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Treats are the currency of dog training — but they are also calorie bombs that can quietly undo a carefully measured diet. A few large biscuits can equal a full meal for a small dog. The good news: you do not have to stop treating. You just need a budget. This guide shows you the 10% rule vets recommend and how to apply it.
Short Answer: Keep treats, dental chews, toppers and table scraps to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories — the guideline used by veterinary nutritionists (WSAVA). For a 40 lb neutered dog eating about 985 kcal a day, that is roughly 100 kcal of treats. Count everything, check treat labels for kcal, and use kibble from meals or low-calorie veg for training.
Last reviewed: 3 November 2026 · The Paw Pilot editorial team
On this page
- The 10% rule, explained
- Treat budget by dog size
- What treats actually contain
- Counting treats in practice
- Training without the calories
- Treats to avoid
- Frequently asked questions
The 10% rule, explained
The rule is simple: at least 90% of daily calories should come from a complete-and-balanced diet, with treats and extras making up no more than 10%. The reason is nutritional, not just about weight — treats are rarely balanced, so when they displace real food, dogs can miss out on essential nutrients. The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines endorse this limit, and it applies to healthy adult dogs of every size.
Treat budget by dog size
Daily calorie needs below assume a neutered adult (see How Much Should I Feed My Dog?). Your dog’s own target may differ — use its daily calories × 0.10.
| Dog’s weight | Daily calories (neutered adult) | Treat budget (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | ~345 kcal | ~35 kcal |
| 20 lb | ~585 kcal | ~60 kcal |
| 30 lb | ~795 kcal | ~80 kcal |
| 40 lb | ~985 kcal | ~100 kcal |
| 50 lb | ~1,165 kcal | ~115 kcal |
| 60 lb | ~1,335 kcal | ~135 kcal |
| 75 lb | ~1,575 kcal | ~160 kcal |
| 100 lb | ~1,960 kcal | ~195 kcal |
Try the Treat Calorie Calculator
Enter your dog’s weight and its favourite treats to see how many fit in the daily budget.
What treats actually contain
Pet treat labels must print calorie content in the US — look for “kcal per treat” or “kcal/kg”. Typical values:
| Treat | Typical calories |
|---|---|
| Small training treat | 3–5 kcal each |
| Medium crunchy biscuit | 25–40 kcal each |
| Large biscuit / cookie | 60–80 kcal each |
| Dental chew (medium) | 50–100 kcal each |
| 6-inch bully stick | ~80–130 kcal |
| Pig ear | ~150–200 kcal each |
| Tablespoon of peanut butter | ~95 kcal |
| Small cube of cheese | ~15 kcal |
| Baby carrot | ~4 kcal |
| Apple slice | ~8 kcal |
Notice the trap: one pig ear can blow a whole day’s treat budget for a medium dog, while a pocketful of training treats or carrot pieces barely registers.
Counting treats in practice
Read the label. Check kcal per treat on everything you buy, including dental chews — they count.
Decide the day’s treats in the morning. Put the day’s allowance in a jar or pouch; when it is empty, treats are done.
Count the sneaky ones. The biscuit from the groomer, the crust from your sandwich, the dental chew at bedtime — they all spend the same budget.
Weigh the difference. If you train heavily on a given day, reduce the evening meal slightly to compensate.
Training without the calories
For heavy training days, measure out part of the day’s kibble ration and use it as treats — it is already in the calorie budget. Break treats into pea-sized pieces: dogs respond to the reward event, not the size. Low-calorie options most dogs love include baby carrots, green beans, apple slices (no seeds), blueberries and small pieces of banana. Reserve high-value treats (cheese, meat) for the hardest behaviours, used sparingly.
Treats to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs and should never be treats: xylitol (birch sugar — found in some sugar-free peanut butters and sweets; even small amounts can be fatal), chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and cooked bones (they splinter). Very fatty treats can trigger pancreatitis, especially in susceptible breeds. When in doubt, check with your vet or an animal poison helpline before sharing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog treats every day?
Yes — daily treats are fine as long as the total stays within 10% of daily calories and the main diet stays complete and balanced.
Do dental chews count as treats?
Yes. A daily dental chew can use half or more of a small dog’s treat budget, so factor it in — or choose a lower-calorie dental option.
What about puppies — same rule?
Yes, the 10% rule applies to puppies too. Use tiny pieces and part of the meal ration for training, since puppies train constantly.
My dog is on a diet. Any treats allowed?
Yes, within the (smaller) 10% allowance. Kibble from the measured meals, carrot pieces and green beans are the dieter’s best friends.
How many biscuits is that, exactly?
Do the maths on your treat’s label: divide your dog’s treat budget by the kcal per treat. A 40 lb dog with a 100 kcal budget gets about three 30 kcal biscuits — or twenty 5 kcal training treats.
Related guides
- How Old Is My Dog in Human Years?
- How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
- How Much Should I Feed My Cat?
- Is My Dog Overweight?
- Is My Cat Overweight?
- How Much Does a Puppy Cost the First Year?
- How Much Does a Kitten Cost the First Year?
- How Many Treats Can My Dog Have a Day?
- How to Read a Pet Food Label
- How to Switch Your Pet’s Food Safely
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a health condition, food allergies or needs to lose weight, ask your veterinarian about suitable treats and portions.