The Scoop on Dog Treats: How Many is Too Many? Expert Recommendations for a Happy and Healthy Pup
If you’re wondering how many dog treats per day is okay, the answer is simple: as many as your dog can have without gaining weight. While many dog owners give their pups treats simply because they love them, it’s important to remember that treats are meant to be a special occasion, not a daily occurrence. If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight, speak to your veterinarian about how many treats per day are appropriate for your specific pet.
Best 10 How Many Dog Treats Per Day
How Many Dog Treats Should You Give Your Dog?
The amount of treats you can give your dog depends on several factors, including your dog’s weight, whether they have any health issues and the ingredients in the treats themselves. On average, though, many veterinarians recommend giving a dog no more than 10 percent of their daily calories as treats.
If your dog has a health condition like heart disease, kidney or liver disease, digestive problems, or obesity, you should talk to your vet about which treats are safe for your pup. Some dogs who are on special diets due to health issues are limited in the snacks they can eat. Your vet can advise you on which treats are safe and which ones you should avoid.
Related Post: Pamper Your Pooch with the Best CBD Dog Treats on Amazon: A Comprehensive GuideThings to Consider When Choosing Dog Treats
Dogs need to be fed twice a day but how many dog treats you give them depends on their size. Small dogs like Beagles and Cocker Spaniels need only 10 to 20 small treats a day, while large dogs like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds can have up to three or four large treats a day.
Treats shouldn’t make up more than 5% of your dog’s diet though. This means you can feed your dog up to half a cup of dog treats a day. If you have a small dog, make sure the treats you give them are small and limited to that daily half cup.
Overfeeding your dog can lead to obesity, and obesity comes with a host of health problems. Limiting the number of dog treats you give your dog to the recommended amount will help keep your dog healthy.
Not all dog treats are the same. The amount of calories, protein, and fat vary in different dog treats. As a rule, the more calories your dog treats have, the less you should give them. If you’re not sure how many calories the dog treats you’re giving you dog have, check the label on the bag.
Related Post: Indulge Your Furry Friend with the Best Get Naked Dog Treats: A Guide to Premium, Natural Treats for Your PupA good rule of thumb is the fewer ingredients, the better. You also want to stay away from anything too processed.
Natural Treats for Dogs
1. Coconut
Coconut is a healthy fat source for humans as well as dogs. It’s a good snack, as long as you don’t overdo it. Coconut is rich in fiber, which is good for canines’ digestive systems. But too much fiber may cause them to feel stuffed or even gassy. You can also use coconut oil as a moisturizer on your dog’s dry skin.
2. Apples
Apples are a good source of vitamins A and C and contain lots of great fiber for your pup. But avoid giving your dog a slice of apple each day. This fruit is high in sugar and can cause upset stomachs in some dogs.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are a great source of fiber and phytochemicals for your dog. They also contain antioxidants, which can help keep older dogs alert.
4. Peanut butter
Peanut butter is full of heart-healthy fats, niacin, vitamins B and E, and even protein. But make sure you read the ingredients first to make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
5. Watermelon
Watermelon is 92% water. It is a good source of vitamin A and C and also contains magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber.
6. Pumpkin
Pumpkin can be used as a remedy for constipation and diarrhea. It’s also a great source of fiber, which can help treat digestive problems.
7. Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They also have fiber, which can help if your dog is having gastrointestinal problems, and Magnesium, which promotes bone growth and helps the body produce protein.
8. Beef
Beef is a good source of protein and lots of other nutrients for your dog. It’s also a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote healthy joints.
9. Salmon
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is good for skin and coat health. It also contains lots of vitamin B12 and potassium, and it’s a healthy protein option.
10. Pork
Pork is a good source of protein for your dog. Pork is also a good source of nutrients like thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and phosphorus.
11. Peas
Green peas are a good source of plant-based protein for your dog. They’re also a great source of vitamins C and K, iron, and fiber.
12. Chicken
Chicken is a great source of protein for dogs. Make sure you cook it without any seasonings or added ingredients.
13. Yogurt
Plain yogurt is a great source of calcium, potassium, and protein for dogs. It also contains probiotics, which can be good for your pup’s digestion.
14. Applesauce
Applesauce is a great sweet treat for your dog. It’s also a good source of fiber and vitamin C for your dog.
15. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and beta-carotene for your dog. Sweet potatoes are also low in fat, making them a better option than regular potatoes
Healthy Dog Treats
It is hard to know how many treats are too many for a dog, and the amount will vary based on the size of your pet. On average, a healthy dog can be given up to two treats per day, but this is only a rough estimate. In general, a well-balanced treat should provide no more than 10% of the dog’s calories. Smaller dogs may only be able to have one treat per day while larger dogs may need to have two or more.
Examine the dog treat label to know exactly how many calories are in each treat. It may be tempting to share your own food with your pup, but you should only give them dog treats. Human food can cause digestive problems or weight gain for your dog.
This chart gives you an idea of how much you should feed your dog based on their weight. It is based on general recommendations from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) and your dog’s individual needs may be different. If your dog is overweight or obese, you should consult your veterinarian for the ideal amount of calories to feed your dog each day.
Recommended Article: Dollar General Dog Treats
How to Give Treats to Your Dog Safely
You can give your dog treats anytime, but the question is how many? The answer depends on a number of factors including your dogs size, age, and health, plus the quality and amount of food they eat every day.
