The 10% Rule — How Many Treats Should My Dog Have Each Day?

We get it — those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist. Whether it’s training, playtime, or just a cute sit on the sofa, treats are a daily ritual for most dogs.

But how many is too many?

It turns out there’s a simple rule trusted by vets and nutritionists alike:
The 10% Rule. Here’s what it means, how it works, and how you can treat smarter without overfeeding your pup.

1. What Is the 10% Rule?

The 10% Rule means that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. The rest should come from their complete, balanced meals.

Why? Because even healthy treats can add up — and too many can lead to:

• Weight gain

• Nutritional imbalances

• Poor appetite at mealtimes

So think of treats like snacks for humans: delicious and fun, but not a meal replacement.

2. How Many Treats Is That in Real Terms?

Here’s a rough daily treat allowance by dog weight:

Always check with your vet — calorie needs vary by breed, age, and activity level.

3. Don’t Panic — You Don’t Need to Count Every Crumb

This isn’t about strict counting — it’s about balance.
You don’t need a calculator, just a rough feel for:

• How many treats you're giving per day

• Whether they're large or calorie-dense

• How active your dog is

Our Snappy Snacks are:
✅ Oven-baked 
✅ Small and low-fat
✅ Easy to break into halves or quarters for training
So they’re easy to fit into your dog’s day without tipping the scale.

4. When Should You Give Treats?

Use treats with intention — and make them meaningful:

🦴 Training rewards – especially high-smell flavors like peanut butter
🛋️ Calm moments – like post-walk or crate time
🐾 Mental enrichment – hide in puzzle toys or snuffle mats
🐶 Reinforcing good habits – like polite greetings or recall

By using treats as tools (not just snacks), you get more value from every bite.

5. Choose Quality Over Quantity

It’s better to give a few high-quality, nutritious treats than handfuls of filler-packed ones.

Snappy Snacks are:

• Made with simple, whole ingredients

• Easy to portion

• Free from artificial junk that can irritate sensitive stomachs

That’s why even just one or two a day is enough to make a dog’s tail wag — and support their health.

Final Thought

The 10% Rule isn’t about cutting back — it’s about treating smart.
With the right balance, you can give your dog daily moments of joy and stay on track with their health.

So go ahead — grab that box of Snappy Snacks. Just don’t forget: moderation is what makes it magic. 🐾

Stay happy. Stay snappy.
Karen , Trevor and Boa
Snappy Snacks