AS DEDICATED SCHNAUZER DEVOTEES, WE KNOW HOW MUCH THEY THRIVE ON DEMANDING A CONSTANT SUPPLY OF FOOD AND TREATS!

 

 

In a recent poll with our followers, it was made very clear that no matter how much you feed your Schnauzer, they are ALWAYS starving. 

 

It’s one of the things we love about them. You can check out the other 17 lovable Schnauzer traits here.  

So, we thought it would be super helpful to put together a list of low fat dog treats that’ll make your Schnauzer’s tail wag while also keeping them lean and healthy! 

 

COMMON SCHNAUZER HEALTH ISSUES

 

Aside from watching your Schnauzer’s weight, they are also genetically predisposed to be vulnerable to diabetes, pancreatitis, dental problems, allergies, and liver issues.  

 

Schnauzers can also suffer from sensitive digestion. 

 

While we can’t control whether our Schnauzers will suffer from any of these health problems, a healthy low fat diet is an excellent precaution to help keep your Schnauzer in good health. 

 

7 TASTY LOW FAT DOG CHEWS

 

Behold seven low fat dog treats that all contain less than 10% fat, are 100% natural, and are all single-source proteins. There are no additives, preservatives, or confusion about precisely what you’re feeding your dog. 

 

 

 

• Beef tails - If you’re looking for a low odour, low fat chew, then beef tails are for you, or rather your dog! They are 100% natural and act as a great dental treat to boot.

 

• Beef Pizzles - These are naturally low in fat but high in protein and contain amino acids, which are great for your dog’s skin, coat, and brain. Yes, they are indeed cow willies, but Moo Moo and Bear give them an enthusiastic paws up! 

 

• Chicken training treats  - These crunchy training treats are made from 100% chicken. They are brilliant for using on walks as they don’t smell, and the dogs go nuts for them! 

 

• Fish Skin Cubes - Packed with omega 3 and 6 oils, proteins, and vitamins, these are a deliciously crunchy treat that is naturally very low in fat.  

 

• Pure Turkey Pate - made from 100% turkey, low in fat, and rich in tryptophan which can boost serotonin levels and help calm your dog.  This pate can be diced into small cubes for training treats or smushed into enrichment feeders for a longer-lasting healthy treat. 

 

• Rolled Beef Slice  - These air-dried treats are an excellent low fat and long-lasting chew. Naturally low in fat, they also help to keep your dog’s dental health ship shape.  

 

LOW FAT TREATS FOR DOGS WITH ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES

 

Dogs who are itchy or have regular tummy upsets may be experiencing an allergy or intolerance to their diet. I hope it goes without saying to consult your vet if any of these symptoms are present, and you may be advised to try an elimination diet. 

 

Often this will mean reducing down to one protein source for a few weeks to see if symptoms persist or switching to a hydrolyzed specialist diet. 

 

Novel proteins can be more successfully digested for dogs with allergies or intolerances, as common proteins such as chicken, beef, and lamb may cause tummy upset in some dogs. 

 

The following low fat treats are all single-source ingredients, gluten and grain-free, and delightfully delicious. 

 

• Deer Lung - Made from 100% venison, these are a crunchy low fat dog treat. They are also packed with Omega 3 and are considered hypoallergenic. 

 

• Rabbit Training Treats - These crunchy little morsels are a brilliant low fat treat for taking out and about. They come in a resealable pouch to keep them fresh for longer and are delightfully mess-free. Suitable for puppies from 4 weeks of age.

 

• Goat Training Treats - As above, these 100% goat treats come in a resealable bag and are a hypoallergenic treat that is low in fat.  They are high in protein, grain, and gluten-free, and super crunchy! 

 

• Ostrich Bone - If you’re looking for a low fat chew that will last a while, then this large ostrich bone won’t disappoint. Extremely low in fat, great for your dog’s dental care regime, and incredibly long-lasting. Despite its size, it’s very lightweight, so suitable for all dogs aged 12 weeks and up. 

 

• Goat ears - Goat ears are a crunchy and crispy low fat treat packed with Chrondroitin. Chrondroitin is a brilliant natural supplement that can aid healthy joints. 

• Rabbit sticks - These low fat 100% rabbit chews are gentle on digestion and high in protein. Either give them whole for a delicious treat or break them into pieces and use them as a training treat. 

 

• Venison Ears - Venison is a naturally lean red meat and a fabulous alternative to beef. Pack with Chrondroitin, Omega 3, protein, and iron. They are bursting with healthy goodness for your pup.

 

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES WHICH ARE SAFE FOR DOGS

 

 

Many dogs will wolf down healthy fruits and vegetables given half a chance. My two are particularly fond of blueberries and strawberries, which are pawfect blended and frozen on a Lickimat.

