Pet Food Treats: What is ‘treating responsibly’?

This article has been developed in conjunction with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and the RSPCA.

How many treats is too many?

Treats are made for occasional consumption – ‘overtreating’ can lead to problems such as obesity, nutrient imbalance and can even make your pet unwell. Experts tell us that treats shouldn’t exceed 10 percent of our pet’s daily caloric intake, as anything more tends to deliver too many calories.

Pet treats can be used for training, bonding, distraction, enrichment, health benefits and rewarding good behaviour. We know using treats for training can be a highly effective method to reinforce positive behaviours in your pet.

It is essential to find the treats that are safe, that your pets like and will motivate them. Treats can be a small piece of chicken or cheese through to a commercial treat that meets the pet food safety standards. In Australia the standard is AS5812 “Manufacturing and marketing of pet food – Cats and dogs”.

A disproportionate level of treating will lead to not only an energy imbalance but will also lead to a nutrient imbalance. Always remember that treats are made for occasional consumption; they don’t typically contain all the nutrients your pet needs for a healthy life. Treats should not replace a meal of a complete and balanced diet

If we feed more of the treats and less of the complete and balanced foods, pets’ needs won’t be fulfilled, and nutrient deficiencies (or excesses) can result. Be aware of the choices available to you and your pet, and know that there are many options, or combinations of options. Talk to your veterinarian about what amount and type of treat is appropriate for your individual pet, as your pet may have specific needs or health conditions that will influence these decisions.

Safety First

It is important to choose treats carefully to make sure that they are safe, taking into account your pet’s type, size, health, and age. This includes considering the following:

• Does the treat contain any toxic ingredients? (e.g., chocolate, xylitol sweetener, raw yeast, caffeine). Note that what foods are toxic varies by species, so it is important to get species-specific information about what foods are unsafe to feed.
• Are there any ingredients your individual pet should not eat? (e.g., if your pet has certain medical conditions, sensitivities, or is on a prescription diet).
• Is there a risk of contamination and pathogen transmission to animals and humans?
• Do the treats pose a risk of trauma such as those that are too hard, have sharp edges, or can splinter or cause a blockage? (including cooked and raw bones, antlers, and hooves.
• Are the treats an appropriate size and shape to minimise the risk of choking?

Supervise them with the treat

Pets should be supervised when consuming treats, no matter what their age. Particularly if they are being fed a new treat (for the first few times), or they are in a new environment such as on holidays, staying with friends, fed with other pets, etc.

Remember that the first time they eat a treat, or if they’re eating a treat in a new environment, that it’s a learning experience for your pet… allow them that time to learn and supervise the lesson as you would teaching a new behaviour or walking on a lead.

If something goes wrong

Pets can have adverse reactions to treats – this may be due to an individual food sensitivity or a problem with the treat itself. If you or your pet has a negative experience while using a treat product, or you suspect a problem, it’s critical that you stop feeding the treat and talk to your veterinarian who can report the issue (if appropriate) through the Pet Food Adverse Event Tracking System – PetFAST. If the treat is commercially produced, reach out to the manufacturer as well, and start speaking with their Customer Care teams. Commercial treat-makers across Australia will be able to support you with product information.

What else should we consider?

Treats are only one of the ways we develop a relationship with our pets. It is also good to treat your pet without using food by providing positive experiences that you know your pet will enjoy. These will vary based on their individual interests and likes, but examples include playing or giving them attention they love (like chin scratches or brushing).

When you do use food treats, don’t feed just one kind of treat – find a variety of different safe treats that your pet enjoys and mix them up regularly.