Treats

Are You Feeding Your Dog the Wrong Treats?

Most dog owners love to give their pets the occasional treat—and who can resist those pleading eyes? But feeding the wrong kind of treats too often can lead to serious health issues, including obesity and digestive problems.

Why Human Food Isn’t Always a Treat

What we consider a small titbit or table scrap can be a calorie-heavy indulgence for a dog—regardless of their size. These extras often come on top of a complete, balanced diet, meaning your dog ends up consuming more calories than they need.

Additionally, many types of human food can interfere with the nutritional balance of a dog’s diet, leading to digestive discomfort and long-term health problems.

High-Calorie Treats You Might Be Feeding Without Realising

We’ve compiled a list of common treats dog owners give their pets—and the average number of calories in each:

• 1 slice of cheddar cheese – 113 calories
• 85g of meat trimmings – 177 calories
• 1 large scrambled egg (plain) – 91 calories
• Buttered toast crust – 70 calories
• 1 plain digestive biscuit – 71 calories
• 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter – 188 calories
• 1 pig’s ear – 184 calories

As you can see, even small portions can quickly add up, especially when fed alongside your dog’s regular meals.

Healthier Treat Alternatives for Dogs

If you’d still like to reward your dog with a treat now and then, there are plenty of healthier, low-calorie options they’ll enjoy just as much. Here’s how they compare:

• Natural Dog Food Treats– 380 calories per 100g
• 1 medium carrot – 25 calories
• 1 broccoli stalk – 11 calories
• 30g cooked salmon – 33 calories
• 30g cooked chicken breast – 41 calories
• 1 raw chicken wing – 43 calories
• 50g of apple (core removed) – 26 calories

These healthier treats are much lower in calories and provide natural nutrients your dog can benefit from.

Don’t Forget to Adjust Their Daily Food Intake

Even healthy treats should be factored into your dog’s daily food allowance. For example, Natural Dog Food Company treats can make up to 10% of your dog’s daily intake—but their regular kibble should be reduced accordingly to avoid overfeeding. Click here for more information!

Bottom Line: Treats should be just that—occasional extras, not everyday add-ons. Choose wisely, and your dog will stay happy, healthy, and at their ideal weight.

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