Determining how many treats to give a big dog depends on various factors like the dog’s size, age, activity level, and overall health. When used appropriately, treats can be a great way to train, reward, and bond with your dog. However, too many treats can lead to obesity and other health issues. Finding the right treat balance takes some care and planning.
The risks of too many treats
Big dogs, especially large and giant breeds, are already prone to joint issues, bloat, and weight gain. Excess treats can exacerbate these risks. Just a few extra treats per day can quickly add hundreds of calories. Big dogs need less calorie dense food to begin with, so treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Some potential risks of too many treats include:
- Obesity: Excess weight puts stress on joints and internal organs.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas often caused by high fat diets.
- Diarrhea: Both from dietary indiscretion and extra ingredients.
- Skin issues: Greasy coat and acne from excess oil consumption.
- Diabetes: Extra weight and fat leads to insulin resistance.
- Dental disease: Bacteria feast on sugary treats.
- Nutritional imbalance: Treats displace balanced meals.
Obese dogs have a harder time exercising, greater surgery complications, decreased stamina, and an overall shorter lifespan. Keeping treats reasonable prevents excess weight gain and the host of associated issues.
Factors in determining treat quantity
Many factors influence how many treats a big dog can have in a day. Consider the following when deciding:
Dog size
Larger dogs need more total food and can handle more treats than smaller dogs. Compare Great Danes to Chihuahuas. However, big dogs are still prone to weight gain. Don’t rely on size alone to dictate treats.
Dog age
Puppies and adolescent dogs burn more calories and can accept treats more liberally than senior dogs. However, puppies need balanced nutrition for proper growth. Pay attention to protein, fat, carbs, and calories when treating puppies.
Activity level
Dogs with very active lifestyles, such as hunting dogs and sled dogs, burn huge amounts of energy each day. They need more calories in general and have greater treat allowances. Dogs with low energy levels due to age, illness, or disability need strict treat monitoring.
Metabolism
Some dogs are simply more efficient at using calories than others. Their bodies require less food. Fast metabolisms allow room for more treats, while slow metabolisms necessitate fewer treats.
Health conditions
Dogs with illnesses like diabetes, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disease, mobility issues, and heart disease often require specialized diets. Too many treats can interfere with prescription food effects. Always check with your vet before treating a sick dog.
Relevant factors for determining big dog treat quantity:
| Factor | Higher Treat Allowance | Lower Treat Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant breeds | Smaller large breeds |
| Age | Puppies & younger adults | Senior dogs |
| Activity Level | Athletic & working dogs | Sedentary & disabled dogs |
| Metabolism | Fast metabolisms | Slow metabolisms |
| Health | Overall healthy | Illness necessitating prescription diet |
Types of treats for big dogs
Not all dog treats are created equal. When choosing treats for a big dog, aim for healthy options with benefits beyond just taste. Here are some treat types to rotate for variety:
Dehydrated meat
Dehydrated meat like turkey, beef, salmon, or venison makes a nutritious treat. Avoid fatty meats like bacon or sausage. Look for limited ingredient treats without additives.
Freeze-dried raw
Raw, freeze-dried treats retain more nutrients than heavily processed options. Brands like Stella & Chewy’s and Primal offer grain-free choices for dogs with allergies.
Fruits & veggies
Big dogs love fruits and veggies like apple slices, baby carrots, green beans, watermelon, and banana chunks. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, and avocado. Rinse produce to remove pesticides.
Unsalted popcorn
Plain, air-popped popcorn makes a nice low calorie treat. It offers crunch and fiber without much fat. Avoid butter, salt, and artificial flavors.
Sweet potato
Baked sweet potato fries or cubes are low calorie options big dogs love. Make sure to avoid added sugar, salt, oil, and seasonings.
Healthy tidbits
Some treats add nutrition, like glucosamine treats for joints, probiotic treats for the digestive system, treats with coconut oil for skin and coat health, and treats with added vitamins or minerals.
Dog safe people food
Shredded chicken, cubed cheese, unsweetened yogurt, oatmeal, and peanut butter make great occasional big dog treats. Check for any human foods toxic to dogs.
Some healthy big dog treat options:
| Treat Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Dehydrated meat treats | Protein, limited ingredients |
| Freeze-dried raw treats | Nutrient retention |
| Fruits & veggies | Fiber, vitamins |
| Unsalted popcorn | Crunchy, low calorie |
| Baked sweet potato | Vitamin A, potassium |
| Healthy tidbits | Joint, skin, or gut benefits |
| Dog safe people food | Variety, bonding |
Guidelines for daily treat quantity
As a general guideline, keep treats for big dogs under 10% of their total daily calories. For a 100 pound dog consuming 1500 calories per day, limit treats to 150 calories. Here are some calorie counts for common treats:
- Milk Bone Original Treats: 24 treats = 150 calories
- Blue Buffalo Blue Bits: 38 treats = 150 calories
- Purina Beggin’ Strips: 4 strips = 140 calories
- Baby carrots: About 80 medium carrots = 150 calories
- Green beans: 4.5 cups chopped = 150 calories
- Apple slices: About 5 medium apples sliced = 150 calories
- Chicken breast: 0.5 pound cooked, cubed = 150 calories
Customize treat counts for your individual dog based on its size, activity, metabolism, and health status. Work with your vet if your dog needs a therapeutic diet for medical conditions.
Guidelines for daily treat calories for big dogs:
| Dog Weight | Daily Calorie Allowance | Daily Treat Calorie Limit* |
|---|---|---|
| 80 lbs | 1200 calories | 120 calories |
| 100 lbs | 1500 calories | 150 calories |
| 120 lbs | 1800 calories | 180 calories |
| 140 lbs | 2100 calories | 210 calories |
| 160 lbs | 2400 calories | 240 calories |
| 180 lbs | 2700 calories | 270 calories |
*Based on 10% calorie recommendation.
Using treats effectively
Giving treats sparingly and wisely has the most benefit. Here are some tips for effectively using treats with big dogs:
Use tiny treats
Break treats into small pieces so you can give more frequently without overdoing calories.
Substitute play for some treats
Tossing a ball or toy can reward your dog without adding calories.
Use treats for training
Reward your big dog for learning new commands and tricks with special training treats.
Give treats after exercise
Treats replace calories burned during walks, play time, or obedience practice.
Skip treats on rest days
If your dog is inactive, hold off on treats that day.
Associate treats with handling
Distract anxious dogs with treats during grooming, vet visits, baths, or handling.
Watch your dog’s weight
Cut back on treats if your dog starts gaining excess weight.
Talk to your vet
Consult with your veterinarian about appropriate treat guidelines for your individual dog.
Watching for signs of too many treats
Make sure to monitor your big dog closely for any signs of treat overindulgence. Some red flags include:
- Weight gain, especially in the ribcage
- Difficulty feeling ribs under fat covering
- Increased panting
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Heavier breathing
- Reluctance to exercise
- Lethargy
- Joint stiffness
- Skin irritation and odor
- Change in appetite
- Loosely formed stool
Catching weight gain early helps prevent long term impacts on health. Track treat consumption diligently and make adjustments if your dog shows concerning signs.
Conclusion
Giant breed dogs love treats but their large size makes them prone to obesity. Moderately limiting treats prevents weight gain and related health risks. Consider your individual dog’s age, activity level, metabolism, and medical status when determining appropriate treat quantities. Guide treat calories to less than 10% of total intake. Monitor your dog’s condition closely and adjust as needed. With mindful treat habits, you can safely shower your oversized pup with a little extra love.