Let’s be real—treats are life. But when your pup’s waistline is starting to resemble a little loaf of bread, it’s time for a smarter snack strategy.
Enter: Low Calorie Dog Treats that don’t skimp on flavor or tail wags.
These goodies are light on calories but big on crunch, chew, and satisfaction. Whether your dog’s on a vet-recommended diet, you’re managing treats during training, or you just want to keep things balanced between meals, these treats totally get it.
We’re talking real ingredients, easy prep, and zero guilt. Because loving your dog means giving them the best—and sometimes, that means sneaking in a little health with the yum.
Ready to treat without tipping the scale? Let’s bake!
Low Calorie Dog Treats
Crunchy Carrot & Oat Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots (fresh, peeled — the finer the shred, the better the texture)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (a gentle, fiber-rich grain that supports digestion)
- 1 egg (provides protein and binds the mixture together)
- 1 tsp chopped parsley or a pinch of turmeric (optional — parsley freshens breath, turmeric supports joint health)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Grate the Carrots
Finely shred the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Finer shreds help the treats hold together better and bake more evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, then add the rolled oats and shredded carrots.
Stir until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
- If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of water.
- If it’s too wet, add a small spoonful of oats.
Step 4: Shape the Treats
Scoop small portions (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll into balls or flatten into coin shapes.
Smaller treats bake faster and work well as training rewards.
Step 5: Bake
Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Treats should be golden and firm to the touch when done.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Transfer treats to a wire rack to cool fully. As they cool, they’ll firm up further, making them easier to handle and store.
Calories per treat: 5–8, depending on size
Banana Blueberry Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed — the riper the better for sweetness and easy binding)
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (lightly mashed — rich in antioxidants and safe for dogs in moderation)
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats — gentle on digestion and gluten-free)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
Use a fork to mash the banana in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth and lump-free. This provides both moisture and natural sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Blueberries
If your blueberries are large, give them a light mash before stirring them into the banana. This helps distribute the flavor and makes shaping the dough easier.
Step 4: Add the Oat Flour
Stir in the oat flour until a thick dough forms.
- If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- If it’s too dry, add a splash of water or a bit more mashed banana.
Step 5: Spoon onto Tray
Drop small spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared tray. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon.
Aim for treats no larger than a nickel—perfect for training or small bites.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are firm and dry. The centers should be soft but not gooey.
Step 7: Cool Thoroughly
Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Calories per treat: ~6–7
Sweet Potato Chew Coins
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato (washed and peeled — choose a firm, evenly shaped one for easier slicing)
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional — adds a bit of shine and chewiness but can be skipped for low-fat diets)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is key for slow baking and dehydration, turning the sweet potato into chewy or crispy treats.
Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potato
Wash and peel the sweet potato, then slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform thickness.
- Thinner slices = crunchier chips
- Thicker slices = chewier bites
Step 3: Optional Oil Coating
If desired, toss the slices in 1 tsp olive oil to add shine and aid in texture and chewiness.
Use only a light coating to avoid greasy chips.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lay the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined or silicone baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap.
Step 5: Bake Low and Slow
Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through for even drying.
- For crunchy chips, bake longer
- For chewier treats, reduce bake time to 1.5–2 hours
Start checking more frequently in the last 30 minutes to avoid over-drying.
Step 6: Cool Fully
Once done, let the slices cool completely on the tray. They will firm up further as they cool, giving you the perfect hand-held dog snack.
Calories per coin: ~5–10 depending on slice size
Tips for Using Low-Calorie Treats Effectively
- Break into smaller bits – One small treat can become 2–3 rewards during training
- Freeze extra batches – All three recipes freeze well for up to 2 months
- Track calories – Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake
- Rotate flavors – Alternate recipes weekly to keep your dog interested
- Use for enrichment – Hide treats in puzzle toys or scatter them around for sniffing games