Mindful Treating: Delight Without the Downside
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT - TECHNICAL POSITION PAPER
Leading with Technical Expertise - White Paper
Leah Lambrakis, Department of Technical Services
The Power of the Treat
Treats are more than just a tasty bite; they are one of the most simple and heartfelt ways we express love to our pets. Whether it’s a “cookie” after a walk, a dental chew to keep them preoccupied, or a soft bite as a reward, treating has become an everyday ritual in the human-animal bond.
This topic has been on my mind more lately, especially after Coco and Daisy, my pups, had their recent annual wellness checks. I was thrilled to see that Coco’s weight was back to being right on point, with a few pounds lost. Unfortunately, Daisy seemed to find them. Our vet, who I’ve known and trusted for nearly two decades, gently raised the issue of Daisy’s caloric intake, I could tell she was navigating the conversation carefully, likely because of the work I do in pet food. Here’s the thing – I am fully aware it’s the treats! If you’ve never been on the receiving end of Daisy’s persuasive eyes, let’s just say you would understand.
It all comes back to the human-animal bond, which is so powerful. Pet parents often describe the joy they feel when they please their pets, especially their reaction just after even mentioning the word “treat!”. Treating taps into this emotional loop: it makes pets happy, which in turn makes us happy. However, with this emotional reward comes a quiet challenge, one that can have long-term consequences if left unchecked.
Unlike full meals, which tend to be portioned with care, treats are often given freely, sometimes too freely. A few extras here and there might not seem like much, but over time, those little indulgences can add up to excess calories and unintentional weight gain. Many pet parents underestimate how many treats they give per day, unaware of how quickly these additions accumulate.
As pet food professionals, we understand that treating should be joyful but also purposeful. Mindful treating doesn’t mean cutting out the fun; it means making informed choices that delight our pets without compromising their health. As with so many aspects of life, it’s about balance and it’s a mindset we can help pet parents adopt with the right products, guidance, and education.
The Weight of the Problem
Pet obesity is one of the most common and preventable health issues facing our pets today. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, it is estimated that upwards of 60% of cats and dogs in North America are classified as overweight or obese (1). That’s more than half of our pets carrying excess weight that can impact their quality of life, mobility, and longevity.
In recent years, several consumer insight studies, including those conducted by Packaged Facts and Mintel, have highlighted an interesting discrepancy: pet parents are highly motivated by health and wellness when choosing food, but tend to be far more emotional and lenient when it comes to treats (2,3). Treats are often associated with love, bonding, and even guilt-relief.
It’s not just the number of treats, it’s the lack of awareness around how they contribute to a pet’s total daily calories.
Veterinarians and nutritionists typically recommend that treats account for no more than 10% of a pet’s daily caloric intake, but that guidance is often overlooked. A small dog weighing 15 pounds, for example, may only need 300–400 calories per day, depending on their life stage and activity level. Just a few high-calorie treats can easily tip the balance. To put it in perspective: one long-lasting dental chew can contain 35–50 calories. That alone may exceed a small dog’s entire daily treat allowance, or it could mean it’s the only treat they should receive that day. One effective way to maintain portion control is by implementing a food log to track all treating events in the household. This ensures that every offering from a well-meaning family member is accounted for as part of the pet’s daily intake. This can be very eye-opening!
Showing love through food feels natural – a theme I explored in a previous white paper, [07: Who Doesn’t Love Treats?]. We often say that food shouldn’t equal love, but I’ll be the first to admit that’s easier said than done! The data tells us that people treat more generously because they care deeply. Our opportunity is to reframe treating through a lens of love and longevity, to help pet parents understand that small, mindful changes can make a big difference.
Treating with Purpose
Treating is about more than taste; it is also about experience. A crisp texture, a new scent, or even the sound of a specific drawer opening can become part of a rewarding ritual. That’s why it is worth taking the time to select treats that offer portion control, fewer calories, and cleaner labels, while still delivering highly palatable rewards. There are many thoughtfully designed treats in the market to support nutritional goals and provide the variety, enrichment, and positive reinforcement pets (and their people) enjoy.
There are also many whole foods options that when offered in moderation, can also serve as exciting, low-calorie treats. Crunchy vegetables like cucumber or carrots can add texture and novelty. Small portions of plain, cooked lean proteins can be satisfying and protein rich. Even certain fruits, like blueberries or sliced apples (seedless), offer a refreshing, occasional reward.
At Simmons Pet Food, we believe in elevating the bowl – bringing joy to feeding moments while staying grounded in health and science. One way we do this is through toppers like low-calorie broths with shredded chicken or organ meats, or smooth purees enhanced with nutritional solutions, all designed to drizzle over the bowl and create a sense of indulgence with portion control. By offering treats and toppers that align with both a pet’s nutritional needs and their preferences, we can support the emotional bond between pets and people, without adding unnecessary weight or guilt to the equation.
Indulgence with Intention
Treating is one of the simplest ways we connect with our pets, but just like with our own diets, a little mindfulness goes a long way. By understanding calorie balance, embracing healthier options, and choosing treats with purpose, we can keep our pets happy and healthy. As we continue to innovate at Simmons Pet Food, we remain committed to creating feeding moments that nourish and delight, whether it’s a meal, a topper, or a well-earned treat!
Our Commitment – Leading with Technical Expertise – our technical experts are here to provide guidance and insights – do not hesitate to connect with us at Simmons Pet Food, petcomments@simfoods.com. We would love to hear from you and be part of your pet’s nutrition solution!
Literature Referenced
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). Pet Obesity Prevalence Reports. https://petobesityprevention.org. Accessed June 26, 2025.
Mintel. We Are Family: How Changing Pet Ownership Trends Are Affecting the Pet Industry. https://www.mintel.com/insights/household/pet-industry-trends. Accessed June 26, 2025.
Packaged Facts. Pet Treats and Chews in the U.S., 6th Edition. https://www.freedoniagroup.com/packaged-facts/us-pet-treats-and-chews. Accessed June 26, 2025.