The Best Mini Dog Treats For Training Purposes
Reward your pet as often as you’d like with these delicious, low-calorie mini dog treats.
another treat for being such a good boy or girl is pretty great, too. That’s why it’s important to stock up on tasty, healthy, and low-calorie dog treats for the training process. You can find our favorite mini dog treats by scrolling through the following products.
Best Mini Dog Treats to Consider
The most important factor to consider when purchasing mini dog treats for training is the sheer volume you will be feeding your pet. They will be eating a lot of these treats. Every time they do the right thing, or do their best to do the right thing, they’ll need another little morsel. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure the calorie count is okay for such high-volume ingestion. Most mini dog treats have a calorie range of around 3-5 calories per treat. If you have a pet who struggles with weight gain, choose a treat that falls closer to the 3-calorie position.
Next, make sure the treats are affordable enough to feed at such a high rate. Even if the calorie count is good, you need to make sure you can afford to keep purchasing the treats. A 2-ounce package may cost the same as a 10-ounce package, for example, but it’ll run out much quicker than the larger quantity.
Last but not least, consider the ingredients in the treats. Since your dog will be eating so many, you want to make sure they are taking in good foods. Look for treats with meat or another protein type as its first ingredient. Avoid artificial fillers and preservatives if possible. But keep in mind that all dog treats are designed to be healthy enough for pets to eat, so you don’t have to stress this as much if it’s not your main concern.
Once you’ve found a treat that fits in with your budget and your pet’s caloric and nutritional needs, make your purchase and let the training begin. Your pet is sure to be thankful for all of the yummy moments to come.
Crunchy mini dog treats
MilkBone treats have been a fan favorite for decades. These mini varieties allow you to reward your pup more often. They have the same great flavor as the original Milk Bones, as well as the same nice, crunchy texture. The crunch isn’t just for fun, however — it can also help prevent plaque build-up and strengthen your pet’s teeth. The cute, bone shape is sure to bring joy as you reward your pet and the resealable container is handy for pet parents, too.
Pros:
- Well-known treat brand
- Affordable
- 5 calories per treat
- 36 ounces of dog treats included
- Also available in smaller packs
Cons:
- The texture may be too hard for young puppies or older dogs that have lost a few teeth
Natural mini dog treats
These soft and tiny treats serve as the perfect training reward. They contain less than 3 calories each, so your pet can have bunches without causing health concerns. They’re easy to chew, so your pup can eat them up quickly before moving on to their next task. Chicken is the main ingredient, followed by other real foods such as rice, barley, and berries. Potentially harmful ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial fillers are never added.
Pros:
- Ideal for dogs of all ages
- Yummy chicken flavor
- 16 ounces of treats included
- Resealable package for freshness
Cons:
- These treats aren’t meant to be long-lasting
Freeze-dried mini dog treats
These mini dog treats provide the best possible ingredients with the help of freeze-drying. They are made of raw animal meat and nothing else. Some popular flavors include chicken, beef, salmon, and rabbit. More intriguing flavors like tripe and liver are also available. The 48-hour drying process takes place fully in the United States. This allows you to provide your pet with low calories and high protein, as well as avoid ingredients like grains, artificial fillers, flavors, and preservatives. No refrigeration is required.
Pros:
- Healthier ingredients
- Naturally filled with vitamins and minerals
- Small enough for training
- Resealable pouch
Cons:
- Small package
Rewarding mini dog treats
These treats make training easier for both pets and their humans. The shakeable plastic container guarantees freshness. And the little treats have less than 4 calories each, so your dog can enjoy several without affecting their diet. Flavor options include turkey, chicken, and salmon, each of which lists its corresponding meat type as its first ingredient. The other ingredients on the list each have an important purpose, such as peas being added for fiber/digestive support.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Reusable container
- Dogs may enjoy the sound of the treats shaking inside the bottle
- Every batch tested for quality and safety
Cons:
- Smaller than average package
Crave-worthy mini dog treats
These mini dog treats come in several incredible flavors, such as Beef and Hickory Smoke and Berry and Yogurt. High-quality, non-GMO protein is always the first ingredient, with no artificial fillers, flavors, or preservatives added. Other undesirable ingredients that the company always avoids include chicken by-products, corn, wheat, and soy. Each treat has fewer than 3 calories, making them great for repetitive training tasks. And the 8-ounce, resealable package gives you plenty to get started with at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Clean ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Feeding guideline chart included on product page
- Also available in a 4.5 ounce package
Cons:
- Chewy texture could be tricky for pets that struggle with non-soft food
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can my dog have training treats?
This depends on the treat you choose and your pet’s size. Treats should take up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric allowance. This means the lower the calories in the treat you choose, the more they can have per day. Some treats offer a feeding guide on their product page if you need help with the math behind this question.
Can mini dog treats be used outside of training?
Yes. Mini dog treats are not just for training. They can be used to reward your pet for ongoing good behaviors or even just for fun. They’re a great option for dogs who struggle with weight gain because they are so low in calories. They’re also excellent for small pets because of their tiny morsels.
What’s the best way to keep mini dog treats fresh?
Most of these treats ask to be stored in a cool, dry place. This could be inside a pantry or kitchen cupboard. Make sure to always close the lid and avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in overly humid areas. Above the stove, for example, wouldn’t be the best palace to keep them.
What other types of treats may my pet enjoy?
We’ve done tons of research on the best dog treats. Some of our favorites include jerky treats, chew sticks, and blueberry-based treats. For special times, doggy ice cream and smoked dog bones can be extra fun.
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