Just like people, dogs love treats! We love our dogs and want to treat them well! But, as health conscious dog owners, we care about what our dogs are eating. What are the best healthy dog treats?
We will cover healthy ingredients in dogs treats & healthy dog treat alternatives such as fruits and vegetables. Obviously there are many foods that can be toxic to dogs. More information on foods that can be dangerous and toxic for dogs can be found here!
Healthy Dog Treat Ingredients
If you’re buying dog treats online or at the store, you may want to look twice at the ingredients in your dog treats!
You can EASILY identify what goes into a healthy dog treat once you know what ingredients make up healthy dog food!
Common ingredients in “healthy” dog treats include:
- Oats, barley, brown rice
- Soy protein
- Chicken fat, beef fat, pork fat
- Pumpkin, apples, yogurt
- Flaxseed, omega-3
- Canola oil, rosemary oil
- Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 & B12, Vitamin c, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E
Alternatives to Store Bought Treats
Many store bought dog treats are high in fat, sugar, and preservatives. If you want an EASY & relatively inexpensive treat for your dog, try some safe fruits and vegetables!
Be careful! There are foods that are dangerous to dogs and could be toxic!
But don’t worry, there are some great treats that dogs can have, all in moderation of course.
- Green beans – these make a good frozen treat 🙂
- Watermelon (seedless is very important!)
- Blueberries – also an option as a frozen treat
- Apple slices (again, no seeds please!)
- Pumpkin – great for an upset stomach!!
- Sweet Potatoes
Take Obvious Caution
When introducing a new food to your dog’s diet, such as a fruit or vegetable, I recommend small amounts at first. This way you can monitor any potential effects due to allergies.