Healthy fats are an important part of a dog’s diet. They help with the development of their coat and skin, support the immune system, and aid in digestion. However, as high fat-foods are higher in calories, they should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet.
There are a variety of low-fat dog treats available on the market that can help supplement your dog’s diet while keeping them healthy. Here are five of the best low-fat dog treats, along with their pros and cons.
What to keep in mind when feeding your dog low-fat treats
Before we start, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind when feeding your dog low-fat treats.
As we mentioned, fats are an essential part of a dog’s diet. (1) So, even though you’re feeding them low-fat treats, make sure that they’re still getting enough fat from other sources. According to Pet.WebMD, a dog’s diet should contain at least 5.5% fat. (2)
So, if your dog’s kibble already contains that much fat, you may offer low-fat treats as 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 ingredient labeling on their food’s packaging. If you’re not sure, you can always ask your veterinarian!
Another thing to keep in mind is that low-fat treats are not always low in calories. While they may have fewer fats, they might make up for it with higher carbohydrates or sugars. So, if you’re looking for low-calorie treats, be sure to check the calorie content as well.
The 5 best low-fat dog treats according to us
We compiled our list based on the fat content, quality of the ingredients, and reviews from dog owners. Here are our top picks for the best low-fat dog treats!
1Fruitables Baked Dog Treats
With only a minimum of 6% fat, these oven-baked dog biscuits are some of the 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! The scent of treats is so great you’d almost be tempted to try one yourself.
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
2Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats
On a budget? No problem. These low-fat dog 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
3PureBites Freeze Dried Chicken Treats
Not only do these treats contain the most protein but also the least fat. At 3% min 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, these treats are 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. These treats are also freeze-dried to preserve their nutritional value and flavor.
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
4GN Weight Management Chew Sticks
If your looking for low-fat dog treats, then this treat at only 2% min fat is perfect for your pup! Coming in the form of chew sticks, they also help with dental problems such as plaque or tartar.
What’s more, these low-fat dog treats are also grain-free and natural. They’re also full of dietary fiber to give your dog a full feeling. Additionally, they contain L-Carnitine which boosts your dog’s metabolism! These treats really are perfect for weight loss.
What we like the most: These low-fat dog treats are perfect for dogs who want to lose some weight!
Pros
- Only 2% min fat
- Chew sticks help with dental problems
- Grain-free and natural
- Full of dietary fiber
- Contains L-Carnitine to boost metabolism
Cons
- Only 1 flavor
5Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats
With only 3% min fat, and chicken breast being the only ingredient, these are perfect for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities. These are 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, and are 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
Final thoughts – on the best low-fat treats
Low-fat dog treats are a great way to help supplement your dog’s diet while keeping them healthy. There are a variety of low-fat dog treats available on the market, so finding the right one for your pup may take some trial and error. However, we hope that our list of the best low-fat dog treats has helped point you in the right direction!
