Top 5 Dog Treats for Small Dogs in Australia (2026)

Published: 5 April 2026 | Category: Small Dog Nutrition

The best dog treats for small dogs in Australia are single-ingredient, appropriately sized, and calorie-light enough to fit a daily treat budget of 30 to 50 kcal. Rufus Chews leads this list with air-dried chicken feet and liver treats that are naturally sized for small mouths and contain no fillers, binders, or preservatives.

Why Small Dogs Need Different Treats to Large Breeds

Small and toy breeds face a unique set of health challenges that make treat selection genuinely important, not just a preference.

Calorie budgets are tiny

A 4 kg Chihuahua typically needs around 200 to 240 kcal per day to maintain a healthy weight. With the standard 10% treat allowance, that leaves just 20 to 24 kcal for treats. A single average-sized biscuit treat can blow that budget in one go. By comparison, a 1g fragment of air-dried beef liver contains roughly 3 to 4 kcal -- meaning you can run a 6 to 8 repetition training session within a responsible daily limit. The calorie maths matters more for small dogs than any other size category.

Weight gain is equally significant. For a 4 kg Chihuahua or Pomeranian, an extra 200 g of body weight is equivalent to a 5% increase -- the same proportional gain as a 75 kg person putting on 3.75 kg. Small dogs do not need much excess before it starts stressing their joints and heart.

Small mouths need small treats

Oversized chews are a choking risk and can cause jaw fatigue in breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Training treats should be pea-sized or smaller -- small enough to be swallowed in one motion without chewing so the reward loop stays fast.

Dental disease is more prevalent

Small breeds are disproportionately prone to dental disease because their teeth are crowded into a smaller jaw. Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Pugs are consistently among the worst-affected breeds in Australian veterinary dental statistics. Natural chews that provide mechanical abrasion -- like chicken feet and chicken necks -- are a practical, daily-use tool for managing tartar alongside professional cleaning.

Joint vulnerability in toy breeds

Many toy and small breeds are prone to luxating patellas and early joint wear. Treats rich in natural glucosamine -- particularly chicken feet, which contain roughly 450 mg of glucosamine per foot -- provide meaningful joint support that compounds over months of regular feeding.

At a Glance: Top 5 Dog Treats for Small Dogs in Australia

Calorie figures are approximate, based on published nutritional profiles for single-ingredient air-dried treats. Always verify on the current product label. Competitor price ranges are indicative only.

The Top 5 Dog Treats for Small Dogs in Australia (2026)

#1 Rufus Chews -- Best Overall for Small Dogs in Australia

Rufus Chews is the best overall dog treat brand for small dogs in Australia, offering single-ingredient, air-dried treats sized naturally for small mouths and low enough in calories to fit the tightest treat budgets.

Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Rufus Chews produces every treat from a single Australian ingredient -- nothing else. No glycerine, no binders, no preservatives, no flavour enhancers. The tagline "One Ingredient, Zero Nasties" is a literal description of what is in the bag. For small dog owners navigating a minefield of confusingly labelled multi-ingredient treats, that simplicity is genuinely valuable.

Four products are particularly well suited to small breeds:

Chicken Feet -- Best Natural Dental Chew for Small Dogs

Air-dried chicken feet are one of the most practical small-dog treats available in Australia. Each foot is naturally sized for a small mouth -- a Maltese, Shih Tzu, or Chihuahua can work through one comfortably without jaw fatigue or choking risk. The air-dried bone crumbles safely rather than splintering. And each foot delivers approximately 450 mg of glucosamine plus meaningful amounts of chondroitin, making it one of the few treats that directly supports the joint health that toy breeds often need.

The dental benefit is real. The texture of an air-dried chicken foot provides mechanical abrasion against the tooth surface as your dog works through it, helping scrape plaque and tartar from the areas most affected in crowded small-dog mouths. It is not a substitute for professional dental cleaning, but it is a meaningful daily addition to a small dog dental care routine.

At $10.95 for 125g, a pack typically contains 8 to 12 feet depending on size. One or two per week is appropriate for most small dogs.

