“He only gets a few little treats…”
A familiar line in the consulting room. And treats often do seem harmless. Yet in some patients they can have a considerable impact on the nutrition plan.
That is why treat advice is not a side issue — it is part of the overall dietary recommendation.
A few examples:
🪨 In calcium oxalate urolithiasis, collagen-rich chews — such as bully sticks, buffalo hide and other animal-based chew products — are not always ideal. They can contain relatively high levels of hydroxyproline, a precursor that may contribute to oxalate formation.
🩸 In diabetes mellitus, low-carbohydrate animal-based treats can sometimes be a better choice than starchy biscuits or sugary snacks.
🌱 For renal patients, plant-based or vegan treats can be a practical option, as they are often relatively lower in protein and phosphorus. Not because “vegan” is automatically better, but because the nutrient profile sometimes fits the goal of the diet more closely.
🍪 On a strict elimination diet, the safest treat is often simply the diet itself. For example, grind the kibble finely, mix it with a little water into a dough and bake it into small biscuits. That keeps the trial reliable, with no additional ingredients.
One important ground rule still applies:
Preferably feed no more than 10% of the daily energy requirement as treats. And in medical patients, even that 10% can sometimes be too much. In those cases you also need to keep a close eye on the intake of fat, protein, phosphorus, carbohydrates and allergens, and on the goal of the diet.
Because good nutritional advice is not just about the main diet the animal receives. It is also about everything that is fed alongside it.
Good treat advice makes the difference. 🐾
No responses yet