Best Treats for Dachshunds: What to Give (and What to Skip)

We learned pretty early that Harvey is food-motivated. Not mildly. Obsessively.

But giving treats to a dachshund isn’t just about “what makes them happy.” It’s about what their backs, teeth, and tiny stomachs can actually handle — especially when you’re using treats for training, enrichment, or just weekday bribery.

We used to grab whatever looked decent from the shelves at PetO in Taren Point. But after one too many upset stomachs — and a vet bill we didn’t expect — we realised dachshunds need a bit more care when it comes to daily extras.

As the American Kennel Club puts it:
“Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, and should never replace balanced meals. For small breeds, even a few extras can significantly impact weight and overall health.”

For a breed as food-driven — and prone to weight gain — as the dachshund, that 10% limit adds up fast. One “light” biscuit could be a third of their daily budget. A few chunks of cheese? That’s dinner, calorically speaking.

This guide is based on real testing: what worked for Harvey, what didn’t, and what we now keep in our pantry year-round. From training treats to dental chews, low-calorie rewards to special occasion snacks, we’ll walk through:

• What to look for
  
  
• What to avoid
  
  
• Where to buy (without overpaying)
  
  
• And how to balance treats with their overall food plan
  
  

Because when it comes to dachshund treats, the best ones support their health — not sabotage it.

This section will cover daily treats, training treats, enrichment chews, and special occasion snacks — all filtered through a dachshund-safe lens.

Training sessions are where most owners over-treat without realising. The trick? Keep them tiny, soft, and under 3 kcal per piece.

Harvey does two short sessions a day — and we easily go through 10–20 pieces per session. That’s 20–40 pieces a day. So if the treats are too big or calorie-dense, we risk derailing his food balance.

Pro tip: Use one “premium” treat when training in new environments — like Harvey’s recall treat at Shelly Park, where distractions are everywhere.

These are your “good job” treats. The post-vet visit reward. The small bite after a beach walk. Nothing fancy — just real food moments that reinforce trust and connection.

We often buy these locally from PetO in Taren Point or small pet stalls at the monthly Sutherland markets. Just make sure to check for no added salt, preservatives, or sugar.

Dental health is critical — but most dental chews on supermarket shelves are either:

• Too big
  
  
• Too hard
  
  
• Full of fillers
  
  

We’ve trialed 8 different dental products. Only 3 made our regular rotation.

We avoid rawhide, bully sticks, or large chews that force intense jaw movement — anything that makes Harvey anchor and twist his spine is a hard no.

These aren’t everyday options — but on rainy days or while we’re in long meetings, they keep Harvey occupied and satisfied.

 Combine these with a snuffle mat or Lickimat and you’ve got 30–40 minutes of enrichment with minimal calorie impact.

We rotate these with puzzle feeders and frozen toppers (like bone broth cubes) to balance brain and belly satisfaction.

Dachshunds aren’t just small dogs — they’re structurally unique, prone to weight gain, spinal issues, and digestive sensitivity. That means a treat that works fine for a labrador might be completely wrong for your doxie.

Here’s what we’ve learned to avoid — through trial, vet feedback, and too many stomach upsets.

A lot of dental chews and jerky sticks are simply too big or tough. When Harvey was younger, we gave him a pig ear that looked “small enough.” Ten minutes in, he’d twisted his spine anchoring one end — and we heard a yelp. Never again.

If a treat makes your dachshund strain their neck, anchor with their front paws, or chew with difficulty — skip it.

One treat shouldn’t be half their calorie budget.

Some commercial biscuits, dental sticks, and “meat bars” contain 80–150 kcal each. That’s more than a third of a mini dachshund’s daily energy allowance.

Dachshunds do best with treats under 5 kcal — and under 3 kcal for training.

See our Dachshund Weight Loss Guide for more on daily calorie budgeting.

Always read the label — even if the packaging says “natural.”

Want to feed real food? Our What Can Dachshunds Eat? guide breaks down safe fruits, veggies, and proteins you can use as homemade alternatives.

This one isn’t about the treat — it’s about the pattern.

If you’re handing out bites every time your dachshund looks at you longingly, that’s not reward-based. That’s habit-based. And it adds up fast — in both calories and expectations.

We now stick to:

• 2 training windows per day
   
• 1 small daily chew max
   
• “Good job” treats after walks or nail trims only
   

Everything else? Enrichment-based or tied to food puzzles.

Looking to build the ultimate supplement and feeding routine for your doxie?

• What Can Dachshunds Eat? Safe & Unsafe Foods Explained
  
  
• Best Dog Food for Dachshunds in 2025
  
  
• Dachshund Feeding Guide: How Much & How Often?
  
  
• Top Supplements for Dachshunds: What’s Worth It?
  
  
• Hydration & Dachshunds: Why Water Intake Matters
  
  
• Homemade Dog Food for Dachshunds
  
  
• Dachshund Weight Loss: A Vet-Approved Guide
  
  
• Best Treats for Dachshunds
  
  
• Best Dog Food for Miniature Dachshunds vs Standard Dachshunds
  
  
• Raw vs Cooked Food for Dachshunds

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.