How Treats Quietly Wreck Your Dog's Nutrition
Vet Reviewed by Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM
By Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM
Treats are one of the best parts of being a dog owner. But they're also one of the most common ways well-intentioned owners unknowingly undermine their dog's nutrition. Here's what I see in my practice and what you can do about it.
The treat math most owners haven't done
The general veterinary guideline is that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake. Most owners dramatically underestimate how quickly treats add up.
A single dental chew can contain 70 to 100 calories. A few pieces of cheese throughout the day can add another 80 to 120 calories. Training treats, even "small" ones, can contribute 50 to 100 calories per session. Table scraps at dinner might add another 100 to 200 calories.
For a 30-pound dog that needs approximately 700 to 900 calories per day, those treats can represent 30 to 50% of total daily intake. That's not a treat. That's a meal.
The nutritional displacement problem
This is the part that concerns me most. Every calorie your dog gets from a nutritionally empty treat is a calorie they're not getting from their nutritionally complete food.
When treats displace a significant portion of the diet, the balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that the food was formulated to provide gets diluted. The dog may be meeting their caloric needs while falling short on actual nutrition.
This is particularly problematic for dogs on supplements. If you're investing in joint support, skin health, or immune support through supplementation, but treats are displacing 20 to 30% of the balanced diet, the body may not have the foundational nutrition it needs for those supplements to work optimally.
Ingredients to watch for
Many commercial dog treats contain ingredients that add calories without nutritional value:
Added sugars and syrups: Dogs don't need added sugar. It contributes empty calories and can promote weight gain and dental problems.
Artificial colors and flavors: Serve no nutritional purpose and have been the subject of ongoing health concerns.
Excessive sodium: Some treats contain salt levels far above what dogs need, which can contribute to increased thirst and, in extreme cases, sodium toxicity.
Low-quality protein sources: Vague ingredient labels like "meat by-products" or "animal digest" indicate lower-quality protein sources.
How to treat smarter
Use portion control: Count treats as part of the daily calorie budget. If your dog gets a lot of treats, reduce the meal portion slightly to compensate.
Choose high-value, low-calorie options: Small pieces of cooked chicken, blueberries, carrots, green beans, and watermelon (seedless) are all low-calorie, nutritionally beneficial alternatives to commercial treats.
Break treats smaller: Dogs respond to the frequency of treats, not the size. Breaking a treat into four pieces gives you four reward opportunities for the same caloric cost.
Reserve "junk food" treats for special occasions: High-calorie dental chews, bully sticks, and flavored commercial treats have their place, but they shouldn't be daily staples.
Read labels: Treat labels follow the same standards as food labels. Check the calorie count per treat and the ingredient list before buying.
The bottom line
Treats should enhance your dog's life, not undermine their health. A little awareness of what you're giving, how much, and how often can preserve the nutritional balance you're working hard to maintain.
To your dog's health,
Dr. Jacob Klos
Sources:
- AKC: Treat guidelines for dogs, calorie counting for treats
- AVMA: Nutrition guidelines and treat recommendations
- AAFCO: Pet treat labeling standards
- Veterinary nutrition literature on caloric displacement and nutritional balance in canine diets
