Too many treats for dogs means exceeding the 10% rule, where treats shouldn't be more than 10% of their daily calories, to prevent obesity, nutrient imbalances, and digestive issues like diarrhea from fillers, requiring adjustments for size, age, activity level, and existing health conditions. Overdoing treats can lead to weight gain and health problems, so moderation and choosing healthy, low-calorie options are key.
As a rule of thumb, you want to keep treats capped at 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Overdoing it could lead to tummy issues (and messy stools) in the short run, and weight gain in the long term.
Overdoing treats can result in: Weight gain: Extra treats mean extra calories. Digestive upset: Too many snacks can overwhelm your dog's system, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, or flatulence. Nutrient imbalance: Treats are not designed to be nutritionally complete.
Short answer: Occasional, small treats ``for no reason'' are not harmful for most healthy dogs, but frequent unearned treats can cause weight gain, reinforce attention-seeking or begging, and obscure training. Manage treats deliberately to protect health and behavior.
The number of treats, including high reward dog treats, should not exceed 10 percent of a dog's total daily calories. High-value dog treats are typically higher in calories, so they should be given sparingly. Depending on your dog's size, one or two high-value treats should be the maximum.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Although a few treats a day are harmless, too many dog treats per day can lead to severe consequences on their health, such as stomach issues and messy stools in the short term, and extreme weight gain and obesity in the long term.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means that 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, chews, and table scraps, preventing weight gain and ensuring proper nutrition. This guideline helps owners manage treat portions, preventing unbalanced diets and health issues like obesity, joint problems, and diabetes, as treats can be surprisingly high in calories, even healthy ones.
The healthiest dog treats are natural, single-ingredient options like air-dried lean meats (kangaroo, chicken, beef liver) or fish, or homemade options like boiled eggs and certain fresh veggies, focusing on high protein and low fat while avoiding artificial additives, fillers, and sugars; dental chews are great for teeth but watch calories, with overall treats kept to 10% of daily intake.
Dogs may not be able to count to 10, but even the untrained ones have a rough sense of how many treats you put in their food bowl. That's the finding of a new study, which reveals that our canine pals innately understand quantities in much the same way we do.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
Toxicity in dogs can show up anywhere from minutes to several days or even months after exposure, depending entirely on the substance; some toxins (like alcohol or certain pesticides) are rapid, causing symptoms like drooling or seizures quickly, while others (like some rat poisons) cause delayed internal bleeding over days, requiring immediate veterinary attention even if the dog seems fine. Always contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if you suspect poisoning, even without symptoms.
On the other hand, feeding your dog human foods, like sugary snacks, can make them hyperactive. The preservatives, sugar and artificial colours in human food can lead to excessive energy levels, fidgeting, and short attention spans.
In fact, many dogs will keep eating as long as you continue to hand out delicious little morsels of food. Yet, overconsumption of treats can lead to an upset stomach, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, or just overall lethargy. (Think: that feeling you get after leaving an all-you-can-eat buffet.)
Toxic dog treats include those with xylitol, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions/garlic, and avocado, which cause severe organ damage or other serious issues, while low-quality commercial treats often contain harmful fillers like excessive corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors (like Red 40), and preservatives (BHA, BHT) that can be bad for health. Cooked bones, rawhide, and moldy foods are also dangerous, with some big brands like Milk-Bone and Pedigree sometimes containing these problematic ingredients or being recalled.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete, balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, training rewards, and any extra human foods or toppers, preventing nutritional imbalances and obesity. This guideline ensures essential vitamins and minerals are met through their main diet, keeping treats as occasional indulgences rather than dietary staples.
The top 10 fruit and veggie treats for dogs – and some to avoid
The bottom line
Most adult dogs can hold their pee for about 8 hours if necessary. But it's best to give dogs bathroom breaks about every 4 hours if possible. Providing regular opportunities for your dog to pee instead of asking them to hold their pee for long periods is important to their health.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest dog food, as the best choice depends on your dog's age, breed, and health; however, look for foods meeting AAFCO standards (Association of American Feed Control Officials), with real meat as the first ingredient, and vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are often cited for balanced nutrition. Freshly prepared or raw diets can also be healthy but carry risks, so always consult your vet.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Giving your dog treats isn't just about feeding them—it's a way to connect and show love. When you offer a treat, your dog sees it as a sign of care and affection. Over time, this creates trust and loyalty, strengthening the bond you share.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
A common rule of thumb is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily diet. While that seems easy enough, there's more to it than simple math. First, you need to calculate your pet's daily caloric need — the number of calories they need to support their body's energy demand to maintain their weight.