How many treats per day for my dog ​​or cat

You love to spoil your four-legged companion with tasty treats, but do you really know how many treats give it every day? Whether to reward good behavior, strengthen learning or simply show your affection, it is essential to find the right balance to maintain the health and well-being of your dog or cat. In this article, we will explore the ideal quantity of treats to offer daily, while giving you practical advice to choose the best options available on the market. Find out how to spoil your pet without compromising your health!

• Understand the role of treats
• Nutritional needs of dogs and cats
• Recommended quantity
• The risks of overconsumption
• How to choose suitable treats?
• Our advice for a balanced distribution

Understand the role of treats

Counts play a crucial role in the relationship you have with your pet. Whether to reward good behavior, encourage training or simply to show your affection, treats are precious tools.

Usefulness of treats

Counts are often used as a positive rewards during training sessions. They help strengthen desired behavior and motivate your dog or cat to learn new laps or obey orders. In addition, treats can also be a way to occupy your pet during your absences or distract it during stressful moments, such as visits to the veterinarian.

Difference between treats and regular meals

It is essential to distinguish treats from regular meals. While the main meals must provide a balanced and complete diet, treats are supplements that should not replace balanced food. Used in moderation, they contribute to a healthy diet without disturbing the overall nutritional intake of your animal.

Nutritional needs of dogs and cats

Understanding the basic nutritional needs of your dog or cat is fundamental in determining the amount of treats to give them. A balanced diet is the key to good health and a long and happy life.

Reminder of basic nutritional needs for dogs and cats

Dogs and cats have specific nutritional needs that vary depending on their age, size, level of activity and health. Dogs require a diet rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Cats, being strict carnivores, have a high need for animal protein and certain specific amino acids such as taurine.

How treats integrate into their diet

The treats must represent a small portion of the total daily calorie intake of your animal. In general, it is recommended that treats do not exceed 10% of daily calories. For example, if your dog needs 500 calories per day, only 50 calories should come from treats. The same goes for cats. This moderation makes it possible to maintain a nutritional balance while avoiding the problems of overweight and obesity.

By integrating treats in a thoughtful and controlled way, you can continue to enjoy moments of pleasure with your pet while ensuring his health.

Recommended quantity of treats

Knowing how many treats to give your pet is essential to maintain your health. Overconsumption can cause weight and health problems, so it is crucial to find the right middle.

General recommendations

The amount of treats you can give to your dog or cat depends on several factors, including its weight, age, activity level and general health.

• For dogs:

  • Small dogs (up to 10 kg) : 1 to 2 small treats per day.
  • Average dogs (10 to 25 kg) : 2 to 4 medium -sized treats per day.
  • Large dogs (more than 25 kg) : 4 to 6 medium to large in -size treats per day.

• For cats:

  • Small cats (up to 5 kg) : 1 to 2 small treats per day.
  • Large cats (over 5 kg) : 2 to 4 small treats per day.

These recommendations may vary depending on the calorie composition of treats. It is always better to check the manufacturer's indications and consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Concrete examples and visual guides

To help you view the portions, here are some examples:

• Small dogs (3 kg) : A small dog treat is about 10 calories. Two treats a day therefore represent 20 calories, or 5% of the recommended daily calorie intake.
• Cats (4 kg) : A small chat treat is equivalent to around 2 calories. Three treats per day represent 6 calories, or 3% of the recommended daily calorie intake.

Risks of overconsumption of treats

Although treats are a great way to reward and spoil your pet, it is important not to abuse it. Overconsumption can lead to several health problems.

Health impact

• Weight gain and obesity : Excessive consumption of treats can quickly lead to weight gain. Obesity is a serious problem that can cause heart disease, diabetes and joint problems.
• Dental problems : Some treats, especially those rich in sugar or starch, can contribute to the formation of tartar and dental plaque, resulting in dental diseases and gum problems.
• Digestive disorders : Too much treats can disturb the digestive system of your pet, causing diarrhea or vomiting.

How to recognize signs of excessive consumption

• Weight gain : Regularly monitor the weight of your pet. Rapid weight gain is often a sign of excessive calorie consumption, including treats.
• Behavior changes : If your animal becomes more lethargic or shows signs of joint pain, it can be linked to an excess weight.
• Digestive problems : Vomiting, diarrhea or frequent constipation may indicate overconsumption of treats.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to follow the recommendations in terms of quantity and choose quality treats, adapted to the specific needs of your animal.

Choose the appropriate treats

Not all treats are created equal. It is essential to choose treats which not only please your pet, but which also contribute to its health and well-being.

Selection criteria

When you choose treats for your dog or cat, take into account the following criteria:

• Natural ingredients : Favor treats based on natural ingredients and without artificial additives. Counts containing high quality proteins, vitamins and minerals are ideal.
• Nutritional value : Opt for treats rich in essential nutrients. Avoid overly calorie treats or rich in sugars and fats.
• Adaptation to specific needs : Some animals have particular dietary needs. For example, dogs or cats with dental problems can benefit from special dental treats.
• Absence of harmful additives : Avoid treats containing artificial dyes, chemical preservatives or artificial aromas.

Examples of healthy treats available on Marly & Dan

At Marly & Dan, we offer a range of healthy and balanced treats adapted to the specific needs of your pet. Here are some examples of our flagship products for dogs and cats:

For dogs

• Chewing bars joints: Enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, these treats support the health of the joints and the mobility of your dog, particularly beneficial for active and elderly dogs.

• Dental M - L : Dental treats for medium-sized dogs, these products help reduce plaque and tartar, ensuring good oral hygiene and healthy gums.

For cats

• 100% salmon skin & coat : Lyophilized treats with omega-3, they improve the health of your cat's skin and coat, while offering an additional nutritional intake.

• Tender anti-hairs anti-boules : Treats formulated to prevent hair balls, containing specific fibers that help reduce the formation of hair balls and maintain healthy digestion.

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Practical advice for a balanced distribution

Distributing treats in a balanced and thoughtful way is the key to maintaining the health of your pet while making it happy.

Strategies to limit treats

• Use appropriate portions : Divide the large treats into small pieces to prolong the pleasure without increasing the calories.
• Alternative awards : Use other forms of rewards such as hugs, game or verbal praise.
• Respect the recommended quantities : Follow the quantity recommendations to avoid overconsumption.

Training techniques and alternatives to treats

• Positive reinforcement without treats : Use toys, hugs or praise as alternatives to treats.
• Gradual training : Gradually reduce the number of treats by increasing other forms of reward.
• Specific training treats : Use treats specially designed for training, generally small and low in calories.

By following these tips, you can maintain a good balance between pleasure and health for your pet.

Garf your dog or cat with treats is a great way to strengthen your link and reward them for their good behavior. However, it is crucial to do so in a balanced and thoughtful way to preserve their health. By respecting the quantity recommendations, choosing healthy treats and integrating them judiciously into their diet, you can ensure the well-being of your four-legged companion.
Remember that each animal is unique, and it is always better to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice. At Marly & Dan, we understand the importance of taking care of our animals with love and responsibility. This is why we offer a range of natural and balanced treats, adapted to the specific needs of your dog or cat.