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:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine rolled oats, grated carrots, and whole wheat flour.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Cucumber Melon Pops
These refreshing, hydrating treats are perfect for warm days and are extremely low in calories.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup watermelon chunks (seedless)
- 1/4 cup plain, low-fat yogurt (optional for creaminess)
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine cucumber, watermelon, and yogurt until smooth.
- Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into small silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze: Freeze for 2-3 hours or until solid.
- Serve: Pop out a cube for your dog to enjoy!
Estimated Calories: Approximately 5 calories per pop.
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:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, yogurt, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Fill Molds: Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze: Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until completely frozen.
- 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. Carrot and Green Bean Chews
Crunchy and packed with fiber, these chews are low-calorie and satisfying for dogs who enjoy a crunchy treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 large carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 10-12 green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 tsp. olive oil (optional for roasting)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss with Oil (Optional): Lightly coat carrot slices and green beans with olive oil.
- Bake: Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 1.5-2 hours, flipping halfway, until crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool completely before serving.
Estimated Calories: Approximately 7 calories per chew.
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:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine rolled oats, blueberries, applesauce, and egg in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Form Treats: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon.
- 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:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Slices: Toss the apple and sweet potato slices in a bowl with coconut oil if using.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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. Zucchini and Parsley Crisps
These refreshing minty apple cubes are a perfect treat for dogs, especially those needing a little help with freshening their breath—similar to the zucchini and parsley crisps. The soothing mint works wonders on doggy breath, while the apples add a natural touch of sweetness that dogs find irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange and Sprinkle: Place zucchini slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle with parsley.
- Bake: Bake for 1.5-2 hours, flipping halfway, until crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool completely before serving.
Estimated Calories: Approximately 5 calories per crisp.
8. Minty Apple Cubes
These cubes are refreshing and great for dogs with a bit of doggy breath! The mint is soothing and the apples add a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 apple, finely chopped (avoid seeds)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh mint, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: Blend apple, water, and mint together until you have a smooth mixture.
- Pour into Molds: Pour into ice cube trays or small silicone molds.
- Freeze: Freeze for 2-3 hours or until solid.
- Serve: Pop out a cube as a refreshing, low-calorie treat.
Estimated Calories: Approximately 5 calories per cube.
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:
- Prepare Blueberries: Slightly mash the blueberries with a fork to release some juice.
- Mix with Yogurt: Combine the mashed blueberries with the yogurt and mix well.
- Form Drops: Drop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 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. Spinach and Sweet Potato Bites
These bites are packed with fiber and vitamins from spinach and sweet potatoes, giving your dog a healthy, low-calorie boost that supports their digestion and overall well-being. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato pairs beautifully with nutrient-rich spinach, creating a tasty, wholesome treat.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato (baked or steamed, skin removed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, chopped spinach, and rolled oats until well mixed.
- Form Bites: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll into small balls or flatten slightly to form discs.
- Bake: Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm. Let cool completely before serving.
Estimated Calories: Approximately 8 calories per bite.
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.