Let’s be honest – it’s hard to resist those puppy eyes. Whether it’s a perfect sit, a calm moment on the lead or just that adorable head tilt, giving your dog a treat feels good for both of you. But how many treats are too many?
We believe treats should be a joyful part of your dog’s day – not a guilty one. So, here’s how to strike the perfect balance between rewarding your best friend and keeping them healthy.
Treats: More Than Just Snacks
Treats do more than fill bellies – they connect actions to emotions.
Each reward tells your dog “Yes, that’s exactly what I wanted!” or “Keep it up, you’re doing amazing.” They’re tiny teaching tools wrapped up in deliciousness.
Used thoughtfully, treats help with training, build confidence and strengthen your bond. The key is to make every treat count – choosing high-quality, natural options that support your dog’s wellbeing.
(Hint: Pop a few Buddylicious Wild Boar Cubes or Serrano Treats in your pocket before your next walk – they’re clean, easy to carry and irresistible for on-the-go rewards.)
So, How Many Treats Are Too Many?
A good rule of paw: treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
That means if your dog eats 500 calories a day, around 50 calories can come from treats. Of course, every dog is different – age, weight, activity level and metabolism all play a role.
You can balance things out by adjusting meal portions slightly if you’ve done extra training or had a treat-heavy adventure day.
Use Treats with Purpose
Not every moment needs a treat (though your dog might disagree). Reserve them for:
• Training sessions – to reinforce good habits and new commands.
• Calm behaviour – like relaxing quietly while you have dinner.
• Special moments – adventures, birthdays or a “just because” reward after a long walk.
That way, your dog learns that treats are earned and meaningful, not just handed out for existing (adorable as they are).
Quality Over Quantity
If you’re giving fewer treats, make sure they’re the good stuff. Look for:
✅ Natural ingredients
✅ High protein content
✅ No artificial additives or fillers
Natural treats like Buddylicious Chicken Strips or Wild Deer Cubes are packed with real meat – meaning your dog gets a flavour-packed, nutritious reward without unnecessary extras.
Buddylicious Treat Tip
Break larger treats into smaller pieces during training. You’ll stretch out your supply, keep your dog focused for longer and avoid overfeeding. (They won’t even notice the difference – I promise.)
Final Thoughts: Smart Treating for Strong Bonds and Better Health
Treats are a beautiful way to show love, build trust and celebrate everyday wins. The trick is finding that sweet spot between indulgence and balance.
So next time those puppy eyes lock onto yours, remember: it’s not about how many treats you give – it’s about making each one count.
Choose natural. Choose mindful. Choose Buddylicious.
That’s the Buddylicious way – Because every wag deserves something delicious.
