Choosing the Best Treats for Small Dogs: Nutrition, Safety & Training Tips
When it comes to snack time, small dogs deserve big love in bite-sized form! Whether you live with a spunky Chihuahua, a cuddly Cavoodle or a peppy Pomeranian, choosing the right treats for small breeds is all about balancing nutrition, texture and size. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — but don’t worry, we get pet, and we're here to help you make snack decisions that are as smart as they are satisfying.
Why Size Matters (Even With Treats!)
Small dog breeds have tiny mouths and delicate teeth, so typical treats meant for larger dogs may be too big, hard or calorie-dense for your pup. Choosing appropriately sized treats helps prevent choking hazards and supports better dental health. Look out for soft and chewy treats or smaller baked treats that are easy to break up.
Cheeky tip: if you're using treats for training, opt for something that’s quick to chew so your pup stays focused without pausing too long to gnaw.
Ingredients To Look For (And Avoid)
Just like humans, small pups thrive on wholesome ingredients. Look for natural treats made from high-quality proteins, like chicken, lamb or fish. Treats made in New Zealand, like the tasty bites from Awesome Pawsome and Nutreats, are great picks because they use locally sourced, trusted ingredients tailored to Aotearoa’s food safety standards.
On the flip side, avoid treats with too many fillers (like wheat, corn or soy), artificial colours, or excessive sugars. If your pup has a sensitive stomach, look for treats that support digestive health or are grain-free.
Treats That Support Health And Wellbeing
Treats can do more than make tails wag — they can support health too! Look for multifunctional treats that help with:
- Dental care: Keep those tiny teeth sparkly with dental treats for dogs.
- Joint support: Ideal for seniors or active breeds like Jack Russell Terriers. Shop joint-friendly treats.
- Anxiety relief: Calming treats can soothe small dogs during storms or vet visits. Explore our calming essentials range.
And for fussy eaters? Sprinkle a bit of joy onto their meals with meal toppers that double as tiny treats!
Training And Reward Treats For Small Dogs
When training your small breed buddy, rewards are gold. Choose training treats that are low-calorie and quick to eat so you can reinforce positive behaviour swiftly. Break larger treats into smaller pieces or try high-reward options like freeze-dried liver – potent in flavour, perfect for concentration.
Some top small dog-friendly picks include:
How Many Treats Are Too Many?
It's easy to overdo it when your little companion gives you those puppy dog eyes, but portion control is key. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Always factor treats into your small dog’s overall diet, especially if they’re on a weight management plan.
If your pup tends to put on a little extra around the middle, consider using healthy treats as part of mealtime or swapping out with lower-calorie reward options.
Small Breeds, Special Needs
Each small breed has its own quirks — Pugs tend to gain weight easily, while Miniature Schnauzers may have sensitive bellies. That’s why some pups benefit from treats tailored to breed or lifestage. Check out our breed guides, like the ones for the Pug, Cavoodle or Chihuahua, for extra insights.
We also recommend chatting with your vet about any special dietary restrictions before introducing new treats — especially if your pup has allergies or underlying health conditions.
Small Dogs, Big Treat Potential
Choosing the right treats for your small pup makes a big difference to their health, happiness and training success. From soft-baked bites to functional chews, Petdirect offers plenty of tail-thumping options to suit every tiny tastebud. Because when it comes to your furry family, we get pet.
Ready to top up your treat stash? Explore our full range of delicious pet treats, and don’t forget to earn Airpoints and enjoy exclusive rewards with our Pet Perks loyalty programme.