How many treats per day?

The 10% rule

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Merck Veterinary Manual agree: all treats together under 10% of calories. Most treats aren’t complete and balanced food, so they lack nutrients.

Everything except the main food counts: snacks, chews, cheese cubes, food used to hide pills, and table scraps.

How much that is

• A 10-lb dog: about 35 kcal
• A 25-lb dog: about 69 kcal
• A 50-lb dog: about 116 kcal
• A 70-lb dog: about 150 kcal
• A 7-lb cat: about 20 kcal
• A 9-lb cat: about 24 kcal
• An 11-lb cat: about 28 kcal

Calculated for spayed or neutered pets with normal activity. The food calculator shows the number for your pet under “Treats up to”.

What’s in a treat

One ounce of cheddar has about 120 kcal, a tablespoon of peanut butter about 81 kcal and an ounce of chicken breast about 47 kcal. For a 9-lb cat, one piece of cheese is five times the daily treat budget; for a 22-lb dog, it’s almost twice.

Making it work day to day

• Fruit and vegetables such as apple, carrot or melon are low in calories. Check first that they’re okay for your pet.
• On days with lots of treats, make the meals a little smaller.
• Begging is often about attention. Playing or petting works too.
• If the calories aren’t on the bag, ask the manufacturer.

Some sources allow more

For cats, Cornell University and the UK charity PDSA allow up to 10–15%. Portiopet uses 10%, the cautious limit.