I love a snack.
Dogs love them more.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth most of us never think about:
many dogs are eating the canine equivalent of a daily takeaway, every single day, and they never got a menu or a choice.
A biscuit here, a sausage bit there, a “just one more because he’s cute” moment, and suddenly their dinner didn’t stand a chance.
Pickles’ Aside: I will always look starving. This does not mean I am.
Why Treats Sneak Up on Us (And Catch Us Out)
Treats don’t feel dangerous. That’s the problem.
They:
- Are tiny, so they feel harmless
- Feel loving, like we’re bonding
- Are rarely counted as food
- Often come without calorie info front and centre
A cube of cheese doesn’t look like much.
A bit of sausage feels like nothing.
But stack them up across:
- Training
- Walks
- Guests
- Kids “helping”
- Evening sofa snacks
And suddenly your dog has eaten half a meal extra, entirely in beige nibbles.
Owner insight: One UK owner shared that once they actually weighed their daily training treats, it came out at nearly the same calories as their dog’s breakfast. They hadn’t changed the dog’s food. Just the treats.
Why Weight Matters More Than People Realise
A bit of extra padding might look cute, but inside the body, it’s doing real damage.
Even modest weight gain increases the risk of:
- Joint disease and early arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart strain
- Reduced stamina and mobility
- Shortened lifespan
And here’s the bit that really stings:
dogs can’t tell us when it hurts. They just slow down, sleep more, or stop playing, and we call it “getting older”.
Pickles’ Aside: If I stop jumping on the sofa, something is wrong. Or you moved it.
The Treat Trap Most Owners Fall Into
The biggest mistake isn’t giving treats.
It’s not adjusting anything else.
Many dogs are:
- Fed full meals
- Given multiple daily treats
- Rewarded with human food
- Plus chews “for their teeth”
That’s not spoiling. That’s accidental overfeeding.
Smarter owners don’t stop rewarding. They get strategic.
Smarter Reward Swaps That Dogs Still Love
Rewards don’t have to be edible. And when they are, they don’t have to be big.
Better Treat Habits
- Break treats into tiny pieces, dogs don’t count size, just frequency
- Use lower-calorie options for training
- Reserve high-value treats for recall or emergencies
Non-Food Rewards That Actually Work
- Verbal praise in an excited voice
- A quick game of tug
- A sniff break on walks
- A favourite toy appearing from nowhere
Owner insight: Many trainers report that once dogs learn food isn’t guaranteed every time, play and praise become far more powerful.
Pickles’ Aside: I do accept praise. I just prefer it delivered enthusiastically.
UK Dog Treat Calories and Snack Swaps (The Useful Bit)
Below is a realistic UK-focused guide, not perfection, just better choices.
Common Treats vs Smarter Swaps
| Treat Type | Approx Calories | Dogs Love It? | Better Everyday Swap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese cube | 20 to 30 | Yes, obsessively | Tiny grated cheese mixed into food |
| Sausage piece | 25 to 40 | Absolutely | Lean cooked chicken breast |
| Dentastick style chew | 70 to 120 | Yes | Natural air-dried fish skin |
| Commercial training treats | 3 to 6 each | Yes | Split in half |
| Carrot slice | 5 | Surprisingly yes | Courgette or green beans |
| Apple slice (no seeds) | 5 | Many do | Blueberries |
| Peanut butter lick | 90 per tbsp | Always | Dog-safe peanut powder |
Pickles’ Aside: If it smells exciting, I don’t care if it’s a vegetable.
UK Treats Dogs Genuinely Love (And Owners Can Trust More)
Look for:
- Single-protein treats
- Air-dried or freeze-dried
- Short ingredient lists
Popular UK-friendly examples:
- Dried sprats or white fish cubes
- Air-dried chicken or turkey strips
- Natural rabbit or venison treats
- Training treats under 4 calories each
These are usually stocked by independent pet shops, farm shops, and better online retailers rather than bargain bins.
Treats and Ingredients to Avoid (Even If the Packet Looks Lovely)
Avoid treats with:
- “Meat derivatives” with no species listed
- Sugar, molasses, glucose syrup
- Artificial colours or flavourings
- Bulk fillers like wheat middlings
- Very high fat content for daily use
Red flag phrases on packets:
- “Complementary treat” with no calorie info
- “With real meat flavour” instead of actual meat
- Long ingredient lists you can’t pronounce
If the packet doesn’t clearly say what it is, it probably isn’t great.
