If you’re like most dog parents, chances are you’ve used treats for everything from training and rewards to just saying “I love you.”
And who can resist those eyes when the treat bag rustles? Dog treats are one of the best tools we have for building a strong bond with our beloved pets. But like anything good, balance is key.
So how do you know when enough is enough? And more importantly, how can you keep treat time fun, rewarding, and healthy without overdoing it?
Let’s break it down.
The Line Between Treating and Overfeeding
First, it’s important to understand that treats aren’t the enemy. In fact, high-quality treats play an essential role in a dog’s life. They can help reinforce good behaviour, make training sessions more effective, and create positive associations in new situations.
But where many dog parents run into trouble is when treats go from being a tool to being a habit. It’s not uncommon for those little extras to sneak up throughout the day: one for sitting nicely, another for going outside, one more just because they’re cute. Before you know it, your dog’s eaten an entire meal’s worth of treats on top of their regular food.
Here’s a simple guideline: treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. If you know your dog’s weight, use this handy Calorie Calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance to calculate your dog’s daily treat allowance!
Quality Over Quantity
One of the smartest ways to make treats work harder for your dog is by choosing treats that are high in nutritional value and energy, rather than filling up on low-quality options.
Many lower-end treats are packed with empty calories and artificial ingredients. These don’t offer much more than a quick flavour hit, and too many of them can lead to weight gain or even health issues in the long run.
Opt for treats made with real, whole-food ingredients and a clear purpose. Whether it’s protein-rich snacks to support muscle recovery after a long walk or treats fortified with vitamins for skin and coat health, giving your dog a nutritious reward means you can treat more intentionally, and with less guilt.
Our Pointer Mini Dogs are the perfect quality treat! Grain-free and packed full of Vitamin A, C and K- these little bites are paw-fect for treating.
High-energy treats, in particular, can be a great addition to active dogs’ routines. If your pup is always on the go, exploring trails or playing fetch for hours, a well-formulated treat can actually support their energy needs. Think of it as a power snack, not just a bribe.
All of our Pointer products have full lists of ingredients for you to get the right treat for your dog’s needs! We also have a complete grain-free range of treats for those pups with a sensitive stomach.
Watch the Signs
Your dog can’t (and won’t!) tell you when they’ve had too many treats, but their body will. A few signs to look out for:
Weight gain: If you notice your dog’s collar is a little tighter or the vet mentions they’ve added a few pounds, it might be time to reassess treat portions.
Disinterest in meals: If treats are too frequent or too rich, some dogs will lose interest in their regular food.
Loose stools or digestive upset: Too many treats, especially low-quality ones, can throw off your dog’s digestion.
Begging behaviour: Constant treating can reinforce persistent begging, especially if your dog learns that asking will always lead to a reward.
The good news is these habits can be adjusted by simply being more mindful of what and how often you’re offering treats.
How to Keep Treats Fun and Healthy
Here are a few quick tips to help you find the right balance:
Use treats with purpose: Whether it’s training, mental stimulation, or nutrition, have a reason behind each treat you give.
Break them up: Dogs don’t care about size. Break high-quality treats into smaller pieces to spread the reward without overfeeding.
Count them in the daily intake: If you’re doing a big training session, reduce your dog’s kibble slightly at mealtime to balance it out.
Switch to nutrient-dense options: Treats made with lean proteins, healthy fats, and beneficial ingredients go further in smaller amounts. Read our blog post for some homemade dog treat recipes!
Want to share some of your treating advice? Visit us on Instagram and Facebook! And for a useful guide about factoring responsible treating into your dog’s routine, read our latest blog post.