How Many Dog Treats Per Day? A Guide to Air-Dried Treats

How Many Dog Treats Per Day? A Guide to Air-Dried Treats

How Many Air-Dried Dog Treats Should Your Dog Get Each Day?

Every dog has a craving. Whether it's a little reward after a walk, a tasty training treat, or something special just because they're adorable, treats are one of the best ways to make your pup's day.

But how many treats should your dog actually get each day?

The answer isn't the same for every dog. Your dog's size, weight, daily food intake, activity level, individual dietary needs, and the type of treat all play a role. Even the size of each treat matters!

The good news? With a little planning, you can keep treat time enjoyable while making sure those extra goodies fit into your dog's daily feeding routine.

Start With Your Dog, Not the Treat Bag

Before deciding how many treats to give, take a look at your dog's entire day.

Consider:

  • Size and weight: Smaller dogs generally have different daily calorie needs than larger breeds.
  • Daily meals: Treats should be accounted for alongside your dog's regular food.
  • Activity level: Your dog's overall routine and energy needs are important when planning daily portions.
  • Other rewards: Training treats, table scraps, dental chews, and goodies from other family members all count!
  • Individual needs: Puppies, senior dogs, dogs with food sensitivities, and pups managing their weight may need a more individualized feeding plan.

Remember, two dogs weighing exactly the same amount can have very different nutritional needs. When in doubt, your veterinarian is the best person to help determine an appropriate daily treat allowance.

A Little Treat Can Go a Long Way

One of the biggest mistakes dog parents make is thinking in terms of the number of treats rather than the amount being given.

Think about it: A tiny piece of chicken used during training is very different from handing your dog an entire beef fillet!

Air-dried treats come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and weights. Some can easily be broken into smaller reward-sized pieces, while others are better suited for a longer-lasting treat experience.

A few helpful tips:

  1. Check the packaging. Look for feeding directions and calorie information for the specific treat you're giving.
  2. Plan ahead. Determine an appropriate daily treat portion with your veterinarian, taking your dog's regular meals and other rewards into account.
  3. Break it up when appropriate. Many air-dried treats can be divided into smaller pieces, making them great for training or rewarding good behavior.
  4. Keep everyone on the same page. Make sure everyone in the household knows how many treats your pup has already received. Those extra treats from Grandma count, too!
  5. Adjust when needed. If your dog's weight, regular food, or activity level changes, revisit the feeding plan with your veterinarian.

And remember, not all treats are created equal. A piece of chicken, beef, duck, or fish can have very different calorie content. Never assume that one piece of one protein is nutritionally equivalent to another.

Why Air-Dried, Single-Ingredient Treats Are a Great Choice

When choosing treats for your dog, ingredients matter.

At Canine Cravers, we believe dogs deserve treats made with simple, recognizable ingredients. That's why our collection focuses on handcrafted, single-ingredient treats that are responsibly sourced and gently air-dried.

No unnecessary fillers. No complicated ingredient lists. Just delicious treats made with one simple ingredient.

Whether your pup goes crazy for chicken, beef, duck, lamb, turkey, or fish, there's something to satisfy just about every craving.

Explore some of our favorites:

Of course, even single-ingredient treats need to be portioned appropriately. Always check the product information and consider your dog's individual dietary needs.

Don't Forget: Supervision Matters!

Treat time should always be a happy experience!

Always supervise your dog while enjoying treats. Choose pieces that are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits, follow the package's feeding and storage instructions, and make sure fresh, clean water is available.

If a treat is particularly large or firm, consider whether it is appropriate for your individual dog before offering it.

So, How Many Treats Should Your Dog Get Each Day?

The best answer is the amount that fits comfortably into your dog's individual daily feeding plan.

Rather than counting treats alone, consider the size of each piece, its calorie content, your dog's regular meals, and all the other goodies they receive throughout the day.

Because at the end of the day, treat time isn't about giving your dog the most treats. It's about making every reward count!

When those rewards are made with simple, delicious ingredients, you can feel good about giving your pup something worth getting excited about.

Every dog has a craving. We've got the cure.

#CUREFORTHECRAVE


Veterinary Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary advice or a personalized feeding recommendation. Every dog has unique nutritional needs. Consult your veterinarian to determine appropriate daily treat portions and whether a particular treat is suitable for your dog.

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