Treats and chews
Can overweight dogs still have treats?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, an overweight dog can still have treats, but they need to be counted more carefully against a reduced daily calorie target, usually by choosing lower calorie options and cutting the main meal to compensate. Removing treats entirely is rarely necessary and can make a weight loss plan harder to stick to, since treats often support the training and bonding that keeps a dog active.
Why cutting treats to zero often backfires
Weight loss plans that remove treats completely sometimes lead to more table begging or scavenging, as the dog seeks out food rewards elsewhere. Keeping a small, planned treat allowance, even just 20 to 30 kcal a day, tends to make the overall plan easier to follow consistently over the months a real weight loss usually takes.
Fitting treats into a reduced calorie target
If a vet has set a weight loss target of, say, 500 kcal a day for a dog that used to eat 650, keeping treats to no more than 25 to 30 kcal of that reduced total, then subtracting them from the meal portion, prevents treats from undoing the deficit the plan depends on.
Choosing treats that support the plan
Small pieces of plain steamed vegetables, tiny portions of lean protein, or a few pieces of the dog's own reduced calorie food work well here, since they add minimal calories while still giving the dog something to look forward to during training or as a reward for good behavior.
Key takeaways
- Overweight dogs can still have treats if the calories are counted within a reduced daily target.
- Removing treats entirely can undermine consistency with a weight loss plan.
- Keep treats to around 25 to 30 kcal within a reduced calorie budget and subtract from the meal.
- Lean protein or plain vegetables work well as low calorie treats during weight loss.