Just like humans, your pet’s caloric intake matters.
And just like us, even snacks need to be considered in their daily calorie intake. Royal Canin, the pet food manufacturer, had a clever presentation comparing how many chocolate covered doughnuts with sprinkles equal the amount of the snack you are giving your dog and cat.
According to board certified veterinary dieticians at Royal Canin, “Treats should be limited to no more than 10% of the recommended daily calorie intake.” Small treats given to your dog or cat at the table or throughout the day, can easily total that of a sizable meal.
Royal Canin created the comparison using the “equivalent number of 200 calorie doughnuts for a person on a 2,000 calorie diet and the percent of daily energy intake recommended for a 44-pound dog and an 8.8-pound cat.”
Obesity can be the result of not calculating treats as a part of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
Prescription diets created to help treat specific ailments often offer treats, too, and their calories should also be considered as part of the daily food intake.
Discuss your pet’s dietary concerns with your veterinarian, not Dr. Google.
Bone Appetit and
Happy Tails to you!
DOGS
| Food | Quantity | Calories | Excess Calories | Equals Doughnuts for Humans |
| Cheese | 1 oz | 120 | 18% | 2 |
| Bread | 1.7 oz | 130 | 20% | 2 |
| Hot Dog | 2 oz | 170 | 26% | 3 |
| Bacon Strip Treats | 3 oz | 297 | 45% | 4 |
| Rawhide Bones | 6.7 oz | 664 | 100% | 10 |
