9 Best Low-Calorie & Low-Fat Dog Treats (Pros and Cons)

Tim de JongWritten by Tim de Jong
12 min read
9 Best Low-Calorie & Low-Fat Dog Treats (Pros and Cons)
#1 Best Pick
Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats

Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats

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We all want our dogs to live long and happy lives, so it’s important to keep their weight in check. Studies from 2019 showed that overweight dogs live up to 2 and a half years shorter than their healthier counterparts. (1)

One way to help your furry friend slim down is by feeding them low-calorie or low-fat treats. A lot of commercial dog treats are high in calories and fats, which can lead to weight gain. However, there are also plenty of lighter options available if you know where to look. For a broader selection, see our roundup of the best dog treats.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to nine of the best low-calorie and low-fat dog treats on the market, explain the difference between the two, and show you which ones fit a dog on a low-protein, low-fat diet.

Low-calorie vs. low-fat dog treats: what’s the difference?

The two labels often overlap, but they’re not the same thing, so it helps to know which one your dog actually needs.

Low-calorie treats keep the total energy per treat down. That’s what matters most for weight loss and for training, when you hand out dozens of rewards a day.

Low-fat treats keep the fat percentage down. That matters for dogs who need to watch their fat intake, but fats are still an essential part of a dog’s diet. (2) They help with the development of the coat and skin, support the immune system, and aid in digestion. According to Pet.WebMD, a dog’s diet should contain at least 5.5% fat. (3)

So, if your dog’s kibble already contains that much fat, you can offer low-fat treats as part of a weight-loss strategy. But if your dog’s diet is already low in fat, you should probably avoid giving them low-fat treats altogether. You can calculate how much fat your dog is getting by looking at the labeling on their food’s packaging. If you’re not sure, you can always ask your veterinarian!

Keep in mind that low-fat treats are not always low in calories. While they may have fewer fats, they might make up for it with more carbohydrates or sugars. So, if weight loss is the goal, check the calorie count as well as the fat content. Our dog calorie calculator shows how many calories your dog needs per day, so you can see how much room is left for treats.

Best low fat dog treats

Low-protein, low-fat treats

Some dogs need treats that are low in both protein and fat, usually because their vet has put them on a special diet. If that’s your dog, skip the single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken treats on this list: they’re very low in fat, but they’re also around 74% protein. Baked, plant-based biscuits such as the Fruitables Baked Dog Treats (made with pumpkin and bananas) are the better fit, since they’re low in fat and lower in protein than meat-based treats. Always check with your vet before adding treats to a prescription diet.

9 Best low-calorie and low-fat dog treats – our picks

We picked a variety of treats for this list, including crunchy biscuits, soft chews, freeze-dried single-ingredient treats, and even low-calorie dental treats. We looked at calories, fat content, ingredient quality, and reviews from dog owners.

At a glance

9 picks, each best at something different

1Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats

Best overall
Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats
Flavor
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
5
Overall
5
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Not only are these low-calorie dog treats, but they’re also made with superfoods. And, at only 3 calories per treat, you can feel good about rewarding your furry friend often. Flavor-wise, these treats are oven-baked with a mouthwatering apple bacon flavor that your dog is sure to love.

For people with senior dogs, these treats are also soft and easy to chew. They even smell nice, so you might be tempted to try one yourself!

What we like the most: It’s a healthy and delicious treat that only has 3 calories.

Pros

  • Only 3 calories per treat
  • Made with superfoods
  • Oven-baked with a mouthwatering apple bacon flavor

Cons

  • N/A!

2GN weight-management treats

Best runner-up
GN weight-management treats
Flavor
4.3
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.8
Overall
4.6
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These dental sticks are an excellent product that provide many benefits. They are low-calorie and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, while also promoting a feeling of fullness. They contain L-Carnitine, which helps boost your dog’s metabolism.

They come at 92 calories per stick, which may seem a lot at first. However, when you compare the size and ingredients of these sticks to other brands, they are a significantly lower-calorie option.

