Treats are one of the best ways to bond with your dog and reward good behavior. But not all treats are created equal, and it is easy to overdo it. This guide covers how to choose healthy treats for dogs, how many to give, and which human foods to avoid.
The 10 percent rule
Veterinarians commonly recommend that treats make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories. The other 90 percent should come from a complete and balanced dog food. If you give a lot of treats on training days, simply reduce meal portions a little to balance it out.
What makes a treat healthy?
- Simple, recognizable ingredients: a short ingredient list is often a good sign.
- Real protein: meat, fish or organ meat as the main ingredient.
- Right size: small treats for training, larger chews for long-lasting enjoyment.
- Appropriate calories: low-fat options are useful for dogs watching their weight.
- Made for dogs: treats designed for dogs avoid ingredients that can be harmful.
Types of dog treats
Training treats
Small, soft and easy to eat quickly, so you can reward many times in a session without filling your dog up.
Freeze-dried treats
Single-ingredient freeze-dried meats and organs are rich in flavor and very motivating for most dogs. Break them into small pieces for training.
Chews
Long-lasting chews such as bully sticks and cow ears keep dogs busy and satisfy the natural urge to chew. Always supervise. Our bully stick guide explains how to choose a safe size.
Dental treats
Textured treats designed to help reduce surface plaque as your dog chews. Learn more in how to keep your dog's teeth clean.
Human foods to avoid
Some common foods are unsafe for dogs. Never give your dog:
- Chocolate, coffee or caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
- Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy and peanut butter
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Cooked bones, which can splinter
If your dog eats something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away.
Frequently asked questions
How many treats can I give my dog a day?
It depends on the size of your dog and the calories in the treat. Keep total treats to about 10 percent of daily calories, and check the treat packaging for feeding guidance.
Are low-fat treats better?
Low-fat treats are a great choice for dogs who are overweight or need a lighter option, and they work well for frequent training rewards.
Can puppies have treats?
Yes, in moderation. Choose small, soft treats suited to a puppy's size, and count them toward the daily total.
Treats our customers love
Try Wholesome Hearts Low-Fat Treats, Tasty Rewards Nutritional Treats, or Turkey Heart Freeze-Dried Treats. For longer chews, see Premium Cow Ears. Shop the full Dog Treats collection.
If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach or a health condition, ask your veterinarian which treats are best.