9 Best Dog Treats for Small Dogs | Rethink the Biscuit Size

Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.

Most treats are made for big mouths, so a biscuit meant for a Lab can be a choking hazard for a 6-pound Yorkie. Even a “training” morsel that’s too big defeats the point of a quick reward. You need options genuinely sized for small breeds, whether that’s a crunchy daily biscuit, a soft training bite, or a dental chew that fits a tiny jaw.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.

The right reward keeps your pup safe and eager to learn. Each pick below is matched to a specific job, so you can find the best dog treats for small dogs that survive the picky-eater test and stay gentle on small teeth.

Our Picks at a Glance

Milk-Bone Mini's Original Biscuits
Best OverallMilk-Bone Mini’s Original Biscuits4.8★82,616 ratingsA classic crunchy biscuit scaled down to five calories so small dogs can be rewarded often. This six-box bundle gives you the iconic Milk-Bone crunch in a mini size that fits a small mouth comfortably.Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Basics Chicken and Waffle Bites
Soft Training WinAmazon Basics Chicken and Waffle Bites4.6★28,864 ratingsSoft, waffle-shaped morsels that break cleanly in half for quick, mess-free rewards. If your small dog turns up their nose at hard biscuits, this soft wafer treat is the switch to make.Check Price on Amazon
Greenies Teenie Dental Treats
Dental Care PickGreenies Teenie Dental Treats4.8★75,522 ratingsA daily dental chew sized for extra-small breeds that targets the four areas vets check most. Reach for this when dental health is your priority—it targets plaque, tartar, gums, and breath.Check Price on Amazon

How To Choose The Best Dog Treats for Small Dogs

Small dogs have fast metabolisms and tiny stomachs, so the treats that work for a 70-pound retriever can quickly become a problem. You are looking for three things: a size your dog can handle safely, a calorie count that won’t derail their diet, and a texture that matches their teeth and chewing style.

Start With the Physical Size of the Treat

A treat labeled “mini” or “training size” is usually small enough for a Chihuahua or a Maltese. If you can easily break the treat in half — or if it’s already bite-sized — you keep the reward positive instead of turning snack time into a struggle. Several of these picks, like the crunchy biscuits, are designed so you can snap them into smaller pieces for extra-small jaws.

Match the Texture to Your Dog’s Mouth

Crunchy biscuits help scrape away plaque but demand real chewing power. Soft and chewy treats are a better fit for puppies, senior dogs missing teeth, or picky eaters who turn up their noses at hard textures. Think about your individual dog’s age and dental health first, then pick a texture that they will actually enjoy.

Quick Comparison

Model Best For Form Calories Size Focus Amazon
Milk-Bone Mini’s★ Best Overall Everyday crunchy reward Biscuit 5 per treat Mini Amazon
Amazon Basics BitesSoft Training Win Soft training rewards Wafer Bite-sized Amazon
Greenies TeenieDental Care Pick Daily dental care Chew 5–15 lbs Amazon
etta says! Training All-natural training Soft bite Low calorie Tiny Amazon
Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Senior and puppy treat Chewy stick Easy to break Amazon
Honest Kitchen Littles High-protein training Mini tender Low calorie All sizes Amazon
Nutra Minis Grain-free rewards Air-dried chunk Tiny Amazon
Blue Buffalo Bones Crunchy mini biscuits Biscuit Mini Amazon
Fruitables Skinny Minis Variety with low calories Soft chew 3 per treat Mini Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

★ Best Overall

1. Milk-Bone Mini’s Original Biscuits

Our pick — over 4.5★ from 82,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.

5 Calories Per Treat15% Protein

A classic crunchy biscuit scaled down to five calories so small dogs can be rewarded often.

This six-box bundle gives you the iconic Milk-Bone crunch in a mini size that fits a small mouth comfortably. At five calories per treat, you can hand them out generously during training without blowing past your pup’s daily calorie budget. The biscuits are fortified with more than 12 vitamins and minerals, plus 15% protein, which makes them more of a functional snack than an empty calorie.

