Table of Contents
How many treats do you give your dog? Are you sure it's enough? Or is it too much?
The thing is, we will never know how many treats are too many for dogs if we don't compute it intentionally.
Many pet parents unknowingly overdo it, which I understand. How can you ignore those puppy eyes asking for more, right?
However, this can seriously affect our dog's health.
In this article, we'll explore how many treats per day are healthy, how to calculate appropriate portions, and how many treats are too many for our dogs.
Do you think your pup is getting just the right amount? Let’s find out!
How Many Treats Are Too Many for Dogs? Let's Calculate!
Canine nutritionists and veterinarians agree that treats should only comprise 10% of your dog's recommended daily caloric intake.
Of course, knowing your pup's actual and accurate caloric needs is better.
The best way to know about this is to consult your veterinarian.
However, if you're ready to exercise your brain muscles for math, you can compute it yourself in three steps.
Step #1: Calculate your dog's Resting Energy Requirement (RER)
RER (kcal/day) = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75.
RER is the amount of energy a body needs to function at rest.
To get this, convert your dog's body weight in pounds to kilograms by multiplying it by 2.2.
For example: 45 lbs. x 2.2 = 20.45 kg
Then, multiply that by 70, then raise to .75.
For example: 70 x (20.45 kg) ^ 0.75 = 673 kcal
After getting the RER, assess your dog's activity level. Are they sedentary? Moderately active? Or highly active?
Knowing this is important for the next step.
Step #2: Multiply the RER by the activity factor
RER in kcal x activity factor = Total Energy Requirement
To continue our example above:
- For sedentary dogs, multiply the RER by 1.2
- (673 kcal x 1.2 = 808 kcal)
- For moderately active dogs, multiply the RER by 1.5
- (673 kcal x 1.5 = 1009 kcal)
- For highly active dogs, multiply the RER by 2
- (673 kcal x 2 = 1346 kcal)
Step #3: Get 10% of the Total Energy Requirement
TER in kcal x .10 = Recommended daily calories from treats
So if you have a highly active pup whose total energy requirement is 1346 kcal, it's safe to feed him about 135 kcal of treats.
Factors That Influence Treat Limits
Not all dogs have the same treat needs. It all depends on their individual needs, lifestyle, and health.
Because of their smaller bodies, small breeds need fewer treats and calories than medium to large breeds.
On the other hand, puppies need more calories than adult dogs to support their rapid growth and development, especially during the first six months.
Sedentary pups also need fewer calories than dogs who live an active lifestyle.
Weight also plays a big role in determining the daily caloric needs of a pup.
Overweight dogs or those with poor body condition scores should either have fewer treats or switch to low-calorie options to help manage their weight.
Dogs diagnosed with health conditions like diabetes need a tailored diet to prevent their condition from exacerbating. Vets prescribe certain foods and treats to help manage their health.
If your dog is spayed or neutered, it will need about 30% fewer calories than normal because surgical sterilization affects its appetite and decreases its metabolism.
RELATED: Top 7 Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats
How Many Treats Per Day for a Dog? Read the Label!
I know trying to read the label on food packaging can be confusing. There are just too many terms and numbers to decode!
However, understanding the nutritional label is key to determining how many treats you can give your dog daily.
Don't worry; we'll simplify and break it down in this section.
1. Look for “Calorie Content” or “Caloric Value”
This is often listed as kcal per treat, kcal per piece, or kcal per kg.
The terms kcal and calorie are used interchangeably. They refer to the same energy your dog can get per treat.
For example, if you see on the label “Calorie Content: 3 kcal/treat,” that means each treat contains three calories.
2. Compare Against Your Dog's Recommended Daily Calories
Say your dog's total calorie budget is 800 kcal per day. By applying the 10% rule, you can feed them 80 kcal of treats.
Divide that by the calories per treat to get the daily recommended number of dog treats.
For example:
80 kcal / 3 kcal per treat = 26.67
This means giving your dog 26 or 27 treats daily is considered safe and within their total daily calorie budget.
Make sure to space the treats throughout the day and not give them all in one sitting!
3. Check the Serving Size
Some food labels don't give the exact caloric amount per piece. Instead, they group the calories into servings!
You may see words like “Serving Size” or “Serving Suggestions.”
For example, if the label says “Serving Size: 5” and “10 kcal/ serving,” that means each treat equals two calories.
