How Many Treats Should a Puppy Have Per Day? A Healthy Feeding Guide

How Many Treats Should a Puppy Have Per Day? A Healthy Feeding Guide

Barbara Mary Hanly

How many treats can a puppy have per day? It’s something almost every new puppy parent wonders. You’re training them, giving cuddles, maybe spoiling them a bit and it’s easy to keep handing out treats without thinking. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how to treat your pup the healthy way, without risking overfeeding or bad habits.

We’ll also introduce two delicious, low-fat options from Soopa that are ideal for puppies over 3 months old.

Why You Need to Monitor Puppy Treats

Puppies are still growing, and their digestive systems are sensitive. Giving too many treats can lead to:

  • Upset stomachs

  • Nutritional imbalances

  • Weight gain or even early obesity

  • Bad eating habits

This is why the answer to how many treats can a puppy have per day really matters. The goal is to reward and train without compromising your puppy’s long-term health.

The 10% Rule for Puppy Treats

Veterinarians recommend that treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. That means 90% of their nutrition should come from a balanced, high-quality puppy food.

Here’s a quick example:

If your puppy needs around 400 calories per day:

  • Maximum treat allowance = 40 calories

  • The rest should come from meals

Always check the calorie content on the treat packaging. At Soopa, our Puppy Healthy Bites and Puppy Dental Sticks are both low in fat and gentle on young tummies, making them a great option for portion control.

Portion Guidance for Soopa Puppy Treats

If you're wondering how many Soopa treats your puppy can have per day, here’s a safe place to start:

Soopa Puppy Healthy Bites

Shop Healthy Puppy Bites

 

  • Serving size: 3 to 5 pieces per day

  • Suitable for: Training rewards or occasional snacks

  • Calories: Very low per piece, ideal for smaller breeds or frequent use

 

Soopa Puppy Dental Sticks

Shop Healthy Puppy Sticks

 

  • Serving size: 1 stick, 2 to 3 times per week

  • Suitable for: Puppies over 3 months

  • Great for: Supporting dental hygiene between brushings

These treats are made with 100% natural banana and pumpkin, and are low-fat, easily digestible, and vet-approved. Soopa’s dental sticks are also a fantastic way to keep your pup’s teeth clean and fresh while they enjoy a tasty reward.

 

Factors That Affect How Many Treats a Puppy Can Have

Every puppy is different. How many treats your puppy can have per day depends on a few key factors:

  • Age: Younger puppies (8–12 weeks) should have fewer, smaller treats

  • Breed and size: Large breeds may tolerate more treats than toy breeds

  • Activity level: Active pups can handle slightly more calories

  • Type of treat: Nutrient-dense or fatty treats should be given sparingly

  • Training intensity: Training sessions may require small, frequent rewards

Even if you're giving low-calorie treats, it's still important to track the overall intake.

Are You Overfeeding With Treats?

Here are some signs your puppy may be getting too many:

  • Skipping meals or becoming picky with food

  • Soft stools or frequent upset stomachs

  • Rapid weight gain

  • Lethargy or low energy

If you notice any of these, it might be time to reduce the number of treats or choose healthier, low-fat options like Soopa.

How to Use Treats the Smart Way

We recommend using puppy treats with a purpose, not just as snacks. Here are a few tips:

  • Use them for training: Puppies respond best to positive reinforcement

  • Break them into smaller pieces for tiny pups or frequent rewards

  • Choose functional treats like dental sticks to support health goals

  • Set a daily limit and track it consistently

Need help getting started with puppy training? Read our guide to training treats for puppies for expert tips.

Final Thoughts: How Many Treats Can a Puppy Have Per Day?

To recap, the answer to how many treats can a puppy have per day depends on their size, age, and calorie needs, but the 10% rule is your best guide.

And when it comes to choosing treats, always go for ones that are gentle on tummies, low in fat, and packed with natural goodness.

Soopa’s Puppy Treats Collection with Healthy Bites and Puppy Dental Sticks are perfect examples - made with 100% banana and pumpkin, kind on your pup’s digestion, and suitable for puppies over 3 months.

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