Too much of a good thing: why you don’t want to overuse treats

October 30, 2020

Your dog has to deserve it! The purpose of treats is to reward your pet—not stuff its face!


Besides keeping track of which treats are okay to feed your pooch and which are the canine equivalent of junk food, you also have to be sure not to give treats abusively. Treats must serve a purpose, and be given to encourage a particular behaviour, or to congratulate your pet. That means choosing the right moment to give them. Also, never forget that treats don’t constitute a full meal! They should make up no more than 10% to 20% of your animal’s daily food intake. 

So when exactly is the right moment to treat your furry friend? When training her, and when she behaves properly. Here are the best times. 

Between meals
So that you don’t overfeed your dog just before mealtime, be sure to give her treats when she earns them, between meals. That means no training right before she eats. Plan your activities properly so that treats are meaningful and given at the right time. 

As a reward for obeying
Treats are useful for making your dog understand that he has behaved properly. For example, if you ask him firmly to go lie down on her blanket and he obeys, you can reward him with his favourite goodie. In short, a treat can help you show your dog who’s boss. 

When you want to spoil them (just a little!)
Of course, we all love to spoil our pets, because we love them so much. So while treats shouldn’t be given for no reason or too often, you can still surprise your dog every so often and show her you love her with an unexpected delicacy. 

Whichever method you choose, your dog needs to understand that treats happen when he’s well behaved. You need to make sure he acknowledges you as the master and understands that he doesn’t get to have the last word. Also, make sure to choose treats that are good for your pet’s health. Ask your vet for advice! 

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