PET42 guide
Why treats can do more harm than expected
Small snacks add up and can affect calories, behaviour and digestion. Treats belong in the full feeding picture rather than being overlooked extras.
What many people underestimate – and why less is sometimes more
For many dog owners, treats are a normal part of everyday life. They are used as a reward, for motivation during training or simply given in between. At first glance they seem harmless – small, quickly eaten and emotionally positive.
But this is exactly where the problem lies:
Treats are often underestimated - both in their quantity and in their effect on the dog.
Treats are part of daily feeding
A common misconception is:
“These are just small snacks.”
However, for your dog's body, a treat is not a bonus, but rather part of the overall food intake.
Many dogs get:
In total, this can account for a significant proportion - often without being consciously noticed.
- several treats per walk
- Training snacks throughout the day
- Chew items in addition to food
- occasionally leftover food
Why treats can be problematic
1. The quantity is underestimated
Even small amounts add up quickly. This can lead to:
This quickly becomes significant, especially for dogs that are not very active or sensitive.
- the dog consumes too much energy
- the balance of feeding is shifted
- the feeling of satiety is changed
2. Behaviour can be affected unintentionally
Treats are a powerful tool - and that's exactly why they need careful use.
When used unconsciously they can:
A dog learns very quickly when behaviour is “worth it.”
- Increase begging
- Promote food fixation
- Build expectations
- Increase restlessness in everyday life
3. They make it difficult to find the cause
Treats often play a bigger role than expected, especially for sensitive dogs or those with digestive problems.
The problem:
This makes it difficult to see what the dog can really tolerate and what it can't.
- they are rarely documented
- they vary greatly
- they often contain different components
4. They can make symptoms worse
Treats can:
Often they are not the sole cause - but part of the overall picture.
- Put a strain on digestion
- affect skin reactions
- increase restlessness
- maintain existing problems
5. They can disrupt routines
Dogs benefit greatly from clarity and structure. Frequently changing snacks, different times and unclear rules can lead to:
- the dog is constantly waiting
- eating behaviour becomes more restless
- everyday life is less predictable
“But my dog needs treats”
Treats have their place - especially during training or when there is a targeted reward. What matters, however, is how consciously they are used.
Not every reward has to:
- be constantly available
- be varied
- come on top of the normal diet
- Many dogs react more strongly to:
- Attention
- clear communication
- joint activity
When treats are particularly critical
Treats can be particularly problematic for:
In these cases, careful handling is particularly worthwhile.
- sensitive digestion
- Allergies or intolerances
- Overweight
- dogs that are highly food-obsessed
- restless eating behaviour
Less often means more
It's not about banning treats completely.
It's about using them consciously and specifically.
Clarity about the following helps:
This makes it easier to structure your dog’s everyday life.
- When
- how much
- and why
Conclusion
Treats are not a detail, but a relevant part of daily feeding. They can influence behaviour, put a strain on digestion and make it difficult to find the cause - especially if they are used unconsciously.
A conscious approach helps to keep an overview and to support the dog better in the long term.
Advice tailored to your dog
Find the right food and portion size for your dog
Treats are only part of the picture. The amount of food, composition, activity and individual tolerance often play together. General solutions often fall short here.
PET42 creates an individual food recommendation, independent of manufacturers, based on your dog’s details.
Questionnaire, checkout and feeding advice are provided in German.
