Practical Guide for Dog Owners

Key Takeaways

Use dog treats wisely to build trust and reinforce positive behaviours during training.
Avoid toxic foods like chocolate and grapes, as well as cooked bone,s when giving dog treats.
Healthy options include carrot sticks, apple slices, and plain cooked chicken; check labels for ingredients.
Limit treats to 10% of daily food intake to prevent obesity; adjust meal portions accordingly.
Engage in creative ways to use treats, such as puzzle feeders and scent games, to enhance mental stimulation.

You’ve just sat down with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Your dog is watching every move, tail wagging, eyes fixed on your hand. You think: one little bite won’t hurt, right?

I’ve been there. Whether it’s a bit of toast crust or a treat for being ‘a good boy’ on a walk, it’s easy to slip into habits that feel kind in the moment—but can cause problems later.

I work with dogs every day, and I’m often asked about treats. Which ones are safe? What should we avoid? How many is too many?

There’s a lot of conflicting advice online, and the pet shop shelves can be overwhelming. You want to do the right thing, but it’s not always clear what that is.

That’s why I’ve written this guide. It’s based on my hands-on experience as a dog walker in North London and research from trusted organisations such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and The Kennel Club.

Whether you’re using treats for training, bonding, or enrichment, this article will help you make calm, informed choices that support your dog’s wellbeing.

Why We Use Dog Treatsand Why It Matters

Treats are more than snacks. When used well, they’re one of the most useful tools we have for communication and connection.

I use treats every day during walks and training sessions to:

Reward recall
Build trust with nervous dogs
Reinforce calm behaviour around distractions
Get their attention and redirect focus from triggers like squirrels
Distract them from any triggers such as other dogs, bikes, joggers, etc

But I also see the flip side. Dogs that jump, bark or paw at pockets because they’ve learned that pushing gets results. Dogs who stop eating their meals because the treats have taken over.

Treats are part of the bigger picture. That’s why I always ask:

What am I rewarding? Is my timing helping or hindering?

Using treats well means being present. It means rewarding calm, not chaos. And it means understanding what your dog truly finds rewarding.

Dog Training with Treats: Getting It Right

If you’re training your dog, whether for loose lead walking, recall, or anything else, treats can be a game-changer.

But not all treats work equally well. I use different types depending on the situation and the individual dog.

For most training, I recommend:

Small, soft treats that can be eaten quickly
High-value foods like cooked chicken or fish for big breakthroughs
A mix of low and high-value options, depending on difficulty

Training treats should be no bigger than a pea. You’ll often use dozens in a session, especially when shaping new behaviours or practising outside.

I’ve found that variety helps keep focus. One dog I walk responds really well to tiny bits of cheesebut only if I mix in other flavours too.

Ask yourself: what motivates your dog most? Are they working harder for some treats than others?

What Not to Feed Dogs: Avoid These Treats

Some human foods are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

Here’s what to avoid completely:

Chocolate – contains theobromine, which is toxic. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, seizures, or worse.
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure.
Onions and garlic damage red blood cells and build up over time.
Macadamia nuts – can cause tremors, weakness and vomiting.
Sweets or chewing gum – especially those with xylitol, a sugar substitute toxic to dogs.
Cooked bones – can splinter and cause choking or internal damage.

At Christmas or Halloween, I always remind clients to keep festive foods well out of reach. Many of the things we enjoy, mince pies, fruitcake, and chocolates, can be harmful.

If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, contact your vet or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

Safe Treats for Dogs: Healthy Options That Work

Not all treats have to come from a packet. Some of the healthiest rewards are already in your kitchen, such as safe vegetables.

Here are some safe treats I often recommend:

Carrot sticks – crunchy, low-calorie and good for teeth
Apple slices (no seeds) – sweet but safe in moderation
Cucumber – hydrating and refreshing, especially in summer
Plain cooked chicken or turkey – a favourite for most dogs
Dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) – in small amounts

If you’re buying treats, look for:

Clear ingredients with no added sugar or colourings
Grain-free or single-protein treats for sensitive dogs
Air-dried or freeze-dried options with real meat or fish
Natural dog treats like sprats, liver bites, or rabbit ears

One dog I walk struggles with a sensitive stomach, so we keep it simple with dried white fish. Another older dog prefers softer, crumbly treats that are easy on the teeth.

Have you noticed how your dog reacts after different treats? Any changes in energy or digestion?

How Many Treats is Too Many?

Even the healthiest treats can add up quickly.

The PDSA estimates that over 50% of UK dogs are overweight. I see it: toodogs slowing down on walks or struggling with joints, often because treats and table scraps are quietly piling on the pounds.

Some practical ways to manage this:

Reduce meal portions slightly if you’re giving a lot of treats
Use your dog’s kibble for training where possible
Keep treats to 10% or less of daily food intake
Track treats during the day if your dog has multiple carers

If your dog is on a weight management plan, ask your vet for a list of approved low-calorie treats.

I often help clients adjust treat routines, especially for older dogs or those with health concerns.

Do you know how many treats your dog gets in a typical day? It might be more than you think.

Using Treats Without Encouraging Demanding Behaviour

Some dogs get pushy around treats. They paw, bark, stare or hover as soon as the bag comes out.

This usually starts from excitement, but if it’s rewardedeven accidentallyit quickly becomes a habit.

I manage this by:

Keeping treats out of sight until they’re needed
Only giving treats when the dog is calm and responsive
Practising “treat zen” – rewarding waiting, not grabbing
Using calm body language and avoiding over-enthusiastic voices

One rescue dog I walked would bark every time he thought a treat was coming. We worked on building calm anticipation instead. After a few weeks, he’d sit quietly and wait, even around other dogs.

It’s not about withholding treats. It’s about timing and tone.

How does your dog act when you reach for treats? What are they learning from that moment?

Treats and Enrichment: More Than Just Snacks

Treats don’t always have to come directly from your hand. You can use them to support enrichment and mental stimulation, too.

Some ways I do this:

Stuffing a Kong with chicken and vegetables, then freezing it
Hiding treats in snuffle mats or cardboard boxes
Using puzzle feeders instead of a bowl
Scattering treats in the garden for a scent game
When out on walks, use fallen trees to hide treats

Enrichment helps burn energy, especially for dogs who can’t always have long walks.

Treats used this way become part of your dog’s daily routine, rather than something separate.

What enrichment activities does your dog enjoy? Could treats be used more creatively in your home? Could you do enrichment walks

FAQ

Can dogs have cheese as a treat?
Yes, but in moderation. Choose low-fat options and cut them into very small pieces. Cheese is rich and can upset some stomachs, especially in sensitive dogs.

Are dental chews good for dogs?
Some are helpful for teeth, but they can be high in calories. Check ingredients and avoid those with added sugars or artificial colours. Always supervise chewing.

Can I use treats to stop my dog barking?
You can redirect barking with treats, but only if you’re reinforcing quiet, calm behaviour. Avoid giving treats while the dog is barking, as this can reinforce the noise.

What treats are best for puppies?
Soft, gentle treats like cooked chicken or puppy-specific shop treats. Always choose small pieces and avoid anything too chewy or hard for growing teeth.

Final Thoughts

Treats are part of life with dogs. They help build trust, shape behaviour, and show care. But they work best when used calmly and consistently.

I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about what to offer, when to use treats, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

If you ever feel unsure, I’m always happy to chat during a walk or visit. Every dog is different, and it’s often the small changes that make the biggest difference.