 

• Sweet potato
• Carrot
• Pumpkin
• Broccoli
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Peas
• Bell Peppers
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Coconut
• Pears (minus the core and seeds)
• Apples (minus the core and seeds as these can be toxic to dogs)
• Watermelon (remove rind and seeds)

 

Fruit and veg your dog can’t eat include avocados, grapes, raisins, and the pit of any fruit as it’s a choking hazard and contains cyanide which is toxic to dogs. 

 

Because of the naturally occurring sugars in fruits, it’s best to give them in moderation, especially since our beloved Schnauzers are prone to diabetes. 

 

HOMEMADE LOW FAT DOG TREATS

 

If you fancy whizzing up some homemade low fat dog treats, then here are a couple of recipes to help you keep your Schnauzer’s insatiable appetite satisfied!

 

 

 

SOFT PUMPKIN AND APPLE DOG BISCUITS

These dog biscuits are delightfully soft, so suitable for senior dogs with more sensitive teeth as well as younger pups! 

 

You will need: 

3 1/2 cups flour (550g as per conversion)

1 cup pumpkin purée

1 egg

1/2 cup pureed apple (core and seeds removed)

Parchment Paper

Rolling pin

Mixing bowl

Cookie-cutter

 

• Simply mix your pumpkin, egg, and pureed apple in a bowl, and then add the flour. 
• Dust some flour on your rolling pin and kitchen surface, ready to knead and roll out the biscuit dough. 
• Use a cookie cutter to cut your treats and lay them on a baking tray with parchment paper
• Bake for approx 15-28 minutes at Gas Mark 4 / 350°F
• Leave to cool and watch your pup devour! 

 

CRUNCHY APPLE & CINNAMON SLICES

Delicious for humans and dogs alike, these are an easy low fat snack that you can both enjoy. 

 

You will need:

3 Apples - washed, cored, and thinly sliced

Cinnamon Powder

Parchment paper

Baking tray

 

• Wash, core, and thinly slice your apples
• Lay them on a baking tray on parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Sprinkle with cinnamon powder
• Bake in the oven at Gas Mark 2 / 300°F until crispy (usually 60-90 minutes)
• Leave to cool and enjoy! 

 

You can also try this recipe with sweet potato or pumpkin.

 

WHAT TREATS CAN A DOG HAVE WITH PANCREATITIS?

 

Feeding a low fat diet is really important for dogs who suffer from pancreatitis. You will often feed a specialised low fat diet prescribed by the vet, but if you’re looking for some special treats to give your dog occasionally, the below are super low in fat. 

 

• Dehydrated chicken or Turkey (no skin, no oil) - crumble and scatter feed to make a little go a long way
• Sweet Potato (puree and spread on a Lickimat to make it last)
• Scrambled egg whites (all the fat and cholesterol is in the yolk)
• Cooled herbal teas (caffeine-free) like Chamomile and Ginger can help soothe a delicate stomach. Consider cooling and freezing on a Lickimat for a low fat treat

 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR DOG'S TREATS LAST LONGER

 

We’re big fans of using slow feeders with Moo Moo and Bear to eek out their treats while providing mental stimulation. 

 

Lickimats, K9 Connectables, and Toppls are our favs. And they can all be frozen to make feeding time last even longer!  

Learn more about the wonder of Toppls here. They’re incredibly versatile and a brilliant way to make breakfast and dinner last longer than the standard dog bowl. 

 

Scatter feeding is a free and easy way to make your dog’s treats last longer. Simply take the treats, break them down if possible and scatter them on the floor or in the grass to extend feeding time. As your dog sniffs out the tasty morsels, their nose gets to work, and calming endorphins are released. 

 

Slice and dice! If you’re training your dog, then you can very quickly dish out lots of treats, especially if you’re teaching something new. Cut or break treats up into smaller morsels for a quick hack to make them last and reduce calories. Our 100% meat pates are great for this, as you can cut them up teeny tiny! 

 

Weigh and portion! You can use your dog’s daily food allowance as treats. Weigh your dog’s daily meal portions out in the morning and keep some back for use as treats throughout the day. 

 

ALTERNATIVES TO FOOD ENRICHMENT

 

We often reach to food as a means of providing enrichment and mental stimulation to our dogs. But scent and new environments are also very enriching, and are a completely calorie-free way to add some happiness to your dog’s day. Take a look at our blog all about the types of enrichment here.

 

 

Choose somewhere new to walk, and your dog immediately gets the chance to enjoy lots of new sights, scents, and sounds. 

 

Exploring new scents is a great way for your dog to enjoy a bit of novel enrichment. Take a trip to a dog-friendly garden centre or create a sensory garden with dog-friendly herbs and plants for your dog to mooch around. 

 

IN CONCLUSION

 

Despite what your Schnauzer declares, they are probably not, in fact, starving. They are at risk of obesity and other diet-related health conditions, though. 

 

Schnauzers deserve to be utterly spoiled, and hopefully, this blog helps you easily make low fat choices to keep them trim, healthy, and satisfied! 

 

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