Introduction
Dog treats are a great way to reward your dog, help with training, and build a strong bond with your pet. However, many dog owners are unsure how many treats they should give their dog each day. Giving too many treats can lead to weight gain and an unbalanced diet, so it is important to feed treats in moderation.
The 10% Rule
A common guideline is the 10% rule. This means that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, while 90% of their calories should come from their main meals.
For example:
• Small dog: 1–3 small treats per day
• Medium dog: 3–5 small treats per day
• Large dog: 5–8 small treats per day
If you are using treats for training, you should use very small treats so your dog does not eat too many calories.
Treat Size Matters
The size of the treat is very important. For training, treats should be:
• Small
• Easy to chew
• Quick to eat
• Not too hard
• Not too oily
Small, soft, or meltable treats are often best for training because dogs can eat them quickly and stay focused.
When Should You Give Treats?
You can give treats:
• During training
• As a reward for good behaviour
• During walks
• For mental enrichment (puzzle toys)
• Occasionally as a snack
Try not to give treats all day without a reason. Treats should be a reward, not a full meal.
Healthy Treat Options
Healthier treat options include:
• Air-dried meat treats
• Freeze-dried treats
• Single-ingredient treats
• Natural treats with no additives
• Small training treats
These types of treats are usually higher in protein and easier for dogs to digest.
About TandD Fresh
At TandD Fresh, we make small-batch natural dog treats in Australia using simple ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Our treats are designed to be used as training treats, rewards, or occasional snacks for dogs and cats.