6 Soft Low Calorie Dog Treats

When it comes to rewarding your dog with treats, it’s essential to choose options that are not only tasty but also healthy. Soft, low-calorie dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding good behavior, or simply showing your dog some extra love, without overloading them with unnecessary calories.

Let me show you six mouthwatering soft and low-calorie dog treats that your dog will absolutely love. Each recipe is carefully crafted to provide nutritional value, ensure your dog stays fit, and support their overall health.

From simple ingredients to clear step-by-step instructions, I’ve got you covered. Let’s jump into the good stuff.

Benefits of Soft, Low-Calorie Dog Treats

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s first look at why soft, low-calorie dog treats are a fantastic choice for your dog.

1. Weight Management

Soft, low-calorie treats can help prevent your dog from gaining excess weight. Unlike many store-bought dog treats that are often loaded with sugar and fat, homemade low-calorie options can be tailored to your dog’s specific dietary needs.

2. Digestibility

These treats are typically easy to digest, which is important for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Soft treats are gentle on their tummies and often contain wholesome ingredients that promote better digestion.

3. Training Benefits

Low-calorie treats are ideal for training sessions. You can give your dog multiple treats during a session without worrying about overfeeding them. Plus, the soft texture makes them easy for dogs to chew quickly.

4. Healthier Ingredients

Making treats at home allows you to control what goes into them. You can avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and chemicals that are often found in commercial treats, and opt for wholesome, natural ingredients that benefit your dog’s health.

Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Banana Delight

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg (optional for extra binding)

How to make Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the banana in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Make sure there are no chunks left.
3. Add the peanut butter to the mashed banana. Stir well to combine. The peanut butter adds flavor and a creamy texture that your dog will love.
4. Add the oat flour and applesauce to the mixture. If you want the dough to have a firmer texture, you can add the egg at this stage. Mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.
5. Roll out the dough on a clean surface, about 1/4-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or simply press the dough flat with your hands.
6. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or slice into small squares.
7. Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
8. Let them cool completely before serving.

Feeding size

These treats are perfect for small and medium-sized dogs. Serve one to two treats per day based on your dog’s size and activity level.

Storage tips

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life (up to two weeks).

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Chews

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1 large sweet potato

How to make Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Peel and slice the sweet potato into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. If you prefer chewier treats, you can leave the skin on.
3. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure both sides are cooked evenly.
5. Once done, let the chews cool completely before serving.

Feeding size

These chews are great for both small and large dogs. You can serve one or two per day, depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs.

Storage tips

Store the chews in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 3: Apple Cinnamon Bites

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

How to make Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, combine the applesauce, egg, and honey (if using). Stir well.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Slowly add the oat flour, whole wheat flour, and cinnamon. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a clean surface.
5. Cut into small rounds or shapes with a cookie cutter or knife.
6. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
7. Let the bites cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Feeding size

These treats are small, so one or two per day is enough for small to medium-sized dogs. Larger dogs may enjoy more.

Storage tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to 10 days.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 4: Carrot and Parsley Munchies

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

How to make Step by Step

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the grated carrot and chopped parsley in a large bowl. The parsley is a natural breath freshener for dogs.
3. Add the flours, egg, and chicken broth to the carrot-parsley mixture. Stir until the dough is smooth.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Cut into small shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Let the treats cool completely before serving.

Feeding size

These treats are a perfect size for small to medium dogs. Serve one or two per day, depending on their size and activity level.

Storage tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 5: Pumpkin Puffs

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed (optional for added fiber)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

How to make Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, combine the canned pumpkin and egg. Stir to combine.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Add oat flour, cinnamon, and flaxseed (if using). Mix until the dough comes together. The dough should be thick but sticky.
4. Scoop the dough using a spoon and drop small amounts onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form small puffs.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
6. Let the puffs cool completely before offering them to your dog.

Feeding size

These treats are small and lightweight, making them perfect for all dog sizes. For small dogs, serve one or two puffs, while larger dogs may enjoy a few more throughout the day.

Storage tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 6: Chicken and Spinach Soft Bites

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded)
• 1/4 cup cooked spinach (chopped)
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth

How to make Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shred the chicken: Use a fork to shred the cooked chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Chop the spinach finely to make it easier for your dog to chew.
4. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, spinach, oat flour, egg, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is well mixed and forms a dough.
5. Shape the dough into small bite-sized pieces, or roll the dough and cut it into squares or strips.
6. Place the pieces on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and firm.
7. Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Feeding size

These soft bites are ideal for small to medium-sized dogs. Depending on the size of your dog, you can serve one to two bites per day.

Storage tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Values Calculated

How often should I give my dog homemade treats?

Homemade treats are meant to supplement your dog’s regular diet, not replace it. A good rule of thumb is to give your dog one or two homemade treats per day, depending on their size and calorie needs. Make sure that the treats do not exceed more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.

Can I adjust these recipes to fit my dog’s dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! These recipes are flexible, so you can adapt them to suit your dog’s specific needs. For example:

• If your dog has a grain sensitivity, you can substitute the flours with grain-free options like coconut flour or rice flour.
• For dogs with protein allergies, you can use alternatives like turkey or beef instead of chicken.
• Always check with your vet before making any significant dietary changes, especially if your dog has any medical conditions.

Why are soft treats better for my dog?

Soft treats are easier for dogs to chew, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or those with dental issues. Additionally, they are often more palatable and easier to break into smaller pieces, making them perfect for training or giving in smaller quantities without worrying about overfeeding.

Are these homemade treats safe for my dog?

Yes, as long as you use dog-safe ingredients and avoid toxic foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, these treats are safe for your dog. Always be mindful of portion sizes and any allergies your dog may have.

Final Thoughts

Homemade low-calorie treats are a wonderful way to show your dog how much you care while keeping them healthy and active. These six soft dog treat recipes are packed with nutrition and flavor that your dog will love. Plus, they’re simple to make and free of artificial additives, giving you full control over what your dog is consuming.

Try one or more of these recipes today, and treat your furry friend to something special. Your dog will thank you with wagging tails and a big, happy smile!