Small Dogs, Big Treat Problems
When it comes to rewarding your little pup, size really does matter. A treat that seems harmless to a Golden Retriever might be way too much for a Chihuahua, Yorkie, or Dachshund. And while those puppy eyes make it very hard to say no, the wrong treats can quickly add up to extra pounds, upset tummies, or even safety risks.
Here are the five most common mistakes pet parents make when choosing treats for small dogs—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing Treats That Are Too Big
For small dogs, oversized biscuits aren’t just clunky—they can be a choking hazard. Even if you break them up, the pieces are often still too large or too hard for tiny mouths.
Better choice: Look for naturally small, soft, or bite-sized treats made for training. That’s why our Teeny Tiny Treats are perfectly portioned at just 3/8” cubes—tiny enough for toy breeds, yet big on flavor.
Mistake #2: Forgetting About Calories
Small dogs burn fewer calories than larger pups, which means every single bite matters. For example, a 10 lb dog only needs about 250 calories a day—and treats should make up no more than 10% of that. Give them just a few 10-calorie biscuits, and you’ve blown the whole budget.
Better choice: Choose low-calorie rewards (ideally under 3 calories each). Our Teeny Tiny Treats are less than 1 calorie each, so you can reward often without tipping the scale.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Ingredients
Fillers, artificial flavors, sugars, and mystery additives? Nope. Small dogs are more prone to sensitivities, and low-quality treats can lead to itchy skin, tummy troubles, or long-term health issues.
Better choice: Always check the ingredient list. Our treats keep it simple: 100% human-grade, USA-sourced liver. Nothing else.
Mistake #4: Using “People Food” as Treats
That bite of cheese or leftover chicken nugget might feel like a reward, but human food can be too fatty, salty, or seasoned for small dogs. Over time, this can lead to pancreatitis, obesity, or worse.
Better choice: Stick with single-ingredient treats designed for pets. They deliver the taste dogs crave without the risks of table scraps.
Mistake #5: Not Considering Training Needs
Training a small dog often involves dozens (or even hundreds!) of repetitions. Using high-calorie or oversized treats makes it impossible to reward consistently without overfeeding.
Better choice: Use tiny, high-value training treats that let you reward every sit, stay, and roll-over. Freeze-dried liver is considered one of the most motivating treats you can use—and ours are sized perfectly for little pups.
The Smarter Way to Treat Your Small Dog
Avoiding these five mistakes doesn’t mean treating has to be complicated. It just means being mindful about size, calories, and ingredients.
That’s why we created Snaggletooth Teeny Tiny Treats—the ultimate small dog reward:
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🐾 Less than 1 calorie each
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🐾 Perfectly sized for tiny mouths
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🐾 Single-ingredient, human-grade protein
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🐾 Loved by both dogs and cats
Get the Best Treats for Small Dogs
Your small dog deserves the best—and with the right treats, you can spoil them without worry. By avoiding oversized, calorie-dense, or filler-packed snacks, you’re giving your pup healthier, safer, and happier rewards.
👉 Ready to make the switch? Shop our Teeny Tiny Treats today and see why pet parents everywhere are calling them the best treats for small dogs.
