Low-calorie pet treats to tackle pet obesity

Every dog and cat has a calorie intake requirement per day, and treats should make up no more than 10% of this. Daily calorie needs vary with age, physical activity levels, medical and behavioral conditions, reproductive status, breed and growth stage.

Most owners know how to portion their pet’s food by reading the label on the packaging, but they may not realize that giving additional treats on top of the base diet can lead to weight gain, especially when giving high-calorie treats like chews or jerky.

Health concerns

Pet obesity is a growing problem, with an estimated 58% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States classified as overweight or obese. This is a serious health concern, as obesity in pets can lead to a number of serious health problems, such as diabetes, joint disease and pancreatitis, as well as behavioral issues. Often so-called ‘treats’ are human foods that can even be dangerous for pets. That is why it is important to only give products that are specifically intended for animals.

Low-calorie pet treats for training

Pet treats are mostly used to strengthen the bond between an owner and their pet or for training purposes. Studies have shown that positive reinforcement causes animals to associate training with something pleasant, making them keen to learn new things. The simplest way to include rewards in animal training is by using treats.

Low-calorie treats are becoming increasingly popular for pet owners who are looking for ways to provide their furry friends delicious rewards without compromising their health. With treats that are low in fat but still nutritious and tasty, owners can give their pets even more treats without worrying about overfeeding.

Low-calorie pet treats are usually high in fiber and protein and low in fat. Fiber helps with digestion and keeps pets feeling full for longer, while protein provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and development. Low-fat treats are beneficial for pets who are overweight or prone to weight gain, as they help to limit calorie intake if given in the right amount.

Other purposes

Treats are usually associated with training and the more we can use them as a reward during training sessions, the better. Low-calorie treats are perfect for this. However, they are also used for many other purposes.

Dental treats are designed to maintain and improve the oral health of pets without affecting their daily calorie intake. They are typically designed with abrasive textures that help remove plaque and tartar build-up, and they often contain ingredients to reduce bad breath like cinnamon or vanilla.

Chew treats, though usually high in calories, can be helpful for young pets or pets with separation anxiety to distract them from boredom and destructive behavior. These types of treats take a long time to consume and therefore might not impact the pet’s weight as much. The most common so-called ‘natural’ chew edibles for pets are rawhides, bully sticks, dried ears and roasted beef bones, but since they are poorly digestible and carry risks of constipation and choking, they are not recommended for pets.

However, safer solutions already exist, like hard chews made of starch or other vegetable ingredients, which are low in calories and pass through the gastrointestinal tract mostly unabsorbed.

Popular ingredients in dog treats

Low-calorie dog treats on the market include freeze-dried, air-dried, baked and frozen treats. The most popular and recommended ingredients in freeze-dried low-calorie dog treats include vegetables, fruits and many sources of protein like lean meat. Some of the most common ingredients include chicken, salmon, beef, carrots, apples, sweet potatoes and legumes such as chickpeas.

High-protein ingredients, like chicken, turkey and fish, are becoming increasingly popular in low-calorie treats for dogs. These ingredients provide essential amino acids that are necessary for highly active or growing dogs. They are also usually the main ingredient in low-calorie pet treats.

Health benefits

Ingredients that are high in fiber, such as cellulose, fruits or vegetables keep pets feeling full for longer and can also improve digestion.

A substance that can be added to the recipes of treats is L-carnitine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid found in muscle and organ tissue that can support the metabolism of fat and optimize muscle function.

Most low-calorie treats have a short list of ingredients and do not exceed 5 calories per treat, while traditional dog biscuits can contain up to 10 times more calories per treat.

What about cats?

Since cats are often kept indoors, they have a limited range of activities to increase their caloric intake, but this does not stop their owners from feeding them treats. Unfortunately, the will to play and be active depends on the cat’s age, sex and personality, as there are cats who just do not enjoy playing or running.

The most popular ingredient in low-calorie cat treats is fish. It is high in protein and low in fat and calories, making it an ideal choice for cats who need to watch their weight. Fish also provides essential vitamins and nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

Most popular low-calorie treats for cats have a short list of ingredients with tuna, salmon or chicken as a main component. Calories vary from 1 to 2 calories per treat, compared to puree treats that contain up to 9 calories per pouch, limiting the portion to 1 or 2 per day. Because cats are not usually trained, there are fewer cat treats on the market than dog treats.