Top 5 Natural And Healthy Treats For Dogs

We all care about our diet and our families’ diet; this includes our furry members. 

We want to give them the best possible life, including healthy and delicious treats. Unfortunately, dogs have different dietary requirements from us, so we can’t just feed them whatever food we are eating.

While it is true that most dogs will eat anything in front of them (including stuff that isn’t food), it isn’t necessarily healthy for them.

When we need vitamins and nutrition, we turn to fruit and vegetables; the same is for dogs. Fruit and vegetables are simple and healthy treats for your dogs, most of which you already have in your kitchen.

However, just because fruits and vegetables are great low-calorie treats, the doesn’t mean your dog can eat whatever you are eating. As we said, dogs have different dietary requirements, and some foods can harm them and not us.

Below is a list of 5 natural and healthy treats you can give your dog and their benefits. We have also included some food they can’t eat and how you can make dog treats at home.

You can find out more about healthy treats for dogs at https://www.thepuppymag.com/.

Natural and Healthy Treats for Dogs

Apples

Apples are a tremendously easy, healthy snack for your pup, and they don’t even mind if it is slightly bruised.

You can serve it to them in slices, pureed, or baked. Dogs love all varieties of apples.

They are a fantastic source of fiber for your dogs, so they can keep them regular and help with those unpleasant textures you must pick up.

As they’re chewing the slices, the apple will also help them clean their teeth, making their breath smell better.

Just like how they’re rich in nutrients for people, apples are high in vitamin C and vitamin A, which help keep your dogs happy and healthy. Apples are also a good source of antioxidants, aiding in illness prevention.

When feeding your dog apples, avoid feeding them the seeds and core because the seeds contain a small amount of cyanide that can be harmful to your dog.

Apples should also be consumed in moderation because they have a relatively high natural sugar content.

Bananas

Like apples, bananas should also be consumed in moderation because of their high natural sugar content. But this doesn’t make them any less delicious to dogs.

They are a fantastic source of vitamin C and potassium to keep your dogs’ immune systems healthy and strengthen their muscles.

They can boost your dog’s energy, so they are a great treat during playtime.

You can give them slices of banana, mash them up, and place them in a bowl. This also means it is excellent for dogs who struggle to swallow whole foods. 

If you want to make your dog an extra special treat, you can sandwich some peanut butter between 2 slices of banana. This is also an excellent treat for yourself, so we recommend making extra.

Carrots

Dogs love the crunch of raw carrots but are perfectly happy to eat them cooked and soft. As long as they haven’t been seasons, cooked carrots are soft and delicious for dogs.

Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which makes your dog’s eyes, skin, and coat healthy. They are also high in fiber and vitamins, which are excellent for your dog’s overall health.

If your dog has a habit of swallowing food without chewing it, cut the carrot into small bitesize pieces to avoid choking.

Sardines

While this isn’t the best-smelling treat, it is very healthy for your dog, and they will thank you for giving it to them. You can serve it to them straight or on top of their meal. If you can’t find sardines, anchovies work just as well.

Like all fish, sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This is fantastic for their coat and skin, which keeps your dog looking and feeling good. They’re also beneficial to dogs’ joints, so they are perfect for breeds that genetically have joint issues or are pretty old.

Try to get the variety sold in water with no added salt. This should be a once-a-week treat for your dog.

Watermelon

Regarding summertime treats for your dog, none are better than watermelon. It is juicy and delicious for both people and dogs.

Watermelon is highly hydrating, with it mainly being water. This makes it suitable for your dog’s kidneys and urine.

They are healthy for your dog and rich in vitamins, nutrients, and fiber. They are also incredibly high in antioxidants, so they can help to keep your dog from getting ill.

When serving watermelon to your dog, avoid the rind and seeds as they struggle to digest them, which can cause an intestinal blockage.

What Foods Can My Dog Not Eat?

We can enjoy quite a few foods, but our dog can’t. This is why it is a good idea to look online to see if food is safe for your dog before giving it to them. They don’t know what foods are bad for them, so it is up to you to do your research.

Below is a list of some of the foods your dog can’t eat; some of the foods on this list may surprise you.

• Chocolate
• Grapes
• Onion
• Avocado
• Garlic
• Alcohol
• Caffeine 
• Coconut 

Can I Make Dog Treats At Home?

Making dog treats at home is a great way to save money and cater to your dog’s favorite flavors.

You can make treats out of any of the ingredients above, but you can also use cooked sweet potato, pumpkin puree, eggs, or cheese. Peanut butter is also tasty to dogs, but you have to ensure you get one with no artificial sweeteners like xylitol; natural peanut butter is usually a safe option.

If you want to make dog biscuits (preferably cut into cute bone shapes), then you can use whole wheat flour to make the dough and honey as a natural sweetener. You can replace whole wheat flour with rice flour if your dog has a grain allergy.

A great summer treat for your dog is frozen yogurt. Make sure it is plain and low-fat. You can mix the yogurt with peanut butter or chicken broth for flavor. 

Dogs can also eat fresh mint, so including that in their homemade treats can give them fresh breath.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t mind weird flavor combinations, so you can use whatever meats, spreads, fruits, or veggies you have on hand. Just be aware that when baking it, you will get the smell throughout the house, so try to avoid sticking anything too smelly into your dog treat batter.

Conclusion

While it is a good idea to keep a healthy stock of dog treats, giving your dog a natural treat now and then gives them some variety and provides them with nutrients and vitamins they wouldn’t get from their daily meals. Plus, they are convenient as you typically have them in your kitchen.

The goal of any dog owner is to give them a long and happy life filled with pets, walks, and treats. Hopefully, this guide will show you how to provide one of those things efficiently.