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Dental care is a crucial aspect of a dog's overall health, and treats can play a significant role in maintaining their teeth and gums.
For training and dental care, look for treats that are low in sugar and made with natural ingredients. Treats like Sweet Potato Chews are a great option, as they're easy to digest and promote healthy teeth and gums.
Some good options for dental care treats include Greenies and OraVet, which help reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Dogs love the taste and texture of these treats, making them a great motivator for training sessions.
Our Favorite Treats
Sweet Potato Chews are a great choice for dogs. They're low in calories and rich in fiber, making them a nutritious snack.
Pumpkin treats can help support your dog's digestive health. They're also a great source of fiber and can help with stool quality.
Carrots are a crunchy and healthy snack for dogs. They're also a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's vision and immune system.
Freeze-dried liver treats are a tasty and protein-rich snack for dogs. They're made from pure liver and are a great alternative to cooked liver.
Jerky strips made from beef or chicken are a popular treat among dogs. They're high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy snack option.
How We Picked
We asked veterinarians for their input on choosing the best dog treats, and they all emphasized the importance of overall nutrition and high-quality ingredients.
Every veterinarian we spoke to agreed that natural ingredients and simple recipes are key.
We used real experience and recommendations to find dog treats that fit these guidelines.
Top picks were then evaluated based on factors such as treat texture, size, and calories.
This helped us determine which dog treats would be best for small, large, puppy, or older dogs.
Treat Options
You can find plenty of healthy low-calorie dog treats in your own household. Most households have nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables for dogs on hand.
Fruits like apples, carrots, and green beans make tasty and nutritious snacks for dogs. However, remember to avoid feeding your dog avocado, grapes, sultanas, nuts, raw potato, and the pits from stone fruit.
These healthy dog treats are not only low in calories but also free of coloring, additives, and preservatives, making them a great alternative to commercial diet dog treats.
Rawhide Bones
Rawhide bones are long-lasting chews for dogs, providing a terrific dental benefit by helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
They're a classic favorite among dogs, and it's easy to see why - your furry friend is bound to love them.
Crunchy
Crunchy treats are a popular choice for many dogs. They offer a satisfying texture that dogs love.
Some dogs prefer a solid crunch as they snack, like the Cadet products that offer a variety of premium-quality beef-, chicken-, and peanut butter-basted crunchy dog chews.
Homemade Treats
Making homemade dog treats is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets only the best ingredients. You have control over what goes into those treats, which is especially important if your pet has allergies or dietary needs.
Many people prefer the homemade touch and go to the trouble of cooking up special delights for their dogs. Delicious, mouthwatering homemade dog treats can feature beef bouillon, eggs, banana, peanut butter, wheat germ, powdered milk, and the like.
Simple treats such as baby carrots, seedless apple slices, rice cakes, air-popped popcorn, and bits of hardboiled eggs are delightful, tasty, and inexpensive. Dogs with a sweet tooth can be charmed with watermelon and berries.
Chicken Apple Sausage Bites
These Chicken Apple Sausage Bites are made with USDA-certified organic ingredients. They're a great option for pet owners who prioritize their dog's health and well-being.
The recipe features chicken as the first ingredient, which is a big plus for dogs who go crazy for chicken. The addition of pumpkin and apples adds some extra nutritional benefits.
Each bite has 20 calories, which is relatively low compared to other treats. However, they're medium-sized and soft in texture, making them easy to break apart for training or smaller portion sizes.
PetPlate's commitment to using human-grade ingredients and partnering with the ASPCA to improve farm animal welfare is definitely a plus. It's great to know that the company is prioritizing the health and happiness of both dogs and farm animals.
Blueberry, Oats
Blueberry, Oats, and Peanut Butter Dog Treats are a great option for dogs who love a sweet and nutty flavor. You can make these treats with just a few ingredients, including blueberries, oats, flour, eggs, peanut butter, and cinnamon.
The recipe is simple and requires no special equipment, making it perfect for busy pet owners. You can find the recipe at Southern Bytes.
Dogs who are allergic to wheat flour will be happy to know that these treats use oat flour instead. This makes them a great option for dogs with dietary restrictions.
The Blueberry, Oats, and Peanut Butter Dog Treats are a great way to reward your dog for good behavior or to simply give them a tasty snack. They're also a fun and healthy alternative to store-bought treats.
These treats are easy to make and can be customized to suit your dog's tastes and dietary needs. Just remember to choose ingredients that are safe for your dog to eat, and to avoid adding any toxic substances.
You can store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They're perfect for on-the-go snacks or as a special treat for your dog's birthday.
Banana
Bananas are a great ingredient to have in your homemade treat arsenal. They're a common fruit that can be easily mashed and used in dog treats, like in the Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats recipe.
You can use ripe bananas to make these treats, and they're a great source of potassium for your furry friends.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is a nutritional powerhouse for dogs, providing an incredible source of fiber that can help support their digestive health.
Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins, which can add extra nutrients to your dog's daily food intake.
The Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Dog Treats recipe is a great example of how to incorporate sweet potatoes into your dog's diet.
These treats use sweet potatoes as a key ingredient, along with peanut butter, to create a delicious and healthy snack for your dog.
Watermelon Pupsicles
Making homemade treats for your dog is a great way to show them love and care. You can try making Watermelon Pupsicles, a refreshing and healthy treat that's perfect for hot summer days.
This recipe requires only 3 ingredients and some fun silicone molds. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a great option for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a special treat.
Your dog will love chomping down on these frosty treats after a fun-filled playtime in the backyard.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient in homemade dog treats. You can use it to make delicious treats like Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats.
