Treats and chews
What treats have the fewest calories?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Small pieces of plain steamed vegetables such as green beans or carrot, air popped unsalted popcorn, and ice cubes or frozen plain broth sit among the lowest calorie options available, often under 2 kcal per piece. A dog's own kibble, broken small, is also very low relative to most commercial treats, making it a practical everyday choice when calorie count matters most.
Comparing typical calorie ranges
Standard soft training treats commonly run 5 to 15 kcal each, dental chews often sit at 40 to 90 kcal per piece, and rich chews like bully sticks can reach 100 kcal or more for a full stick. Against that range, a small piece of steamed vegetable or a single ice cube stands out as effectively negligible in calorie terms.
Why very low calorie options still need portion awareness
Even near zero calorie treats like ice cubes can be given in large volume without meaningful calorie impact, but very low calorie does not mean unlimited, since large amounts of certain vegetables can still cause loose stools from fiber content rather than calories.
Balancing low calorie treats with reward value
The lowest calorie options are often also lower in the smell and fat content that make a treat feel rewarding to a dog, so combining them with a small amount of something richer during genuinely difficult training moments keeps both calorie control and motivation working together rather than against each other.
Key takeaways
- Plain steamed vegetables, unsalted popcorn, and ice cubes are among the lowest calorie treat options.
- Standard soft training treats typically run 5 to 15 kcal, far more than these very low options.
- Even near zero calorie treats can cause loose stools in large volume, so portion still matters.
- Combine low calorie fillers with occasional richer treats to keep training motivation high.