Dog owners love to give their furry friends treats as a way to show affection and positive reinforcement during training. However, with so many treat options on the market, it can be tricky to figure out how much is too much. Knowing treat equivalents can help owners avoid overfeeding and make better choices for their dog’s health.
Treat Calories
The first step in determining treat equivalents is looking at the calorie content. Just like humans, the amount of calories a dog consumes affects their weight and health. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention recommends aiming for 10 calories per pound of body weight per day for the average adult dog.
For example, a 50 pound dog would need around 500 calories per day. Dog treats should make up no more than 10-15% of a dog’s daily calories. So for a 50 pound dog, treats should total 50-75 calories per day.
When looking at treat packaging, pay attention to the serving size and calories per serving. This information can help you compare across brands and types of treats. Here are some common calorie amounts for popular training treats:
| Treat Type | Calories per Treat |
|---|---|
| Mini semi-moist treats | Around 5 calories |
| Small biscuits | 15-20 calories |
| Dental chews | 30-50 calories |
| Jerky strips | Around 35 calories |
Treat Equivalents
Now that we know approximate calorie counts, we can estimate how many treats equal a full serving of food. This gives us a handy reference for avoiding overfeeding.
Let’s use the example of a 35 calorie jerky strip and compare it to some common dog food brands using averages:
| Dog Food (Per Cup) | Calories | Treat Equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| Dry kibble | 340 | 9-10 jerky strips |
| Canned wet food | 270 | Around 8 jerky strips |
| Freeze-dried raw | 480 | 14 jerky strips |
Based on averages, a 35 calorie treat is equivalent to around one tenth of a cup of dry dog food. This means 10 treats would equal a full serving. However, calorie needs vary by breed, age, and activity level.
Guidelines by Dog Size
As a general guideline, here are some daily treat recommendations based on dog size:
- Small breed dogs under 15 lbs: No more than 30 calories from treats per day
- Medium breed dogs 15-40 lbs: No more than 60 calories from treats per day
- Large breed dogs over 40 lbs: No more than 90 calories from treats per day
Again, these are just rough estimates. Consulting your vet for personalized advice is best. But this gives a starting point for treat portions.
Small Breed Dogs
For a small dog like a chihuahua or terrier, aim for 30 or less treat calories daily. This equals around 6 mini semi-moist treats or just 2 standard biscuits. Tiny treats make it easier to stay in a healthy range for small dogs.
Medium Breed Dogs
Medium dogs like spaniels or bulldogs can have up to 60 treat calories per day. This could be 4 dental chews or 12 small training biscuits for example. Watch portions for medium crunchy treats which can add up quickly.
Large Breed Dogs
For large dogs like retrievers or hounds, about 90 treat calories is a good limit. This could equal 2-3 jerky strips or dental bones. Pay attention to calorie density with big treats to avoid overfeeding.
Non-Food Rewards
Giving treats doesn’t have to mean extra calories. Consider using some of these zero calorie ideas for training rewards or general pampering:
- Verbally praising your dog
- Petting or gently massaging
- Playing a quick game of fetch
- A new fun chew toy
You can also portion out your dog’s daily food allotment and use part of their kibble as training rewards during activities like obedience practice. This removes extra calories from treats.
Reading Labels
Always read packaging carefully and start conservatively until you know how treats affect your individual dog. Keep these tips in mind:
- Check calorie information for servings
- Note all listed ingredients
- Pick appropriate sizes for your dog
- Find options with functional ingredients like glucosamine for joints or soothing omegas
Following feeding guidelines on treats can prevent obesity issues. Consulting your veterinarian also provides useful perspective on nutrition needs.
Healthy Homemade Treats
For dogs without allergies or dietary issues, homemade treats can be a nutritious alternative to mass-produced options. Here are some simple recipes to try:
Pumpkin Dog Treats
Combine 1 cup canned pureed pumpkin, 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 egg, and 1/2 tsp baking powder. Roll dough out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until hardened.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Stir together 2 cups plain yogurt, 1 mashed banana, and 1 tsp peanut butter. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with dog-safe fruits like blueberries. Freeze for 2 hours and then break into pieces.
Veggie Bites
Steam carrot, broccoli, sweet potato, or green bean pieces until soft. Blend with a little olive oil in a food processor until a thick paste forms. Spoon into an ice cube tray and freeze. Pop out cubes for snacks.
Homemade options allow control over ingredients. Just be sure to account for calories and incorporate in moderation. Consult your vet if considering homemade food for all meals.
Choosing the Right Treats
With so many factors to consider, choosing appropriate dog treats may seem tricky. Here are some tips for picking the best options for your pup:
- Get advice from your veterinarian on specific calorie goals or dietary needs
- Read labels closely and aim for 10-15% of daily calories from treats
- Find single ingredient or limited ingredient products to avoid filler
- Pick digestible textures and flavors your dog prefers
- Try training treats in tiny sizes for portion control
- Rotate treats to add variety and prevent picky eating
Every dog’s nutritional needs are different, so there is no one perfect treat. As long as you watch calorie intake, read labels, and get vet recommended portions, most commercial treats or homemade options can be used safely.
Conclusion
Dog treats should be used sparingly and accounted for in a dog’s total daily calorie intake. Smaller dogs require 30 or fewer treat calories per day, while medium dogs can have 60 calories and large dogs up to 90 calories. Checking treat nutrition labels for calorie content, comparing to dog food equivalents, and consulting your vet helps determine appropriate treat quantities and feeding guidelines. With so many types of dog treats available, becoming an informed pet owner is key to promoting your dog’s health and longevity through balanced nutrition.