Treats are a category of pet food generally made to reward pets, rather than to serve as a complete and balanced source of nutrition. Pet-food regulations recognize this purpose, so treats are not required to meet the nutritional adequacy standards that apply to complete and balanced dog or cat foods.
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A pet-treat package should clearly use the word treat or snack on its principal display panel. When those terms appear on the label, the product is best used sparingly as an occasional reward. Offering too many treats can displace a pet's regular complete and balanced food and contribute extra calories to the daily diet.
Some treats, including many baked biscuit-style products, are formulated to meet nutritional requirements even though this is not required. A biscuit describes a product's form, typically baked, rather than automatically identifying it as a treat or snack. Choosing a nutritionally adequate treat may be a practical option for owners concerned about offering less-nutritious rewards. Still, serving large amounts without reducing the main food portion can lead to weight gain.
When a product meets defined nutritional adequacy requirements, its package will include the required nutritional adequacy statement. This statement is usually printed in smaller type on the side or back of the label.
Other Products in the Marketplace
Chews, Bones and Toys for Pets and Specialty Pets
Some flavor-coated and unflavored products may be exempt from registration and labeling rules unless the manufacturer states that they are intended as animal food or provides a nutritional claim, such as "digestible" or "high-protein." These products include:
- Chews, bones, toys, and exercise items made from animal skin, hide, wood, or manufactured materials
- Hooves
- Ears
- Animal bones
- Ligaments
- Snouts
- Pizzles
These items may not need full pet-food labeling unless they make claims such as being nutritious, low fat, or highly digestible. As a result, many do not list calories or provide a guaranteed analysis. They are not nutritionally complete or balanced, and some may contain substantial calories, so measured use is important.
Jerky-style pet products, especially chicken jerky strips, have become common. Because they are made from poultry flesh, they do not qualify for the snack, treat, or chew exemptions described above. They must carry full labeling in all U.S. jurisdictions and must be registered in states that require small-package product listings.
Some treat types have also drawn scrutiny. In the past, pig ears distributed in bulk from one Canadian facility were linked to a strain of Salmonella that posed a particular concern for children.
Questions have also been raised about bone products that may splinter and potentially injure animals. The FDA has received numerous complaints involving certain jerky treats sourced from China, although no conclusion on that issue has been reached.
Use care when introducing unfamiliar or unusual treats to a pet.
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