10 Ways to Minimise Weight Gain from Treats in Dogs & Puppies

Helping your dog or puppy maintain a healthy weight while still using treats as rewards can be challenging. Treats are valuable tools for training and bonding but can easily lead to unintentional weight gain if not managed carefully. Here are 10 practical ways to ensure treats don’t tip the calorie balance and keep your canine companion slim and healthy.

1. Use Treats in Moderation as Rewards

Only offer treats for good behaviour or during training sessions—not as casual snacks. Dogs enjoy working for their rewards, and using treats this way provides valuable psychological exercise alongside physical activity. Avoid giving treats just to pacify your dog if they seem bored or understimulated; instead, provide alternative mental or physical enrichment.

2. Account for Treat Calories in the Daily Diet

It’s important to include treats in your dog’s overall calorie count. Weigh the treats you give on an average day and subtract the equivalent amount from your dog’s main food allowance, especially if feeding a commercial dry diet. If treats are higher in fat than the main food, reduce the main diet portion further or choose treats with comparable or lower fat content.

3. Break Larger Treats into Smaller Pieces

Splitting big treats into smaller portions helps treats go further and reduces calorie intake per reward. Many commercial treats can be easily snapped, so use portions wisely to give sufficient rewards without overfeeding.

4. Use Low-Fat, Low-Calorie Treat Options

Choose treats lower in fat and calories, such as lean meat bites or specially formulated diet treats. Avoid treats high in fats or oils, which pack more calories. If your dog requires weight control, consult your vet or a free weight clinic for advice specific to your pet’s needs.

5. Incorporate Healthy Fresh Foods When Appropriate

Adding fresh, low-fat foods like steamed courgette, grated carrot, or apple slices is a great way to add interest and fill the bowl without excess calories. Reduce the commercial food portion accordingly—approximately 30g less kibble for every 100g of fresh food added. Cheese, while popular, is high in fat and lactose, so opt for meat or fish-based treats or low-fat cottage cheese for training rewards.

6. Increase Physical Activity to Offset Extra Treats

If you want to give special treats on occasions like birthdays, increase your dog’s exercise through longer walks or additional play sessions to help burn off those extra calories. This keeps energy balance in check and supports healthy weight maintenance.

7. Be Mindful of Calorie-Rich Dental Chews

Dental chews can contain more calories than expected. Opt for smaller chews or reduce their frequency to prevent adding excessive calories, especially in small breeds. Look for lower-calorie, nutritionally beneficial options where possible.

8. Choose Nutritionally Valuable Treats

Not all calories are equal. Pick treats rich in digestible protein that provide nutritional benefits rather than just empty calories or sugars. Avoid treats with indigestible fillers like rawhide or those high in simple sugars that don’t add nutritional value for your dog.

9. Use Treat-Dispensing Toys to Slow Feeding

Toys that distribute treats or kibble can keep your dog occupied longer and slow down rapid eating. This not only provides mental stimulation but also helps moderate calorie intake by prolonging feeding time. Choose toys suitable for your dog’s age and size.

10. Manage Household Treating Habits Consistently

Ensure everyone in the household follows the same treat allowance rules. Keep daily treats in a clearly marked tub accessible to all carers. When the tub is empty, no extra treats should be given. If others feel this isn’t enough, reduce some of the main food allowance to provide flexibility without increasing total calorie intake.

A slim and fit dog is a healthy dog! Managing treats thoughtfully supports a healthy weight and wellbeing throughout your dog’s life.

Considering the importance of responsible feeding and weight management, if you’re looking to find a puppy, be sure to plan balanced nutrition with your vet or trainer from the start to avoid early weight issues.