Can You Give Your Dog Too Many Chews? Avoid Overindulgence!

Dr. Elizabeth Shines, a respected veterinarian with expertise in canine nutrition, provides valuable guidance on the daily treat allowance for dogs. She emphasizes that the number of chews or treats a dog can safely enjoy depends on their breed and weight. In general, for dogs at a healthy weight within their breed standards, it’s recommended to offer them between two to four appropriately-sized treats each day. This helps maintain their overall health and prevents excessive calorie intake. If you’re a new pet parent, you might initially worry that this limit could slow down your puppy’s training progress, but rest assured, it’s essential for their well-being in the long run.

Wondering about the appropriate quantity of dog chews for your furry friend? The guideline for determining the ideal number of dog treats per day closely aligns with the recommendation for puppies. It’s important to ensure that the total number of treats, which also includes high-value dog treats, remains below 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. This guideline helps maintain your dog’s overall nutrition and well-being while still allowing for some tasty rewards.

Can an excessive consumption of dog treats have harmful effects on a dog’s health? Yes, it can. This is because many dog treats contain high levels of calories and fats, which, when overfed consistently over several months or years, can result in various health issues such as obesity and heart disease. Therefore, it is crucial for dog owners to diligently regulate the quantity of treats they offer their canine companions each day. To ensure you are making informed choices, it’s advisable to carefully inspect the nutritional information on the packaging of the dog treats you provide to your pet. This way, you can safeguard your dog’s well-being and promote their long-term health. (Original information source: March 15, 2019)