Treats strengthen your bond with your dog and make training easier, but they work best when they stay a small part of the daily diet — usually no more than about ten percent of calories.
Many everyday foods make excellent low-calorie treats. Small pieces of cooked plain chicken, carrot sticks, green beans, blueberries, and plain cooked pumpkin are popular and well tolerated by most dogs.
For training, break treats into tiny pieces. Dogs respond to the reward itself, not its size, so you can reward often without overfeeding.
Always introduce new foods in small amounts and watch for any digestive upset. Avoid anything seasoned, fried, or sweetened, and keep portions modest for small dogs.
Keep in mind that some common human foods are not safe for dogs, so it is worth checking before you share. When in doubt, stick to treats made for dogs or the simple whole foods your veterinarian approves.