Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats, Low Calorie Trainin
✅ PROS
- Only 3 calories per treat — one of the lowest-calorie training rewards on the market
- Crunchy texture that dogs love without being hard enough to risk dental damage
- Made in the USA with simple, recognizable ingredients and no artificial preservatives
❌ CONS
- Crumbles easily when dropped — you'll be sweeping up crumbs after training sessions
- Small size means larger breeds may need 2-3 treats per reward during training
- No resealable bag closure; you'll need a clip or container to keep them fresh
The Verdict
If you’ve ever calculated how many calories you’re actually feeding your dog during a training session, you already know the problem. Most commercial treats pack 15-25 calories per piece, which means a 20-minute obedience session with a highly motivated pup can quietly add 100+ calories to their daily intake. For a 15-pound dog, that’s nearly 10% of their daily caloric needs — in treats alone.
Charlee Bear Original Crunch treats solve that math problem. At just 3 calories per piece, these bite-sized, liver-flavored morsels let you reward generously without turning your training sessions into an accidental bulk-up program.
What You’re Actually Getting
The bag contains small, bone-shaped treats roughly the size of a quarter — thin, crunchy, and light. As shown in the product image, the bag features a cheerful golden retriever, but don’t let the marketing fool you: these treats are formulated for dogs of all sizes. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: whole grain corn, soybean meal, animal fat preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), liver meal, and salt. That’s it. No artificial colors, no corn syrup, no questionable preservatives.
Real-World Performance
The crunch factor is the standout feature here. Dogs seem to genuinely enjoy the snap and texture — one reviewer noted, “My picky shih tzu goes crazy for these. She hears the bag crinkle and comes running from across the house.” The liver flavor is present but not overpowering, which makes them versatile enough for both training rewards and casual treat-giving.
Where these really shine is in high-repetition training scenarios. Because they’re small and low-calorie, you can reward your dog 10-15 times in a single session without guilt. They’re also easy to break into even smaller pieces for micro-rewards during precision work like heel position or stays.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
The 4.6-star rating across 229 reviews reflects genuine satisfaction. Common themes in positive reviews:
- Calorie-conscious design: “Finally a treat I can give my overweight lab without feeling like I’m sabotaging his diet”
- Dog appeal: “My dog has a sensitive stomach and these are one of the few treats that don’t cause issues”
- Value: “A bag lasts forever because the pieces are so small — and my dog still thinks she’s getting a treat every time”
Where They Fall Short
Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. First, the crumb factor is real. The crunchy texture means they shatter when dropped, so expect to find “treat dust” in your training area. Second, the pieces are genuinely small — for large breeds like German Shepherds or Labs, one piece might feel less like a reward and more like a tease. You’ll likely need to double up for bigger dogs.
The packaging also lacks a resealable closure. Once opened, you’ll want to transfer them to an airtight container or use a clip. Left in the bag, they can absorb moisture and lose their signature crunch.
Who Should Buy These
Buy these if: You have a small-to-medium breed, you’re doing any kind of formal training that requires frequent rewards, your dog is on a weight management plan, or you just want a guilt-free way to show affection throughout the day.
Skip these if: You have a giant breed that needs substantial rewards to feel motivated, your dog prefers soft/chewy textures, or you’re looking for a treat that doubles as a dental chew.
FAQ
Q: Are these good for dogs with allergies? A: They contain corn and soy, so they’re not ideal for dogs with grain or soy sensitivities. However, they’re free of common allergens like chicken, beef, and dairy, making them a decent option for dogs with protein allergies.
Q: How many can I give my dog per day? A: The bag recommends limiting treats to 10% of daily caloric intake. For a 20-pound dog eating about 400 calories daily, that’s roughly 13 treats. For training sessions, you can safely exceed this occasionally, but track it for weight management.
Q: Are these suitable for puppies? A: Yes, the small size and crunchy texture make them appropriate for puppies over 8 weeks old. They’re easy to chew and won’t pose a choking hazard.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
Charlee Bear Original Crunch treats earn their strong rating by solving a real problem: how to reward your dog frequently without wrecking their waistline. They’re not glamorous, the packaging could be better, and large-breed owners will need to double up — but for the core purpose of low-calorie training rewards, they’re about as good as it gets.
Buy it if you train regularly and want a treat you can dispense liberally. Skip it if you need a substantial reward for a big dog or have a pup with corn/soy sensitivities. For everyone else, this is a solid, reliable choice that your dog will genuinely look forward to.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.