Treats are powerful training tools and bonding moments. They can also be calorie bombs. Here's the guide.

The 10% rule

Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories. For a 1000-cal dog: max 100 cal of treats. Most treats are 25–50 cal each, so 2–4 treats max.

Healthy commercial treats

Look for:

  • Single-protein options.
  • 5 or fewer ingredients.
  • Real meat as first ingredient.
  • No artificial preservatives.
  • Low calorie per piece for training.

Recommended: Zuke's Mini Naturals, Stewart Pro-Treat, Wellness Core Bites, Old Mother Hubbard.

Dog-safe human foods

Vegetables: carrots, green beans, cucumber, sweet potato (cooked), pumpkin (canned plain).

Fruits: blueberries, apples (no seeds/core), bananas (small amounts), watermelon (no seeds/rind), strawberries.

Proteins: plain cooked chicken, turkey, eggs, lean beef, cottage cheese (small amounts).

Foods toxic to dogs (NEVER feed)

Chocolate. Theobromine highly toxic. Dark worse than milk.

Grapes and raisins. Acute kidney failure. No safe amount.

Onions and garlic. Damage red blood cells. All forms toxic.

Xylitol. Massive insulin release → fatal hypoglycemia. In: sugar-free gum, some peanut butter, sugar-free candy.

Macadamia nuts. Cause weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia.

Avocado. Persin toxic. Pit choking hazard.

Caffeine. Coffee, tea, energy drinks.

Alcohol. Even small amounts.

Cooked bones. Splinter and cause GI obstruction.

Yeast dough (raw). Expands in stomach; produces alcohol.

Salt (excessive). Salt poisoning.

Fat trimmings. Cause pancreatitis.

Foods safe but problematic

  • Cheese: high fat. Some dogs lactose intolerant.
  • Peanut butter: safe (without xylitol). High calorie.
  • Bread: not toxic but empty calories.
  • Wild mushrooms: dangerous.

Training treats

For active training: under 10 cal each, easy to chew, smelly enough to motivate, soft.

Long-lasting chews

  • Bully sticks: long-lasting, high protein. 80–100 cal each.
  • Yak chews: very hard, long-lasting.
  • Antlers: very hard but tooth fracture risk.
  • Frozen Kong with peanut butter.
  • Pig ears: high fat. Limit.

Always supervise.

What about rawhide?

Controversial. Choking, obstruction, chemical processing concerns. Many vets advise against. Yak chews and bully sticks safer.

Homemade treats

Easy options: frozen banana slices, frozen blueberries, plain cooked chicken pieces, carrot sticks, apple slices.

Treat schedule

  • Use treats for purposes (training, after walks).
  • Vary intensity (small for sit, bigger for harder commands).
  • End sessions on positive note.

Calculate calories

Our dog treat calorie calculator applies the 10% rule. Enter daily calorie target and treat calories per piece.