Dr. Mary Cope, PhD, a companion animal nutritionist, says treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily calories. The other 90% should come from a complete and balanced diet, according to the article. Whole Dog Journal executive editor Kate O'Connor interviewed Dr. Cope on the topic.
Dr. Cope advises matching treats to a dog's size. She recommends whole or high-quality ingredients, moderate-to-low calories, and easy digestibility. If buying treats, she suggests choosing a reputable manufacturer.
She trains her own dogs heavily and reaches for a nutritionally complete and balanced freeze-dried treat. For occasional rewards, she is less concerned about complete and balanced treats. She is a fan of plain kibble as treats, especially for puppies, as a bonding tool.
Dr. Cope names several whole foods as good treats for dogs: carrots, green beans, peas, blueberries, apple slices, and plain boiled, unseasoned chicken. She also points to plain Cheerios as a low-calorie option.
Her list of foods to avoid includes chocolate and cocoa, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic