By Fabian Barcelo, Founder & Veterinary Scientist
Vet-reviewed
Treats are one of the simplest pleasures of life with a dog or cat, and one of the easiest places for hidden sugar, salt and fillers to creep into their diet. At Innovet, we believe a treat should do more than fill a gap between meals. It should be made from ingredients you recognise, portioned sensibly and, where it can, work alongside the rest of your pet's nutrition.
01What makes a treat "healthy"?
The word healthy is used loosely on packaging, so it helps to be specific. In our view, a genuinely healthy treat meets four practical standards.
One named protein
Tuna, kangaroo, chicken or beef leading the list, not vague "derivatives" or fillers.
Human-grade
Held to the same safety and quality standards as human food, for nutrition you can trust.
Transparent
Actives listed per serve, by weight, so you can compare options and choose with confidence.
Right size
Small enough to reward often, and to keep within a sensible share of the day's calories.
Australian-made matters here too: local production means clearer oversight of sourcing and shorter supply chains. For a closer look, see our guide to healthy dog treats made in Australia.
02The 10% rule
The simplest guideline vets share is this: treats should make up no more than about a tenth of your pet's daily energy, with the rest from a complete, balanced diet.
The daily budget
Reward often, just keep it to a tenth
For a small dog or a cat, 10% is a surprisingly tiny amount, so break treats into smaller pieces to reward more often without overfeeding. On big training days, trim the main meals a little to keep the day in balance.
If weight is a concern, lower-fat options let you reward more generously within the same budget, see low-fat treats and healthy training rewards.
03Reading the label in ten seconds
The ingredient list is ordered by weight, so the first few entries tell you most of the story. Here is what to reach for, and what to leave on the shelf.
Look for
- A single, named protein first
- Recognisable, human-grade ingredients
- Actives listed per serve
- Australian-made
Leave on the shelf
- Xylitol, toxic to dogs, never acceptable
- Added sugars (glucose, syrups)
- Artificial colours & flavour enhancers
- Vague "derivatives" & heavy fillers
No guesswork. Key actives are clearly listed, per serve and by weight, so you can compare options and choose confidently.The Innovet standard
04Treats that do a little more
Not every treat needs to be purely a reward. Functional treats carry beneficial actives, so a daily habit your pet already loves can also support a specific area of their health, as nutritional support, not a cure.
Treats are a top-up, not a substitute for a balanced diet, and functional treats support rather than replace a targeted supplement. If your pet has a health condition or weight to manage, ask your vet how treats should fit in.
Frequently asked questions
How many treats can I give my dog each day?
As a guide, keep treats to around 10% of daily energy, with the rest from a complete and balanced diet. The exact number depends on size, the treat's calories and activity level, so check with your vet if unsure.
Are human-grade treats actually better?
Human-grade means ingredients held to the same safety and quality standards as human food, which gives more confidence in sourcing and consistency. It is a meaningful marker of quality, though portion control still matters.
What ingredients should I avoid?
Added sugars, artificial colours and flavour enhancers, vague unnamed derivatives, and anything containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Lead with treats built on a single named protein instead.
Rewards you can feel good about
Clean, human-grade Healthy Reward Bites, made in Australia for everyday treating.
Shop Healthy Reward Bites →Human-grade · Australian-made
