Natural pet treats: labels, calories and cost per treat

Reading a treat label

• Treat or snack: treats are not meant to be a complete diet, and they are not required to be complete and balanced. The label may say they are for intermittent or supplemental feeding.
• Ingredient list: shorter lists are easier to check. Single-ingredient treats, such as dried meat, list only one item.
• Natural: AAFCO defines it in general terms as ingredients from plants, animals or mined sources without chemically synthetic processing, with some exceptions. It does not tell you about quality or suitability for your pet.
• Calories: many treat labels show calories per treat. Check them, and count treats as part of the day's food.
• Texture and size: hard chews can be difficult for some pets, and a treat that is too big can be a choking risk. Match the size to your pet.
• Allergies and sensitivities: check the list for anything your pet should avoid, and ask your vet.

Chews and bones

Some hard chews and bones can break teeth or cause a blockage, and not every pet handles them. Ask your vet before giving chews, and supervise your pet. Remove pieces that get small enough to swallow whole.

Our angle: treat calories and cost per reward

Treats add calories on top of meals, so a treat you give often can matter. Ask your vet how much of your pet's day can come from treats. For training, many people break treats into small pieces, so the cost per reward is much lower than the cost per treat. Divide the price by the number of treats, then by the number of pieces you split each treat into. For single-ingredient treats sold by weight, compare the price per ounce. This also lets you compare a treat that costs more per ounce but gives many pieces with a cheaper one that crumbles.

1. Divide the price by the number of treats.
2. Divide again by the pieces you split each treat into.
3. For treats sold by weight, divide by ounces and compare.

Buying tips

• Buy a small bag first, since pets can be picky.
• Check best-by dates, and store treats as the label says.
• Check where treats are made and what the maker says. If the label is unclear, ask the company.
• Do not give human foods that can harm pets, such as chocolate. See our pet holiday guides.