When you give your dog a cookie, you’re letting them know just how much you love them. However, not all dog treats demonstrate the same level of care, especially when you consider that some treats are detrimental to your dog’s health. Unfortunately, many dog owners have no idea that many dog biscuits available on the market in Australia are unhealthy and even dangerous for their dogs. So, what treats are bad for dogs? Read on to find out.
Let’s face it – we all love spoiling our furry friends with treats. Those puppy eyes are practically impossible to resist! But lately I’ve been wondering if my generosity might be causing my dog to pack on some extra pounds. If you’re worried about the same thing, you’re not alone.
The Treat Truth: Yes, They Can Contribute to Weight Gain
The simple answer? Yes, dog treats can absolutely make your dog fat if you’re not careful about how many you’re handing out.
As a dog parent for over 10 years, I’ve learned that treats aren’t inherently bad – they’re actually great for training and showing affection The problem starts when treats become too frequent or when we don’t account for those extra calories
According to veterinary experts, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Anything more than that can quickly lead to weight problems, especially if you’re not adjusting their regular food portions to compensate.
Why Excess Weight is a Big Deal for Dogs
Before diving deeper into treats let’s understand why keeping your dog at a healthy weight matters so much
- Joint Problems: Extra weight puts pressure on joints, worsening conditions like arthritis
- Decreased Energy: Overweight dogs typically have less energy for play and exercise
- Breathing Difficulties: Fat dogs often struggle with breathing, especially brachycephalic breeds
- Reduced Lifespan: Studies show overweight dogs typically live shorter lives
- Increased Disease Risk: Obesity increases risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems
Common Treat Mistakes That Lead to Canine Obesity
Let’s look at some mistakes many of us make when it comes to treating our dogs
1. “Guestimating” Portions
One of the biggest mistakes pet parents make is not measuring treats. We grab a handful or eyeball what looks like a good amount without realizing how quickly those calories add up.
Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, notes that most pet parents have no idea how much they’re actually feeding their dogs. When shown what a proper portion looks like, they’re often shocked!
2. Forgetting That Treats Count as Calories
Many of us don’t subtract treat calories from our dog’s daily food intake. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, regularly sees treats (especially dog biscuits) making up more than one-third of a dog’s daily caloric needs! That’s way above the recommended 10% maximum.
3. Underestimating Treat Calories
Let’s look at some numbers that might surprise you:
High-Calorie Treats
| Treat/Food | Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | 1 tbsp | 96 |
| Cream cheese (full fat) | 1 tbsp | 50 |
| Marrow bone | 0.5 oz | 125 |
| Bully stick | 6-inch stick | 90 |
| String cheese | 1 stick (28g) | 90 |
That tablespoon of peanut butter you use to hide pills? Almost 100 calories! For a medium-sized dog who needs only 700-800 calories per day, that’s a significant chunk of their daily allowance.
4. Overindulging with Human Food
Table scraps are generally high in calories and fat. Besides potentially causing digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea (which can progress to serious conditions like gastroenteritis or pancreatitis), human food can contribute significantly to weight gain.
Commercial dog food is specifically formulated to meet your pup’s nutritional needs, making it a much better choice for their overall health.
Better Treat Options That Won’t Pack on the Pounds
Good news! You don’t have to stop giving treats altogether. Instead, opt for lower-calorie alternatives:
Low-Calorie Treats
| Treat/Food | Size | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celery | 8-inch stalk | 6 | The clear winner for calorie-conscious treating! |
| Baby carrot | 1 large (15g) | 5 | Slice into smaller pieces to make them last longer |
| Canned pumpkin | 1 tbsp | 5 | NOT pumpkin pie filling – plain canned pumpkin only |
| Green beans | 1 cup | 33 | A crunchy, satisfying low-cal option |
| Blueberries | 1 cup | 85 | About 135 small-medium berries |
I’ve started using baby carrots cut into tiny pieces for training sessions with my dog. He thinks he’s getting tons of treats, but the calorie count stays low!
The 90/10 Rule: A Simple Guide for Healthy Treating
Experts recommend following the 90/10 rule: 90% of your dog’s calories should come from a complete and balanced diet, with only 10% coming from treats.
Here’s what’s interesting – to most dogs, the number of treats is more important than the actual treats themselves! Your dog doesn’t understand that a big biscuit has more calories than a tiny training treat. They just enjoy the experience of receiving something special from you.
Smart Treating Strategies
- Use a measuring cup for your dog’s food to ensure proper portions
- Read labels carefully – know how many calories are in each treat
- Break larger treats into smaller pieces – your dog will still be just as happy
- Subtract treat calories from your dog’s daily food allowance
- Choose lower-calorie options whenever possible
- Balance treats with exercise – a 20-30 minute daily walk helps maintain weight
- Consider a veterinary diet if your dog needs to lose significant weight
Pill Pocket Comparison: A Perfect Example
Need to give your dog medication? The choice of pill pocket can make a big difference:
- Regular pill pocket (capsule size): 23 calories
- Duck and Pea flavor pill pocket (tablet size): 8 calories
That’s almost a 3x difference! Little choices like this add up over time.