The crowd favorite earns its spot with a sky-high rating across well over 80,000 owners, winning on taste and value. Buyers report their dogs go wild for the beefy flavor, and the crunchy texture helps keep teeth clean and breath fresh. This is the classic “high quality biscuit” that practically every dog recognizes, and the price works out to a giant box value that’s tough to top for daily treating.

The honest trade-off is that any crunchy biscuit demands chewing power, and a handful of owners mention digestive sensitivity as a mixed experience. If your small dog has a famously delicate stomach, introduce these slowly. For a healthy small breed that loves to crunch, this is the dependable everyday staple.

What wins owners over

  • Five calories per treat means guilt-free frequent rewards
  • Vitamins and minerals plus 15% protein in every biscuit
  • Produced in the USA with a crunchy texture that supports dental health

Who should think twice

  • The crunch requires real chewing power, so very old or toothless dogs may struggle
  • Digestive tolerance varies from dog to dog

Reach for these if: you want a budget-friendly, crunchy daily biscuit that a healthy small dog will devour.

Look elsewhere if: your dog needs a soft texture for senior-age teeth or has a sensitive stomach.

Soft Training Win

2. Amazon Basics Chicken and Waffle Bites

Chicken Is #1 IngredientResealable Bag

Soft, waffle-shaped morsels that break cleanly in half for quick, mess-free rewards.

If your small dog turns up their nose at hard biscuits, this soft wafer treat is the switch to make. Farm-raised American chicken is the first ingredient, with no corn, soy, wheat, or artificial flavors, which makes it a solid choice for dogs with common food sensitivities. The 12-ounce resealable bag keeps the treats fresh between training sessions, and owners say they stay fresher longer than other soft treats they’ve tried.

The texture earns real praise from owners: the bites “keep their shape but can easily be broken into smaller pieces,” which is exactly what you want for a training pouch. Owners mention that even picky and older dogs — including a 10-year-old Yorkie — happily chew these whole. The treat’s softness also makes it a great fit for an older pup that has trouble chewing, and the value holds up against pricier training treats on the shelf.

Note that opinions split down the middle on the aroma — some owners like it, others find it unpleasant — and the taste reads as “mixed” in the broader review data. For a soft, chicken-first training reward that disappears in seconds, this delivers a strong bang for the buck.

What it nails: the soft bite-sized texture that works for picky, senior, and puppy jaws alike.

Keep in mind: the scent divides opinion, so a sensitive nose in the house might object.

Dental Care Pick

3. Greenies Teenie Dental Treats

Vet-RecommendedFor 5–15 lb Dogs

A daily dental chew sized for extra-small breeds that targets the four areas vets check most.

Reach for this when dental health is your priority—it targets plaque, tartar, gums, and breath. The Teenie size is built specifically for small breed dogs weighing 5–15 lbs, with a unique texture that cleans down to the gumline. Customers note it helps with teeth cleaning and that their small dogs genuinely love the taste, which is rare for a dental product.

The catch many owners note is the smell from the owner’s side of the room can be off-putting, even though dogs adore the flavor. These are also meant as a daily dental-care addition rather than a high-volume training treat, so budget accordingly for a multi-dog home.

Why it stands out

  • Vet-recommended texture that cleans down to the gumline
  • Teenie sizing made for 5–15 lb small breeds

The honest downside

  • The aroma is unpleasant to some owners even as dogs love it
  • Priced as a premium daily dental product, not a bulk treat

Best for: owners who want a daily dental-care chew their small dog will actually eat.

skip it if: you need a high-volume, budget training treat rather than a dental-health tool.

Clean Ingredient Pick

4. etta says! Training Treats

Limited IngredientsMade in the USA

Tiny, soft, all-natural pork and bacon bites made for dogs with food sensitivities.

This is the pick for the small dog with a sensitive stomach, as the limited-ingredient recipe skips gelatin, corn, wheat, and soy entirely. Every ingredient is sourced from American farms, giving you a made-in-the-USA label you can trust. The pork and bacon flavor packs a punch, and the low calorie count means you can reward generously during long training sessions.

The small size is the defining feature here — owners describe them as “little bits but a lot of flavor,” which is exactly the point of a training treat. Reviewers point out these work wonders for rescue dogs learning new behaviors, and the soft texture means they can be swallowed easily even when a dog is excited mid-training. The 16-ounce bag offers solid value for a premium-feeling limited-ingredient treat.