How to Read a Dog Treat Packet Like a Pro
When you pick up a bag, check this order:
- Ingredients list
- Meat should be first
- Named animal, not vague terms
- Calorie content
- Ideally listed per treat, not per kilo
- Crude fat percentage
- Lower for daily treats
- Save high-fat for occasional rewards
- Additives
- Fewer is better
- None is best
Owner insight: UK owners who switched to counting treat calories often found their dogs lost weight without changing meals at all.
Pickles’ Aside: I notice when you change treats. I also notice when you count them.
The Bottom Line on Treats
Treats aren’t bad.
Mindless treating is.
Dogs don’t need bigger rewards.
They need smarter ones.
If you treat with intention, count what matters, and swap food for fun where you can, you get:
- A healthier dog
- Better training
- Fewer vet bills
- And a longer, happier life together
Pickles’ Aside: I still expect snacks. I just don’t need all of them.
If you want, next I can:
- Turn this into a printable cheat sheet
- Adapt it for puppies, seniors, or overweight dogs
- Or rewrite it as a full Crazy Dogs blog post with internal links and SEO title
i like it but can you add in some dog treat brands and there good and bad ones? like i don’t think they even list calories do they?
You’re absolutely right to side-eye that, because most dog treats in the UK still don’t clearly list calories and it catches owners out all the time.
Let’s bolt a very practical, brand-specific section onto what you already like, keeping it honest, UK-based, and genuinely useful rather than brand-bashy.
Do UK Dog Treats List Calories? (Short Answer: Usually No)
Unlike human food, dog treats in the UK are not legally required to show calorie content per treat.
What you’ll often see instead:
- Crude protein
- Crude fat
- Crude fibre
- Ash
- Moisture
Helpful for vets and nutritionists, not brilliant for normal humans trying to avoid turning their Labrador into a loaf.
Some brands are getting better. Many still hide behind “feed sparingly”.
Pickles’ Aside: If it says “sparingly”, I assume you mean emotionally, not numerically.
UK Dog Treat Brands That Do Better (And Why)
These brands tend to be clearer, simpler, and easier to use daily.
Better Everyday Treat Brands
Lily’s Kitchen
- Ingredients are clearly named
- Often lower fat than supermarket biscuits
- Some products list calorie info online, even if not always on the packet
- Still easy to overfeed if you’re not careful
Good for: occasional treats, dogs with sensitive tummies
Watch out for: rich recipes for daily training
Forthglade
- Natural ingredients
- Simple recipes
- Some calorie transparency on their website
- Better than average ingredient quality
Good for: food-motivated dogs
Watch out for: treat size, they’re often bigger than needed
JR Pet Products
- Single-ingredient treats
- No fillers, no nonsense
- Calories rarely listed, but fat content is obvious
- Easy to portion very small
Good for: training, allergies, weight control
Watch out for: high-fat options like pate or sausages for daily use
Pets Purest
- Freeze-dried options available
- Very strong smell, dogs go mad for them
- Simple ingredient lists
Good for: recall training
Watch out for: potency, you need less than you think
Owner insight: Many UK owners report switching to single-ingredient treats meant they naturally fed less, because the treats were smellier and more satisfying.
Brands to Be More Careful With (Not Evil, Just Sneaky)
These brands are widely available and popular, but they’re the easiest to overfeed.
Proceed With Caution
Pedigree
- Calories rarely listed per treat
- Often cereal-based
- Some chews can be over 70 calories each
Fine for: occasional use
Not great for: daily training
Bakers
- Very appealing marketing
- Artificial colours and flavourings
- High carb content
- Little calorie transparency
Owner insight: Many vets actively advise weight-prone dogs to avoid these entirely.
Dentastix and Dental Chews
- Often 70 to 120 calories per stick
- Fed daily by many owners without adjustment
- Marketed as “health” rather than food
Pickles’ Aside: Calling it dental does not make it invisible.
Supermarket Own Brands
- Cheap and cheerful
- Calories almost never listed
- Often high in sugars or fillers
Fine for: rare treats
Risky for: daily habits
Good Boy Treats: Why Vets Side-Eye Them
Good Boy is in almost every supermarket, corner shop, and petrol station. That alone tells you who it’s designed for.
What Good Boy Gets Right
- Cheap
- Easy to find
- Dogs enjoy them
- Convenient for occasional use
The Issues You Need to Know
- Calories almost never listed
- Often cereal-heavy
- Many products include sugar or glycerine
- Artificial colours and flavourings are common
- Treat sizes are often bigger than needed
Some of their treats can be surprisingly calorie-dense, especially:
- Chewy twists
- “Meaty” strips
- Dental-style sticks
Owner insight: UK vets frequently report Good Boy treats as a common factor in slow weight gain because owners don’t mentally count them as food.
