Treats are one of the great joys of dog ownership — for you and your dog. But it's easy to overdo it. Here's the simple rule, and how to apply it to your dog's specific situation.
The 10% Rule
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake. This is the standard recommendation from most veterinary nutritionists, and it's a good starting point for any dog regardless of size, age, or activity level.
How to Calculate It
First, find your dog's daily calorie needs. A 30-pound moderately active adult dog needs roughly 800 calories per day. Ten percent of that is 80 calories from treats. Most single-ingredient chews run 50–100 calories each, so 1–2 per day is a reasonable guideline for a medium-sized dog.
Size Matters
Small dogs (under 20 lbs) have much lower calorie budgets — often 200–400 calories per day. That means their treat budget is tiny: 20–40 calories, or roughly half a small chew. Large dogs (50+ lbs) have more room, but their treats should still be sized appropriately.
Training Treats Are Different
If you're using treats for training, you'll be giving many more pieces — but they should be tiny. Break chews into small pieces, or use a low-calorie treat like lamb lung that's naturally light and airy. The goal is high frequency, low calorie.
Signs You're Overdoing It
Weight gain is the most obvious sign. But loose stools, reduced appetite at mealtimes, and picky eating can also signal too many treats. If your dog is turning down their regular food, the treat budget needs a trim.
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