It’s no secret that we love to spoil our furry friends with treats. While treats can be a useful tool in training and providing comfort during stressful situations, they can also quickly add up in terms of calories. As a pet science blog author, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to be mindful of what and how much we’re giving our pets.
Let’s take a twenty-pound dog, for example. Their daily caloric needs average around 690 kcal. Imagine giving your pup a large Milk Bone twice a day, a leftover slice of pizza, and a cookie for dessert. You’d be nearly maxing out their daily calorie allowance!
Choosing the Right Treats
When selecting treats for your pet, consider the following:
- Calorie Consciousness: Be aware of the caloric content of the treats you choose.
- Nutritional Value: Opt for treats that offer some nutritional benefits.
- Daily Intake: Ensure that treats make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total daily caloric intake.
As a pet owner, you are in control of your pet’s diet. It’s up to you to make sure they’re eating healthily, just like you would for any family member.
Treat Calorie Chart
Below is a chart outlining the caloric content of various pet treats. Use this as a guide to make informed decisions when treating your pets:
| Food Item | Kilocalorie Content per Unit |
|---|---|
| Drs. Foster & Smith Premium Biscuits (Bite-size) | 5 |
| Drs. Foster & Smith Premium Biscuits (Biscuit-size) | 20 |
| Bonz for Small & Medium Dogs | 70 |
| Science Diet Canine Lite Treats | 15 |
| Milk Bone Dog Biscuits – Small | 20 |
| Milk Bone Dog Biscuits – Medium | 40 |
| Milk Bone Dog Biscuits – Large | 115 |
| Pounce for cats | 3 |
| Whisker Lickin’ for cats | 3 |
| Carrot (medium baby-sized) | 3 |
| Green Beans (canned, drained, 1 cup) | 25 |
| Air-popped popcorn (0.5 oz.) | 54 |
| Pizza Hut’s Hand-tossed Cheese Pizza (1 slice, medium) **NR** | 259 |
| Arby’s Cheddar Fries (small order) **NR** | 399 |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie **NR** | 180 |
| Soft Serve Ice Cream (1/2 cup) **NR** | 113 |
| McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese **NR** | 525 |
| NR Not recommended as an appropriate treat for pets |