How Many Treats Per Day Can A Dog Have? Calculate For Your Pup
Treats are one of the most effective ways to bond with your pup, reinforce good behaviour, and support training. But giving too many treats per day can lead to weight gain, nutritional imbalances, and long-term health issues. So, how many treats your dog can safely enjoy daily depends on several key factors: breed, weight, age, activity level, and the calorie content of the treats you choose.
Know How Many Treats Your Dog Should Have Each Day
Understanding the 10% Rule for Dog Treats
Veterinarians often recommend that treats you give your dog should not exceed 10% of their total daily caloric intake. This is a practical way to avoid overfeeding while still using treats as positive reinforcement or rewards during puppy training.
- For example, if your dog’s total daily caloric intake is 500 calories, treats should not exceed 50 calories per day.
- That means even one 20-calorie treat could be 40% of their treat allowance if you’re not careful.
Use This Formula to Calculate Daily Treats
A little math can help you estimate how many treats per day your pup can enjoy without compromising their health.
- Determine how many calories your dog needs per day based on their breed, weight, and activity.
- Multiply that number by 0.10 to find the number of calories from treats allowed.
- Look at the calories per treat on the package to calculate how many treats that equates to.
You can use this Dog Calorie Calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance to find your dog's daily energy requirement based on size and lifestyle.
The Dangers of Too Many Treats Per Day
Obesity and Overfeeding
Feeding too many treats per day contributes to obesity, which increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, and even a shorter lifespan. Even a small dog like a Yorkshire terrier can become overweight from just a few extra treats.
Impact on Nutritional Balance
Too many treats can disrupt the balance of your dog’s food and reduce their interest in meals. If you spoil your pup with snacks, they may refuse their regular dog food, putting their nutrient intake at risk.
- Dogs treats in moderation can support training and bonding.
- Training treats should be part of your dog’s diet, not separate from it.
- Always weigh your dog regularly and monitor their body condition.
How to Assess If You’re Giving Too Many Treats Per Day
Watch for Changes in Body Condition and Behavior
It’s important to monitor your dog’s body condition score to assess whether they are at an ideal weight, underweight, or overweight. A dog at a healthy weight will have:
- A visible abdominal tuck behind the rib cage
- Easily felt (but not visible) ribs
- No excessive fat deposits on the lower back or base of the tail
If you find your dog’s weight increasing despite consistent meals, consider the number of treats you're giving. Excess calories in your dog’s diet may be the culprit, especially if you’re not adjusting their meals to accommodate snacks.
High-Calorie Chews and Hidden Calories
Some dog treats, including dental chews and flavored bones, may seem harmless but contain many calories. Always check the calorie content on the package—even if the treat is labeled as “natural” or “preservative-free.”
Choose the Best Treat: Healthy, Tasty, and Low-Calorie
What Are Healthy Treats for Dogs?
The best treat for your dog is one that’s tasty, low in calories, and supports their nutritional needs. Many dog owners now seek freeze-dry or single-ingredient options. You can also consider whole foods like green beans, carrots, or apple slices (no seeds) as low-calorie options.
- Low calorie doesn’t mean no flavor—dogs love variety!
- Use healthy treats that are rich in protein and avoid artificial fillers
- Also consider using small pieces of your dog’s food as treats
Treat Allowances by Dog Size and Weight
Below is a basic treat allowances reference based on your dog’s weight. This is only a guideline—always talk to your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or treat habits.
| Dog Weight | Approx. Daily Calories | Max Treat Calories (10%) | Example # of 5-Cal Treats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs (small dog) | 200-275 | 20-27 | 4–5 |
| 30 lbs | 500–600 | 50–60 | 10–12 |
| 60 lbs | 900–1,100 | 90–110 | 18–22 |
| 90 lbs | 1,200–1,500 | 120–150 | 24–30 |
Keep in mind the amount of treats a puppy needs may differ. During puppy training, use training treats that are soft, low-calorie, and easy to break apart.
How to Feed Your Dog Treats Safely
Using Treats the Right Way
Using treats should always align with your dog’s caloric needs. A good strategy is to measure out their daily food, remove a portion to use as rewards, and then feed your dog the rest as meals.
- Use high-value treats only during difficult tasks or behavior training
- For positive reinforcement, deliver treats quickly after desired actions
- Avoid feeding from the table to reduce begging and maintain boundaries
Monitor Weight and Adjust Accordingly
If your dog won’t eat their food but accepts treats, or their food intake is decreasing while their weight increases, it may be time for a weight loss plan.
- Track caloric intake from both meals and treats
- Adjust the dog’s daily meal portions accordingly
- Always weigh your dog monthly to stay on top of their health
Training a Puppy With Treats: How Much Is Too Much?
Using Training Treats for Good Behaviour Without Overfeeding
When it comes to reinforcing good behaviour in a puppy, training treats are an essential part of the process. Because young dogs are still learning basic commands and house manners, you may be rewarding them more frequently than an adult dog. But how do you balance this with their small size and limited calories a day?
The answer lies in using treats you can give frequently without exceeding your puppy’s total caloric allowance. Many food manufacturers now offer training treats specifically designed to be tiny and low in calories—perfect for multiple uses throughout the day.
- Choose soft, breakable treats with 1–3 calories per piece
- Avoid high-fat chews or biscuits unless adjusted into their diet
- Keep training sessions short to avoid excessive snacking
A puppy may require several short sessions per day to build habits, so the type of treat—and how often it's used—matters significantly. Remember: even small treats add up quickly across multiple sessions.
Consult Your Vet and Track Treat Use by Weight Range
Because every puppy grows at a different pace, it's a good idea to speak with your vet to determine the right weight range and total caloric needs for your dog’s age and breed. From there, you can figure out how many calories a dayyour dog’s treats can contribute without compromising growth or meal nutrition.
Keep in mind:
- Puppies in the early stages of growth often need more frequent feedings, but that doesn’t mean unlimited treats
- Use a mix of dog’s treats and kibble pieces to ensure you’re not overfeeding
- Track calories from treats to ensure they stay within the 10% guideline of the total caloric intake
As your puppy grows into an adult, their weight range and calorie needs will change. Always revisit your feeding and treating routine regularly and adjust with the help of your veterinarian.
Final Tips for Every Dog Owner
Every specific dog is different. Breed, metabolism, health conditions, and age all play a role in determining how many treats per day is safe. A puppy will have different needs from a senior dog. A Yorkshire may only tolerate 1 or 2 small treats a day, while an active working dog might burn more calories and handle more.
- Know how many treats your dog can safely eat
- Choose the right treats you choose based on your dog’s total daily caloric intake
- Balance treats with meals to avoid nutritional gaps
- Monitor body condition, rib visibility, and energy level
For detailed treat guidelines and calorie counts, consider resources from AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or ask your veterinary professional for a custom calorie intake plan based on your dog’s needs.
By understanding how many treats your dog can enjoy, you’re supporting their healthy weight, avoiding obesity, and using rewards wisely. Treats are a wonderful tool for positive reinforcement, but only when used with thought and care. Whether it’s a small dog’s chew or a puppy’s first reward, treats should support—not harm—your dog’s health.
