How Many Treats Can a Small Dog Actually Have?

Treats are how most small dogs get fat, and it happens without anyone noticing. The problem is arithmetic: a treat that is trivial for a Labrador is a significant meal for a 5 kg terrier.

The 10% rule, done properly

The usual guidance is that treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. That sounds generous until you run the numbers for a small dog.

A single medium dental chew can be 70–100 kcal. For a 5 kg dog that is three times the entire daily treat budget, in one item. This is the single most common reason a small dog gains weight on an otherwise sensible diet.

What to do instead of cutting treats out

• Break them up. Most dogs respond to the event of getting a treat, not its size. A treat snapped into quarters works four times.
• Use meal kibble for training. Measure the day's food in the morning and train out of that bowl. Calories stay flat.
• Read the label, not the packet size. Calories per treat are often on the back in small print. If a brand does not publish them, that tells you something.
• Subtract, do not add. A big chew day means a smaller dinner.

The honest caveat

Calorie needs vary a lot with age, neutering, breed and activity. The table above is a starting point, not a prescription. If your dog is gaining weight on what looks like a correct amount, that is a conversation with a vet, not a reason to cut food further on your own.

The TinyPet is a shop, not a veterinary practice. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. For anything medical — especially sudden changes in eating, drinking, toileting or behaviour — see a vet.