Training a dachshund is basically a negotiation. You want them to sit. They want that piece of cheese you’re holding. And somehow, they always win.

So when I stumbled onto Open Farm Be Good Bites — soft training treats with a transparent supply chain and under 2.5 calories per piece — I was skeptical. Another “healthy” option my picky eater would sniff once and walk away from.

But I grabbed a bag of the Free-Range Chicken recipe anyway. Here’s what happened when Oscar put them to the test.

Oscar’s Taste Test: Open Farm Be Good Bites Verdict

First try: I shook the bag, and Oscar’s ears perked up. That’s a good sign — he’s a dachshund, which means he selectively ignores sounds that don’t involve food. I held one out, he sniffed it, then took it gently. Chewed once. Swallowed. Then looked at me for more.

But that’s rare for this guy.

And the real test came during our evening training session. Oscar’s a stubborn dog — standard dachshund software — and five minutes in, he usually starts looking around like he’s got better things to do. With these bites, he stayed locked in for a full 20 minutes. I broke each piece in half (they’re soft enough to tear cleanly), used them as mark-and-reward for “stay” and “come,” and he actually kept coming back.

After a week of daily training? No loose stool, no tummy troubles. Now that’s the thing about dachshunds — their digestive systems are as picky as their attitudes. Open Farm’s single-ingredient protein sourcing seems to make a real difference here. It fits right into the essentials I laid out in my dachshund puppy checklist.

Also worth noting: the pieces are small enough that I didn’t have to break them for Oscar (he’s a standard, about 22 lbs). If you’ve got a mini dachshund, you could easily tear each piece in half without making a mess.

Why Low Calorie Training Treats Matter for Dachshunds

Each Be Good Bite clocks in under 2.5 calories. And that might not sound like much, but for a small breed who needs daily training to stay mentally stimulated, it adds up fast.

A 30-minute session uses about 25-30 pieces — that’s 60-75 calories total. Still under 10% of a standard dachshund’s daily energy needs. Now compare that to most training treats on the market — I’ve seen some pushing 5-8 calories per piece — and you’re either cutting your training short or overfeeding your dog.

So for dachshund owners who are paranoid about weight gain (rightfully so — this breed packs on pounds fast), these bites let you train without the guilt.

The Open Farm Difference

What sold me on this brand wasn’t just the calories. Honestly, it’s the transparency. Open Farm publishes where every ingredient comes from — down to the farm level. Their chicken is Certified Humane and raised without antibiotics. Each bag has a batch code you can look up on their site.

Still, let me be honest about the downsides.

Who Open Farm Training Treats Work Best For

These work great for:

• Training sessions where you’re going through 20+ pieces
• Dachshunds with sensitive stomachs — the single-source protein helps
• Puppies learning basic commands — soft texture is easy on baby teeth

Still, they’re less ideal for:

• Dogs who need a long-lasting chew — these dissolve fast
• Budget shoppers — at roughly $9-13 per bag, Bil-Jac gives you more volume
• High-protein needs — if you want serious protein density, look at Clifford

Quick Alternatives Worth Knowing

If Open Farm’s price tag stings a bit, Bil-Jac Little Jacs runs about $9 for a 16oz bag — way more treat for your dollar. Tiny pieces, soft texture, great for training. Pair it with a Kong for training sessions to stretch treat time further. But the main ingredient is chicken liver, which some dachshunds with sensitivities might react to.

Now for a high-protein option, Clifford Training Treats hit around 4g of protein per serving. The pieces run a bit larger though — I found myself breaking them in half for Oscar.

Bottom Line

If your dachshund is as stubborn as mine, Open Farm Be Good Bites are worth trying. They’re low enough in calories to use freely during training, soft enough for picky eaters, and transparent enough for owners who care about what goes into their dog’s bowl. Not the budget option, not the high-protein option — but for training a dachshund without blowing their diet? It’s the Goldilocks treat.