How can I tell if my dog is overweight?  

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily without pressing hard, and your dog should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If you cannot feel the ribs or see a waist, your dog is likely carrying extra weight. Your veterinarian can provide a body condition score and target weight for your specific dog.

Should I switch to low-calorie treats if my dog is already at a healthy weight?  

It is not strictly necessary, but low-calorie treats are a smart preventive choice. They allow you to treat more frequently without the risk of gradual weight gain, which can sneak up on dogs (and their owners) over time. Prevention is much easier than weight loss.

Conclusion  

Low-calorie treats are one of the simplest changes you can make to support your dog’s weight management goals without sacrificing the joy of treat time. For the best all-around low-calorie treating experience, Fruitables Skinny Minis 5oz offers a delicious, pumpkin-based option at just 3 calories per treat. For dedicated trainers who need maximum rewards at minimum caloric cost, Buddy Biscuits Trainers at 1.5 calories per treat and 500 per bag is virtually impossible to beat. And if you want the best value per treat, Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Salmon delivers 450 real-salmon treats at about 2 cents each.

Remember, the best treat for weight management is one your dog loves eating and you feel good about giving. With the options on this list, you can reward generously while keeping your dog lean, healthy, and happy for years to come.