Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How do I balance my dog's diet when giving treats and supplements?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I like to give my dog two treats per day and they are 12 calories each Is it ok to feed her less to account for the treats? For example I've been feeding her 1/4 cup of Orijen in the am and 1/3 cup of Orijen in the pm. Can I just feed her 1/4 cup twice per day and feed the treats too? Her supplements are an additional 37 calories and her bully stick is 12 calories. This is a total of 73 calories coming from supplements, treats, and bully sticks. (Roughly about 25% of her diet) is this balanced?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on February 25th, 2017

There is more to compiling a balanced diet than counting the total calories and generally treats should be just occasional offerings as they seldom contain a balance of nutrients. It would be advisable to contact a specialist nutritionist, especially if the supplements have been prescribed for a particular health condition. A good quality, balanced diet should not need to be excessively supplemented
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 9th, 2017

    This means by calories. Yes, your dog will be getting nutrients from fruits and veggies even if they aren't fully digested. You can give her the 1/8th cup of kibble if you want by cutting out some fruits and veggies, but 1/8th of a cup isn't substantial at all. I think what you are feeding Chloe is fine and I wouldn't change it :-)

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 26th, 2017

    It can harm her in that she can gain too much weight from this, and obesity leads to joint problem, diabetes, and cardiac disease among other health issues. Just like humans, dogs do not need treats every day. They should be given sparingly for the health of your dog, and that's why these things should only make up 10% of their diet. It is not health to have 25% of the diet make of up of all of these extras.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 27th, 2017

    Bully sticks are considered a treat; therefore, 12% of her diet is treats. If you make her treats 6% of her diet and supplements 4% of her diet, that will be fine. She should be having 10% or less of her diet from treats and supplements.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Food & Nutrition
My healthy dog eats a balanced diet. Should I give supplements?
A dog that is fed a well balanced complete diet for the size of his breed, will not need any supplements at all. If you add supplements you will upset the balance of the diet. Unless your dog is lacking certain minerals or vitamins (proven by a blood test) I do not recommend you feed a supplement. Keep feeding a good diet and all should be well.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
How much of my dog's diet can be treats, chews, and supplements?
No more than 10% of the dog's total daily calories should come from treats. Those two biscuits equal around 7% perfect of her daily calories, which is perfect! It's fine that 15% of her diet is the supplements, treats, and chews, keep up the good work!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My dog is picky. How to make balanced homemade food with supplements?
Hi there! If you want to do a home-cooked diet for Temperance, I would highly recommend using the site www.balanceit.com. It was founded by a veterinary nutritionist, and will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a balanced diet using the ingredients you choose, including any necessary additives or supplements :)
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Should I give my dog more food or fewer treats for a balanced diet?
Less treats are always healthier for anyone, dogs and humans included. It would be better for Chloe to get more calories from a balanced diet then adding in extra treats, so you can give her 3/4 cup of food and three two calories treats :-)
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
How can I ensure my dog's homemade diet is nutritionally balanced?
I'm going to give you two websites that have recipes for homemade diets for dogs. They are run by veterinary nutritionists, so you are guaranteed they are balanced and no need to add any supplements. I hope this helps! https://secure.balanceit.com https://www.petdiets.com
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Can dogs eat chicken & rice with supplements instead of dog food?
I do not advise this. You would still be missing out on appropriate levels of fats, possibly other nutritions (depends on the formulation of the supplement) that are needed for hormone production, cell membranes and many other structures within the body. Plus the fatty acids would still be lacking and they are needed for cellular reactions, skin health and heart health. If you are interested in making a home made diet, I recommend to connect with a veterinarian nutritionist who can formula a diet for Bailey that is complete and balanced. You can often do this over the phone. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
How to make sure my dog's homemade diet is complete and balanced?
I would consult a veterinary nutritionist, but I don't know that there are any where you are located. Another good option is the website balanceit.com. They will help you formulate balanced recipes and I believe there is a free option as well.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog FoodDog Treats & ChewsDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Health & WellnessCalming Chews, Treats & Supplements for DogsDog MultivitaminsDog Grass Saver Treats & BiscuitsDog Skin & Coat SupplementsPrescription Dog TreatsDog Hip & Joint SupplementsDog Calming Aids and SupplementsDog Probiotics & Digestive AidsDry Dog FoodPuppy Milk ReplacersVeterinary Diet Dog FoodUTI & Kidney Supplements for DogsPuppy TreatsDog Stool Eating DeterrentDog Training TreatsDog Biscuits, Cookies & Snacks
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button