Treats and Weight Gain: What Pet Parents Should Know
We love spoiling our pets—it’s part of being a devoted pet parent! But if your cat or dog is starting to pack on extra pounds, you might wonder: Are treats making my cat or dog overweight?
The short answer is: they can—but they don’t have to. The key lies in portion control, treat quality, and balance.
Just like people, pets can gain weight when they consume more calories than they burn. Treats, especially those high in fillers, fat, or sugar, can add up quickly without you realizing it.
Let’s explore how to make treats part of a healthy feeding routine—without the guilt.
How Many Treats Are Too Many?
A good rule of thumb: treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories.
For example:
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A 20-lb dog should only have about 50–70 calories from treats per day.
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A 10-lb cat should have closer to 20–30 calories in treats daily.
Always check the calorie count on the treat bag and adjust your pet’s meals accordingly if you’ve given extra goodies that day.
If you’re using treats for training, consider breaking them into smaller pieces or using high-reward, low-calorie options that keep motivation high without adding bulk.
What to Look for in Healthy Treats
When choosing treats, quality matters more than quantity. Look for:
✅ Single-ingredient treats – such as chicken breast, beef liver, salmon, or sweet potato.
✅ High-protein options – protein helps maintain muscle mass while keeping pets full.
✅ Low-calorie or low-fat treats – ideal for pets who need to lose or maintain weight.
✅ No added sugars, fillers, or artificial flavors.
These types of treats support a healthy diet and can be incorporated easily into your pet’s daily feeding plan.
Healthy Treat Recommendations from Hollywood Feed
Here are a few pet-approved favorites that support a balanced lifestyle:
🐕 For Dogs
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Hollywood Feed Select Single Ingredient Treats –Made with a Single Ingredient: 100% real meat, nothing more—just pure, protein-packed nutrition. Great for both dogs & cats.
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Fromm Crunchy Os Dog Treats – Low Calorie Crunchy Snack for Training & Fun. Comes in a variety of delicious flavors.
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Fruitables Skinny Minis Dog Treats – Big Flavor Soft Chews formulated with Superfoods & CalorieSmart Nutrition.
🐈 For Cats
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Fromm Cat Treats PURRSNACKITTY – The Purrfect Way to treat Your Cat with only 2 calories per treat!
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Orijen Cat Treat High Protein Training Reward – Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients with only one ingredient and around 1 calories per treat.
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Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Treat – Great for both dogs and cats, full of protein and flavor without the extra calories.
These high-quality options give your pet the delicious rewards they love—without the unhealthy extras.
How to Include Treats in a Normal Feeding Routine
You don’t have to eliminate treats completely to manage your pet’s weight—just use them strategically.
Here’s how:
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Measure your pet’s meals accurately. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale instead of guessing.
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Subtract treat calories from daily meals. If you know you’ll be giving treats later, reduce meal portions slightly.
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Use treats for training or enrichment. Incorporate them into puzzle toys, slow feeders, or training sessions to make mealtime more mentally engaging.
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Choose activity-based rewards. Praise, play, and affection are just as rewarding for many pets!
With a little mindfulness, treats can become part of a balanced lifestyle instead of a cause for concern.
Signs Your Pet Might Be Overindulging
Be on the lookout for signs that your pet’s treat intake might be too high:
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Weight gain or a thicker waistline
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Difficulty feeling ribs under the skin
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Lethargy or reduced playfulness
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Difficulty jumping or climbing (especially in cats)
If you notice any of these, talk with your veterinarian. They can help assess your pet’s ideal weight and suggest a feeding plan to get them back on track.
Recap: Smart Treating Tips for Healthier Pets
🐾 Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories
🐾 Choose single-ingredient, high-protein, low-calorie options
🐾 Break treats into smaller pieces for training
🐾 Adjust meal portions on treat-heavy days
🐾 Watch for weight gain and adjust as needed
FAQ: Are Treats Making My Cat or Dog Overweight?
Q: How many treats can I give my pet per day?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake. Adjust your pet’s main meals if you give more treats.
Q: What are the healthiest treats for dogs and cats?
A: Look for single-ingredient, high-protein treats like freeze-dried chicken, fish, or beef liver. Avoid options with fillers or added sugars.
Q: Can I use treats for training without overfeeding?
A: Yes! Break treats into small pieces or use very low-calorie training treats options to reward frequently without excess calories.
Q: How do I know if my pet is overweight?
A: You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily without pressing hard. If not, it may be time to talk to your vet about a healthy weight plan.
Q: What if my pet loves treats too much?
A: Try replacing every other treat with play, praise, or extra snuggle time—they’re calorie-free and just as rewarding!
At Hollywood Feed, we believe every pet deserves the best—nutritionally, emotionally, and physically. Our selection of high-protein, single-ingredient treats makes it easy to reward your furry family members the healthy way. Visit your local Hollywood Feed store or shop online to find healthy treats that fit your pet’s lifestyle. Together, we can keep pets happy, active, and thriving—one treat at a time.
Visit the Hollywood Feed Blog for more pet wellness tips, treat recommendations, and nutrition advice to keep tails wagging. Sign up for our email and text club to get exclusive offers, new product launches, and expert guidance on feeding your pet healthy treats they’ll love.