Healthy Alternatives to Commercial Treats
I’ve started making my own treats to control exactly what goes into them. Some easy ideas:
- Frozen canned pumpkin – Put small dollops on a baking sheet, freeze, then store in a container
- Air-popped popcorn (plain, no salt or butter)
- Ice cubes – Some dogs love them as a zero-calorie “treat”
- Small pieces of cooked chicken breast (no skin or seasonings)
- Homemade dehydrated sweet potato slices
When Treats Are Important: Training Exceptions
During intensive training periods, you might need to use more treats than usual. In these cases:
- Use the smallest possible pieces
- Choose very low-calorie options
- Reduce regular meals accordingly
- Consider using a portion of your dog’s regular kibble as treats
Signs Your Dog May Be Overweight
Not sure if your dog needs to slim down? Look for these signs:
- You can’t easily feel their ribs without pressing hard
- They have no visible waist when viewed from above
- Their belly sags when viewed from the side
- They seem reluctant to exercise or tire quickly
- They have difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
If you notice these signs, it might be time to talk to your vet about a weight management plan.
The Bottom Line: Moderation is Key
Feeding your dog treats in moderation is perfectly fine and can strengthen your bond. However, too many treats or overfeeding can lead to obesity and potential health problems.
Remember, the act of giving treats often means more to your dog than the treats themselves. The attention, love, and interaction are what they truly crave!
I’ve learned that I can show my dog just as much love with a tiny training treat as I can with a big biscuit – and his waistline thanks me for it.
What Works For My Dog
Since cutting back on high-calorie treats and switching to veggies and small portions, my own dog has lost 5 pounds over 6 months. He’s more energetic, happier, and our vet is thrilled with his progress.
It wasn’t easy to break the habit of showing love through food, but seeing him bounce around like a puppy again makes it all worthwhile.
Have you found good low-calorie treats that your dog loves? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Remember: The best treat you can give your dog is a long, healthy life – and that starts with mindful treating and proper nutrition.
Treat Brands to Avoid
When choosing types of treats for your dog, the quality rarely depends just on the brand name. However, some big brands’ most popular products are not the most healthy choices for your dog. For example, Milk-Bone makes biscuits, dental chews, and gnaw bones. All of which have varying levels of low-quality ingredients.
So, before purchasing a package of treats for dogs, no matter the brand, check where the treats were manufactured and packaged. You want to avoid any treats that are imported from China since Chinese-manufactured treats often wind up on the recall lists [4].
What Makes Some Treats “Bad Treats for Dogs”?
If you read your dog’s treat packaging, you will likely notice the feeding instructions will tell you that the product should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s caloric intake [1]. Because treats account for such a small percentage of your dog’s diet, they are not held to as high of a standard as dog food. Some companies take advantage of this and cut corners.
No Fat Dogs! How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
FAQ
Are fats good for dogs?
Fats provide a concentrated source of energy for dogs – 9 calories per gram, compared to just 4 for protein and carbohydrate. Like protein, fats should come from digestible animal sources, though plant oils can be used to ensure the proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Healthy fats also support your dog’s skin and coat.
Are dog treats bad for dogs?
Here are seven interesting trends related to dog treats that are bad for dogs: 1. Artificial Ingredients: Many dog treats on the market contain artificial ingredients such as preservatives, colors, and flavors. These ingredients can be harmful to dogs and can cause a range of health problems, including allergies, digestive issues, and even cancer.
Are dog treats high in sugar?
High Sugar Content: Some dog treats are loaded with sugar, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems in dogs. It’s important for pet owners to check the sugar content of dog treats before giving them to their dogs and opt for treats that are low in sugar or sugar-free. 3.
Can dogs eat xylitol?
Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure in dogs. Pet owners should check the ingredients of dog treats for xylitol and avoid giving their dogs any treats that contain this harmful substance. 7.
Can dogs eat bones?
Bones: Giving dogs bones as treats can be risky, as they can splinter and cause choking, digestive obstructions, and mouth injuries. It’s best for pet owners to avoid giving their dogs bones and opt for safer chew toys instead. 6. Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs.
Do dog treats make dogs gain weight?
Some store-bought dog treats can be very high in calories, so just a few treats can cause weight gain.
What dog treats are fattening?
| Treat/Food | Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Pill Pocket – Duck and Pea | 1 pocket, tablet size | 8 |
| String cheese | 1 stick, 28 g | 90 |
| Bully stick | 6-inch stick | 90 |
| Marrow bone | 100 g 0.5 oz | 786 125 |
Is it okay to give your dog treats every day?
Yes, you can give your dog treats every day — but not just any treat, and certainly not in unlimited amounts! Treats are a great way to show your dog love, reinforce good behaviour, and strengthen your bond. Plus, with the right treats, you can even support your dog’s health and wellbeing. Win-win!
What treats won’t make my dog fat?
Raw vegetables like carrots make a delightfully crunchy, low-calorie, no-fat treat for dogs, although some dogs take a while to warm up to veggies.