Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Finding a chew your small dog can actually sink their teeth into — without choking or upsetting their stomach — can feel like a guessing game. Some chews are too hard for little jaws, others dissolve too fast, and many are packed with raw hide that’s tough to digest. This guide cuts through the options by looking at the real specs, ingredients, and what other small-dog owners say about each chew.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you have a picky Maltese or a determined Mini Dachshund, the six chews for small dogs we looked at cover rawhide-free alternatives, dental focused options, and single ingredient treats, all sized for dogs under 20 pounds.
Quick Picks
- MON2SUN Dog Training Treats, Chicken Wrapped Cod Fillet — Best Overall
- Greenies Veterinarian-Recommended Adult Natural Dental Dog Treats Teenie Size — Top Dental Pick
- Earth Animal No Hide Stix – Long Lasting Rawhide Free Small Dog Chews — Duration Champion
- iPaw 10 Pcs Value Pack Turkey Tendons for Dogs — Cleanest Ingredients
- Pedigree Dentastix Dental Chews for Small and Toy Breed Dogs — Budget Champion
- Jungle Calling Rawhide Free Dog Chew Treats, Real Chicken Wrapped Peanut Butter Bones — Flavor Favorite
How To Choose The Best Chews For Small Dogs
Picking the right chew for a small dog is about more than just flavor. You need a size, texture, and ingredient profile that matches their weight, teeth, and digestive system. Here is what to check first.
Rawhide-Free Is The Safer Start
Traditional rawhide can be tough to digest for small dogs and sometimes causes blockages. Every pick on this list is rawhide-free, which means they are designed to break down more easily in your dog’s stomach and pose a lower choking risk.
Match Chew Density To Chewing Style
An aggressive chewer needs a denser, long-lasting stick or bone, while a gentle nibbler does better with a softer dental bone or training stick. The right density keeps your dog engaged without breaking apart too fast or being too hard on their teeth.
Check The Nutritional Label
If you use chews for daily training or a quick reward, look at the fat content, protein source, and calorie count. Single-protein chews, like pure turkey tendon, help dogs with food sensitivities, while low-calorie sticks make frequent rewarding easier without packing on weight.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Count | Ingredient Base | Key Feature | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MON2SUN Chicken Wrapped Cod | Daily Training | 56 | Chicken & Cod | 26 Calories per slice | Amazon |
| Greenies Teenie Size | Dental Health | 43 | Natural grains | Vet-recommended | Amazon |
| Earth Animal No Hide Stix | Long-Lasting Chews | 20 | Peanut Butter & brown rice | Rawhide alternative | Amazon |
| iPaw Turkey Tendons | Single Protein | 10 | Pure Turkey Tendon | Human-grade | Amazon |
| Pedigree Dentastix | Value Dental Care | 102 | Wheat & Grains | X-Shape design | Amazon |
| Jungle Calling Chicken Wrapped PB | Flavor Variety | 6 oz bag | Chicken & Peanut Butter | Collagen added | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. MON2SUN Dog Training Treats, Chicken Wrapped Cod Fillet
The training-friendly chew that keeps your dog coming back for more.
If you reward your dog multiple times a day, you want a treat that is low in calories but still exciting. These chicken wrapped cod fillet sticks have only 26 calories per slice, making them among the most weight-conscious chews on this list. The 4-inch (10 cm) length is sized for small breeds, and the 56-count bag gives you enough to last through weeks of training sessions or daily rewards.
The texture is what sets this apart from denser options like the Earth Animal No Hide Stix — it is soft enough to tear into smaller pieces by hand, which helps when you need tiny reward bits for crate training or recall drills. Buyers report their Chihuahuas love the chicken and cod combination, and one reviewer noted the crispy outside and soft cod inside kept their picky eaters engaged without any rawhide worry. The resealable pouch locks in freshness and keeps the smell from escaping into your pantry.
The trade-off is that these are not meant for long, solo entertainment — they are a fast reward chew, not a 30-minute boredom breaker. Your dog will finish one quickly, so rely on them for training repetition rather than a quiet time chew.
Smart training tool: With only 26 calories per stick and a soft texture that tears easily, this is ideal for frequent low-calorie rewarding.
Reach for this if: You need a high-volume, low-calorie training treat that your small dog can finish quickly and safely.
Look elsewhere if: You need a long-lasting chew to keep your dog occupied for 20-30 minutes alone.
