Does your tiny canine companion wag their tail with pure joy at the mere mention of a treat? Of course, they do! But for those of us with pint-sized pups, finding the perfect treat can feel like a treasure hunt with a very confusing map. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices out there, isn’t it? From tiny biscuits to chewy sticks, the aisles are packed with options, and it’s tough to know which ones are truly good for your little friend.
Many treats are made for bigger dogs, meaning they can be too hard, too large, or even have ingredients that aren’t ideal for a small dog’s delicate system. You want to reward your furry family member, but you also want to keep them healthy and happy. That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to dive deep into the wonderful world of dog treats specifically designed for small breeds.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll be a treat-choosing pro! We’ll explore what makes a treat perfect for tiny mouths, discuss important ingredients to look for (and avoid!), and share some of our top picks that are sure to get those little tails thumping. Get ready to discover treats that are not only delicious but also perfectly sized and packed with goodness for your beloved small dog.
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Small Dogs Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Dog Treats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Dog Treats For Small Dogs Detailed Reviews
1. Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow
Rating: 8.9/10
Treat your furry friend to the delicious taste and satisfying texture of Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow. This generous 40-ounce container is packed with crunchy biscuits that hide a tasty, real bone marrow center. It’s a combination that dogs can’t resist, offering a delightful experience with every bite. These treats are not only flavorful but also provide calcium, making them a great choice for dogs of any size.
What We Like:
- Real bone marrow center for a delicious taste.
- Crunchy biscuit exterior and meaty interior offer a satisfying texture.
- Contains calcium, which is good for your dog’s health.
- Made with colors from natural ingredients only.
- Baked with care in Buffalo, New York, USA.
- Generous 40-ounce container offers great value.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size of the treats might be too small for very large dogs.
- Some dogs may find the crunchy exterior difficult to chew if they have dental issues.
Milk-Bone MaroSnacks are a fantastic way to reward your dog. They provide a tasty and wholesome treat that your dog will love.
2. Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce offers a delightful way to reward your furry friend. These mini biscuits come in a generous 36-ounce canister, ensuring you have plenty of tasty treats on hand for your pup.
What We Like:
- These treats come in three delicious flavors: beef, chicken, and bacon. Your dog will love the variety!
- The mini size is just right for frequent rewarding. They’re easy for your dog to chew and digest.
- The crunchy texture helps keep your dog’s breath fresh and works to reduce tartar buildup. That means cleaner teeth and better doggie kisses.
- Each treat is only 5 calories, making them a guilt-free option for training or just showing some love.
- They are packed with 12 essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.
- The classic bone shape adds a bit of fun to treat time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the variety of flavors is great, some dogs might have a preference, and you can’t always choose individual flavors in this bulk size.
- The canister is quite large, which might be a bit bulky for very small living spaces.
Overall, Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks are a fantastic, budget-friendly option for any dog owner. They provide a healthy and enjoyable way to bond with your canine companion.
3. Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Rating: 9.1/10
Give your furry friend a tasty and healthy treat with Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Dog Treats! These small, crunchy biscuits come in five delicious flavors: beef, turkey, chicken, bacon, and sausage. They’re made with care and natural colors, offering a wholesome snack your dog will love. Plus, their crunchy texture helps keep your dog’s breath fresh and their teeth clean by reducing tartar build-up. These bone-shaped treats are packed with twelve essential vitamins and minerals, making them a fun and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior or just because!
What We Like:
- Five exciting flavors to keep your dog interested.
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Fortified with twelve essential vitamins and minerals.
- Made with natural ingredients and colors.
- Bone shape adds a fun element to treat time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small biscuit size may not be suitable for very large breeds.
- The 24-ounce box might be a bit much for owners with only one small dog.
Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks are a fantastic choice for rewarding your canine companion. They offer great taste and important health benefits in every bite.
4. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Rating: 8.9/10
Give your furry friend a treat they’ll wag their tail for with Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats in a delicious Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe. This big 25-ounce container is packed with goodness, making it a go-to for rewarding your good boy or girl. These treats are made with real chuck roast, so your dog gets a taste of something special.
What We Like:
- The soft and chewy texture is easy for dogs of all ages to enjoy.
- Real chuck roast is a key ingredient, offering a flavor dogs crave.
- Each treat is fortified with 12 essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s health.
- These treats are a hit with dogs of all sizes, from tiny pups to large breeds.
- Milk-Bone has been a trusted brand for dogs since 1908, meaning they have a long history of making happy, healthy pets.
What Could Be Improved:
- The resealable container is convenient, but some dogs might find the scent so appealing that they try to get into it themselves!
- While the beef and filet mignon flavor is popular, offering a wider variety of flavors could appeal to even more picky eaters.
These Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats are a fantastic option for training or just showing your dog some love. They offer a tasty and nutritious way to spoil your canine companion.
5. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats
Rating: 8.5/10
Looking for a top-notch treat for your furry friend? Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats are a fantastic choice! These aren’t just any treats; they’re packed with pure, freeze-dried raw beef liver. That means your dog gets a serious protein boost in every single bite. They’re perfect for training or just as a healthy reward, and your dog will absolutely love the taste.
What We Like:
- Made with only one ingredient: high-quality beef liver.
- Freeze-dried raw to keep all the good stuff, like vitamins and minerals, locked in.
- Super high in protein, which is great for energy, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.
- No grains, gluten, fillers, or artificial stuff – just pure goodness.
- Proudly made in America, with responsibly sourced and humanely harvested ingredients.
