How Many Treats Should I Give My Dog Per day?
The number of treats you should give your dog per day depends on their size, weight, activity level, and the type of treats — but here’s a simple rule of thumb:
🎯 General Guideline:
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
The other 90% should come from balanced dog food.
🐶 Example Based on Size:
| Dog Size | Daily Calories | Max Calories from Treats (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lbs) | ~200–275 | ~20–27 cal |
| Medium (30–50 lbs) | ~700–900 | ~70–90 cal |
| Large (70+ lbs) | ~1,200–1,500 | ~120–150 cal |
Many commercial treats are 5–25 calories each, so a medium dog might get 3–5 treats per day depending on treat size.
✅ Smart Treating Tips:
- Break treats into small pieces for training
- Use low-calorie or single-ingredient treats (like freeze-dried liver or baby carrots)
- Account for treat calories when measuring daily food
- Use kibble as a reward to avoid overfeeding
Bottom line:
Give treats in moderation, prioritize healthy options, and adjust based on your dog’s weight goals and activity. If your dog is gaining weight, reduce treats or switch to lower-calorie options.