Treats & Supplements
Dog Treats: Safe, Unsafe, & How Much is Too Much?
Learn about safe dog treats, what foods are toxic for dogs, and how to give them responsibly. Keep your furry friend healthy and happy!
1 min readReviewed: Sep 25, 2025
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How much food does your dog need per day?
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Age
Neutered / spayed?
Body shape
Dog Treats
Golden Rule: Max 10%
Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
Safe Options
- Dried chicken breast
- Cooked chicken or turkey
- Dried fish
- Cooked carrots, broccoli
- Apple (seedless)
- Watermelon
- Plain, fat-free yogurt
Toxic Foods for Dogs
| Food | Reason |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Theobromine toxicity |
| Grapes, Raisins | Kidney failure |
| Onions, Garlic | Red blood cell damage |
| Macadamia Nuts | Toxic |
| Xylitol | Hypoglycemia |
| Alcohol | Toxic |
| Avocado | Persin mainly harms birds and horses; pit and skin can cause GI upset or blockage |
| Cooked Bones | Splintering hazard |
During Training
Use very small, bite-sized treats.
Special Situations
- Sensitive Stomach: Single-ingredient treats
- Allergies: Treats with proteins compatible with an elimination diet
- Overweight: Offer vegetables instead
Free tool — no sign-up
How much food does your dog need per day?
Enter weight, age and body shape: 30 seconds and you get the daily portion.
Age
Neutered / spayed?
Body shape
References
- 1.Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, et al. — 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 57(4):153–178, 2021. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7232 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.American Veterinary Medical Association — Household hazards: foods and substances that are toxic to pets. AVMA, 2024. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
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