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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

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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

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Other Answers

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    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 :-)

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    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.

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    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.

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