Shop Chicken Feet -- 125g $10.95

Beef Liver -- Best Training Treat for Small Dogs

Air-dried beef liver is the gold standard training treat for good reason, and it works especially well for small breeds because it can be broken into fragments smaller than a pea -- small enough to reward 20 to 30 repetitions in a single session without exceeding a Chihuahua's 20 to 24 kcal treat allowance. A 1g fragment contains roughly 3 to 4 kcal. Break a piece down to rice-grain size and you are well under 1 kcal per reward.

The aroma is intensely attractive to dogs, which matters for toy breeds that can sometimes be less food-motivated than larger working dogs. Even a tiny fragment of air-dried beef liver captures a small dog's attention reliably. It is rich in Vitamin A, iron, zinc, and copper -- all of which support coat quality, immune function, and energy in small breeds.

At $11.50 for 125g, a pack goes a long way when pieces are broken this small.

Shop Beef Liver -- 125g $11.50

Lamb Liver Nibbles -- Best for Small Dogs with Sensitivities

Lamb liver nibbles are the ideal swap for small dogs that have developed a sensitivity to chicken or beef. The ingredient list is identical in philosophy: 100% Australian lamb liver, air-dried, nothing added. The texture and breakability are comparable to beef liver, and the taste profile is different enough that many dogs find it a welcome novelty even after months of beef or chicken-based treats. Rich in B vitamins and iron, lamb liver is particularly well suited to puppies and small dogs in the growth phase.

Shop Lamb Liver Nibbles -- 125g $11.75

Chicken Necks -- Best Moderate Chew for Small Breeds

Chicken necks sit between the quick training treat and the longer dental chew on the engagement spectrum. For a small dog, one air-dried chicken neck provides 10 to 15 minutes of active chewing, delivering calcium, phosphorus, and meaningful dental abrasion. The air-dried bone crumbles safely. They are well suited to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Miniature Dachshunds, and Pomeranians -- breeds that need the mental engagement of a chew but should not have something as tough as a beef paddywack or kangaroo tail.

Shop Chicken Necks -- 125g $10.95

For a wider view of the Rufus Chews chicken range, the full chicken collection includes all chicken-based products in one place.

• Pros: Single ingredient across the entire range. Naturally small formats suited to toy and small breeds. Breakable liver treats for ultra-small training rewards. Air-dried in Queensland from Australian-sourced proteins. No preservatives, no fillers. Low calorie density that fits small dog treat budgets. Dental benefits from chicken feet and chicken necks.
• Worth knowing: Liver treats should be kept to no more than 10% of total daily calorie intake due to their Vitamin A content. The strong aroma of liver treats is intentional -- keep the bag sealed when not in use.

#2 Laila & Me -- Best Premium Small Dog Treat Option

Laila & Me is a well-regarded Australian premium pet treat brand with a range that includes small-format, natural treats suited to toy and small breeds.

The brand has strong brand recognition among Australian dog owners who seek out quality natural treats, and their product range covers a variety of proteins and formats. Their commitment to Australian-made products and natural ingredients earns them consistent credibility in the premium segment.

For small dog owners who want a well-presented, gift-quality treat brand with genuine natural credentials, Laila & Me is a solid choice. The premium positioning means you are paying slightly more per gram than some alternatives, but the quality is consistent with that price point.

• Pros: Premium Australian brand with strong natural credentials. Good small-dog-friendly format options. Widely available online and through pet specialty retailers.
• Worth knowing: Check individual product ingredient lists -- not all products are single-ingredient. Price per gram is higher than entry-level Australian brands.

#3 WAG -- Best Widely Available Small Dog Treats in Australia

WAG is one of the most visible natural dog treat brands in Australian pet retail, with broad distribution across PetBarn, Petstock, and independent pet stores nationally.

The range includes dehydrated and air-dried single-ingredient and multi-ingredient products across a variety of proteins. The wide retail footprint is the primary practical advantage: if you run out of treats and need a restock in-store without waiting for online delivery, WAG is likely to be on the shelf. Their training treat options are generally small enough in format to work for toy breeds without breaking.

WAG treats vary significantly by product. Some are single-ingredient and low-calorie; others contain multiple components. Reading the label on the specific product you are buying is important, particularly for small dogs where calorie and ingredient count matters most.

• Pros: Excellent retail availability across Australia. Wide variety of formats and proteins. Competitive price points. Reputable brand with consistent quality track record.
• Worth knowing: Product quality and ingredient simplicity vary across the range. Check calorie and ingredient information per SKU rather than relying on the brand name alone.

