How Many Treats Should My Dog Have a Day?
Treats are one of the best parts of being a dog (and of being a dog parent). They're great for training, for saying "good job," or just because. But it's easy to overdo it, so how many is the right number?
The short answer: the 10% rule
Veterinary nutritionists recommend that treats and extras make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. The other 90% or more should come from a complete and balanced dog food. That guideline comes straight from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Why it matters: treats aren't designed to be a complete diet. If they start replacing meals, your dog can miss out on nutrients or gain weight without you noticing.
A quick guide by weight
For Pupums treats, here's the daily serving guide printed on every bag:
- Under 25 lbs: 1 treat a day
- 26 to 75 lbs: 2 treats a day
- 76 lbs and up: 3 treats a day
Training a lot? Break treats into smaller pieces so you can reward more often without adding up the calories. Our heart-shaped Sweet Potato Pie treats are already small, so they're a favorite for training sessions.
Tips for treating smart
- Count everything. Table scraps, chews and training rewards all count toward the 10%.
- Adjust meals on heavy-treat days. If you're doing a lot of training, it's fine to feed a little less at mealtime.
- Read the ingredients. Short, recognizable ingredient lists make it easier to know what your dog is actually eating. You can see every ingredient in every Pupums recipe on our Ingredients page.
- Skip the dangerous stuff. Some human foods are harmful to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts.
- Ask your vet. Every dog is different. If your dog has a health condition, allergies or is watching their weight, your vet can tell you exactly how many treats fit their diet.
Treats should be a happy part of your dog's day, not the main course. Keep them to about 10%, choose ones made with real food, and enjoy the tail wags.