What Types Of Treats Can Dogs Eat? Best Healthy Snacks For Dogs

Key Takeaways

• Dog treats offer benefits like behavior reinforcement and added nutrients, but overuse can lead to obesity and health issues. Choose natural, whole-ingredient treats for optimal pet health.
• Various treat types, from crunchy biscuits to soft training rewards, serve different purposes. Peanut butter, fruits, and veggies make excellent homemade options packed with nutrients.
• Wondering which treat could be secretly harmful to your furry friend? Discover the top 10 healthy snacks that balance taste and nutrition for your dog's well-being.

Risks And Benefits Of Dog Treats

Benefits:

• Training Aid: Dog treats effectively reward good behavior during training sessions.
• Strengthened Bond: Using treats fosters a loving relationship between the owner and the pet through positive reinforcement.

• Dental Health: Dental chews help maintain oral hygiene by removing plaque and promoting a healthy oral environment.
• Nutrient-Fortified Treats:

• Omega Fatty Acids: Support coat health and shine.

• Glucosamine: Provides joint support, aiding in mobility and flexibility.

• Engagement: Treats can provide mental stimulation. It keeps your dog engaged and attentive during training or play.

Risks

• Weight Gain: Overconsumption of high-calorie treats, especially those high in fat, can lead to significant weight gain.
• Health Issues: Excess weight increases the risk of diabetes heart disease, and places undue stress on the joints.
• Additives: Some treats contain chemical preservatives, colorants, or low-quality fillers with little nutritional value.
• Allergic Reactions: These additives can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. This leads to discomfort or health issues.
• Excessive Reliance: Relying too heavily on treats can disrupt a balanced diet and lead to overfeeding.

What Types Of Treats Can Dogs Eat?

Dog treats can be overwhelming, but knowing what is best for your dog is essential. Healthy treats come in different forms, serving a particular need:

• Crunchy Treats: These tend to be tricky, biscuit-type treats that can be fantastic for dental health. Crunchy snacks can scrape off the plaque and the tartar on the dogs' teeth. Therefore, it helps them have fresher breath and minimal dental complications as time passes. Among the best kinds of biscuits for crunchy treats are those made from natural ingredients like whole grains and lean proteins.
• Soft Treats: The snacks are usually used when training because they're easy to chew. Soft treats are also generally smaller, so they are low-calorie. Besides, they are great as a reward option during high-frequency desired repetitions in obedience or agility training sessions.

Best treats for dogs. Source: Unsplash

• Freeze-Dried or Jerky Treats: These meat-based dog treats are made with dehydrated proteins, including chicken, beef, or fish. They are highly prototypic with low fat. That mainly qualifies them as appropriate for sensitivities developed in dogs due to certain grains or other additives.
• Dental Chews: These care for your dog's dental health. Dental chews are more in-depth and take longer. They try to scrape off plaque and tartar inside your dog's mouth, considerably reducing the risk of gum disease.
• Human Foods as Treats: Many fruits and veggies are healthy and are not toxic to dogs. Apples without seeds, carrots, blueberries, and cucumbers are healthy, low-calorie, high-fiber treats. 

On the contrary, poisonous foods like grapes, raisins, onions, and chocolate may seriously hurt dogs.

10 Best Healthy Snacks For Dogs

Healthy dog snacks equate to wholesome, best natural treats for dogs. Here are the top 10 healthy dog snacks that your dog will love- they're good for them, too!

Peanut Butter Treats

Peanut butter is a big favorite among dogs! It's a great source of protein and healthy fats. Just use the natural variety with no added sugar or salt. Some take it as far as mixing it with oats and bananas for extra nutrition in their dog treats.

Peanut butter. Source: Unsplash

Fruits 

Fruits can be a fantastic, vitamin-packed snack for your dog. Apples, for example, provide them with a nice dose of fiber and vitamins A and C, and blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help strengthen their immune system. 

However, you should remove apple seeds or cores, which are a choking hazard.

Healthy food for dogs. Source: Unsplash

Vegetables

Veggies like carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they’re gentle on your dog’s digestive system, making them great for dogs with sensitive tummies.

Veggies are one of the best treats for dogs. Source: Unsplash

Commercially Made Organic Treats

Many organic dog treats are available if one is in a rush or wants something quick. Fruitables Skinny Minis, for example, feature wholesome ingredients like pumpkin and chickpeas. Low-calorie, they're just suitable for rewarding while being able to avoid overdoing it.

