Are you giving your dog too many high-calorie treats?

2nd May 2023

It can be tempting to treat your dog with human foods or doggie treats, especially if you see them as a member of the family. But do you know how highly calorific they are for your dog? Even some treats designed specifically for dogs are highly calorific.

Here is an insight into just how unhealthy these treats can be:

• 190g rawhide bone – equivalent to seven iced ring doughnuts for humans
• 178g of tuna – equivalent to three iced ring doughnuts for humans
• 110g muffin – equivalent to three iced ring doughnuts for humans

The chart below, created by Royal Canin, gives further insight into the impact certain treats could be having on your dog’s health.

Your dog is at risk of obesity if he has access to too many treats. Obesity can lead to weight-related illnesses, which can have a real impact on your dog’s health and wellbeing.

Making sure your dog has a balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise is the best way to ensure their waistline stays in check. Instead of treating them with food, try treating them in different ways such as with a tummy rub, a game or a nice cuddle. These types of interactive treats are also longer lasting than food treats which may be consumed in a matter of seconds.

If you do decide to give your dog food-related treats, make sure you take this out of their daily food intake so that you don’t overfeed them.

If you are concerned about your dog’s weight or health, speak to your vet for advice. They can help you to come up with the right feeding plan for your dog to ensure they stay happy and healthy.