How Many Treats Should I Give My Dog Per Day?
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Treats are one of the best tools you have as a dog owner — for training, bonding, and rewarding good behaviour. But it's easy to go overboard, especially when those puppy eyes are hard to resist. So how many treats is too many?
Here's a straightforward guide to help you treat your dog the right way.
The 10% Rule
The most widely recommended guideline from vets and canine nutritionists is the 10% rule: treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake.
For example, if your dog needs 500 calories per day, no more than 50 of those calories should come from treats. The remaining 90% should come from their balanced main meals.
This applies to all treats — training treats, chews, and any extras you give throughout the day.
How Many Treats Is That in Practice?
It depends on the size and calorie content of the treat. Small, low-calorie training treats can be given more frequently, while larger chews count for more of the daily allowance.
- Small training treats (1–2 kcal each) — Up to 20–30 per day for an average-sized dog
- Medium treats (5–10 kcal each) — Around 5–10 per day
- Large chews (50+ kcal) — 1 per day, or every other day depending on your dog's size
Always check the calorie information on the packaging and factor it into your dog's daily total.
Does Dog Size Matter?
Absolutely. A treat that's a small snack for a Labrador could be a significant portion of a Chihuahua's daily calories. Always scale treat portions to your dog's size and daily calorie needs.
- Small breeds (under 10kg) — Daily calorie needs are typically 200–400 kcal, so treats should stay under 40 kcal/day
- Medium breeds (10–25kg) — Daily needs around 400–900 kcal; treats up to 90 kcal/day
- Large breeds (25kg+) — Daily needs 900–1,500+ kcal; treats up to 150 kcal/day
If you're unsure of your dog's exact calorie needs, your vet can advise based on their age, weight, and activity level.
What About Training Days?
On heavy training days when you're using lots of treats, reduce the size of your dog's main meals slightly to compensate. This keeps their overall calorie intake balanced without cutting out the rewards that make training effective.
For training, small, soft, high-value treats work best — they're quick to eat, easy to carry, and keep your dog focused without filling them up too fast.
Are Some Treats Lower Calorie Than Others?
Yes — and this is where natural, single-ingredient treats shine. Freeze-dried treats, for example, are often made from 100% meat or fish with no added fillers, meaning the calories come from quality protein rather than cheap carbohydrates.
👉 Shop our Freeze Dried Treats
Veggie-based treats tend to be naturally lower in calories and fat, making them a great option for dogs on a diet or those prone to weight gain.
Signs You Might Be Over-Treating
- Your dog is gaining weight despite normal meal portions
- They're leaving food in their bowl (treats are filling them up)
- Loose stools or digestive upset
- They're becoming fussy about their main meals
If you notice any of these signs, cut back on treats and consult your vet if the issue persists.
Final Thoughts
Treats are a wonderful part of dog ownership — just keep the 10% rule in mind, choose natural, quality ingredients, and adjust for your dog's size and activity level. When treats are used thoughtfully, they're a powerful tool for training, bonding, and keeping your dog happy.
Browse our full range of natural dog treats at Pawtastic Munchies — made with simple ingredients, no nasties, and tails in mind.
