Best Treats for Shetland Sheepdogs

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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Our top pick is Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats — best for Training and portion control. Why it wins: Small size and low calorie count.

Shetland Sheepdogs are renowned for their high trainability, which makes them highly food-motivated. With their small size and high energy level, they require treats that are not only delicious but also nutritious and portion-controlled. In fact, a significant number of Shetland Sheepdog owners report that their dogs are highly sensitive to food rewards, making the choice of treat a crucial aspect of their training and overall health. Given their sensitive stomachs and high risk of health issues such as hypothyroidism and dermatomyositis, it's essential to select treats that are limited in ingredients and low in fat. The right treats can help support their overall health and well-being, while also providing a positive reinforcement during training sessions. With their long history as herding dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs are naturally inclined to respond to rewards and motivation. As such, treats play a vital role in their training and development, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference in their performance and behavior.

What to look for

Treat Size and Portion Control

Shetland Sheepdogs are small dogs with high energy levels, requiring treats that are proportionate to their size. Look for tiny training bits that are low in calories and fat to prevent overfeeding and support their sensitive stomachs. Treats with a small size and low calorie count are ideal for training sessions, as they can be easily consumed and digested without causing digestive issues.

Limited Ingredients and Low Fat

Due to their sensitive stomachs and high risk of health issues, Shetland Sheepdogs require treats with limited ingredients and low fat content. Opt for treats made with real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Treats with a single source of protein and few ingredients are less likely to cause allergic reactions or digestive issues.

Trainability and Food Motivation

Shetland Sheepdogs are highly trainable and food-motivated, making treats an essential part of their training and development. Choose treats that are not only delicious but also nutritious and supportive of their overall health and well-being. Treats with a high value and appealing flavor can help motivate and focus your Shetland Sheepdog during training sessions.

Calorie and Nutrient Balance

Shetland Sheepdogs have high energy levels and require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Treats should be chosen to complement their regular meals, providing a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Avoid treats that are high in calories, fat, or sugar, as they can disrupt their dietary balance and lead to health issues.

Brand Reputation and Quality

When selecting treats for your Shetland Sheepdog, consider the reputation and quality of the brand. Opt for brands that use high-quality ingredients, have a strong commitment to nutrition and health, and provide transparent labeling and manufacturing processes. A reputable brand can ensure that their treats are safe, healthy, and effective for your Shetland Sheepdog.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats	Training and portion control
2	Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Treats	Sensitive stomachs and food allergies
3	Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats	Training and motivation
4	Wellness Soft WellBites Natural Grain-Free Dog Treats	Grain-free diets and sensitive stomachs
5	Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats	Raw diets and high-value rewards

Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats

Best for Training and portion control

Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats are ideal for Shetland Sheepdogs due to their small size and low calorie count. With only 3 calories per treat, they are perfect for training sessions and can be easily consumed without causing digestive issues. Made with real meat as the first ingredient, these treats are not only delicious but also nutritious and supportive of their overall health and well-being.

✓ Small size and low calorie count
✓ Made with real meat as the first ingredient
✓ No corn, wheat, or soy

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies

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Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Treats

Best for Sensitive stomachs and food allergies

Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Treats are a great option for Shetland Sheepdogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. With only 2 calories per treat, they are low in fat and made with limited ingredients, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or digestive issues. Their small size and soft texture make them easy to consume and digest.

✓ Low in fat and calories
✓ Made with limited ingredients
✓ Soft and chewy texture

✕ May not be as flavorful as other treats

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Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

Best for Training and motivation

Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats are a popular choice among Shetland Sheepdog owners due to their soft and moist texture, making them perfect for training sessions. With real meat as the first ingredient, these treats are not only delicious but also nutritious and supportive of their overall health and well-being.

✓ Soft and moist texture
✓ Made with real meat as the first ingredient
✓ No poultry by-products

✕ May be too rich for some dogs

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Wellness Soft WellBites Natural Grain-Free Dog Treats

Best for Grain-free diets and sensitive stomachs

Wellness Soft WellBites Natural Grain-Free Dog Treats are a great option for Shetland Sheepdogs with grain-free diets or sensitive stomachs. Made with natural meat as the first ingredient, these treats are not only delicious but also nutritious and supportive of their overall health and well-being. Their soft and chewy texture makes them easy to consume and digest.

✓ Grain-free formula
✓ Made with natural meat as the first ingredient
✓ No artificial preservatives

✕ May be more expensive than other treats

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Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

Best for Raw diets and high-value rewards

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are a great option for Shetland Sheepdogs with raw diets or high-value reward needs. Made with freeze-dried raw single-protein sources, these treats are not only delicious but also nutritious and supportive of their overall health and well-being. Their high value and appealing flavor make them perfect for training sessions and motivation.

✓ Freeze-dried raw single-protein sources
✓ High-value rewards
✓ Minimal processing

✕ May be more expensive than other treats

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best treats for Shetland Sheepdog puppies?

For Shetland Sheepdog puppies, it's best to opt for small, low-calorie treats that are easy to digest and made with real meat as the first ingredient. Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats and Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Treats are great options.

Can I give my Shetland Sheepdog table scraps as treats?

It's not recommended to give your Shetland Sheepdog table scraps as treats, as they can be high in fat, salt, and sugar, and may cause digestive issues or allergies. Instead, opt for healthy, nutritious treats specifically formulated for dogs.

How often should I give my Shetland Sheepdog treats?

The frequency of treats depends on your Shetland Sheepdog's individual needs and activity level. As a general rule, limit treats to 10% of their daily calorie intake and choose low-calorie, nutrient-rich options.

What are the best treats for Shetland Sheepdogs with food allergies?

For Shetland Sheepdogs with food allergies, it's best to opt for treats made with limited ingredients, single-source proteins, and no common allergens such as beef, dairy, or soy. Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Soft & Chewy Dog Treats and Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats are great options.

Can I use treats to help with my Shetland Sheepdog's training?

Yes, treats can be a powerful tool in training your Shetland Sheepdog. Choose high-value, nutrient-rich treats that your dog finds motivating, and use them to reward good behavior and reinforce training commands.

When it comes to choosing the best treats for your Shetland Sheepdog, consider their trainability, size, and sensitive stomachs. Opt for small, low-calorie treats made with real meat as the first ingredient, and limit ingredients to reduce the risk of allergies or digestive issues. By selecting the right treats, you can support your Shetland Sheepdog's overall health and well-being, and help them thrive as a happy and healthy companion.

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