Best natural treats for dogs. Source: Wild Antler

Bone Broth Frozen Cubes

Bone broth is a mineral, amino acid, collagen-packed powerhouse of a dog snack. The best-possible bones simmered for 24-48 hours with apple cider vinegar make for one great healthy treat. 

Good treats for dogs. Source: BRD

After preparing, you should cool the broth, pour it into ice cube trays, and freeze it for refreshing and nutrient-packed cubes your dog will love.

Sardine and Sweet Potato Fritters

Sardines are like the super best treats for dogs: riddled with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins D and B12. Pair them with sweet potatoes full of fiber, complex carbs, and beta-carotene. And you've got a well-rounded treat.

What treats are good for dogs? Source: BBC Good food

Goat's Milk Kefir

Milk kefir is a fermented dairy product that will go easier in your dog's tummy than standard cow's milk. It's full of probiotics, great for gut health, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that give your dog an extra nutritional boost.

What are the best treats for dogs? Source: Raw Performance Dog Food

Dehydrated Green-Lipped Mussel Treats

Green-lipped mussels, which hail from New Zealand, have been noted for special reasons regarding your dog's joint health. They are fully loaded with omega-3s EPA and DHA and contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which help maintain healthy cartilage and help reduce inflammation.

Best healthy treats for dogs. Source: Nutreats

You can choose between high-quality dehydrated green-lipped mussel powder or whole dehydrated mussels. For the powdered form, you can sprinkle it over your dog's food or mix it with plain yogurt to make a paste. 

On the other hand, whole mussels can be broken into small, bite-sized pieces and easily given to your dog as a healthy snack.

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds are a tiny nutrient powerhouse for dogs, carrying omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and minerals. When you soak them, they swell into a gel-like pudding that can be truly satisfying and hydrating for your dog. 

Safe treats for dogs. Source: Green Matters

Turmeric and Coconut Oil "Golden Paste"

Turmeric has gained growing popularity for its anti-inflammatory effects due mainly to its dynamic component called curcumin. Curcumin and coconut oil containing MCTs, which are relevant for brain and metabolic activity, finally come together. This creates a treat worth making to boost your dog's health.

Golden Paste - healthy snacks for dogs. Source: Green JuJu

Tips To Prepare Healthy Eating For Dogs

Knowing a few simple things when making homemade treats for your dog can make them safe and nutritious. Here's a natural way to think about it:

• Stick with dog-friendly ingredient items: Just because it's consumable for humans doesn't mean it's good for your dog. Avoid grapes, onions, chocolate, and foods that might be toxic to your furry friend.
• Less is more: Keep the ingredients few and simple. The fewer ingredients you have, the easier it will be to avoid things that can upset your dog's stomach or trigger allergies.
• Watch the portions: Even treats that are good for your dog should be consumed in moderation. Try keeping treats to about 10% of your dog's daily intake so they do not overindulge.
• Skip the salt and sugar: Your dog does not need any extra sugars or salt in their diet, and too much of these ensures possible health problems.
• Special Needs: Consider diseases your dog could have or picky eaters; consult a veterinarian before introducing new treats.
• Whole foods are better: Instead of giving them processed foods, stick to fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. They're more nutritious in the original form, closer to what nature intended for your dog.
• Store correctly: Extend homemade goodies' freshness in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
• Introduce new treats gradually: For the latest treats, initially give just a tiny amount to your dog to see if he digests it well.
• Mix textures: Dogs love variety; add soft and crunchy treats. Crunchy ones are even good for their teeth! Rotate your ingredients: Keep things exciting for your dog and keep them nutritionally diverse. 

Finally, remember that homemade treats should supplement your dog's diet-not replace it. And when in doubt about what is safe or healthy for your pup, it's always a great idea to check in with your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Know What’s In Your Dog Treats?

• Understanding the ingredient list on dog treats is vital for making informed choices. Many commercially available treats are packed with fillers, artificial ingredients, and preservatives that offer little nutritional value and could harm your dog. Here’s what to look for:
• Single-Ingredient Treats: These treats are typically made from one whole ingredient, like freeze-dried chicken or beef. They provide a pure, nutrient-dense snack high in protein and free from additives.
• Organic and Natural Treats: These treats use ingredients grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, offering a healthier option for your pet.
• Low-Calorie Options: Low-calorie treats are best to prevent weight gain, especially for dogs that receive treats frequently during training.

What’s The Healthiest Way To Help A Dog Lose Weight?

If your dog is overweight, adjusting treat consumption is crucial. Swap high-calorie treats with low-calorie alternatives like cucumber slices or baby carrots. 

Additionally, you can use your dog’s regular kibble as a treat during training sessions to avoid exceeding daily caloric intake.