Choosing the right treats for your furry friend can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Many commercial dog treats are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems.
Some healthy dog treats to consider are sweet potato chews, which are rich in fiber and vitamins. They're also low in calories and can help support your dog's digestive health.
Carrots are another crunchy and nutritious option, providing essential vitamins and minerals. They're also low in calories and can help keep your dog's teeth clean.
Pumpkin is a fiber-rich treat that can help support your dog's digestive health and even alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.
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Healthiest Dog Treats
You can make healthy dog treats at home using simple recipes like no-bake dog treats or healthy dog cookies. These treats are a great way to spoil your fur baby without compromising their health.
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No-bake dog treats are a convenient option as they require minimal preparation and can be made with just a few ingredients. They're perfect for hot summer days when you don't feel like baking.
Healthy dog cookies are another great option, and you can make them with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and banana. These cookies are a tasty reward for your dog's good behavior.
If you want to give your dog a special treat, you can even make doggie ice-cream using yogurt and honey. This is a fun and healthy way to cool down your dog on a hot day.
For a protein-rich treat, you can make easy chicken jerky for dogs. This is a simple recipe that requires just a few ingredients and can be made in no time.
Some healthy dog treats are also grain-free, making them a great option for dogs with dietary restrictions. These grain-free treats are a great way to provide your dog with a tasty and healthy snack.
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Homemade Treats
Homemade treats are a great way to give your furry friend a healthy snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a wide range of delicious and nutritious treats that your dog will love.
Simple recipes like the 3-Ingredient Homemade Dog Ice Cream by Curbly are a fun and tasty way to keep your pup cool during the summer months. This healthy homemade dog ice cream has only 3 simple and natural ingredients.
Spinach is a healthy addition to your dog's diet, containing a host of vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. This fresh and healthy grain-free dog treat recipe is a fun way to work some extra vitamins into your dog's diet.
Peanut butter dog treats are a hit with every pup, and adding a little ginger to the mix gives you a spicy twist on a yummy doggie classic. Plus, did you know ginger is a healthy herb for dogs?
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No-bake dog treats are a popular choice, and the No Bake Coconut Dog Treats by Pretty Fluffy are one of their most popular recipes. With just 4 ingredients and 4 easy-to-follow steps, your dog will be chowing down in coconut town in no time.
Banana and almond are a tasty combination in the Banana Almond Puppy Treats by Pretty Fluffy, making them a great option for puppies. The recipe is easy to follow and can be found on the Pretty Fluffy website.
Pumpkin and ginger are a winning combination in the Pumpkin and Ginger Dog Treats by Pretty Fluffy, making them a great option for any time of year. Each of these ingredients offers its own health benefits for dogs.
Coconut is a great ingredient in no-bake dog treats, and the No Bake Coconut Dog Treats by Pretty Fluffy are 100% human-friendly too. They're a great option for dogs who love coconut.
Frozen dog treats like the DIY Doggy Breath Mints by Pretty Fluffy are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, healthy herbs, and superfoods. They'll leave your dog's breath smelling minty fresh too.
Treat Types
When choosing the healthiest dog treats, it's essential to consider the type of treat. Carrots, for example, are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option that can be given as a snack or used as a reward.
Sweet potatoes are another healthy treat option, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They're also easy to digest, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pumpkin puree is a fiber-rich treat that can help support a dog's digestive health. It's also a low-calorie option, making it a great choice for dogs who need to watch their weight.
Grain-Free Treats
Grain-Free Treats are a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. You can find a wide range of grain-free dog treat recipes, including the popular Peanut Butter & Ginger Snaps by Pretty Fluffy.
This recipe is a twist on a classic dog treat, adding a spicy kick with ginger. Ginger is a healthy herb for dogs, but remember to give it in moderation.
Pretty Fluffy's eBook, 52 Weeks of Treats, features over 30 healthy DIY dog treat recipes, many of which are grain-free. These recipes cater to different seasons and occasions, including special treats for your pup's birthday.
Some grain-free dog treat recipes to consider include summer 'Blueberry Pupsicles' and hearty winter 'Beef Bites'.
Chews for Strong Chewers
If you've got a strong chewer on your hands, you know that finding the right treats can be a challenge. Monster Himalayan Dog Chews are a great option, as they're made from durable yak and cow milk.
These chews are designed to withstand even the most aggressive chewers, and they're also rich in protein and low in fat. Braided Bully Sticks are another great choice, as they're made from all-natural ingredients and come in a variety of sizes to suit different chewers.