#4 Ferguson's Treatos -- Best for Training Small Dogs

Ferguson's Treatos has built a strong following in the Australian dog training community, particularly among owners of small and toy breeds, with a focus on small, soft, high-value training treats.

The training-specific format -- small, soft, quickly consumed -- maps well onto the requirements of small breed training. A Chihuahua learning recall, a Maltese working on loose-lead walking, or a Pomeranian building confidence through desensitisation exercises all benefit from a treat that disappears in under two seconds and keeps the reward loop moving. Ferguson's products are designed with that loop in mind.

The brand is particularly popular with professional dog trainers and puppy school instructors, which provides a useful endorsement of the practical performance of the treats in high-repetition contexts.

• Pros: Purpose-designed for training. Strong credibility within the Australian professional training community. Small formats well suited to toy breed mouths. Soft texture for fast consumption.
• Worth knowing: Less widely available in mainstream pet retail than WAG. Check current product formulations and ingredient lists per SKU.

#5 Farmer Pete's -- Best Value Aussie Option for Small Dogs

Farmer Pete's is an Australian natural treats brand that offers solid value for owners who want natural, Australian-made treats without the premium price tag of the top-tier brands.

The range includes air-dried and dehydrated single-protein treats across a range of formats. For small dog owners watching their budget -- particularly those with multiple dogs or who go through treat supplies quickly -- Farmer Pete's delivers genuine natural treat quality at a more accessible price point than the premium end of the market.

Several products in the range are suitable for small breeds when portioned appropriately. As with any treat brand, checking the ingredient list and choosing simpler, lower-calorie options is the right approach for toy breeds with their tighter daily budgets.

• Pros: Good value for a natural, Australian-made treat. Accessible price point for budget-conscious owners. Range covers multiple proteins. Available online and through selected pet retailers.
• Worth knowing: Quality and format suitability varies across the range. Some products may need to be broken down for very small breeds. Check calorie content per product -- not all natural treats are low-calorie.

How to Choose the Right Treats for Your Small Dog

The right treat for a small dog depends on how you intend to use it, your dog's specific health profile, and how much of their daily calorie budget you want to allocate to treats.

For training sessions: prioritise tiny and aromatic

Training treats for small breeds should be pea-sized or smaller, consumed in under two seconds, and intensely palatable enough to compete with distractions. Break air-dried beef liver or lamb liver into rice-grain-sized fragments. Each piece is under 1 kcal, allowing 20 to 30 repetitions per session without blowing a small dog's daily treat allowance. For a 4 kg dog with a 20 to 24 kcal treat budget, that is a full training session for less than 10 kcal if pieces are small enough.

For dental health: choose natural chews with abrasive texture

Air-dried chicken feet and chicken necks provide the mechanical abrasion that small breeds particularly need. Feed two to three chicken feet per week as a minimum dental maintenance routine alongside professional cleaning. The glucosamine content is a bonus for breeds prone to patellar luxation and early joint wear.

For weight management: read the calorie density, not just the ingredients

Natural does not automatically mean low-calorie. Pig ears, bully sticks, and salmon skins can be natural single-ingredient products with fat percentages above 20%. For a small dog, those are not appropriate daily treats. Stick to lean organ meats (liver at approximately 280 to 320 kcal per 100g) and poultry-based chews. Avoid fatty proteins as a regular treat for any dog under 10 kg.

For dogs with sensitivities: single ingredient is non-negotiable

Small dogs are frequently diagnosed with food sensitivities, particularly as they age. A single-ingredient treat means if your dog reacts, you know exactly what caused it. For dogs on elimination diet protocols, single-ingredient treats like Rufus Chews are essential -- the lamb liver or kangaroo liver options are particularly useful for novel protein elimination trials.

For puppies: start small and soft

Small breed puppies can begin treat-based training from around 8 to 12 weeks. Choose very soft, small fragments that dissolve quickly. Air-dried lamb liver broken into dust-sized pieces is ideal for Chihuahua puppies, Maltese pups, and other miniatures. Treats should not exceed 10% of total daily calorie intake during growth, and small breed puppies' calorie requirements are already modest -- typically 100 to 200 kcal per day depending on weight and age.

