Treats can be a lovely way to reward good behaviour, support training and enjoy a little bonding time with your dog or cat.
However, not every food that is safe for us is suitable for our pets. Some human foods can cause illness, while too many treats can lead to weight gain or unbalance an otherwise healthy diet.
This guide looks at suitable treat choices for dogs and cats, foods to avoid and how to keep treat portions under control.
Why Do We Give Our Pets Treats?
Treats are often used simply because we enjoy giving them, but they can also serve a practical purpose.
Training and Positive Reinforcement
Small treats can be useful when teaching new behaviours, rewarding recall or encouraging calm behaviour during grooming, travel and vet visits.
The reward should be given immediately after the behaviour so your pet can understand what they have done well.
Building Trust
Offering a suitable treat can help build trust, particularly with nervous pets or animals settling into a new home.
However, food is not the only way to strengthen your bond. Play, attention, grooming and quiet time together can be just as rewarding.
Supporting Specific Needs
Some specially formulated pet treats are designed to support dental care, digestion or joint health.
These should still be counted as part of your pet’s daily food allowance, rather than treated as calorie-free extras.
Choosing Treats for Dogs
Treats made specifically for dogs are usually the simplest option because they are formulated with dogs in mind.
Check the packaging carefully and choose treats that are suitable for your dog’s age, size and individual dietary needs.
For training, small treats are often best. They can be eaten quickly without interrupting the session, and your dog is less likely to consume too many extra calories.
You can also use a small portion of your dog’s usual dry food as training rewards, taking it from their normal daily allowance.
Can Dogs Eat Fruit and Vegetables?
Some fruits and vegetables can be offered to dogs in small quantities, but they should be introduced gradually.
Suitable options may include:
- Carrot
- Blueberries
- Green beans
- Small pieces of apple with the core, seeds and stalk removed
- Plain cooked sweet potato
Wash fresh produce carefully and cut it into pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
Fruit naturally contains sugar, so it should only be given occasionally. Dogs with medical conditions, allergies or sensitive digestion may need individual advice from their vet.
Can Dogs Have Cooked Meat?
Small pieces of plain, thoroughly cooked chicken, turkey or lean beef may be suitable as an occasional treat.
Remove all bones, skin and excess fat, and do not add salt, seasoning, sauces, onions or garlic.
Processed meats such as sausages, bacon and deli meats can contain high levels of salt and fat and are not suitable as regular treats.
Choosing Treats for Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need nutrients found in animal-based foods.
Treats made specifically for cats are generally the safest and simplest choice. Look for products that are appropriate for your cat’s age and health.
Cats can be particular about texture and flavour, so you may need to try a few suitable options before finding one they enjoy.
Treats should complement a complete, balanced cat food rather than replace it.
Can Cats Have Cooked Meat or Fish?
A small amount of plain, thoroughly cooked chicken, turkey or fish may be offered occasionally.
Remove all skin, fat and bones, and do not add seasoning, sauces, onions or garlic.
Human tuna should not be given regularly. It does not contain all the nutrients cats need and may be high in salt or mercury. A complete cat food containing tuna is a more suitable option for regular feeding.
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
A small amount of plain, fully cooked egg may be suitable for some cats as an occasional treat.
Do not add butter, salt, milk or seasoning. Raw or undercooked egg should not be offered because it may contain harmful bacteria.
As with any new food, start with a very small amount and stop if your cat develops vomiting, diarrhoea or another reaction.
Foods Dogs and Cats Should Not Eat
Many everyday foods can be harmful or toxic to pets.
Contact your vet promptly if you think your dog or cat has eaten something unsafe. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can also harm cats.
The level of risk depends on the type and amount of chocolate eaten, as well as the size of the animal.
Dark chocolate and cocoa powder generally contain higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate, but all chocolate should be kept out of reach.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and foods containing them can cause serious kidney damage in dogs.
There is no known safe quantity, so contact your vet immediately if your dog eats any.
They should also be kept away from cats.
Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Chives
Members of the allium family can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia in dogs and cats.
This includes fresh, cooked, dried and powdered forms, so take care with sauces, gravies, soups and prepared foods.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing gums, sweets, baked products and peanut butters.
It is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar as well as liver damage. Always check the ingredients before offering peanut butter or another human food to your dog.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks can be extremely dangerous to pets.
Keep beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, energy drinks and foods containing caffeine safely out of reach.
Cooked and Raw Bones
Bones can cause choking, broken teeth, digestive blockages or internal injuries.
Cooked bones can splinter particularly easily, but raw bones can also carry risks. It is safer to choose a suitable chew designed for your pet and supervise them while they use it.
Dairy Products
Many adult dogs and cats do not digest lactose well.
Milk, cream and large amounts of cheese can cause stomach upset, diarrhoea or vomiting. Water should always be the main drink available to pets.
How Many Treats Should You Give?
Treats should only make up a small part of your pet’s daily food intake.
A useful guide for dogs is to keep treats to no more than around 10% of their daily calorie allowance and reduce their normal food accordingly.
Portion size matters. A treat that looks small to us can represent a significant amount of food for a tiny dog, kitten or cat.
For training, break suitable treats into very small pieces. Your pet is usually more interested in receiving the reward than in the size of each piece.
Carrying Treats on Dog Walks
Small treats can be useful during walks for rewarding recall, loose-lead walking and calm behaviour around distractions.
A dedicated treat pouch keeps rewards close at hand and separate from your phone, keys and other belongings.
Remember to include walking treats within your dog’s normal daily allowance, particularly if you use several during each outing.
Browse our [walking bags and treat pouches] to keep treats and everyday dog-walking essentials organised.
Treats Do Not Always Need to Be Food
Pets can also be rewarded with:
- A favourite toy
- A game
- Gentle praise
- Extra attention
- A sniffing activity
- Grooming, if they enjoy it
- A short training session
- Time exploring somewhere new
Using a mixture of food and non-food rewards can help prevent overfeeding while keeping activities interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat human food as treats?
Some plain foods may be suitable in small quantities, but many human foods contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs. Dog-specific treats or a portion of their normal food are usually the simplest choices.
Can cats have dog treats?
An occasional dog treat may not necessarily cause harm, but dog treats are not formulated for cats. It is better to choose treats made specifically for cats.
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Dogs may have a very small amount of plain peanut butter occasionally, but the ingredients must be checked carefully. Never give peanut butter containing xylitol.
Can cats eat tuna?
A small amount of plain tuna may be given occasionally, but human tuna should not be a regular part of a cat’s diet because it is not nutritionally complete and may contain too much salt or mercury.
Are vegetables suitable treats for dogs?
Some vegetables, including carrots and green beans, can be suitable in small amounts. Introduce them gradually and check with your vet if your dog has a medical condition or special diet.
How many treats should I give my pet each day?
The correct amount depends on the pet, the treat and their normal diet. Keep portions small and ensure treats do not unbalance their daily food intake.
What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?
Contact your vet immediately and tell them what was eaten, how much and when. Keep the packaging where possible and do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Can treats cause weight gain?
Yes. Treats contain calories and can contribute to weight gain when they are given too frequently or are not deducted from the pet’s normal food allowance.
Summary
Treats can be useful for training, bonding and rewarding good behaviour, but they should always be given in moderation.
Choose products intended for your dog or cat, check ingredient labels carefully and avoid foods known to be harmful. Introduce unfamiliar treats gradually and speak to your vet if your pet has allergies, digestive problems, a medical condition or a prescription diet.
Keeping portions small and including treats within your pet’s daily food allowance allows you to reward them without compromising a balanced diet.
