Covetrus Nutrisential Lean Treats for Dogs - Small, Medium &
✅ PROS
- Only 3 calories per treat, making it one of the lowest-calorie training bites available
- Crunchy texture that dogs find satisfying without crumbling into a mess
- Veterinary brand backing (Covetrus) with cleaner ingredient list than typical grocery-store treats
❌ CONS
- Small pieces mean large-breed owners will blow through a bag quickly during training sessions
- Some picky eaters may find the flavor too mild compared to high-fat treats
- Bag lacks a resealable zipper — you'll want a clip or container for freshness
The Verdict
Let me be blunt: most “low-calorie” dog treats are a marketing joke. They claim 5 calories per piece but pack the first three ingredients with sugar and fillers. The Covetrus Nutrisential Lean Treats actually deliver on the promise — 3 calories per treat, with chicken liver as the first ingredient. That’s the real story here.
What You Actually Get
The bag contains small, crunchy bite-sized pieces — roughly the diameter of a dime. As shown in the product image, the packaging is straightforward veterinary-clinic style: no cartoon dogs, no flashy claims. Just clear labeling with the calorie count front and center. It’s designed for training, not indulgence, and the formula reflects that.
Performance and Build Quality
The texture is where these treats shine. They’re crunchy enough that dogs feel like they’re getting something substantial, but they break cleanly without turning into powder at the bottom of your pocket. I’ve tested treats that disintegrate by the third rep — these hold up through a full training session.
The ingredient profile is genuinely better than what you’ll find in most commercial treats. Chicken liver provides real flavor and protein without the artificial smoke flavoring or propylene glycol that plagues cheaper options. The 3-calorie count means you can run through 30-40 pieces during a focused training session without wrecking your dog’s daily caloric budget.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
The 4.8-star rating across 240 reviews isn’t accidental. Owners repeatedly mention two things: the calorie count and the versatility across dog sizes. One reviewer noted, “Finally a treat I can use for agility training without feeling guilty about the calorie load.” Another mentioned using them for a senior dog on a strict diet: “My vet recommended these specifically — my dog thinks they’re a reward, I know they’re not undoing her weight management plan.”
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. The pieces are genuinely small. If you have a Labrador or German Shepherd, you’ll find yourself dispensing three or four per cue just to make it feel rewarding. That’s fine for training, but it means a 6-ounce bag won’t last long with a big dog.
Second, the flavor is mild. Dogs accustomed to high-fat, heavily flavored treats might sniff these and walk away. One buyer reported, “My beagle turned her nose up at first — I had to mix them with her regular treats to get her interested.” Picky eaters exist, and this isn’t the treat that will convert them.
Finally, the bag has no resealable zipper. For a product designed for frequent training use, that’s a frustrating omission. Plan on a chip clip or transferring to an airtight container.
Who Should Buy These
Buy these if: You’re serious about training and your dog’s weight. This includes owners of overweight dogs on veterinary weight-loss programs, agility or obedience competitors who run through dozens of treats per session, and anyone with a small-to-medium breed who wants a guilt-free reward.
Skip these if: You have a large breed with a hearty appetite, a notoriously picky eater, or you’re looking for a “treat moment” rather than a training tool. There are better options for those scenarios.
FAQ
Q: How many treats can I give my dog per day? A: That depends on your dog’s daily caloric needs. A 30-pound dog needs roughly 700-900 calories daily; treats should stay under 10% of that. At 3 calories each, that’s 23-30 treats per day maximum — more than enough for most training sessions.
Q: Are these suitable for puppies? A: Yes, the small size and crunchy texture work well for puppies 8 weeks and older. Just account for the calories in their growing-dog diet.
Q: Do these contain any artificial preservatives? A: No. The formula uses natural preservation methods, which is why the bag is smaller and the shelf life is shorter than heavily-processed alternatives. Check the expiration date on the packaging.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
The Covetrus Nutrisential Lean Treats are the rare product that does exactly what it claims. They’re low-calorie, cleanly formulated, and effective as training rewards. The small size and mild flavor will frustrate some owners, but for anyone managing a dog’s weight while maintaining a training routine, these are a legitimate win. Buy them if you’re serious about portion control. Skip them if your dog demands maximum flavor per bite.
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.