At Doggie Bakery, we believe in spoiling your pups the right way—with delicious, wholesome treats made from ingredients you can trust. But even the best treats are best enjoyed in moderation. So, how many treats should you give your dog each day?
Let’s break it down!
Treats Shouldn't Replace Meals
Treats are a fun way to reward good behavior, reinforce training, or just show a little love. But they should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from a well-balanced, nutritionally complete dog food.
Quick Rule of Paw:
Treats = 10% of Daily Calorie Intake
For example, if your dog needs 500 calories a day, no more than 50 calories should come from treats.
How Many Treats Does That Actually Mean?
Here’s a rough guide based on dog size and average treat calories:
| Dog Size | Daily Calories | Max Treat Calories | Approx. Treats/Day (Doggie Bakery) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lbs) | ~200–275 kcal | ~20–27 kcal | 1–2 mini treats |
| Medium (30–50 lbs) | ~700–900 kcal | ~70–90 kcal | 2–3 small treats |
| Large (70+ lbs) | ~1,200–1,500 kcal | ~120–150 kcal | 3–5 regular treats |
(This depends on treat size—always check the label!)
Age, Activity, and Health Matter
Keep in mind:
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Puppies need more calories but have sensitive stomachs—go easy on extras.
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Senior dogs may need fewer calories overall.
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Active dogs can usually handle more treats than couch potatoes.
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Dogs with health issues (like diabetes or obesity) may need vet-approved treat plans.
Use Treats as Tools, Not Snacks
Treats are most effective when used for:
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Positive reinforcement during training
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Encouraging good behavior (like calm crate time or quiet leash walking)
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Celebrating milestones (birthdays, grooming sessions, etc.)
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Rather than offering a handful of store-bought junk, choose premium, limited-ingredient options like those from Doggie Bakery. Our treats are:
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Made in small batches
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Free from fillers and artificial additives
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Full of tail-wagging flavor and texture
Final Thought: Let Love Guide You (But Don’t Overdo It)
Giving your dog a treat is one of life’s simplest joys, but a healthy dog is a happy dog. Stick to the 10% rule, choose high-quality treats, and when in doubt, ask your vet.
Looking for treats you can feel good about?
Explore our Doggie Bakery Treat Collection and find your pup’s next favorite snack.