For a subscription service that delivers new chews to your door every month, check out Real Dog Box. They offer a range of chews and treats that are tailored to your dog's individual needs and preferences.
Fish
Fish treats are a great option for dogs, and I've found some fantastic brands that use real fish as the main ingredient. Real Dog Box offers air-dried sardines, green-lipped mussels, anchovies, salmon, and more.
Some fish treats are freeze-dried, which helps preserve the nutrients and flavor of the fish. Northwest Naturals and Green JuJu offer freeze-dried green-lipped mussels and salmon treats respectively.
PolkaDog dehydrates cod skin and Alaskan salmon chips, making for a crunchy and healthy snack. I've also tried Vital Essentials' freeze-dried minnows, which my cat goes crazy for - but they're also great for dogs!
Here are some fish treat options to consider:
- Real Dog Box - air-dried sardines, green-lipped mussels, anchovies, salmon, and more
- Northwest Naturals - freeze-dried green-lipped mussels
- Green JuJu - freeze-dried salmon treats
- PolkaDog - dehydrated cod skin and Alaskan salmon chips
- Vital Essentials - freeze-dried minnows
- Mosaic - wild-caught octopus
- Plato - wild-caught Baltic sprat
Size and Texture
For your dog, choosing the right size and texture of treats can make a big difference. Small breed dogs like Uli, who has a small bite, prefer smaller, chewier treats.
Reading reviews and talking to dog-owning friends can help you make informed decisions about treat size and texture. This is especially true when buying treats online, where details about size can be obscured.
Little treats are more convenient for small breed dogs, but they still need to chew to keep their teeth healthy. Very thin or flexible jerky treats are a good option for small breed dogs.
Size and texture preferences vary widely from dog to dog and even from owner to owner.
Flavor
Dogs have unique preferences when it comes to flavors, just like humans do. Some dogs may turn up their nose at a new treat regardless of its great ingredients.
Each dog is different, and what drives one dog wild may not be the same for another. Uli's favorite treats are a great place to start, but it's essential to consider your furry friend's preferences.
Some dogs have specific protein or flavor preferences that will draw them to one treat and turn them off another. This means you need to pick the right flavor based on your dog's individual preferences.
You can find the flavors available for each treat, so take a look and choose the one that suits your dog's taste buds.
Considerations
When choosing the healthiest dog treats, it's essential to consider a few key factors.
Always read labels carefully, as some dog treats can be high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
For example, sweet potato chews are a great option because they're low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Be mindful of your dog's allergies and sensitivities, as some ingredients can cause adverse reactions.
For instance, peanut butter is a common allergen that can cause skin issues and digestive problems in some dogs.
Cost
The cost of dog treats can add up quickly, especially if you're shopping online and not paying attention to package sizes. Some treats are more expensive because they're made with higher-quality ingredients.
A bully stick is a good example of a treat that's worth the extra cost - it'll last longer and keep your dog entertained. The price per ounce of a bully stick is likely to be higher than a dime-size liver cracker.
Seniors
For seniors, it's essential to consider their specific needs when choosing treats. Senior dogs do well with treats that are easy on their teeth and joints.
Frozen banana chunks or blueberries are great alternatives to traditional treats, making them perfect for stuffing a Kong toy.
Greenies are a popular option for senior dogs, and they can be given up to once a day to promote healthy teeth and gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of dog treats are safe?
Based on expert recommendations, safe dog treat options include Hill's Natural Baked Light Biscuits and Greenies Regular Dog Dental Treats, among others. For a comprehensive list of safe and healthy dog treats, please refer to our full review.
What is the best treat for a dog?
For a tasty and healthy treat, consider giving your dog a small amount of cooked Salmon or a sweet fruit like Apple or Sweet Potato, as they are nutrient-rich and easily digestible.
Sources
- Pet Portal (petly.com)
- Easy 3-Ingredient Homemade Dog Ice Cream (curbly.com)
- a host of vitamins, iron and antioxidants (akc.org)
- Paw-Print Dog Treats Recipe by Martha Stewart (marthastewart.com)
- Dr. Lindsey Bullen (bluepearlvet.com)
- X (twitter.com)
- The Treat List (truthaboutpetfood.com)
- The Natural Dog Company (thenaturaldogcompany.com)
- Barkworthies (prf.hn)
- Scout and Zoe's (amzn.to)
- Vibrant K9 (vibrantk9.com)
- SmallBatch (amzn.to)
- Canna-Pet CBD Oil Dog Treats (canna-pet.com)
- Greenies (chewy.com)
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