Small dogs are not just small versions of big dogs. Their jaws are different, their caloric needs are different, and what counts as a safe chew size is completely different. Most dog treat content ignores all of this.
Here’s what small dog owners actually need to know.
Why Small Dogs Need Different Treats
The obvious one is size — a chew that a Labrador gets through in 20 minutes can be a choking hazard for a Maltese. But the other issue is calories.
A small dog’s daily caloric requirement is significantly lower than a large breed’s. A 5kg Chihuahua might need 200–250 calories per day. A 30kg Labrador might need 1,200+. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories, which means for a small dog, treats have to be genuinely low-calorie or given in very small amounts.
What this means in practice: - High-calorie chews (bully sticks, pig ears) should be given sparingly or in very small portions - Lightweight, low-fat treats (rabbit ears, chicken breast crisps, liver snaps) suit small dogs better for regular use - Size matters — treats should be breakable or already small enough that your dog can’t swallow them whole
Best Treats for Small Dogs by Use Case
For training: Small, soft, and smelly. Chicken breast crisps and liver snaps both work well — they’re low-calorie enough that you can use many repetitions without pushing past daily intake limits. Break them into small pieces for tiny breeds.
For daily rewards: Rabbit ears are one of the best options for small dogs. They’re lightweight, the texture is satisfying but not rock-hard, and they’re low in fat.
For chewing: Stick to smaller formats such as veal tendon scrolls, which are softer than bully sticks and easier on smaller jaws. Lamb ears are another good option — similar size and texture to rabbit ears but with a different protein.
For sensitive stomachs: Novel proteins like rabbit, kangaroo, or veal work well for small dogs with sensitivities. Avoid treats with multiple protein sources or long ingredient lists.
Breeds to Call Out
French Bulldogs — Short snout (brachycephalic) means they can struggle with very hard chews. Rabbit ears, chicken jerky, and softer tendon scrolls work well. Avoid anything that requires significant jaw extension or force. Duck jerky is a favourite.
Maltese, Shih Tzu, Cavoodle — Very small mouths — break everything into pieces. Prefer lightweight treats they can eat without breaking them down manually.
Miniature Dachshund — Good chewers for their size. Rabbit ears, lamb ears, and veal tendon scrolls all work. Monitor jaw strain with hard chews — they sometimes push past what’s comfortable.
Pomeranians, Chihuahuas — Tiny caloric budgets. Low-fat, low-calorie treats only. Rabbit ears and chicken breast crisps are both good choices.
What to Avoid for Small Dogs
- Very hard chews — antlers, raw hide, hard compressed treats. Risk of tooth fracture and choking.
- Treats larger than your dog’s head — sounds obvious, but some owners underestimate what constitutes a safe size for a 3kg dog.
- High-fat treats as daily items — pig ears and large bully sticks have their place, but they’re too calorie-dense for regular daily use in small breeds.
- Anything with multiple protein sources — harder to identify what’s causing a reaction if your dog develops a sensitivity.
Single Ingredient is More Important for Small Dogs
Small dogs tend to have more sensitive digestive systems than large breeds. Multi-ingredient treats with preservatives, flavouring agents, or additives are more likely to cause issues. The simpler the ingredient list, the less there is to react to.
Single-ingredient treats — just the protein, nothing else — are the cleanest option and worth the extra cost.
The Bottom Line
Small dog owners need to think about size, calorie density, and jaw strength. The best small dog treats are lightweight, low-fat, single-ingredient, and appropriately sized for the dog in front of you. Rabbit ears are worth starting with — they’re one of the most size-appropriate, naturally low-fat treats available for small breeds.
Browse small dog treats — Cooee K9 natural, Australian-made, single ingredient →