They’re also one of the lowest-fat treats on this list, at only 2% fat, and they’re grain-free and full of dietary fiber. So, if you are looking for treats that will help with overweight, a low-fat diet, or even dental problems, these are a great option.

What we like the most: These treats help with overweight, dental problems, and provide many other benefits.

Pros

  • Low-calorie
  • Help reduce plaque and tartar buildup
  • Promote a feeling of fullness
  • Boosts metabolism

Cons

  • Not for repepetitive treating

3Fruitables Baked Dog Treats

Best low-fat biscuits
Fruitables Baked Dog Treats
Flavor
4.8
Scent
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
5
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With only a minimum of 6% fat, these oven-baked dog biscuits are some of the best low-fat dog treats on the market. Made with real pumpkin and bananas, Fruitables Baked Dog Treats are also packed with antioxidants and fiber.

Plus, at only 8 calories per treat, you can feel good about giving them to your pup as a snack or training reward. And, according to reviewers, dogs love the taste and texture of these treats! Because they’re plant-based, they’re also lower in protein than meat treats, which makes them our pick for dogs who need a low-protein, low-fat treat.

So if your dog has a sweet tooth and you’re looking for low-fat dog treats, Fruitables Baked Dog Treats are a great option! They come in various flavors, including pumpkin and apple.

What we like the most: These low-fat dog treats are made with real pumpkin and bananas providing your pup with antioxidants and fiber.

Pros

  • Low in fat (minimum 6% fat)
  • Only 8 calories per treat
  • Made with real pumpkin and bananas
  • Packed with antioxidants and fiber
  • Dogs love the taste and texture

Cons

  • Low in protein compared to other treats

4Hill's Natural Baked Light Dog Biscuits

Best crunchy biscuits
Hill's Natural Baked Light Dog Biscuits
Flavor
4.8
Ingredient quality
4.8
Total value
4.8
Overall
4.6
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If your dog prefers crunchy biscuits over soft chews, these Hill’s Natural Baked Light Dog Biscuits are a great option. They’re made with real chicken and have no artificial flavors or preservatives. Plus, at only 34 calories per biscuit, they’re a great way to treat your furry friend without packing on the pounds.

What we like the most: These biscuits are made with real chicken and have no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Pros

  • Only 34 calories per biscuit
  • Made with real chicken
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons

  • May be too hard for older dogs

5Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Chewy

Best for picky eaters
Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Chewy
Flavor
5
Ingredient quality
4.8
Total value
4.8
Overall
4.9
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Some dogs are just picky eaters, and no matter what you do, they just won’t eat certain things. If your dog is one of those picky eaters, these Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Chewy Dog Treats are a great option. They’re made with chicken liver and whole grain, so they’re packed with flavor and nutrients but still at only 3 calories per treat.

What we like the most: These treats come with chicken liver flavor which most dogs love, and they’re still low calorie.

Best high-protein, low-fat

Pros

  • Only 3 calories per treat
  • Made with chicken liver
  • Whole grain

Cons

  • N/A!

6PureBites Freeze Dried Chicken Treats

Best high-protein, low-fat
PureBites Freeze Dried Chicken Treats
Flavor
4.5
Scent
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4
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If you want a lean treat that’s packed with protein, PureBites is hard to beat. At just 3% fat, these treats are perfect for dogs who are trying to lose weight or have allergies. Made with only one ingredient, human-grade chicken breast, they’re high in protein and low in calories.

To be precise, the treats contain a min of 74% protein, so you can be sure your dog is getting a good amount of this essential nutrient. They’re also freeze-dried to preserve their nutritional value and flavor. Just note that this makes them a poor fit for dogs on a low-protein diet.

What we like the most: These low-fat dog treats contain the most protein out of all the treats on this list!

Pros

  • Low in fat (3% max)
  • High in protein (74% min)
  • Made with only one ingredient
  • Freeze-dried to preserve nutritional value and flavor
  • Low in calories

Cons

  • Quite expensive compared to other treats

7Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats

Best for allergies
Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats
Flavor
4.8
Scent
4.5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.5
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With only 3% fat, and chicken breast being the only ingredient, these are perfect for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities. They’re also high in protein, at 74% min, and freeze-dried to preserve their nutritional value and flavor.

