How Many Treats Is Too Many?

Most dogs’ stomachs are bottomless pits and feeling full doesn’t seem to register. That means it’s up to you to control how much food and how many dog treats per day, which isn’t easy when your bleeding heart is up against those puppy dog eyes. We would cave too.

The ‘suggested feeding’ instructions on dog food labels can keep you on target when it comes to meals, but regulating snacks isn’t so simple. Reading labels and choosing ones touted as ‘fresh,’ ‘all natural,’ and ‘artificial free’ is a good start. We asked a vet for more tips on how to get your treat game in check.

How many treats per day for a dog?

The bulk of your dog’s calories should come from their regular food, which is designed to meet their nutritional needs. Dog treats should only be used as rewards for good behavior and make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. So, for example, if you have a small dog that needs 400 calories a day, and the treats you give them are 20 calories each, then they can have two of them per day. It takes a little math.

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As you can see, the key to this equation is knowing a) how many calories your dog should eat, and b) how many calories are in the treats you choose to give. Information found on your dog food label, along with a conversation with your veterinarian, will guide you to that number. And any commercially prepared dog treats will list the calories-per-treat on the package.

What about dog training treats?

Dr. Elizabeth Shines, DVM, breaks it down: “Generally speaking, dogs that are at a healthy weight for their breed can have two to four appropriately-sized treats per day.” If you’re a new pet parent, you’re probably thinking, By my calculation, it will take an eternity for my puppy to learn how to sit! Indeed, you’re bound to go through far more dog training treats in the first year of your pup’s life.

“Treats designed for dog training are usually given in greater quantities, so they tend to be very small and low in calories,” says Dr. Shines. “Unless you’re doing multiple training sessions per day, those treats are unlikely to make a significant impact on your dog.”

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To keep bagged training treats fresh — and make it a little more difficult for the diligent treat-hound to score — keep the bags sealed. If the seal doesn’t work (often they don’t), use heavy-duty zip lock–type bags or store them in glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids.

Low-calorie alternatives to dog treats

Not all treats share the same number of calories, so get in the habit of reading labels and adjusting your dog’s intake accordingly. “You can also consider using your dog’s kibble as a treat. Just set aside a portion of their meals and use it to reward them throughout the day. Kibble is typically lower in calories than treats, and most dogs won’t notice the difference between that and an actual treat. But if your dog is onto you, you can buy a different type of kibble and use that to make the treats more exciting for them. And don’t forget that dental chews like Greenies are much higher in calories, so you will need to account for them.”

Then there’s people food. The food we eat tends to be higher in fat, and those calories can add up quickly for dogs. Take peanut butter, for example. Just one tablespoon can equal 25% of a small dog’s daily calories. And cheese is even higher in calories: one ounce can account for more than 30% of a little dog’s daily target. If you want to share the snacks you’ve already got in the fridge, look for options that are lower in calories. Dr. Shines suggests white-meat chicken, turkey, or vegetables including baby carrots, peas, and green beans.

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Think healthy treats: Look for organic, whole-food ingredients, including named meats, whole grains, lots of good fruit and/or vegetables and natural, food-based sweeteners (if they are used at all) —applesauce, honey, or molasses, for example. Avoid by-products, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, and artificial preservatives. Look for individual portions that are easy to break into smaller bits.

Keep an eye on your dog’s weight

Calorie counting aside, you’ll want to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust if they start to pack on the pounds. The best methods are to put your pup on a scale or use your hands to assess their body condition. “There are a few things to look for when evaluating your dog’s body condition,” says Dr. Shines. “When a dog is at a healthy weight, you’ll be able to feel their ribs. You should also be able to feel the abdominal tuck, where the belly slants up into the groin. And when running your hands over the waist, most dogs should have an indention between the last rib and the hips.”

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“If you start to notice changes in your dog’s body condition, cut back on calories [‘weight control’ dog treats can help],” Dr. Shines adds. “And talk to your veterinarian so you can nip any weight gain issues in the bud.” Remember that rewards aren’t always edible — “Good boy!” goes a long way.