In a nutshell
A healthy dog can enjoy around 20 W’ZIS treats a day with no problem. Each one is just 1 calorie, so they fit neatly within the 10% daily treat rule. As long as you adjust their main food to account for those calories, you can reward freely without worrying about weight gain.
Getting the Balance Right
Feeding isn’t just about scooping food into a bowl. Calories matter. Too many, and your dog gains weight fast. Too few, and they don’t get the energy they need. Add in treats, chews, and extras, and suddenly things are out of balance. This guide gives you the numbers and the “gotchas” so you can feed with confidence.
Daily Calorie Needs
Every dog is different, but here are typical values for small and medium-sized dogs:
| Dog Weight | Dog Calories | Treat Allowance (10% Rule) |
| 5kg | ~250 kcal | 25 kcal |
| 10kg | ~400 kcal | 40 kcal |
| 15kg | ~550 kcal | 55 kcal |
👉 For a personalised figure, use this Dog Calorie Calculator.
https://petnutritionalliance.org/manufacturers/dog-lovers-gold/
The Golden Rule on Treats
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Any calories from treats need to be deducted from your dog’s main food allowance.
- Example: If your 10kg dog needs 400 kcal/day and you give 40 kcal of treats, reduce their food to 360 kcal.
- This prevents silent weight gain, which is the biggest health risk for pets today.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- High-calorie chews. Dental sticks often contain 70–100 kcal each—more than a small dog’s daily treat allowance.
- “Natural” doesn’t mean light. Pig’s ears, jerky strips, and rawhide bones can exceed a whole meal’s worth of calories.
- Small dogs, big risks. A few extra treats can tip a 5kg dog into overweight territory quickly.