These treats are not only healthy, but also very convenient. They can easily break into smaller pieces, which keeps the calories per reward down, and they’re packaged in a resealable tub, so you can take them on every adventure with your pup!

What we like the most: These low-fat dog treats are perfect for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.

Pros

  • 3% min fat
  • 74% min protein
  • Only chicken breast as an ingredient
  • Freeze-dried to preserve nutritional value and flavor
  • Conveniently packaged in a resealable tub

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other treats

8Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats

Best for budget
Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats
Flavor
5
Scent
4
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.5
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On a budget? No problem. These treats from Blue Dog Bakery are a great option! Made with all-natural ingredients, these crunchy treats are low in fat and calories. They only contain a minimum of 6% fat, and they’re also free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

The treats come in a biscuit form, and they’re baked with an extra crunch to help clean teeth and freshen breath. What’s more, they’re also available in four delicious flavors: natural cheese, bacon and cheese, grilled chicken, and peanut butter and molasses.

What we like the most: These low-fat dog treats are a great budget-friendly option and are of amazing quality.

Pros

  • Low in fat (minimum 6% fat)
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Help clean teeth and freshen breath
  • Available in four delicious flavors

Cons

  • Some costumers complain about the packaging

9Bully Slices Rawhide Chews

Best long-lasting
Bully Slices Rawhide Chews
Flavor
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.3
Overall
4.6
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When you want your dog to lose weight, long-lasting treats are the best way to keep them occupied and satisfied without packing on the pounds. These Bully Slices Rawhide Chews are perfect for just that. Made with thin slices of beef hide, they’re easily digestible and packed with flavor, but low in fat.

Plus, they help remove tartar and plaque buildup through the mechanical action of chewing. So not only are they a great way to keep your pup occupied and satisfied, they’re also good for their teeth!

What we like the most: These rawhide chews keep your dog occupied and satisfied without packing on the pounds.

Pros

  • Long-lasting chews
  • Digestible rawhide chews
  • Help remove tartar and plaque buildup
  • Low in fat

Cons

  • More expensive as other products on our list

Which low-calorie or low-fat treat should you choose?

Every treat on this list is a good option, but some fit certain dogs better than others:

  • Lowest in calories: Fruitables Skinny Mini and Cloud Star Tricky Trainers, at only 3 calories per treat. Ideal for training sessions with lots of rewards.
  • Lowest in fat: GN weight-management treats (2% fat), followed by the freeze-dried PureBites and Stewart treats (3% fat).
  • Low in protein and fat: Fruitables Baked Dog Treats, made with pumpkin and bananas instead of meat.
  • Best for allergies: Stewart or PureBites, since chicken breast is the only ingredient.
  • Best for long chewing sessions: Bully Slices Rawhide Chews, which are low in fat and keep your dog busy.

Are low-fat dog treats the same as low-calorie treats?

No. Low-fat treats can still be high in calories if they’re loaded with carbohydrates or sugar. If your dog needs to lose weight, compare the calories per treat first, and use the fat percentage as a second filter.

Can I use human food as a low-calorie dog treat?

Yes, some plain fruits and vegetables make good low-calorie snacks, such as carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, and apple slices without the seeds or core. Avoid anything seasoned, buttered, or salted, and always check that a food is safe for dogs before you share it. Our lists of fruits dogs can eat and vegetables dogs can eat can help with that.

How many treats can my dog have per day?

A common rule of thumb is to keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. With 3-calorie treats you can reward often; with a 92-calorie dental stick, one a day is usually plenty.

Final thoughts – Best low-calorie and low-fat dog treats

We hope this diverse list of low-calorie and low-fat dog treats has helped you in your decision-making process. Every item on our list has its own set of pros and cons, but they are all great options for treating your pup without packing on the pounds.

Do remember! Even if something is low-calorie or low-fat, it’s best not to overdo it. Everything should be given in moderation, including treats!

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9 Best Low-Calorie & Low-Fat Dog Treats (Pros & Cons)