The recurring note from owners is that these are genuinely tiny — some larger breeds need two or three at a time to feel rewarded, and opinions split on whether they’re soft or on the harder side. If you have a small dog, the miniature size is a feature, not a flaw.

What earns the praise: a clean, limited-ingredient recipe in a tiny format that’s easy on sensitive bellies.

The trade-off: pieces are so small that bigger dogs may need several to feel satisfied.

Senior-Friendly Choice

5. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Training Treats

Real Chicken Breast18% Protein

A tender, real-chicken treat that the pickiest small dogs and toothless seniors can enjoy.

This 25-ounce canister is the answer when hard biscuits fail, because the soft and chewy texture is easy on aging teeth and gums. Made with real chicken breast, these treats are fortified with iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, plus 18% protein, so they’re genuinely wholesome. The canister keeps them fresh so you can dip in for routine treat time without worrying about staleness.

The texture story is the star here — shoppers say that their 16-year-old dogs with needs for softer food handle these perfectly, and that the soft texture means no crumbs scattered across the couch. A dachshund that refused classic hard Milk-Bones now happily eats these as the only treat in the house, and they easily snap in half for a small Yorkie or cockapoo. The soft texture also makes them an excellent high-value reward during repeat training sessions.

The one thing to know is that these don’t offer the dental-scrubbing crunch of a biscuit. If your small dog needs both soft texture and tartar control, you may want to pair this with a dental chew a few times a week.

What owners love

  • Soft, tender texture that works for senior dogs and puppies alike
  • Made with real chicken breast and fortified with vitamins and minerals
  • 25-ounce canister keeps treats fresh for daily use

The limitation

  • Lacks the crunch that helps scrape plaque from teeth
  • Canister size may be more than a single small dog needs before they stale

Grab this for: senior dogs with few teeth, picky eaters, or pups in training who need a soft, high-value reward.

Choose something else if: dental cleaning is your main goal and you need a crunchy texture.

Premium Training Pick

6. The Honest Kitchen Meaty Littles

Human Grade IngredientsBeef & Salmon

Human-grade beef and salmon minis that skip the fillers without skipping the flavor.

For owners who read every label, this is the treat that clears the bar, as it’s made with human grade ingredients including real beef and salmon. The recipe is free of GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, soy, meat meals, and artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors — just recognizable ingredients that a picky eater’s owner can feel good about. The beef and salmon provide quality protein for strong muscles, and DHA supports brain health, which makes it a smarter reward than a sugar-laden biscuit.

The mini tender size means no breaking needed, even for a tiny Puggle or Chihuahua, and the soft texture makes these a reliable high-value training aid. Buyers report their dogs “adore” these little treats and that they work brilliantly for training without upsetting sensitive stomachs. The low-calorie formula means you can use them freely throughout a training session without guilt. The resealable 4-ounce bag keeps them fresh in a training pouch or on a walk.

The honest catch is the cost — this is a premium product, and owners note that the “human grade” quality and clean sourcing come at a higher price per treat than standard supermarket biscuits. You pay more, but you get a shorter, cleaner ingredient list in return.

What makes it special: human-grade beef and salmon with zero fillers, plus DHA for brain health.

Who it’s not for: budget shoppers who need a large volume of treats for daily casual snacking.

Grain-Free Option

7. ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Minis

Air-DriedZero Fillers or Grains

A tiny air-dried chunk with zero fillers that even the fussiest Maltese will accept.

This is the premium grain-free reward for small dogs with picky palates and sensitive stomachs. The treats contain zero fillers, grains, artificial additives, preservatives, or colors — just simple chicken-based nutrition that appeals to a dog’s natural instincts. The gentle air-drying process locks in aroma and flavor while keeping the texture satisfying, which is why owners describe it as having maximum flavor in a tiny package.

The small size is perfect for tiny dogs — Yorkies, Pekingese, and Maltese owners mention their pups “LOVE” these and that they work exceptionally well as a high-value training aid. The treats are notably easy on sensitive stomachs, with no mess and no odor, which makes them an easy pick for indoor training sessions. Owners also note that the quality testing at an independent third-party lab adds a layer of confidence you don’t get from bargain brands.