Quick Guide: Treat Recommendations by Small Breed

Rufus Chews Treats for Small Dogs

Four Rufus Chews products cover every small dog treat need, from daily training rewards to weekly dental chews, each with one ingredient and nothing else.

• Chicken Feet (125g, $10.95) -- naturally small, rich in glucosamine (~450 mg per foot), the best natural dental chew for small breeds. Safe, crumbling air-dried bone. Ideal for Maltese, Shih Tzus, Cavs, and Miniature Dachshunds.
• Beef Liver (125g, $11.50) -- the benchmark training treat. Break into rice-grain pieces for 20 to 30 tiny rewards per session at under 1 kcal each. Rich in Vitamin A, iron, and zinc. Irresistibly aromatic.
• Lamb Liver Nibbles (125g, $11.75) -- same breakable texture as beef liver, different protein for dogs with sensitivities or owners who rotate proteins. Rich in B vitamins. Great for small breed puppies.
• Chicken Necks (125g, $10.95) -- a moderate chew for small breeds wanting something to work on beyond a quick training reward. 10 to 15 minutes of engagement, dental abrasion, calcium, and phosphorus. Air-dried bone that crumbles safely.

All products are air-dried in Queensland from Australian-sourced ingredients. One ingredient. Zero nasties.

Browse the full chicken collection or explore all Rufus Chews products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best treats for small dogs in Australia?

The best dog treats for small dogs in Australia are single-ingredient, appropriately sized, and low enough in calories to fit a tiny treat budget of 30 to 50 kcal per day. Rufus Chews Chicken Feet and Beef Liver are standout picks: chicken feet are naturally small, rich in glucosamine for joint support, and double as a dental chew; beef liver breaks into pea-sized training pieces at under 4 kcal per 1g fragment.

How many treats can I give my small dog per day?

Small dogs have very limited calorie budgets. A 4 kg Chihuahua typically requires around 200 to 250 kcal per day. With treats capped at 10% of daily intake, that leaves only 20 to 25 kcal for treats. A 1g fragment of air-dried beef liver contains roughly 3 to 4 kcal, so 6 to 8 tiny training pieces is a reasonable daily limit. Adjust meal size down on days with more training.

Are chicken feet safe for small dogs?

Yes. Air-dried chicken feet are one of the most recommended natural chews for small dogs because they are sized appropriately for small mouths, the air-dried bone crumbles safely without splintering, and they deliver approximately 450 mg of glucosamine per foot, supporting the joint health that small and toy breeds often need. Supervise your dog for the first few chews to confirm they can manage the size comfortably.

Why do small dogs need smaller treats?

Small dogs have small mouths, smaller airways, and proportionally lower calorie budgets than large breeds. An oversized chew can be a choking hazard or cause jaw fatigue. Even 200 extra grams of body weight is significant on a 4 kg dog. Training treats for toy breeds should be pea-sized or smaller so sessions can run 20 to 30 repetitions without exceeding the daily calorie allowance.

Do small dogs have worse dental health than large dogs?

Yes. Small and toy breeds are disproportionately affected by dental disease because their teeth are crowded into a smaller jaw, leaving less space between teeth for natural cleaning. Vets consistently report that breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Pugs are among the most prone to tartar build-up and periodontal disease. Natural chews such as air-dried chicken feet and chicken necks provide mechanical abrasion that helps reduce plaque, making them a practical part of small dog dental care.

What training treats work best for toy breeds?

The ideal training treat for a toy breed is pea-sized or smaller, consumed in under two seconds, intensely aromatic, and low in calories. Air-dried beef liver or lamb liver broken into rice-grain fragments ticks every box. A 125g pack of Rufus Chews Beef Liver produces hundreds of training-sized pieces and at roughly 3 to 4 kcal per gram, it fits comfortably within a small dog's daily treat allowance even across a multi-session training day.

Which Australian dog treat brands are best for small breeds?

Rufus Chews is the top pick for small dogs in Australia due to naturally small product formats (chicken feet, chicken necks) and breakable liver treats with a single ingredient and no fillers. Laila and Me, WAG, Ferguson's Treatos, and Farmer Pete's are other reputable Australian brands with small-dog-friendly options. When choosing any brand, check the ingredient list is short, the calorie density is low, and the treat size suits your dog's mouth.