Dog treats play an important role in our dogs’ lives. They help with training, reinforce good behaviour, support dental health, and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. However, treats are also one of the most common sources of overfeeding. A disproportionate level of treating will lead to not only an energy imbalance but will also lead to a nutrient imbalance.

Treating responsibly isn’t about avoiding treats altogether. It’s about choosing the right treats, giving the right amount, and understanding how treats fit into your dog’s overall diet and health. Here’s what every dog owner should know about dog treats.

What Does “Treating Responsibly” Mean?

Responsible treating means using treats intentionally, safely, and in moderation. Treats should complement your dog’s regular diet, not replace balanced meals or add unnecessary calories, sugar, or artificial ingredients.

A responsible approach considers:

• How much you give
• What the treat is made of
• Why you’re giving it
• Who you’re giving it to (age, size, health condition)

When treats are used thoughtfully, they can support training, enrichment, and wellbeing rather than undermine your dog’s health.

How Much Treats Should You Give Your Dog?

One of the most important rules of responsible treating is quantity.

The 10% Rule

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, with the remaining 90% coming from a complete and balanced diet. Many owners unintentionally exceed this limit, especially during training sessions, family gatherings, or when multiple people in the household give treats.

Adjust Meals if Needed

It’s best to follow the 10% rule whenever possible. On occasional days when your dog receives more treats than usual, you may slightly reduce their meal portion to help maintain calorie balance, particularly for dogs prone to weight gain. This should not become a regular practice, as treats are not nutritionally complete and should never replace balanced meals on an ongoing basis.

Watch for “Invisible Treats”

Table scraps, dental chews, chew sticks, and even some supplements count as treats. These calories add up quickly.

Treating Safety: What to Watch Out For

Not all treats are safe, even if they’re marketed for dogs.

Choking Hazards

• Avoid treats that are too hard, too large, or splinter easily
• Always supervise your dog when giving chews or long-lasting treats
• Choose size-appropriate treats for your dog’s breed and jaw strength

Toxic Ingredients

Never give treats, especially human food, containing:

• Xylitol (a common sweetener)
• Chocolate Grapes or raisins
• Onions or garlic in high concentrations
• Excessive salt or sugar

Food Sensitivities & Allergies

Some dogs are sensitive to common proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy. Signs of intolerance may include:

• Itching or ear infections
• Digestive upset
• Loose stools or vomiting

If your dog has known sensitivities, select single-ingredient or limited-ingredient treats. 

How to Select Good Dog Treats

Choosing high-quality treats is key to responsible treating.

Look for Simple, Recognisable Ingredients

Good treats should list real food ingredients you recognise, such as:

• Single animal proteins (e.g. duck, salmon, lamb)
• Whole foods like sweet potato or pumpkin
• Minimal processing

The shorter and clearer the ingredient list, the better. 

Avoid Artificial Additives

Steer clear of treats with:

• Artificial colours
• Artificial flavours 
• Chemical preservatives
• Excessive fillers

These ingredients offer little nutritional value and may contribute to allergies and long-term health issues.

Choose Treats with a Purpose

Treats don’t have to be empty calories. Some treats are designed to be “functional”, providing health benefits like:

• Support dental health
• Provide joint support
• Aid digestion
• Deliver functional nutrients

While treats shouldn’t replace supplements or proper nutrition, functional treats can offer added benefits when chosen wisely.

Consider Your Dog’s Life Stage and Health

Responsible treating means tailoring treats to your individual dog.

Puppies

• Use softer, easy-to-chew treats
• Keep treats small to avoid choking or overeating, especially during training
• Avoid overly rich or hard treats that may upset digestion or damage teeth
• Small pieces of freeze-dried training treats like the WildChow Freeze Dried Dog Treats (Pork Training Bites) are perfect for puppies. If you have a miniature breed, break them further into tiny pieces.

Adult Dogs

• Focus on balanced, low-calorie treats
• Rotate proteins to avoid developing sensitivities
• Avoid over-treating sedentary dogs
• Freeze-dried or dehydrated treats like The Barkery Dehydrated Pig Ear Dog Treats are great for adult dogs as a natural chew that promotes dental health (scraping plaque/tartar), offers mental stimulation, and provides protein and joint-supporting glucosamine/chondroitin. However, they are high in fat and calories, requiring moderation. Always supervise your dog with chews like pig ears to prevent choking or obstructions from large pieces, especially for "gulpers".

Senior Dogs

• Choose softer treats for aging teeth
• Look for treats that support joints, cognition, or digestion 
• Monitor weight closely, as metabolism slows with age
• For the aging dog, select a functional treat like this Australian pet organics (Hip & Joint) Certified Organic Dog Treats for additional health support.

All Life Stage

You may also consider these functional treats, made as super nutrient boosters and suitable for dogs of all life stages.

• Small Batch Super Booster Freeze-Dried Meal Topper & Treat for Dogs & Cats (Chicken Bites). This super booster uses only premium whole food ingredients and is naturally formulated with probiotics for gut health support. 
• K9 Natural Freeze Dried Beef Topper Dog Food. This functional product is made with free-range New Zealand beef, specially formulated to be 100% complete and balanced nutritionally, and can be fed as a treat or as a meal topper.

Dogs with Medical Conditions

Dogs with obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, or kidney disease require extra caution. In these cases:

• Always consult your vet before introducing new treats
• Opt for low-fat, low-calorie, or condition-specific options
• In some cases, using part of their regular food as treats may be safer

Treats and Training: Smarter Use, Not More Treats

Treats are powerful training tools, but more isn’t always better.

Keep Treats Small

During training, use pea-sized treats or break larger treats into tiny pieces. Your dog values frequency more than size.

Mix Treats with Praise

Gradually pair treats with verbal praise or affection so your dog doesn’t rely solely on food rewards.

Avoid Treat Dependence

As behaviours become consistent, slowly reduce treat frequency and switch to intermittent rewards.

Homemade vs Commercial Treats

Homemade treats can be a great option if done correctly.

Pros of Homemade Treats

• Full control over ingredients
• Useful for dogs with allergies
• Often more cost-effective

Cons of Homemade Treats

• Requires time to prepare
• Requires safe food handling
• Potentially, shorter shelf life

If making treats at home, stick to simple recipes using dog-safe ingredients and avoid adding salt, sugar, or seasoning.

Responsible Treating Is About Balance

Dog treats should be enjoyable, safe, and supportive of your dog’s overall health, not a source of guilt or hidden health problems. Remember that treats are made for occasional consumption; they don’t typically contain all the nutrients your pet needs for a healthy life.

So, treat responsibly by:

• Limiting treats to 10% of daily calories
• Choosing high-quality, safe ingredients
• Matching treats to your dog’s size, age, and health
• Using treats intentionally rather than habitually

When used wisely, treats become more than just snacks. They become tools for training, bonding, and supporting a healthier, happier dog.

KATHERINE KHOO

Katherine is a Pet Nutrition Specialist and GDP’s Pet Wellness Advisor. She is committed to helping pet owners make informed dietary and lifestyle choices in nurturing healthy pets. Katherine is also a practicing Nutritional Therapist (human nutrition) and has been helping hundreds of clients to heal naturally with nutrients.