The very real trade-off is that these are extremely small pieces — some owners find they need to give two at a time for a satisfying reward, and the higher cost per bag reflects the clean, filler-free recipe. If you want a no-filler treat that disappears fast, this is a strong candidate.

What impresses

  • Zero fillers, grains, or artificial additives in the recipe
  • Air-dried to preserve natural aroma and flavor
  • Easy on sensitive stomachs with no odor or mess

What to expect

  • Extremely small pieces may need to be given two at a time
  • Premium price point for a 5-ounce bag

Best suited to: picky small dogs with food sensitivities whose owners want a clean, grain-free reward.

Think twice if: you’re looking for a budget-friendly bulk treat rather than a premium training morsel.

Natural Crunch Pick

8. Blue Buffalo Bones Mini Biscuits

Real BeefCorn, Soy & Wheat Free

A healthy, natural take on the classic bone-shaped biscuit that small dogs can crunch safely.

This four-pack of 12-ounce bags delivers the classic bone shape with a cleaner recipe, as these biscuits are baked with real beef and wholesome whole grains. There’s no BHA, no meat and bone meal, and no artificial preservatives, which sets them apart from bargain crunchy treats. The mini size is easy for a small dog to handle, and owners note that the crunch is actually easier on teeth than soft chews that stick to the gums.

The recipe is free of corn, soy, and wheat, making it a natural choice for owners who want a crunchy biscuit without the common fillers. Customers note these are perfect for mini dachshunds and senior small dogs who still enjoy a good crunch, and the mini pieces can be broken in half for even smaller rewards. The four-bag bundle lasts a long time, which helps justify the mid-range price for a premium biscuit.

Note that the value-for-money read is mixed in the review data — some owners feel the per-bag cost runs high for a biscuit, and a few dogs had digestive adjustments. For a crunchy, natural treat with real beef, this is a trustworthy option.

The appeal: natural ingredients with real beef and no corn, soy, wheat, BHA, or meat and bone meal.

The catch: some owners question the value relative to the amount of biscuits per bag.

Variety Pack Pick

9. Fruitables Skinny Minis Variety Pack

3 Calories Each6 Flavors Included

A six-flavor variety pack of soft minis at just three calories each for weight-conscious pups.

This variety pack solves the “my dog gets bored of one flavor” problem, with six different 5-ounce bags: Pumpkin & Mango, Apple & Bacon, Pumpkin & Berry, Chicken, Bison, and Watermelon. Each treat comes in at only three calories, making them an ideal reward for weight-conscious small dogs who need frequent positive reinforcement. The recipe is free of wheat, corn, soy, and artificial ingredients, colors, and preservatives.

The soft and chewy texture works well for small dogs with teeth issues, and reviewers point out these are perfect for filling Kong toys and for training sessions that need a steady stream of rewards. The treats are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which adds a health angle beyond just a tasty reward. Shoppers say that dogs love all the flavors — some can even smell them through the packaging — and the variety keeps things interesting for even the fussiest eaters.

The premium cost is the main consideration here, as you’re paying for six separate bags and that variety comes at a higher price per ounce than a single-flavor bulk option. For a multi-dog household or a picky eater that needs rotation, the trade-off is worth it.

What it delivers: six low-calorie, soft-mini flavors in one order with no artificial anything.

The downside: the six-bag format costs more per ounce than buying a single bulk flavor.

Understanding the Specs

Calories Per Treat

Small dogs have fast metabolisms, so calorie count matters more than you might think. A 10-pound dog needs only about 200-275 calories per day, so a treat that’s 50 calories takes a big chunk out of their budget. Look for treats like the Milk-Bone Mini’s at 5 calories or the Fruitables at 3 calories if you plan to reward frequently during training. The lower the calorie count, the more treats you can give without packing on the pounds.