With coconut oil, you can create a tasty and healthy snack for your furry friend. It's a great alternative to traditional oils.
Coconut oil is a key ingredient in the Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats recipe, which can be made with just a few simple ingredients.
Jerky
Making jerky treats at home is a great way to provide your furry friend with a tasty and healthy snack. You can use unsalted, plain beef jerky as a base and customize it with different flavors like duck, chicken, and sweet potato.
Some popular brands like Cadetdog offer high-protein jerky treats that are inspected in the USA and contain no artificial colors, fillers, or flavors.
Commercial Treats
Commercial dog treats can be a convenient option for pet owners, but it's essential to choose wisely. Many commercial treats are made with low-quality ingredients and can be detrimental to a dog's health.
Some commercial treats are made with meat by-products, which can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can cause food poisoning in dogs.
However, there are some commercial treats that are made with wholesome ingredients and are a good option for dogs. For example, freeze-dried liver treats are a popular choice among dog owners, and they're made from pure liver with no added preservatives.
Remember, always check the ingredient list and look for third-party certifications like the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) or the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure the treats meet certain standards.
Mesa Beef Kabobs
Mesa Beef Kabobs are a great option for dogs who love a unique texture and flavor. They're made with high-quality protein as the first ingredient, with either beef or chicken as the main attraction.
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These treats are perfect for larger dogs or can be broken into pieces for smaller pups. Each strip is 30 calories, making them a great high-value reward.
The smell of Mesa Beef Kabobs is strong enough for dogs to notice, but not overpowering for humans. They're also easy to break into pieces, making them a great option for on-the-go training or just a quick snack.
These treats are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making them a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist treats are a great option for frequent rewards. They contain real meat protein as the first ingredient, making them a quality choice for your dog.
The soft texture of these treats makes them easy to break into smaller pieces, which can be helpful when training puppies or small dogs.
These treats are available in several flavors, each with a simple recipe that includes real meat protein and added nutrients for skin and coat.
The Blue Buffalo treats contain omega fatty acids like DHA to help your dog's skin and coat, and are made in the United States.
They are a little larger than most treats, making them a great low-calorie option for medium and large-sized dogs.
The brand also makes holiday versions of these treats, shaped as Christmas trees and Santas, which can be a fun way to mix things up.
First-time dog owners, like myself, may appreciate the adorable heart shape of these treats, which can make them a great choice for training.
Vital Essentials Raw
Vital Essentials Raw is a great option for pet parents who want to give their dogs healthy treats. They offer 10 different variations of single-ingredient recipes.
Their freeze-dried dog treats are a close second to the best option, and are perfect for adventurous dogs. The freeze-drying process preserves the nutritional value of the ingredients.
You can choose from flavors like chicken, beef, duck, and salmon. The chicken heart option is popular for pet parents who like to cut the larger pieces into smaller portions.
The treats are also grain- and gluten-free, making them a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Bacon
You can make delicious homemade dog treats with bacon, like Peanut Butter and Bacon Glazed Dog Treats, which use peanut butter, pumpkin, and whole wheat flour.
These treats are made with drool-worthy bacon and peanut butter, making them irresistible to dogs. Your dog will perform tricks to get their paws on one of these treats.
Some recipes, like Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Treats, use milk, applesauce, flour, baking powder, and oats for a tasty and crunchy texture.
Adding pumpkin puree to the mix creates a fall-themed treat that's sure to be a hit with your furry friend. You can even add cinnamon for extra flavor.
The peanut butter in these treats makes them go crazy for your dogs, so be prepared for some serious begging!
Frosty Pumpkin
Frosty Pumpkin treats can be a great option for dogs with itchy skin, made with ingredients like kefir and salmon oil.
These no-bake treats are made with ingredients like coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and ground ginger, requiring only 3 ingredients to make.
You can also try making Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats, which are inexpensive and easy to make.
Frozen Pumpkin and Yogurt Dog Treats can be made with just three ingredients: pure pumpkin puree, plain yogurt, and an ice tray.
Making your own treats at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to give your dog a tasty and healthy snack.
Pumpkin is a great ingredient to use in dog treats because it's not only delicious but also safe for humans to eat, just like in the DIY Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats recipe.
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Frish Chews
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Frish Chews are a popular choice among pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy and tasty treat. They are made with a combination of fiber and antioxidants.
These chews are designed to promote oral health and reduce tartar buildup, which can lead to bad breath and other dental issues. They are also low in fat and calories.
The main ingredients in Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Frish Chews are potato starch, pea starch, and vegetable oil. They are also free from artificial preservatives and colors.
As with any treat, it's essential to introduce Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Frish Chews gradually to prevent digestive upset. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the quantity.
Real Beef Strips, Bones, and Tendons
Real Beef Strips, Bones, and Tendons are made from 100% natural beef esophagus, which is a high-protein, low-fat treat with no artificial ingredients.
These single-ingredient treats are delicious and wholesome, making them a great option for dogs who are sensitive to artificial additives. They're also highly digestible and extremely tasty to dogs.
Beef bones from Real BEEF STRIPS, BONES, AND TENDONS come in a variety of sizes for all dogs. They're flavored shin bones, which can be a great alternative to other chew options.
As a bonus, these beef tendons are beneficial for your dog's teeth, too! They're a wonderful alternative to bully sticks and rawhide, and are high in protein and low in fat.
Sources
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-treats-4687079
- https://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/g2333/diy-homemade-dog-treats/
- https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-choose-the-best-dog-treats
- https://www.cadetpet.com/dog-basics/what-are-the-best-treats-for-dogs
- https://dogslim.com/articles/best-healthy-dog-treats.html
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