When Good Boy Is Okay
- Very occasional treats
- Emergency stash in the car
- Guests giving one, not five
When It’s a Bad Idea
- Daily training
- Weight loss plans
- Food-motivated breeds
- Multiple dogs in the house
Pickles’ Aside: If it tastes sweet, I will demand more until you panic.
The Big Problem With “Dental” and “Functional” Treats
These are the sneakiest.
They’re marketed as:
- Dental
- Joint support
- Calming
- Skin and coat
So owners don’t mentally log them as food.
But many contain:
- High fat
- Syrups or binders
- More calories than a small meal
If your dog gets one every day, that’s part of their diet, not a bonus.
What to Look for on UK Treat Packets (Real World Version)
When you’re stood in the pet shop aisle, do this:
1. Ingredient List
- Named meat first, like chicken, beef, salmon
- Avoid “meat derivatives” without explanation
2. Fat Percentage
- Under 10 percent for daily treats
- Higher is fine for occasional rewards
3. Portion Guidance
- If it says “feed sparingly” with no numbers, assume it’s calorie-dense
4. Website Check
- Many brands list calorie info online but not on packaging
- If they don’t list it anywhere, be cautious
Pickles’ Aside: If you won’t tell me the calories, I assume it’s deliciously suspicious.
Better Supermarket Alternatives (Still Convenient)
If you’re shopping in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, or Pets at Home, look for:
- Air-dried fish treats
- Freeze-dried meat cubes
- Single-ingredient chicken or fish
- Training treats under 4 calories each if listed online
They often cost a bit more, but you use far fewer.
The Rule That Saves Most Dogs
If the brand:
- Doesn’t list calories anywhere
- Uses vague meat terms
- Is sold by the scoop or bucket
Then treat it like cake, not toast.
Occasional. Small. Intentional.
Pickles’ Aside: I love cake. You are in charge of my portions.
A Simple Rule That Actually Works
If:
- The treat is soft
- Smells incredible
- Or claims to do something magical
Then use half of what you think you should.
Break it up. Rotate treats. Mix food and non-food rewards.
Dogs care about frequency, not size.
The Honest Takeaway
Some UK brands are improving.
Most still don’t make calorie counting easy.
And owners aren’t failing, the system is.
The safest approach is:
- Smaller portions
- Simpler ingredients
- Treats that smell strong but feed light
Pickles’ Aside: I don’t need a whole biscuit. I just need you to believe I earned it.
The UK Dog Treat Shopping Checklist
Take This Into the Pet Shop With You
Most mistakes happen in the aisle, not at home. This checklist keeps you out of beige trouble.
Step 1: Flip the Packet Over First
Ignore the front. The front is lying to you politely.
Check:
- Ingredients list
- Analytical constituents
- Feeding guidance
If you can’t find those easily, put it back.
Pickles’ Aside: If you judge by the picture, you will buy me lies shaped like bones.
Step 2: Ingredients Reality Check
Look for:
- A named animal protein first, chicken, beef, salmon, turkey
- Short ingredient lists
- Words you recognise as food
Be wary of:
- “Meat derivatives”
- “Animal by-products”
- “Flavourings”
- Sugars, syrups, molasses
Rule of thumb:
If you wouldn’t cook with it, your dog probably shouldn’t train with it.
Step 3: Fat Content Filter
This one matters more than people realise.
For everyday treats:
- Aim for under 10 percent crude fat
For occasional high-value rewards:
- Higher fat is fine, but not daily
If fat isn’t listed clearly, assume it’s higher than ideal.
Pickles’ Aside: Fat is delicious. This is why you must protect me from myself.
Step 4: Calorie Honesty (Or Lack Of It)
Ask yourself:
- Does it list calories per treat?
- Does the brand list calories on their website?
If the answer is no to both, treat it like a luxury item, not a daily staple.
Remember:
- Dental chews count
- Calming treats count
- “Functional” treats still count
Step 5: Size Test
Before you buy, imagine:
- Can I break this into 4 or 5 pieces easily?
If not, it’s probably too big for regular use.
Tiny rewards win every time.
Step 6: Price Reality
Cheap treats are often:
- Bulky
- Carb-heavy
- Easy to overfeed
Spending a little more on:
- Smellier treats
- Single-ingredient options
Often means you actually feed less overall.
Pickles’ Aside: Quality over quantity. I am not a bin.
The Weight-Loss Treat Swap Plan
No Sad Dogs, No Cold Turkey
This plan works because it doesn’t remove rewards, it just changes them.
Phase 1: Awareness Week (Days 1 to 7)
Do not change anything yet.
