Offering a treat to your pet is often seen as a gesture of love. Whether it’s to reward good behaviour, reinforce training, mark a special moment, or simply show affection, dog and cat treats are a daily ritual for many pet owners. But it’s essential to know how, when, and how much to give to avoid compromising your companion’s overall health.

At Pitou Minou & Compagnons, we believe that treats should be appropriate, healthy, and given wisely—according to the animal’s species, weight, age, breed, and even physical condition. Below are our practical tips to make each treat a useful, well measured, and safe gesture.

Why give treats for dogs and cats?

Positive reinforcement

In dog or cat training, rewards are a powerful learning tool. When associated with desired behaviour, a treat reinforces obedience and motivates your pet to repeat the action: sitting, recall, walking on a leash, using the litter box, etc.

A Source of Joy and Emotional Bonding

Giving a treat is also an emotional ritual. For anxious, shy, or recently adopted pets, treats can foster a sense of security and strengthen the bond with their human.

Mental Stimulation

Some treats are used in interactive toys, snuffle mats, or food puzzles. They become a tool for mental stimulation, which is essential for the well-being of curious or intelligent dogs and cats.

How many treats for dogs and cats?

The 10% rule

Treats should never exceed 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. The rest must come from a complete and balanced diet. Here’s a concrete example:

• A 20 kg dog needing 1,000 calories/day: treats should not exceed 100 calories.
• A 5 kg cat needing 250 calories/day: maximum 25 treat calories/day.

Adjust based on physical condition

If your pet is:

• Overweight: reduce treats, opt for low-calorie options, or replace them with safe vegetables.
• Very active: a bit more flexibility is allowed, especially after physical activity.
• Sedentary or elderly: treat amounts must be monitored even more closely.

At Pitou Minou & Compagnons, we can calculate your pet’s daily treat allowance based on caloric needs.

When should you reward your pet?

Strategic moments to reinforce training

• During training sessions: the reward must be immediate after the good behaviour.
• During stressful events (vet visits, grooming, transport): helps desensitize and associate the event with something positive.
• After effort or physical activity: a good time to highlight your companion’s cooperation or endurance.

To avoid: random or context-free rewards

Giving treats too frequently or without reason can:

• Decrease their value to the pet
• Create expectations or begging behaviour
• Disrupt nutritional balance

It’s important to reward with intention, not out of habit.

Types of treats based on pet type

For dogs

Chew treats

• Natural dried bones, tendons, antlers, or coffee wood
• Benefits: support dental cleaning, long-lasting stimulation
• Avoid: cooked bones, overly hard items (risk of tooth fractures), or indigestible products

Training bites

• Small-sized, low-calorie, easy to chew quickly
• Perfect for educational sessions

Healthy biscuits or kibble

• Treats made from meat, fish, vegetables, or dried fruits
• Always check the ingredient list to avoid unnecessary fillers

For cats

Freeze-dried treats

• 100% meat or fish, no additives
• Very appealing to picky cats

Paste and tube purées

• Great for positive reinforcement training or rewarding after medication
• Watch sodium or sugar content

Dental treats

• Help reduce plaque and tartar buildup
• A useful addition to oral hygiene routines

Treats by physical condition and age

Overweight pets

• Opt for low-calorie treats, rich in fibre or lean protein
• Cut treats into smaller pieces to extend chewing time
• Occasionally offer safe vegetables: small pieces of carrots, green beans, cucumbers (no salt or seasoning)

Senior dogs and cats

• Prefer soft or semi-moist textures if teeth are weakened
• Avoid hard bones, dry tendons, or anything that requires intense chewing

Sporting or highly active dogs

• Can tolerate treats higher in protein and calories
• Ensure proper hydration after activity and choose digestible options

Pets with allergies or intolerances

• Choose single-protein treats (lamb, duck, fish)
• Opt for grain-free, soy-free, dairy-free recipes
• Our experts can recommend hypoallergenic veterinary treats

Foods to avoid as rewards

Many foods considered harmless to humans can be toxic or dangerous to pets. Here’s a list to always avoid:

Forbidden for both dogs and cats

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions, garlic, chives
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in some products)
• Macadamia nuts
• Avocado
• Raw dough (yeast)

Dangerous for cats

• Milk (poorly digested in adulthood)
• Salted canned tuna
• Alcohol, coffee, tea
• Spiced or seasoned foods

Avoid even in small amounts

• Table scraps
• Salty or fatty cheeses
• Cooking grease

Even if your pet loves a certain food, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. When in doubt, ask a Pitou Minou & Compagnons expert before introducing a new product.

The importance of reading labels

Before buying a treat, take the time to check:

• Ingredient list: favour animal proteins, avoid by-products and artificial additives
• Caloric value per serving
• Origin (ideally made in Canada or the USA)
• Certifications (non-GMO, gluten-free, organic, etc.)

Our advisors can help you decode labels and choose the most suitable products.

In-store: personalized advice for every pet

At Pitou Minou & Compagnons, we know every dog and cat has a unique story, specific health needs, and individual preferences. That’s why our team is trained to help you choose the treats for dogs and cats that are best suited to your companion.

What we offer in-store

• Natural, hypoallergenic, dental, functional, and educational treats
• Local or homemade products to promote healthy and responsible feeding
• Personalized advice based on weight, age, breed, medical condition, and goals (weight loss, reinforcement, etc.)
• In-store taste tests to discover your pet’s preferences before purchasing

Why trust us?

• We understand the stakes of pet nutrition
• We maintain direct relationships with our suppliers to ensure quality
• We take the time to listen and support you every step of the way.