Limit Treats: Why Treats and Table Scraps Shouldn’t Exceed 10% of Your Dog’s Daily Calories

 Limit Treats: Why Treats and Table Scraps Shouldn’t Exceed 10% of Your Dog’s Daily Calories

When it comes to spoiling our furry friends, treats and table scraps are often at the top of the list. A little piece of chicken here, a crunchy biscuit there—it all feels harmless. But did you know that treats and extras should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake?

That rule might sound strict, but it’s one of the simplest ways to keep your dog healthy, at a good weight, and nutritionally balanced.

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Why the 10% Rule Matters

Prevents weight gain: Extra calories from treats add up quickly. Even a small dog biscuit can equal the same percentage of calories as a candy bar for us. Over time, this can lead to overweight or obese dogs.

Keeps meals balanced: Your dog’s main meals are carefully formulated to meet their daily nutrient needs. Too many extras can “unbalance” their diet, crowding out essential nutrients.

Avoids bad habits: Feeding scraps from the table encourages begging and can reinforce unwanted behaviors.

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How to Calculate 10% of Calories

To use the 10% rule, start with your dog’s daily calorie needs (which vary based on size, age, and activity level). For example:

A 20 lb (9 kg) dog needs around 600 calories/day.

Treats and extras: no more than 60 calories/day.

A 50 lb (23 kg) dog needs around 1,000 calories/day.

Treats and extras: no more than 100 calories/day.

Check the packaging of store-bought treats for calorie counts. For homemade treats or table scraps, you can often find calorie information online.

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Healthier Treat Options

If you want to keep things healthy, try these low-calorie, dog-safe options:

Carrot sticks (great crunch, low calories)

Blueberries (antioxidant boost, small and sweet)

Green beans (filling and fibrous)

Plain cooked chicken or turkey (lean protein)

Remember to keep pieces small, especially for training rewards, so your dog doesn’t exceed their daily limit.

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What About Table Scraps?

Sharing a bite of your dinner might feel like love, but it’s not always the healthiest choice. Human food can be:

Too high in fat or sodium (think bacon, cheese, gravy)

Dangerous or toxic (like onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes)

Confusing for your dog—they won’t understand why begging sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t.

If you want to share, stick with safe, plain, unseasoned foods like lean meats or steamed veggies—and count them in the 10% total.

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Quick Calorie Reference: Treats & Table Scraps

Food / Treat Portion Size Approx. Calories Notes

Milk-Bone biscuit (small) 1 piece ~20–25 kcal Popular but adds up fast

Milk-Bone biscuit (large) 1 piece ~120 kcal Almost a full meal for a small dog

Training treats (soft, commercial) 1 piece ~3–5 kcal Best choice for frequent rewards

Jerky treat (chicken/beef) 1 strip ~25–35 kcal Check sodium/fat content

Cheese cube (cheddar) 1 cube (1") ~70 kcal High fat—give sparingly

Peanut butter 1 tsp ~90 kcal Avoid brands with xylitol (toxic)

Hot dog (beef/pork) 1 slice (1") ~30–40 kcal Processed, high sodium

Carrot stick 1 medium stick ~4 kcal Crunchy, low-calorie

Green beans (raw/steamed) 1 medium pod ~2 kcal Healthy filler

Blueberries 5 berries ~5 kcal Antioxidant-rich

Apple slice (no seeds) 1 slice (1/8 medium apple) ~8 kcal Safe, sweet option

Plain cooked chicken breast 1 oz (28 g) ~45 kcal Lean protein

Plain cooked salmon 1 oz (28 g) ~50 kcal Healthy fats, protein

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How to Use This Chart

Add up the extras you give your dog each day.

Stop once you’ve hit 10% of their daily calorie allowance.

When in doubt, break treats into smaller pieces—they don’t notice the size, only the reward.

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The Bottom Line

Treats are an important part of bonding, training, and showing love—but moderation is key. By following the 10% rule, you’re not depriving your dog—you’re protecting their health. Remember, your dog’s daily meals are the main event; treats should be the side dish, not the main course.