Low-Calorie Dog Treats: 10 Healthy Homemade Recipes

Keeping your dog healthy doesn’t mean skipping out on tasty treats! If you’re looking for delicious snacks that are both low in calories and high in flavor, you’re in the right place.

We’ve compiled our top 10 low-calorie dog treats crafted with nutritious ingredients, ideal for rewarding good behavior or giving your furry friend a little extra love.

From crunchy biscuits to chewy nuggets, there’s something here for every dog’s taste. Plus, these treats are easy to make at home, so you can be sure you’re giving your dog the best.

Let’s dive into these simple, healthy, and delicious recipes that your dog will absolutely adore!

Homemade Low-Calorie Dog Treat Recipes

1. Carrot and Oatmeal Biscuits

These biscuits are a great option if your dog enjoys a bit of crunch. Made with simple ingredients like carrots and oats, they’re light on calories but big on flavor, making them a perfect snack that won’t weigh your pup down.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine rolled oats, grated carrots, and whole wheat flour.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and unsweetened applesauce to the dry mixture. Stir well until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water.
4. Shape Biscuits: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes or slice into squares.
5. Bake: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and firm. Let cool completely before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 25 calories per biscuit.

2. Pumpkin and Rice Cakes

These pumpkin and rice cakes are soft, chewy, and easy on the stomach. With the natural sweetness of pumpkin and the hearty texture of brown rice, they’re a delicious and gentle treat for dogs who enjoy something a little different.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the canned pumpkin, cooked brown rice, oat flour, honey, and egg until well combined.
3. Form Cakes: Scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet using a tablespoon, flattening each scoop into a small patty.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm. Allow the cakes to cool completely before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 30 calories per cake.

3. Banana and Yogurt Bites

Cool, creamy, and packed with the natural goodness of bananas and yogurt, these frozen bites are a refreshing treat. Perfect for warm days or just a light snack, they’re a hit with dogs who love a bit of fruity flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, yogurt, and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Fill Molds: Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
3. Freeze: Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until completely frozen.
4. Serve: Pop the bites out of the molds and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the freezer.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 10 calories per bite.

4. Chicken and Zucchini Nuggets

If your dog loves a savory treat, these chicken and zucchini nuggets are a great choice. They’re packed with protein from the chicken and have a nice bit of crunch from the zucchini, making them both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chopped chicken, grated zucchini, whole wheat flour, and egg until well combined.
3. Form Nuggets: Scoop small portions of the mixture onto the baking sheet and shape into nugget-sized pieces.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and firm. Cool completely before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 20 calories per nugget.

5. Blueberry and Oat Treats

These treats are perfect for dogs who love a bit of sweetness without any added sugar. Made with blueberries and oats, they’re full of antioxidants and fiber, making them as nutritious as they are low-calorie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine rolled oats, blueberries, applesauce, and egg in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
3. Form Treats: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm. Let the treats cool completely before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 15 calories per treat.

6. Apple and Sweet Potato Chips

These chips are a crunchy, healthy alternative to store-bought snacks. Made from just apples and sweet potatoes, they’re a simple way to give your dog a tasty treat that’s also good for them.

Ingredients:

• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1 small sweet potato, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Slices: Toss the apple and sweet potato slices in a bowl with coconut oil if using.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until the chips are crisp. Allow them to cool before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 10 calories per chip.

7. Banana and Oat Cookies

Soft and chewy, these cookies bring together the natural sweetness of banana with the wholesome goodness of oats. They’re perfect for a light, everyday treat that your dog will look forward to.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, rolled oats, applesauce, and honey until a dough forms.
3. Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 15 calories per cookie.

8. Liver and Carrot Patties

For a treat that’s both nutritious and full of flavor, these liver and carrot patties hit the spot. They’re rich in protein and packed with vitamins, making them a satisfying option for a special snack.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chicken liver, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix the chopped liver, grated carrots, oat flour, and egg in a bowl until well combined.
3. Form Patties: Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape into patties on the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the patties are firm and cooked through. Cool before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 25 calories per patty.

9. Blueberry and Yogurt Drops

These drops are a fun, frozen snack that’s both tasty and low in calories. With the tanginess of yogurt and the sweet burst of blueberries, they’re a refreshing option for dogs, especially in warmer weather.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt

Instructions:

1. Prepare Blueberries: Slightly mash the blueberries with a fork to release some juice.
2. Mix with Yogurt: Combine the mashed blueberries with the yogurt and mix well.
3. Form Drops: Drop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze: Freeze for 2-3 hours until firm. Serve cold and store leftovers in the freezer.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 10 calories per drop.

10. Applesauce and Pumpkin Treats

Applesauce and pumpkin create the perfect duo in these delightful treats. With a chewy texture and a naturally sweet taste, they’re a hit with dogs who enjoy flavorful snacks. These treats are great for rewarding good behavior or just because—they’re that good!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (you can substitute with rice flour or oat flour for dogs with wheat allergies)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the applesauce, pumpkin, whole wheat flour, and egg until a dough forms.
3. Shape Treats: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly.
4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the treats are firm. Let them cool completely before serving.

Calories per Serving: Approximately 20 calories per treat.

Benefits of Low-Calorie Treats for Dogs

Low-calorie treats offer numerous advantages for your dog’s health and well-being. First and foremost, they help manage your dog’s weight. Obesity in dogs can lead to a host of health problems, including joint issues, heart disease, and diabetes.

By choosing low-calorie treats, you can reward your dog without contributing to excessive calorie intake, which is particularly important for less active dogs or those prone to weight gain.

Low-calorie treats can also be a great option for senior dogs or dogs with specific dietary needs. As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, and they may require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Additionally, for dogs with conditions like diabetes or pancreatitis, low-calorie treats with a balanced nutrient profile can be a safe and satisfying option.

Feeding Guidelines

A common guideline is that treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. The exact number of treats you can give your dog will depend on their size, age, activity level, and overall health.

To determine the appropriate amount, start by understanding your dog’s daily caloric needs. For example, a small dog might need around 300-400 calories per day, while a larger, more active dog might require 1,000 calories or more.

Once you know your dog’s daily requirement, you can calculate the 10% treat allowance. For a dog needing 500 calories a day, this would mean no more than 50 calories from treats.

It’s also important to consider the size and type of treats. For training or frequent rewards, opt for small, bite-sized treats that are low in calories.

This allows you to reward your dog multiple times without adding too many extra calories to their diet. For larger treats, consider breaking them into smaller pieces to maintain control over their caloric intake.

Storing and Preserving Homemade Dog Treats

1. Room Temperature Storage: If the treats are baked or dehydrated and don’t contain any perishable ingredients (like meat, eggs, or dairy), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. These treats can typically last about a week to two weeks.

2. Refrigeration: For treats that contain perishable ingredients, refrigeration is key. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Most refrigerated treats will last up to one week. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or a sour smell, before giving them to your dog.

3. Freezing: If you want to make a large batch of treats or if you know you won’t use them all within a week, freezing is a great option. Place the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to three months. To serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few minutes.