Next to a cuddle and a belly rub, a treat feels like one of the best ways to show your pet some love.
One treat soon becomes another when they sit on command. Then they give you those sad eyes, so you reach into the jar again. Before long, the treat jar is empty.
Treats seem small, but many contain a high number of calories. Unlike measured meals, owners often forget to track treats when monitoring their pet’s daily food intake.
Why too many treats are a problem
Too many treats are among the main reasons pets gain weight.
A little extra weight might seem harmless, but weight gain raises a pet’s risk of arthritis, diabetes and skin problems. Excess weight also shortens their lifespan.
Regularly giving too many treats also contributes to:
- Picky eating
- Unbalanced nutrition
- Digestive problems
How much is too much?
Treats should not exceed 10% of your pet’s daily diet.
Your pet’s daily calorie needs depend on several factors, including:
- Age
- Weight
- Activity level
- Health
Speak to your vet to establish the correct daily calorie intake for your pet.
Once you have the figure, multiply the total by 0.10. The answer gives you the maximum number of daily calories allocated to treats.
How to reward dogs without overfeeding
Dogs want a reward, but food does not need to form part of every reward.
Lower-calorie options include:
- A portion of their usual kibble
- Cucumber
- Baby carrots
- Green beans
- Apple slices without seeds
- Watermelon cubes
- Frozen watermelon cubes during summer
- Plain ice cubes
- Low-sodium bone broth frozen with a green bean inside
- Plain boiled chicken cut into small cubes
Keep portions small and include every treat in your dog’s daily food intake.
Lower-calorie treat ideas for cats
Reduce the size of your cat’s treats without removing the reward.
Options include:
- Breaking treats into halves or quarters
- Spreading a teaspoon of plain, unsweetened yoghurt onto a lick mat and freezing the yoghurt
- A sprinkling of catnip or silver vine
Cats are natural hunters rather than grazers. Use rewards as part of play and interaction instead of offering food throughout the day.
Use attention as a reward
Attention is also a treat.
Offer your pet:
- A 20-second chest rub
- An ear scratch
- Praise in a happy tone
- Playtime
- Social interaction
Many dogs prefer praise and interaction with their owners over food. These rewards strengthen your bond without adding calories.
How to choose the right pet treats
A treat made for people is not always safe or suitable for pets.
When choosing a treat, look for options which are:
- Made for pets
- Free from added sugar
- Free from added salt
- Low in fat
- Low in calories
- Free from toxic ingredients
Read the packaging before giving a new treat to your pet.
Keep the love and reduce the portion
Giving your pet a treat does not make you a bad owner. Treats work well as part of training, play and bonding when portions stay controlled.
Food is only one way to show affection. Your pet also values your attention, praise and time.
Keep giving them love. Reduce the size and number of treats so your pet has the best chance of living a long, healthy life.
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