The holiday season is a time of celebration, treats, and family fun—and that includes your furry family members. Dogs deserve to join in on the festivities, feel the holiday spirit, and enjoy a little indulgence, too. While treats are part of the joy, it’s essential to keep them healthy, especially during a season of extra calories and rich foods.
In this guide, we’ll explore low-calorie treats your dog will actually eat, smart portioning tips, and fun activities to keep them engaged beyond snacking.
Why Low-Calorie Snacks Matter
During the holidays, it’s easy to get carried away with giving your dog high-calorie treats. Obesity in dogs isn’t just a cosmetic concern—it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that can shorten life expectancy and increase the risk of diseases like diabetes mellitus, orthopedic issues, and even cancer. Studies suggest that even being moderately overweight can shave nearly two years off a dog’s life.
Overfeeding treats can also lead to digestive issues, lethargy, and behavioral problems. By focusing on low-calorie snacks for dogs and practicing portion control, you can help your pet enjoy the festivities without compromising their health. Moderation keeps treats a fun, high-value reward rather than a health risk.
Healthy, Fun Snack Ideas
Not all treats need to be fancy, and your dog doesn’t need to miss out on tasty snacks just because you’re watching calories. The key is creativity, variety, and a little holiday flair.
Simple, Whole-Food Snacks
Whole foods are often the healthiest and easiest low-calorie treats for dogs.
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Raw vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and cucumber slices are crunchy, satisfying, and low in fat. Green beans, in particular, are a perfect low-calorie option for dogs on a weight loss plan.
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Festive twists: Soak a raw carrot in bone broth and freeze it. This not only improves flavor but also keeps dogs occupied and entertained for hours.
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Pumpkin: Spread pumpkin puree on a lick mat and freeze for a slow-digesting, festive treat that combines flavor and mental stimulation
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Fruits: Apple slices (without seeds), blueberries, and banana slices make tasty bites packed with vitamins.
These natural dog treats are simple to prepare and provide a satisfying crunch or chewy texture, making them high-value without adding extra calories.
Small, Prepared Snacks and Homemade Recipes
Sometimes, a little homemade magic takes snacks up a notch:
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Mini pumpkin or sweet potato bites: Bake small cubes or use a mini-muffin tray to create festive, bite-sized treats.
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Yogurt-based frozen treats: Plain, unsweetened yogurt frozen in small molds offers a cool, creamy snack that dogs love.
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Single-ingredient baked treats: Strips of chicken or cooked fish baked until slightly crunchy are both healthy and high-value for training.
By choosing low-calorie treats over high-calorie treats, you can reward your dog without affecting their overall diet.
Portioning and Snack Management
Even healthy treats can contribute to extra calories if portions aren’t managed carefully. A simple framework can keep your pet’s diet balanced:
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Calculate snack calories in relation to daily intake. Ideally, treats should make up no more than 10% of total daily calories.
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Split larger treats into smaller pieces. Little balls or bite-sized portions are perfect for rewarding during training or holiday festivities.
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Use treats strategically for training, mental stimulation, or slow-feeding activities rather than constant snacking.
Portioning is essential for weight loss and maintaining your dog’s health, especially during a season when extra treats are everywhere. It's also important to avoid giving table food, which can add unnecessary calories and upset their diet.
Beyond Eating: Activities That Prevent Snack Boredom
Sometimes dogs eat not because they’re hungry, but because they’re bored. Introducing activities that stimulate your dog mentally and physically can reduce unnecessary snacking and keep them happy.
Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys: These keep dogs occupied and mentally engaged while slowly releasing low-calorie treats.
Interactive games: Hide-and-seek with treats, scent trails, or training exercises provides enrichment while curbing boredom.
By matching your dog’s treats to their exercise level and mental engagement, you can maintain a healthy balance between enjoyment and caloric intake.
Holiday Treat Spotlight: Redbarn Chew-A-Bulls® Hydrant
Looking for a treat that’s both fun and functional? Redbarn Chew-A-Bulls® Hydrant is a perfect option. Shaped like a hydrant, this dog dental chew features ridges and grooves that reach tricky spots between teeth and gums, helping control tartar buildup and gently massaging gums.
Made with easily digestible, limited, all-natural ingredients, these treats include antioxidants like parsley and spices such as cumin to support digestion and freshen your pet’s breath. They’re gluten-free, contain no artificial preservatives, and provide a single, high-value treat per day for medium-sized dogs. Always supervise your dog while they chew and provide fresh drinking water. It’s a treat that combines health, enjoyment, and holiday fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are good snacks for overweight dogs?
Low-calorie vegetables like green beans, frozen treats, and limited lean proteins are great choices. Avoid high-calorie treats and excessive human food.
2. What is a healthy snack to give a dog?
Single-ingredient foods like carrots, pumpkin, green beans, apples, and blueberries are naturally low-calorie and nutritious.
3. What is the best low-calorie food for dogs?
Portion-controlled lean meats, veggies, and limited fruits work well. Use frozen or slow-feeding formats to prolong enjoyment.
4. What food can I give my dog to help lose weight?
Swap high-calorie treats for low-calorie, high-fiber options, and complement with engagement activities such as puzzle toys. A weight loss plan works best when combined with proper exercise and monitoring of your pet’s diet.
Keeping the Holidays Healthy and Happy
Dogs can enjoy the holiday season without compromising their health. By choosing low-calorie treats, practicing portion control, and introducing enrichment activities, you can create a festive experience that’s both fun and safe.
From simple raw veggies to creative frozen snacks, the possibilities for healthy dog treats are endless. Remember: a happy, healthy dog is part of the holiday joy. Treat them with care, and they’ll love you all the more for it.