2. Greenies Veterinarian-Recommended Adult Natural Dental Dog Treats Teenie Size
The clinically-proven dental chew that reduces tartar by 47% in 28 days.
Greenies are the most research-backed dental chew on this list. Feeding one Teenie-size Greenie per day to a small breed dog (5-15 lbs.) supports 47% less tartar and 40% less plaque in 28 days. That is a measurable outcome you can see when your dog gets their next dental check. The unique texture is designed to clean down to the gumline as your dog chews, targeting the four areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, and breath.
Reviewers consistently note that the Teenie size is “the perfect size for small dogs.” That is 43 treats per tub, which is enough for 43 days when you use one per day. They are also made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
The catch is that these are not a training chew — they are a dental chew meant to be given once per day as part of a routine. You cannot easily break them into smaller pieces for multiple rewards, so they only serve one purpose: daily oral care.
Clinically proven cleaning:
Best for: Owners who want a vet-backed, daily dental chew that effectively reduces tartar and plaque in small breeds.
Skip if: You are looking for a multi-purpose treat that doubles as a training reward.
3. Earth Animal No Hide Stix – Long Lasting Rawhide Free Small Dog Chews
The long-lasting stick that keeps your small dog busy without raw hide.
When you need a chew that lasts more than five minutes, the No Hide Stix is the strongest option here. Made with simple ingredients like brown rice flour, agar-agar (a plant-based gelatin), eggs, olive oil, banana powder, and pineapple stem, plus roasted peanuts for protein, these sticks are baked rather than extruded, which creates a dense chew that holds up to determined small jaws. The manufacturer recommends these for animals under 10 pounds (4.5 kg), and the stick shape gives little mouths something solid to grip.
One buyer with a Mini Dachshund reported that this was a “long-lasting chew” with “no stomach issues” and “no weird smell,” which is a common complaint with other long-lasting chews like bully sticks. The 20-count value pack gives you a good supply.
The trade-off is that the 20-count bag has a lower piece count than the 102-count Pedigree Dentastix and the 56-count MON2SUN, which matters if you go through them fast. Buyers do say “they keep the dog busy.”
Lasts noticeably longer: The baked density holds up better than extruded chews, making it ideal for dogs that finish other treats in minutes.
Choose this if: Your small dog needs a durable, rawhide-free chew that provides lasting entertainment and is gentle on digestion.
Pass on this if: You need a higher piece count for the price or want a low-calorie training treat.
4. iPaw 10 Pcs Value Pack Turkey Tendons for Dogs
The single-ingredient chew that solves sensitive stomachs.
If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, this is the safest bet on the list. These turkey tendons contain exactly one ingredient — 100% pure turkey tendon — with no additives, preservatives, chemicals, or artificial flavors. They are manufactured in an ISO 22000 and HACCP certified facility, and the human-grade label means the same safety standards apply as food for you.
Owners mention that their “Maltese dog’s favorite treat” and that the “shape, taste, and turkey source are appealing” even to picky eaters. The ring shape makes them easy for small dogs to hold while chewing, and the slow-roasting process retains a rich aroma that attracts dogs without any artificial scents. At 0.15 kilograms for the 10-pack, they are lightweight and portable for training on the go. Compared to the Greenies Teenie size, which uses a blend of natural grains and vitamins, this is a purist option — nothing but protein.
The honest limitation is that reviewers consistently say “they are gone pretty quick and a little pricey” and that the tendons are consumed quickly even by a 4 lb dog.
What owners love
- Single-ingredient, human-grade turkey tendon ideal for allergies
- Produces no staining or residue on carpets
What gives them pause
- Consumed quickly, even by small dogs under 5 lbs
- 10-count bag is low value for the price point
Perfect chews for: Dogs with known food allergies or sensitive stomachs that need a pure, single-ingredient treat.
Not ideal for: Owners who want a cost-effective, daily chew that lasts longer than a few minutes.
5. Pedigree Dentastix Dental Chews for Small and Toy Breed Dogs
The 102-count value pack that makes daily dental care affordable.
At 102 treats per bag, Pedigree Dentastix offers a large count. The small breed formula is designed for dogs weighing 7 to 22 lbs., and the X-shape design helps scrape plaque as your dog chews — the ridges are specifically shaped to clean hard-to-reach areas around teeth. Each stick is mint-flavored, and customers note the mint is “effective dental care with good breath.”
