The Best Dog Treats for Small Dogs
Whether training a new puppy or giving your old best friend a tasty snack, you'll want to keep treats on hand for your small dog. There are tiny, bite-sized bits for teaching new tricks and practicing old ones and big chews that can keep them entertained for hours. The challenge is figuring out which ones your dog likes best. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dog treats for small dogs to help you pick.
What to Look For
Small dogs have different needs than medium and large breeds due to their size and breed-specific health issues. We recommend focusing on the size, calorie content, and texture of the different snacks you’re considering so you can better meet those needs. For example, the low-calorie Milk-Bone Mini’s have a crunchy texture that helps with dental care. However, some small dogs don’t like hard treats. If that’s an issue for your pup, you may want to try the savory Cesar Softies treats instead. For more details on these and a closer look at a few more of our top picks, check out the list below.
Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Cost-effective crunch
Milk-Bone Mini’s are tiny bone-shaped treats that many dogs love. The flavor variety gives your dog lots of scents and tastes to work through, and each one is only five calories, making them perfect for pups that may have a little extra padding to lose. As a bonus, the crunchy texture helps loosen up tartar build-up, which is often a significant problem for toy breeds.
Pros:
- You can get a large pack of these treats for a great price, making them perfect for frequent treating or multi-pet homes.
- Refill bags are available, allowing you to reuse the big plastic container and reduce waste.
Cons:
- These treats are crunchy and solid. It can be challenging for elderly pets to chew through them.
Cesar Softies Chewy Dog Treats
Soft and savory
Small and toy-breed dogs often prefer soft treats, especially as they age. They’re easier for them to chew with their tiny teeth. That’s why Cesar Softies are one of our favorites. Each of these little chews has a super soft texture, and the flavors include steak, chicken, and bacon. And we haven’t met a dog yet that doesn’t love at least one of those options.
Pros:
- These treats are stinky, soft, and flavorful, which is the perfect combination for picky eaters, making these a must-have if you’ve struggled to find a snack for your dog.
- You can easily break these into smaller pieces to help your dog eat them.
Cons:
- They get hard pretty quickly unless you move them into an airtight container.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Healthy growth
Puppies need a little extra oomph in their treats to help them grow and develop properly. And the Soft Puppy Bites from Wellness offer just that. Natural sources of DHA, antioxidants, and omega-fatty acids blend to aid in learning, brain development, and a healthy coat and skin. Best of all, they’re available in several textures, package sizes, and flavors, ensuring you’ll find an option your pup loves.
Pros:
- You can use these treats for training by breaking them into small pieces or leaving them as-is for a tasty bedtime snack.
- If you reseal the bag, these treats will stay chewy and soft for weeks.
Cons:
- They can crumble up or break apart in the bag.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats
Tiny size, big taste
Training is a must, especially for small dogs, and Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats can help. Each itty bitty chew is stinky, packed with flavor, and under three calories, which is the ideal combination for enticing pets to work for you. Plus, they’re extra-soft, so your pint-sized pooch can gobble them up and quickly get ready for their next trick.
Pros:
- The texture is soft enough for elderly dogs with missing teeth and teething puppies.
- Each one is super low in calories, so you can train your dog frequently without causing weight gain.
Cons:
- Although the stinky smell can motivate your dog, the strong scent may make it hard to withstand long training sessions.
Wellness Natural Pet Food Whimzees Dental Treats
Natural choice
Whimzees are a daily treat that will help you keep your small dog’s teeth healthy and clean. That’s a big deal considering poor oral health is one of the leading small-breed-specific health problems. The unique design, tasty flavors, and all-natural ingredients encourage your dog to chew, removing tartar and plaque while providing mental and physical stimulation.
Pros:
- These treats can keep your dog’s breath fresh for hours so that you can cuddle up comfortably.
- They don’t have a strong smell or mushy texture, which helps you avoid a stinky mess on your carpet and furniture.
Cons:
- You can’t break these into small pieces or use them for training.
What are some common health issues that impact which treats my small dog can eat?
Small dogs tend to deal with two main physical health problems: weight gain and poor dental health. Toy breeds are prone to obesity, especially when their bodies change after spaying or neutering. And high-calorie treats or overfeeding can worsen weight issues over time. Due to their tiny jaws, it can be challenging to brush small dogs’ teeth, which could lead to gum and tooth decay. Texture plays a significant role in whether or not your dog can have a specific treat. For example, if your dog has plaque and tartar build-up, they need a dental chew. But a super soft option may be better if they’re already missing teeth.
How many treats should my small dog have each day?
Treats should never exceed 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie needs. Most small dogs weigh between five and ten pounds and need 110 to 200 calories daily. Of that, you can give your dog 10-20 calories in treats. That may not seem like much, but it’s plenty when you consider that most small dog treats are low-calorie, and you can break those into even smaller pieces.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.