Best Treats for Dachshunds Without Extra Weight
Treats are a wonderful way to reward a Dachshund, but in a small, long-backed dog, they can quietly add a lot of weight. A mini Dachshund does not need many calories to gain weight, and extra weight can strain the back and joints over time. The good news is that you do not need to stop giving treats. You just need treats that are small, healthy, and counted as part of the daily food. This guide shows how to choose treats that keep training fun without harming your dog’s weight or back.
Why treats add up
Many dog treats are much more calorie-dense than they look, and a Dachshund may receive treats from several people in one day. A biscuit after a walk, a chew while you cook, and a few training rewards can easily add a significant share of daily calories. In an apartment, where exercise space is limited, those extra calories are even harder to burn off. Treats also add up because owners often give a whole biscuit when a tiny piece would work just as well. Think of treats as part of the meal, not on top of it. If you give treats during the day, reduce the next meal slightly, and keep a daily limit that everyone in the household knows. Weighing your Dachshund regularly helps you see whether treats are having an effect before weight becomes a bigger problem.
Low-calorie treat ideas
Good low-calorie treats are usually small, soft, and easy to chew, so your Dachshund can enjoy them without eating a large amount. Small pieces of cooked, plain chicken, turkey, or fish work well, as do small pieces of dog-safe vegetables such as carrot, cucumber, or green beans, if your dog likes them and tolerates them. Always introduce new foods slowly, in small amounts, and avoid seasoning, sauces, and fatty skin. You can also use part of your dog’s regular food as a treat, which keeps calories controlled and still feels like a reward. Avoid treats that are hard, large, or very fatty, and avoid giving food from your plate. If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach, or a medical condition, ask your vet which treat ingredients are safe before trying new options.
Training treats (small, soft, frequent rewards)
For training, the best treats are tiny, soft, and quick to eat, so your Dachshund can stay focused and you can reward often. Break larger treats into pea-sized pieces, or use small commercial training treats, checking that they are soft enough for a small mouth. Reward calm behaviour, quiet behaviour, and good recall, rather than only tricks, so training supports everyday apartment life and barking control too. Keep training sessions short, about five to ten minutes, and finish with play or a calm rest rather than a large food reward. If you are training a lot in one day, use a portion of the daily food for training, and keep other treats to a minimum. This approach keeps motivation high without overfeeding, and it helps a Dachshund learn that good behaviour brings a small, pleasant reward, not a full meal.
Treats to limit/avoid
Limit or avoid treats that are high in fat, sugar, or salt, including many table scraps, fatty meat, cheese in large amounts, and sweet biscuits. Never give chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol-sweetened products, alcohol, or cooked bones, because these can be unsafe for dogs. Be careful with rawhide and very hard chews, which can be difficult to digest or damage teeth, and supervise any chew. Also avoid giving treats to stop barking every time, because that can teach your dog that barking brings food. Instead, reward quiet, calm moments, and use a toy or a calm activity when your dog needs something to do. If your Dachshund shows concerning symptoms such as back pain, wobbliness, sudden weakness, or severe anxiety, see a vet promptly, and do not use food to delay care. This is general information only, not a diagnosis. With small treats, counted calories, and vet guidance when needed, treats can stay a happy, healthy part of apartment life.