Ensure you calculate calories, not per serving or bag, but per treat!
4. Read the Guaranteed Analysis
Although this is not specifically focused on calories, it is also important to know how many macro and micronutrients your dog gets from eating the treats.
Dogs (and humans) need a balanced diet of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to be healthy!
Pro Tip: If the label doesn't clearly specifiy these information, you can check out the website of
RELATED: How to Read Dog Food Labels Accurately
Signs You May Be Over-Treating Your Dog
There's no doubt that treats are a delightful way to bond with our dogs.
Not only that, but they also help reinforce positive behavior and provide mental stimulation for our furry friends.
However, moderation is key to preventing health issues and ensuring our dogs' well-being.
Overindulgence in dog treats can cause several risks, including the following:
Weight Gain
If you notice your dog packs on some weight in a short period, that might be a sign of overconsumption of calories.
Did you know that about 59% of dogs in the United States are classified as overweight or obese?
This was based on a 2022 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).
For dogs, this percentage increased from 56% in 2018 and 2017.
Excessive treats, overfeeding calories, lack of exercise, and medical conditions greatly contribute to dog obesity.
RELATED: TOP #113: Dangers of Dog Obesity and How to Slim Them Down
Digestive Issues
Frequent upset stomach, vomiting, loose stool, and bloating without other apparent causes might mean your dog gets too many treats or eats the wrong kinds.
By wrong kind, I mean the fatty, rich treats with ingredients your dog hasn't tried before.
Reduced Interest in Meals
The more treats you give your dog, the more they will ask for them.
Soon enough, they will prefer treats over the more filling and balanced meals.
In the long run, this can turn your pup into a picky eater and may encourage begging or food aggression.
RELATED: How To Stop Food Aggression in Dogs
Nutritional Imbalance
Dog treats often do not contain enough essential nutrients a dog needs to be healthy.
Relying heavily on treats can cause nutritional deficiencies in dogs, which can, in turn, cause problems like diabetes or pancreatitis.
Dog Treats Do's and Don'ts
Do's: Opt for Healthy Rewards!
Instead of buying commercial dog treats, you can choose simple snacks or homemade options that are generally healthier and lower in calories!
Some examples are:
- Apple slices (no seeds)
- Carrot sticks
- Plain green beans
- Freeze-dried lean meat in small pieces
- Homemade training treats with limited ingredients
RELATED: Recipe: Pumpkin Dog Treats
Also, rewarding your dog doesn't always have to involve treats. You can show your love and appreciation by:
- Spending more time on playtime
- Belly rubs or praise
- Giving them puzzle toys
- Walks or fetch sessions
RELATED: 30 Fun Home Activities with Dogs
Don'ts: Avoid These Mistakes!
- Using table scraps as treats. Remember: not all healthy food for humans is healthy for dogs!
- Not checking the calorie content of treats. Refer to our guide above on computing the calorie content based on the treats' packaging.
- Giving multiple small treats throughout the day that adds up
- Over-rewarding during training
FAQs Related to How Many Treats Are Too Many for Dogs
Are dog biscuits bad for dogs?
Dog biscuits aren't necessarily bad for dogs.
However, it's worth noting that commercial biscuits are often high in carbs and calories.
Make sure to check the ingredients and serving suggestions. If possible, choose the high-protein, low-fat options.
RELATED: Recipe: Chicken and Sage Dog Biscuits
How many dog training treats can I give in a session?
This depends on the calorie content of the training treat.
Opt for small, low-calorie treats and stay within the 10% daily limit.
You can also break the treats into tiny pieces, especially for active training.
RELATED: Top 5 Best Dog Training Treats
Should I give treats every day?
Yes, you can give your dog treats daily as long as you're mindful of the amount and it is within your dog's caloric needs.
How Many Treats Are Too Many? Follow the 10% Rule!
Treats are an important part of your dog's life, not only nutritionally but as a symbol of bond and trust between you, the pet owner, and your dog.
Just make sure to follow the 10% rule and be smart when choosing your dog's treats.
Or better yet, make homemade dog treats! That way, you know what goes into your pup's snack.
To avoid overfeeding, keep a meal and treats tracker to remind you (and the people in your house) when your pup has already been fed.
Remember: A healthy dog is a happy dog!
So, how do you reward your pup? Share your favorite healthy treat ideas in the comments!
You can also check out our recommended articles below.