One Havanese owner reported that the ridges help small breeds grip the stick and remove tartar effectively, and that the inclusion of vitamins adds a nutritional bonus. The bag keeps well in Subscribe & Save monthly deliveries, making it a low-effort staple. While it does not match the density or ingredient simplicity of the Earth Animal No Hide Stix, it is a solid, affordable daily dental chew that gets the job done.
The main trade-off is that some dogs are not as excited about these as other options — one long-time buyer said “not my dog’s favorite but he does eat them and I think they help his teeth and breath.” The X-shape also means they are more of a dental tool than a treat your dog will savor slowly.
Large-count option: At 102 pieces per bag, it offers a higher count than the 56-piece MON2SUN bag.
Great for: Budget-conscious owners who still want a dental-specific chew that freshens breath and reduces tartar daily.
Skip if: Your dog is a picky eater that needs a highly palatable flavor to stay interested.
6. Jungle Calling Rawhide Free Dog Chew Treats, Real Chicken Wrapped Peanut Butter Bones
The two-flavor bone that turns picky pups into eager chewers.
For dogs that turn their nose up at plain treats, the chicken-wrapped peanut butter bone delivers two flavors in one chew. The 2.5-inch size is designed for small and medium breeds, and the bone shape gives your dog something substantial to hold. Each pack contains 6 oz. of chews, and the ingredients list includes added collagen to support strong bones and cranberry flavor for vitamin C.
One owner reported that their “Lil Maltipoo loves them” and noted that it is “a good brand too as she’s had other varieties from Jungle Calling.” Reviewers also note that the texture is soft, not crumbly, and that the smell is real food rather than artificial seasoning. The bone shape makes them easy to carry as a training reward while walking.
The honest caveat is the limited piece count — at 6 oz., you get fewer individual chews than the 102-count Pedigree Dentastix or the 56-count MON2SUN. And at 620 kcal per pack, factor that in if your dog is on a weight management plan.
Two flavors in one: The chicken wrap over a peanut butter center is a rarely seen combination that excites picky eaters.
Who it fits: Owners of picky small-breed dogs that need a flavor punch and a soft, digestible texture to stay interested.
Who should pass: Anyone looking for a low-calorie, high-piece-count option for frequent daily training.
Understanding the Specs
Calories Per Chew
A number that matters more than you think when you are giving multiple treats per day. A low-calorie chew, like the MON2SUN at 26 calories per slice, lets you reward generously without tipping into weight gain. Higher-calorie chews like the Jungle Calling bones (620 kcal per pack) are better for occasional use or as a special reward.
Piece Count and Bag Size
The number of treats per bag tells you how long a pack lasts. A 102-count bag like Pedigree Dentastix gives you 102 chews. A 10-count or 6-oz bag like the iPaw Turkey Tendons or Jungle Calling chews gives you a smaller supply, so you may restock more often.
Ingredient Simplicity
Some chews use a single ingredient (pure turkey tendon), while others use a blend of grains, vegetables, and protein sources. Single-ingredient chews are safer for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Blended chews like the Earth Animal No Hide Stix often provide more complex nutrition like protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Dental Active Ingredients
Not all chews clean teeth equally. The Greenies Teenie size has published clinical data showing 47% less tartar and 40% less plaque. The Pedigree Dentastix uses a unique X-shape design for plaque scraping. Chews without a specific dental mechanism primarily clean through the mechanical action of chewing, which varies by texture and density.
FAQ
How many chews per day is safe for my small dog?
Are rawhide-free chews safer than traditional rawhide?
What size chew is right for a 5-pound dog?
How do I know if a chew is too hard for my dog’s teeth?
Can I use these chews for dogs with food allergies?
How long does a typical chew last a small dog?
Do these chews actually clean teeth or is it just marketing?
What is the difference between a training chew and a dental chew?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most owners, the best chews for small dogs is the MON2SUN Chicken Wrapped Cod Fillet because it combines a low-calorie count with a high piece count and a soft texture that works for training, daily rewards, and sensitive stomachs. If your priority is vet-backed dental health with clinical data, grab the Greenies Teenie Size. And for a long-lasting, rawhide-free chew that keeps a small dog busy without digestive issues, the Earth Animal No Hide Stix is the strongest option.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.