- Perfect for dogs with allergies or picky eaters because it’s a single protein.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2.1 oz bag can be gone pretty quickly if you have a treat-loving pup!
- As a premium product, they might be a bit pricier than some other basic dog treats.
Overall, Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats are a winner for health-conscious pet parents. They offer pure, simple nutrition that dogs crave.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Happy Tails for Tiny Paws
Choosing the right treats for your small dog can make a big difference in their happiness and health. Small dogs have unique needs, so finding treats made just for them is important. This guide will help you pick the best treats for your little furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
Small dogs have small mouths and stomachs. Treats should be bite-sized, making them easy to chew and digest. Large, hard treats can be a choking hazard or difficult for them to manage.
Ingredients You Can Trust
Look for treats with simple, recognizable ingredients. High-quality protein sources like chicken, lamb, or fish should be at the top of the ingredient list. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Fillers like corn, wheat, or soy can sometimes cause upset stomachs in sensitive dogs.
Nutritional Value
Some treats offer more than just a tasty reward. Look for options fortified with vitamins and minerals that support your small dog’s overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids can be great for their skin and coat, while glucosamine can help with joint health.
Texture and Consistency
Small dogs can have different preferences for texture. Some enjoy soft, chewy treats, while others prefer crunchy ones. Consider what your dog likes best. Crunchy treats can also help clean their teeth.
Purpose of the Treat
Are you using treats for training, dental health, or just as a special reward? Training treats should be small, low-calorie, and highly palatable to keep your dog engaged. Dental chews help reduce plaque and freshen breath. Long-lasting chews can keep them entertained.
Important Materials
Protein Sources
The best treats use real meat as the primary ingredient. This provides essential amino acids for muscle development and energy. Common and good choices include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish.
Healthy Fats
Fats are important for energy and nutrient absorption. Look for healthy fats like those found in fish oil (for omega-3s) or flaxseed.
Fiber and Carbohydrates
A small amount of healthy carbohydrates and fiber can aid digestion. Sweet potatoes, peas, and oats are good sources. These should not be the main ingredients.
Natural Preservatives
Instead of artificial preservatives, look for natural options like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary extract. These keep treats fresh without harmful chemicals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality of Ingredients
Higher quality ingredients lead to better treats. Treats made with whole, natural foods are generally superior to those with many processed fillers or by-products.
Manufacturing Process
How treats are made matters. Gentle baking or drying methods can help preserve nutrients. Over-processing can sometimes reduce the nutritional value.
Low Calorie Content
Small dogs can gain weight easily. Treats with lower calorie counts are better for regular use, especially during training, to avoid overfeeding.
Allergen Information
If your dog has allergies, carefully check the ingredient list for common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, corn, or soy. Hypoallergenic treats are available if needed.
User Experience and Use Cases
Training Your Puppy
Tiny, soft training treats are perfect for rewarding good behavior during puppyhood. They are easy to swallow and don’t fill up a young dog too quickly.
Dental Care
For small breeds prone to dental issues, specialized dental chews can help maintain oral hygiene between brushings. Look for textures that help scrape away plaque.
Special Occasions
Sometimes your small dog just deserves a little something extra. Larger, more indulgent treats can be reserved for birthdays or holidays.
Keeping Them Busy
Interactive treat-dispensing toys can be filled with small, durable treats to provide mental stimulation and keep your small dog entertained for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many treats should I give my small dog?
A: Always follow the feeding guidelines on the treat package. It’s best to give treats in moderation, as they should only make up a small part of your dog’s daily diet. About 10% of their daily calories should come from treats.
Q: Are grain-free treats better for small dogs?
A: Not necessarily. Some dogs do well with grains, while others are sensitive. If your dog doesn’t have a known grain allergy, a small amount of healthy grains like brown rice or oats can be fine. The quality of the grain is more important than avoiding grains altogether.
Q: What are the best ingredients to avoid in dog treats?
A: You should generally avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, watch out for excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or allergies. High amounts of sugar or salt are also not good.
Q: Can I give my small dog human food as treats?
A: Some human foods are safe in small amounts, like plain cooked chicken or carrots. However, many human foods are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, and grapes. It’s safer to stick to treats specifically made for dogs.
Q: How should I store dog treats?
A: Most treats should be stored in a cool, dry place in their original packaging or an airtight container. Check the packaging for specific storage instructions. This helps keep them fresh and prevents mold.
Q: What makes a treat “low-calorie” for small dogs?
A: Low-calorie treats typically have fewer calories per piece. They often use leaner protein sources and fewer fats or carbohydrates. This allows you to reward your dog more often without contributing to weight gain.
Q: Are dental treats safe for small dogs?
A: Yes, many dental treats are formulated for small dogs and can be beneficial for their oral health. Look for treats that have a texture designed to help scrub teeth and freshen breath. Always supervise your dog when they are chewing.
Q: My small dog is a picky eater. What kind of treats work best?
A: Picky eaters often respond well to highly palatable treats, meaning they have a strong, appealing smell and taste. Treats with real meat flavors or a softer, chewier texture might be more enticing for them.
Q: What is the shelf life of dog treats?
A: The shelf life varies depending on the ingredients and preservatives used. Natural treats may have a shorter shelf life than those with artificial preservatives. Always check the “best by” date on the packaging. If a treat looks or smells off, discard it.
Q: Can treats help with my small dog’s anxiety?
A: While treats can be part of a positive reinforcement plan for training, they are not a primary solution for anxiety. For severe anxiety, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer who can recommend behavioral strategies and possibly calming treats or supplements.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!