If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t resist giving your pet a little something extra now and then. Those hopeful eyes, the wagging tail, or the way a cat will wind themselves around your legs—it’s almost impossible to say no. Treats are such a natural part of how we bond with our pets. They help with training, bring joy during play, and sometimes just feel like the best way to say “I love you.”

But here’s the problem. Those little extras add up faster than we think. A single biscuit might not look like much, but for a small dog, it could be the equivalent of us eating a big slice of cake. Over time, those extra calories can lead to weight gain, and suddenly our “harmless” habit is affecting our pet’s health.

So how do you keep treat time special without tipping the scales?

The 10% Guideline

One of the simplest rules to follow is the “10% guideline.” That means treats should make up no more than ten percent of your pet’s daily calorie intake. It sounds straightforward, but once you start doing the maths, it’s surprising how quickly the numbers climb.

Take a medium-sized dog, for example. They need around 800 calories a day. That means only about 80 of those calories should come from treats. Yet many of the chews you’ll find in shops contain well over 100 calories each. You can see how easy it is to overshoot without realising it.

Choosing Smarter Snacks

This doesn’t mean you need to cut out treats entirely—far from it. It just means being a little more mindful about what you’re offering. Many pets are just as happy with simple, fresh foods as they are with fancy packaged ones. Dogs often love crunchy vegetables like carrots or cucumber, and many will happily munch on apple slices (as long as you remove the seeds). A few blueberries or a little bit of banana can also make for a refreshing snack.

Cats, on the other hand, usually prefer meatier options. Freeze-dried chicken or salmon bites go down a storm, and a tiny piece of tuna or cooked prawn can feel like a luxury. Even catnip can be considered a “treat” of sorts—it brings joy without adding any calories.

What to Steer Clear Of

There are, of course, some things you should avoid altogether. Human snacks—crisps, biscuits, bits of bread or cheese—tend to be far too salty or fatty. Cooked bones are also risky because they can splinter, and rawhide chews, while popular, can cause choking or blockages. And while the image of a cat lapping up a saucer of milk is ingrained in all of us, the reality is that most cats (and even some dogs) are lactose intolerant, so milk is best left off the menu.

More Than Just Food

One of the best shifts you can make is to stop thinking of treats as only edible rewards. They can also be part of play and mental stimulation. Training sessions, for instance, don’t need large treats. Your dog will be just as motivated by a tiny piece of chicken broken into ten parts as they would be by a whole chunk given at once. For cats, treats can be hidden in puzzle toys or sprinkled around the house to encourage natural hunting behaviours.

I love using puzzle feeders or Kongs filled with something healthy like mashed banana, a little peanut butter (always xylitol-free), or even wet food. Pop it in the freezer, and suddenly your pet has an activity that keeps them busy, engaged, and satisfied.

Keeping Balance

If you know you’re going to be giving out more treats than usual—maybe it’s a big training day or a long walk where you’ll be rewarding recall—it’s perfectly fine to adjust their main meal slightly. Cutting back a little ensures their overall calorie intake stays balanced, without them ever feeling deprived.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, treats are one of the joys of pet ownership. They make our pets happy, they make us happy, and they strengthen that wonderful bond we share. But like all good things, they’re best enjoyed in moderation. By choosing healthier options, being mindful of portion sizes, and mixing in creative ways to “treat” without overfeeding, you can keep snack time both fun and guilt-free.

And remember—sometimes the best treat of all isn’t food at all. It’s your time, your attention, and your play. For your pet, that will always mean more than anything you could put in a bowl.