Texture: Crunchy vs. Soft

The texture determines who can safely enjoy the treat. Crunchy biscuits like Milk-Bone Mini’s and Blue Buffalo Bones help scrape plaque off teeth, but they demand real chewing power that senior dogs or puppies may lack. Soft and chewy treats — the Amazon Basics Bites, Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy, and Fruitables — are easier on aging jaws and can be broken into even smaller pieces. Match the texture to your dog’s age, dental health, and chewing style rather than just picking whichever looks tastiest.

FAQ

How small should a treat be for a small dog?
The treat should be small enough that your dog can chew it without straining, but not so small that it becomes a choking hazard. Most “mini” or “training” sized treats are appropriate for dogs under 15 pounds. The Milk-Bone Mini’s at five calories each and the Fruitables Skinny Minis at three calories are both designed for frequent, small rewards. If a treat seems too large, you can usually break it in half — several of these picks are designed to snap cleanly.
How many calories should a small dog treat have?
A treat should make up no more than roughly 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For a small dog eating around 200-275 calories per day, that means treats should stay in the 3-10 calorie range per piece. The Milk-Bone Mini’s are five calories each, and the Fruitables Skinny Minis are three calories each, which makes both safe for frequent training rewards. Low-calorie treats let you reward often without exceeding your pup’s daily budget.
Are crunchy or soft treats better for small dogs’ teeth?
Crunchy biscuits help scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews, which is good for dental health. Soft treats are easier to chew but don’t offer that cleaning action. Greenies Teenie dental chews combine a gumline-cleaning texture with sizing for 5–15 pound dogs. For senior dogs with few teeth, a soft treat like the Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy is often the safer choice over a hard biscuit.
What ingredients should I avoid in small dog treats?
Many premium treats avoid corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, as these are common allergens and fillers that add calories without nutrition. The etta says! treats skip gelatin, corn, wheat, and soy entirely, while The Honest Kitchen Meaty Littles go further and exclude GMO ingredients and meat meals. If your small dog has food sensitivities, look for a limited-ingredient recipe that lists a named meat — like chicken, beef, or salmon — as the first ingredient.
Can I use the same treats for training that I give as daily snacks?
Yes, but the calorie math matters. For training, you want tiny, low-calorie bites so you can reward repeatedly without overfeeding — the etta says! treats and Fruitables Skinny Minis are built for this. For a daily snack, a slightly larger biscuit like the Milk-Bone Mini’s works fine. Some owners use soft treats for training because they’re easy to break and swallow quickly, then reserve crunchy biscuits for casual treat time.
What is the best treat for a senior small dog with few teeth?
Soft and chewy treats are the safest bet for senior dogs with dental issues. The Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats are specifically praised by owners of 16-year-old dogs that need softer food, and the Amazon Basics Chicken and Waffle Bites also work well for older pups. Both can be broken into smaller pieces and require minimal chewing. Avoid hard crunchy biscuits if your senior dog has missing teeth or sensitive gums.
Are dental treats actually effective for cleaning small dogs’ teeth?
Greenies Teenie treats are clinically proven to cut tartar by 47% and plaque by 40% in 28 days of daily use. Their unique texture cleans down to the gumline, which is one of the areas veterinarians check most. That said, no treat replaces regular brushing, so think of a dental chew as a supplement to your oral-care routine rather than a complete solution.
Can small dogs choke on regular-sized dog treats?
Yes, and that’s why treat size matters for small breeds. A biscuit made for a large dog can be too big for a small dog to chew properly, creating a choking risk. Always choose treats labeled “mini,” “small breed,” or “training” size, and supervise your dog the first few times you give a new treat. If a treat seems too large, break it into smaller pieces before offering it.
How long do opened bags of soft dog treats stay fresh?
Soft treats typically stay fresh for several weeks after opening if stored properly, which is why most come in resealable bags or canisters. The Amazon Basics Chicken and Waffle Bites come in a resealable 12-ounce bag that owners say keeps treats “fresher longer than other treats.” The Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats come in a 25-ounce canister that locks in freshness for frequent use. Keep treats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend their shelf life.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

How We Picked

We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.

Sources & Methodology

Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.

As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.

Related Guides

Please use a real email you check. If it's fake or mistyped, your message won't reach us and we can't reply — wrong addresses are rejected automatically.