If you’re wondering how many treats per day for a dog, you’re in the right place! Learn why counting treats is important, how to measure them and how to tell if your dog is overweight.
If you’re wondering how many treats per day for a dog, you’re in the right place! Learn why counting treats is important, how to measure them and how to tell if your dog is overweight.
You’ve worked out your dog’s daily food allowance, but what about their treat allowance? Do you count them? Well if not, it might be time to start doing your sums…
Treats, although essential for positive reinforcement, can mean your dog is getting more calories than they should, which can put them on the path to unwanted weight gain.
Similarly to when we humans go for it at the all-inclusive buffet, too many treats for your pet can lead to too many calories and weight gain!
If your pooch isn’t burning off these excess calories by exercising enough, they’ll be stored as fat, leaving your pup at risk of possible complications.
Overweight or obese dogs are predisposed to having serious complications. Did you know that 56% of dogs in the USA are classed in the overweight or obese categories… That’s around 50 million dogs!
So, the amount you treat really does matter, and how many treats per day for a dog is an important query!
It’s pretty complicated when it comes to a dog’s calorie allowance as every dog is different. Everything needs to be considered, such as:
Treats can be a healthy and beneficial part of your dog’s diet, especially as part of their training routine. The occasional unhealthy treat is okay but remember: only in moderation.
So, how can you treat your dog healthily…?
Many dogs can lack fiber in their diet, so popping the odd carrot or cooked pumpkin in your treat hand can deliver a suitable amount, along with supporting their bowel health, plus most pups like the taste!
You can also include apples (without the pips), blueberries, cucumbers, broccoli, and spinach as these are also fruit and veg types that can seriously benefit your pup’s diet, as well as work as replacement treats.
However, some human foods can be incredibly toxic for dogs. So, make sure the ones you decide to use as a treat are not included on the list below:
Look for treats that are high in lean protein, meaning they’re lower in fat, and have a minimal amount of ingredients, meaning they shouldn’t contain any hidden nasties either! Alternatively, you could try cooking up small pieces of lean, grilled chicken, or as above, pieces of cucumber and segments of apple (minus the pips!) as treat alternatives. This will help with their fiber levels too!
If you feed your dog kibble, take a couple from their measured meal allowance out and use it throughout the day as a treat substitute! This is a particularly great tip for doggos already on a diet!
Daily dental chews or sticks can be used as a big daily reward. Reputable pet brands usually design theirs specifically for your pet’s teeth and can help target plaque and oral debris as they chew. As well as tasting great, and making an excellent, healthy reward, good dental chews can help to scrape away potentially tartar and plaque build-up from the surface of the tooth itself – which in turn helps to maintain healthy teeth and gum tissue. Dental chews and sticks are also great at getting into the hard-to-reach places – with little effort on your part!
However, they should only be used alongside regular brushing but are an excellent addition to your dog’s daily dental routine.
There’s a really easy way to assess whether your dog’s carrying a little excess baggage around with them! Simply place your palms on either side of your pup’s chest and lightly press down to check if you can feel their ribs. This area is where they accumulate fat. You should be able to feel their ribs upon light palpitation using your hands.
See where your pet ranks on the PetLab Co.’s Body Condition Assessor
PetLab Co. Pro Tip: If your dog is in the overweight category, simply reduce their food allowance by 10% until they reach their ideal body weight. They’ll barely notice the difference!
No matter what your furry friend’s preferences are when it comes to their treats, make sure their treat allowance is only 10% of their total food consumption per day to maintain a healthy weight. And, what size should each treat be? A treat should never be bigger than the nail on your first finger!
If you’re really worried about your dog’s weight though, always consult with a vet.
Related read: Rawhide Bones and Treats for Dogs