Are You Over-Treating? A Guide to Healthy Portions for Your Dog

We all love to see our dogs' eyes light up at the sound of a treat bag. Rewarding them is one of the great joys of pet ownership. But in our love, it's easy to accidentally cross the line from "reward" to "over-treating," which can quietly impact their health.

The good news? With a few simple guidelines and the right treat choices, you can spoil your pup and keep them healthy. Let's talk about balance.

The 10% Rule: The Golden Guideline

Veterinary nutritionists commonly recommend that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The other 90% should come from their complete and balanced main meals.

• Why it matters: Even a few extra treats a day can lead to weight gain over time, stressing joints, impacting energy levels, and increasing disease risk.

• How to calculate it:

  1. Find your dog's daily calorie needs (your vet can help, or use an online calculator based on weight, age, and activity level).

  2. Take 10% of that number. That's your daily "treat budget."

  3. Check the treat's calories. Our Salmon Sweet Potato Delight treats, for example, are roughly X calories per piece (you would add this detail).

The Hidden Calorie Culprits: It's Not Just About Size

A tiny piece of cheese or a lick of peanut butter can pack a caloric punch. This is where the ingredient quality of your treats becomes a double advantage.

• Low-Value Treats: Often filled with empty carbs and fats, they deliver calories without satiety or nutrition.

• High-Value, Nutrient-Dense Treats: Like our Blueberry Delight or Apple Kale Delight, they provide beneficial nutrients (antioxidants, vitamins) within those calories. You're getting more "health per calorie."

Smart Strategies for Treating Without Overdoing It

1. Choose "Training-Sized" Treats
   This is where our baked treats shine. Their crunchy texture allows them to be easily broken into tiny, pea-sized pieces. One regular treat can become 5-10 rewards for a training session, stretching your treat budget without reducing the frequency of praise.

"We bake our treats to be broken. That satisfying crunch is designed for portion control, letting you reward the behavior without worrying about the waistline." – The Duke's Delights Team

2. Use Their Regular Kibble
For everyday reinforcement or basic training, use a portion of your dog's daily kibble allowance as "treats." This keeps their overall diet perfectly balanced.

3. Factor Treats Into Meal Portions
If you know it's a big training day or a special occasion, slightly reduce the portion of their next meal to account for the extra treats. This requires knowing the approximate calories you've given.

4. Embrace Non-Food Rewards
Never underestimate the power of praise, a favorite toy, or a good belly rub! Mixing in these rewards reduces reliance on food.

Signs You Might Be Over-Treating

• Weight Gain: The most obvious sign. Can you easily feel their ribs?

• Ignoring Meals: If they're holding out for better "offerings" later.

• Digestive Issues: Too many rich treats can upset sensitive stomachs.

The Duke's Delights Advantage: Quality You Can Trust in Small Doses

Because our treats are made with simple, whole-food ingredients, you can feel confident that even within a limited portion, you're delivering meaningful nutrition. It's the difference between giving your dog a piece of candy and a piece of fruit.

Ready to treat smarter? Choose treats designed for it.

Shop our full range of baked delights—perfect for breaking into healthy, training-sized pieces.

Still unsure about your dog's ideal diet? Your veterinarian is the best source for a personalized nutrition plan.