Listen up, because here’s a truth you need to swallow before you start tossing treats like confetti: treats are not just “cute extras.”
They’re powerful little calorie bombs. And if you don’t know what you’re doing, they’ll wreck your dog’s health faster than a late-night binge.
So yes, treats can be good — but only if handled with respect. And I’m not talking about giving a ratty old biscuit every time the dog stares at you.
I mean smart treats. Moderated treats. Treats that do their job without taking over.
Why We Even Give Treats (And Why That’s Totally Fine)
Treats are how we show love, reward good behavior, and cement a bond with our dogs. When your puppy finally figures out “sit,” you toss him a tiny biscuit.
When your senior dog learns a new trick, you give a soft chew. In moments of training or praise, treats work. Dogs adore them.
We adore using them to communicate, praise, and connect.
But just because something feels good doesn’t mean more is better.
The Danger Zone: Overfeeding Treats
Here’s the unvarnished truth: too many treats = trouble. According to experts, treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Everything else should come from a balanced diet.
Overuse of treats — especially high-fat, high-sodium ones — is a one-way ticket to obesity, joint problems, diabetes, even pancreatitis in dogs.
And if you’re already over-feeding, shifting calories away from their balanced meal to make room for treats is a must.
How Often Should You Really Treat?
So how many treats can you safely hand out? Well…
Stick to the 10% rule: Make sure treats don’t exceed 10% of daily calories.
Training treats — yes, you can have more, but pick very small, low calorie ones. Tiny “pencil-eraser” type is ideal.
Dental chews: Great when used properly, but don’t overload. Aim for moderate use.
Watch your total intake: If you’re using many treats in training, decrease their regular meal slightly to balance it out.
What Makes a Treat “Healthy”?
Not all treats are equal. Some treats are basically dessert for dogs. Here’s what to look for when choosing:
Simple, short ingredient list: Avoid treats loaded with artificial dyes, preservatives, or vague “meat by-products.”
Low calorie: Treats need to be small or low-calorie so you can give them frequently without blowing your dog’s diet.
Purpose-driven treats:
Training treats → tiny, soft, quick to chew
Dental chews → harder texture, helps clean teeth
Low-cal, high-fiber treats for dogs who need to maintain or lose weight
Safe “people food” alternatives: Things like green beans, carrots, or bits of banana are often great.
Avoid toxic “treats”: Some human foods sneak in that are dangerous to dogs — think chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol.
Better Options When You Need to Treat Smart
If you’re trying to be disciplined and generous, here are some smarter treat strategies:
DIY Treats — Make your own with recipes using plain meat, vegetables, or low-fat ingredients. PetMD even suggests baking your dog’s own food into crunchy reward bites.
Use Kibble as Treats — In training, use part of their regular food as rewards. Saves on calories and keeps training effective.
Choose Weight‑Smart Treats — Look for special low-cal treats formulated for weight control.
Rotate Treats — Don’t always give the same high-cal chew. Rotate between training treats, dental chews, veggie snacks, and homemade treats.
Putting It All Together: A Treat Plan That Works
Here’s how to build a sensible treat “budget” for your dog:
Calculate 10% of your dog’s daily calories → that’s your treat budget.
Decide how often you treat and for what reason (training, dental, fun).
Choose quality treats with clean ingredients and low calories.
Use treat time as an opportunity to bond, train, and reward smart behavior — not just as a snack break.
Monitor your dog’s weight and condition. If they’re gaining, dial down the treats or swap for lower-cal options.
Talk with your veterinarian if you’re unsure how treats fit into your dog’s diet.
The Bottom Line
Treats can be wonderful. They can build connection, motivate your dog during training, and even support things like dental health.
But here’s the kicker: they can also derail your dog’s health if used without thought.
So be wise. Be intentional. Treat with purpose, not guilt. Keep them under that 10% calorie rule. Pick them wisely.
And always, always remember: treats are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
Follow that, and your dog can have their treat and stay healthy. That’s a win-win.
