Top 5 healthy, natural dog treats

There’s a plethora of tasty dog treats out there, but many of them may just be hiding in your kitchen cupboard. You’ll be glad to know that some of the best healthy, natural dog treats are actually human foods that dogs can eat, which makes buying and preparing them incredibly easy. (But don’t worry if you’d prefer to take the more efficient route of purchasing pre-made natural dog treats – there are also lots of those that are only filled with good ingredients!)

There are numerous benefits to feeding natural dog snacks to your pupper. You know exactly what’s in them, you can avoid nasty ingredients and fillers, and many of them pack a nutritional punch.

So, what are the top healthy dog treats? Let’s find out!

The top 5 healthy, natural dog treats

From fruits to veg, and from meat to eggs, here are the top dog snacks that are totally natural and totally delicious.

1. Store-bought natural dog treats

When it comes to dog treats, there are some truly fantastic store-bought options available. Among them is an Aussie brand called Waggly Snacks. They offer a range of single-ingredient treats with no additives or preservatives.

Because there are so many options out there, it’s important to look out for a few things when choosing a healthy snack for your furry bestie. The beauty of Waggly Snacks is that you can be assured that  you’re giving them a nutrient-rich treat to chomp on. And, there are a bunch of different proteins depending on your doggo’s preferred taste.

2. Dog-friendly fruits

Peer into your fruit bowl and you’ll likely find a selection of tasty treats for your doggo. There are lots of different fruits that are dog-friendly, including:

• Apples. This fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, all of which are beneficial for your dog. Just steer clear of the seeds and core

• Pears. Similar to apples, pears contain fibre and a bunch of vitamins and minerals. Again, remove the core before feeding pear to your dog

• Watermelon. Because it’s so juicy, watermelon is a terrific hydrator for dogs. However, make sure your dog avoids the seeds and rind

• Bananas. Bananas give your dog a nice nutritional boost. They’re high in sugar, though, so feed them in moderation

• Berries. Several types of berries are fine to give dogs, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries. Not cherries though!

A quick note on fruits: because many are high in sugar, dogs should really only eat them pretty sparingly. This is especially important if your dog has weight issues or a condition like diabetes.

3. Dog-friendly vegetables

Vegetables are another good option for dogs. Filled with valuable vitamins and nutrients, and low in fat, they make for rather excellent snacks. Here are some of the top dog-friendly vegetables:

• Carrots. Rich in fibre and antioxidants, carrots are great treats for dogs. And because they have a crunchy texture, they may also help to brush away build-up on the teeth

• Pumpkin. Cooked pumpkin – without the rind and seeds – contains fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

• Cucumbers. These low-fat vegetables aren’t just filled with healthy nutrients – the high water content of cucumbers also makes them a fantastic summer hydrator!

• Green beans and peas. Both are nutritional powerhouses, but peas have the added advantage of making excellent cooling snacks when they’re frozen

• Broccoli. You can feed your dog broccoli either raw or cooked – either way, it’s packed with nutrients

4. Plain meat

You can safely feed your dog bits of plain chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and even prawns. These meats tend to be high in protein and a bunch of vitamins and minerals. Seafoods in particular are high in essential fatty acids.

The main things to keep in mind are: make sure the meat is fully cooked, avoid seasoning the meat, and remove bones, excess skin and fat.

And what about bones? Know that not all bones are created equal, and feeding bones to your dog comes with a few caveats. Spend a moment to learn more about whether dogs can eat bones.

5. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a wildly popular treat among dogs – and for good reason! It’s delicious, creamy, and pretty darn good for them. Peanut butter contains healthy fats, vitamins, and lots of protein. It’s best given in moderation, though, as too much fat can cause problems for your doggo.

Wondering, “Why do dogs love peanut butter so much?” We’ve got all the answers – take a read.

A few notes on feeding healthy, natural dog treats to your pooch

Even though natural dog snacks are truly great, there are still some things to be aware of when giving them to your dog. 

• Follow the 10 percent rule. As a general rule, treats shouldn’t make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet – even if they’re healthy snacks. The majority of your dog’s diet should consist of balanced meals that meet all of their nutritional needs

• Watch for a reaction. Food allergies do exist among dogs, so whenever you introduce a new food to their diet, make sure to watch out for the signs of an allergic reaction. These include vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and skin problems

• Keep it simple. When feeding any of these treats to your dog, avoid seasonings like salt, oil, butter, garlic, onions, or other flavourings. Firstly, this ensures your dog doesn’t ingest too much sodium or fat. Secondly, many human foods are toxic to dogs, including garlic and onion

• Chat to your vet if you’re unsure. If you’re ever uncertain if a particular food is suitable for your dog, we recommend chatting to your vet – especially if your dog has existing health issues. Your vet will advise whether or not a food is a safe addition to their diet. And if not, they may recommend some better alternatives!

Comments

comments