Just:
- Count how many treats your dog actually gets
- Include training, walks, chews, table scraps
- Write it down or note it on your phone
Owner insight: Most UK owners underestimate treat numbers by at least half.
Phase 2: Shrink, Don’t Remove (Week 2)
Same treats. Smaller pieces.
- Break all treats into at least halves
- Training treats into quarters
- Dental chews only every other day
Dogs notice frequency far more than size.
Pickles’ Aside: I count moments, not millimetres.
Phase 3: Swap the Default (Week 3)
Replace everyday treats with lower-calorie options.
Daily swaps:
- Sausage → cooked chicken breast
- Cheese → tiny grated cheese mixed into food
- Biscuits → air-dried fish or freeze-dried meat
- Shop treats → part of daily kibble allowance
High-value treats stay, just saved for:
- Recall
- Vet visits
- Emergencies
Phase 4: Add Non-Food Rewards (Week 4)
Start rotating rewards:
- Food
- Praise
- Play
- Sniff breaks
Aim for:
- One food reward
- One non-food reward
- Alternating
Owner insight: Many dogs become more responsive once food is no longer guaranteed every time.
Phase 5: Adjust Meals Slightly (If Needed)
If treats are still part of daily life:
- Reduce meal portions by 5 to 10 percent
- Never cut meals drastically
- Never skip meals
Slow changes protect metabolism and mood.
Pickles’ Aside: Do not steal my dinner to fix your guilt.
Emergency Swap List (Stick This On The Fridge)
When you reach for a treat, try one of these instead:
- A cue followed by praise
- A tossed toy
- A sniff cue on walks
- A piece of kibble from the meal allowance
- A quick training game
If you still want food, go tiny.
How You Know It’s Working
Within 4 to 6 weeks you’ll often see:
- Better stamina on walks
- Easier movement
- Less begging
- Slow, steady weight loss
No misery required.
The Big Truth About Weight Loss and Treats
Most dogs don’t need fewer rewards.
They need better systems.
Smaller, smellier, smarter treats.
More play, more praise, more intention.
Pickles’ Aside: I don’t need more snacks. I need you to feel less guilty and be more organised.
UK Supermarket Dog Treats Ranked: Best to Worst (Crazy Dogs Table)
| Rank Tier | Brand | Where You’ll See It | Why It’s Ranked Here | Crazy Dogs Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best | JR Pet Products | Tesco, Pets at Home, Sainsbury’s (some stores) | Single-ingredient treats, no fillers, very smelly so you use less | Best supermarket option, still portion carefully |
| Best | Lily’s Kitchen | Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose | Clear ingredients, fewer additives, some calorie info online | Good choice if you don’t overdo it |
| Best | Forthglade | Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Pets at Home | Simple recipes, better transparency than most | Fine if broken into tiny pieces |
| Decent | Harringtons | Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s | Improving ingredients, fewer artificial colours | Not exciting, not awful |
| Caution | Pets at Home Own Brand | Pets at Home | Convenient, dogs love them, no calorie info | Cake, not toast |
| Caution | Pets at Home Deli Dog | Pets at Home | Sold loose, very easy to overfeed, high-fat options | High-value only, never daily |
| Caution | Pedigree | All supermarkets | Familiar, widely used, cereal-heavy | Very occasional use only |
| Caution | Webbox | Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s | Soft, tasty, sugar and glycerine common | Tiny pieces or skip |
| Risky | Wagg | Tesco, Asda | Cheap, carb-heavy, no calorie clarity | Quiet weight gain territory |
| Worst | Good Boy | All supermarkets | Sugars, flavourings, no calories listed | Vet-sigh classic |
| Worst | Bakers | All supermarkets | Artificial colours, very high carbs | Best avoided entirely |
| Worst | Purina Adventuros | Tesco, Asda | Heavy flavouring, no portion guidance | Marketing over nutrition |
| Worst | Tesco / Sainsbury’s / Asda Own Brand | Own brand aisles | Lowest-cost ingredients, high fillers | Emergency use only |
How to Use This Table Without Losing Your Mind
- Stay in the green or top yellow when you can
- Anything orange or red should be:
- Rare
- Tiny
- Not stacked with dental chews
- If calories aren’t listed anywhere, assume it’s richer than it looks
Pickles’ Aside: I will argue that red-tier treats are still treats. You must be strong.
The One Rule That Still Beats Every Table
If the treat:
- Smells amazing
- Is soft or chewy
- Or doesn’t list calories
Use half of what you think you should.
Then probably half again.
Dogs don’t need variety.
They need consistency and sensible humans.