Image Alt

WAGSTA Wellness

 / Resources  / Recommended low-calorie treats

Recommended low-calorie treats

 

The healthiest treat options for dieting dogs are nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

The table below lists popular household food items used as low-calorie dog treats. These healthy dog treats all come in at a fraction of the calorie count and cost of commercial dog treats! And as an added bonus they are free of coloring, additives and preservatives.

So get your dog started with some taste testing this weekend. Discover your dog’s favorite healthy treat and stock up during your next grocery run!

Dog Diet Tip: Most fruits and vegetables make tasty nutrient-rich snacks. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Avoid feeding your dog avocado, grapes, sultanas, nuts, onion, garlic, raw potato and the seeds from stone fruit, which are toxic for dogs.

Healthy Dog Treats – Our Top Picks

Healthy Dog Treats and Low Calorie Dog Treats Serving suggestion Calories/100 grams Calories per ounce
Apple Raw, sliced, cored 52 kcal 15 kcal
Banana Fresh or frozen, peeled 89 kcal 25 kcal
Beans (green) Raw or cooked 31 kcal 9 kcal
Blueberries Fresh or frozen 57 kcal 16 kcal
Carrots Raw, sliced and topped 41 kcal 12 kcal
Celery Raw- de-topped 16 kcal 4 kcal
Peas Fresh or frozen 42 kcal 23 kcal
Popcorn- air cooked*   (30 kcal/ cup) A couple of pieces 387 kcal 110 kcal
Pumpkin Cooked and cubed 45 kcal 13 kcal
Rice cakes- plain*  (35 kcal/ cake) Half or quarter piece 392 kcal 111 kcal
Squash Cooked 16 kcal 4 kcal
Strawberries Fresh or frozen 32 kcal 9 kcal
Sweet potato Cooked and cubed 76 kcal 24 kcal
Tuna- tinned in water Drained 116 kcal 33 kcal
Watermelon Fresh –seedless 30 kcal 9 kcal
Zucchini/courgette Raw- sliced or cooked 17 kcal 5 kcal
  • Air-cooked popcorn and rice cakes make an excellent treat choice. Their low weight means there are very few calories per serve. For example a cup of plain unsalted popped popcorn weighs just 8 grams and contains just 30 calories. A typical rice cake weighs 9 grams and provides 35 calories. (Always check packet nutrition information).

NB. The term ‘calories’ and ‘kilocalories’ are interchangeable.  The term ‘calorie’ used for human food is an abbreviation for ‘Kilocalories'(kcal). This means a large apple containing 120 calories accounts for 120 kcals out of your dog’s daily calorie allowance.

 

healthy dog treats fruits and vegetables for dogs

Dog Diet Tip: Delicious berries and crunchy treats such as apple slices, green beans and carrot sticks are a favorite with most dogs. With the added bonus of being a handy snack for ourselves!

Join your dog in giving fatty and sugary treats the flick. Prepare a bowl of low-calorie snacks and healthy treats to share with your dog throughout the day!

 

Training Treats

Many dog classes provide food rewards to help with training. However training treats are often high in calories and can soon exceed your dog’s daily calorie allowance. Provide your own treats, portioned from your dog’s daily meal or treat allowance. Consider using some of your dog’s dry kibble or the low-calorie snacks above.

Post a Comment

Get your vet-approved dog diet plan today for a healthier, happier dog.