Your pet isn’t going to like hearing this, but veterinarians often recommend capping treats at 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. Obesity in pets can pose a serious health risk, so while occasional splurging isn’t bad, pay attention to the ingredients and note which treats might have a higher calorie count. Compare that to their daily food consumption and do the math. Just as we humans watch what we eat, we should also regulate what Fido consumes.

It's a common routine for dog parents to purchase a bag of treats and pass them out to Fido without ever reading the label. Most treat packaging displays a recommended quantity per day, depending on your pup’s size. If you have multiple dogs of different sizes, be careful not to give smaller dogs the same quantity as their larger siblings. When possible, break treats in half for smaller dogs, so everyone still enjoys snack time together, but without overfeeding. This has the added bonus of making your bag of treats last longer!

Just as size matters, so does age. It’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to make sure you’re giving your pooch an adequate amount of treats. While young and active dogs are able to burn more calories and consume more treats, senior pups are often prone to weight gain as their energy levels and metabolism slow down.

Regular meals of dog food are essential for a healthy canine. If your hungry hound is all of a sudden skipping out or not interested in a meal, there’s a good chance he’s filling up on other things throughout the day. Try mixing in healthy alternatives to snacks that are less likely to fill him up, like apple slices, berries, green beans, peas, or even some of his regular kibble. He’ll still feel rewarded, but won’t be ruining his dinner.

One common sign that you might be feeding your pup too many treats is a demanding demeanor. If your dog excessively barks or paws when he thinks he deserves a treat, it’s time to break the habit. As difficult as it might be (yes, he’ll give you those puppy-dog eyes), ignoring your four-legged beggar is the best way to correct this behavior. Save treats for positive reinforcement, like after doing his business outside, learning a new trick, or for coming when called. Consider special training treats, like Merrick Power Bites, which are often small and low in calories, yet still delicious.

Feeding your dog human food isn’t always a bad thing. Many pet parents prepare healthy meals and bake delicious treats using “people food.” However, giving Fido table scraps or sharing your meals as a treat can lead to those unwanted behaviors we mentioned, along with pet obesity and other health concerns. Make a point to feed your pooch before you eat dinner, so he fills up on his own food. If possible, keep him separated while you dine. This will lessen the chances that you’ll feel guilty about eating in front of him, and you won’t need to worry about him cleaning up dropped crumbs, particularly if you have small children in the house.

Some treats have essential health benefits for your pet, and these should be taken into consideration. If Fido has allergies, supplements like Zesty Paws’ Aller-Immune Bites can help maintain normal histamine levels. And we know a clean mouth is pretty doggone important to your pet’s overall health, so dental chews can be an integral part of your pup’s daily routine. Remember to consider how many additional health and wellness treats you’re giving your pooch each day before determining what other treats are appropriate.

Celebrate, but don’t go overboard. Birthdays, gotcha days, National Dog Day, and other milestones are fun to celebrate, but giving your pet more than he’s used to on his special day may leave him with an upset belly. Whether you visit a pet bakery or make a delicious barkuterie board at home, remember your chowhound doesn’t have to finish it all at once. Make the celebration last and set aside some leftovers. Fido will thank you later.

As always, talk to your vet if you’re concerned about your pet’s diet or the amount of treats he’s consuming.