In a world of product overload, it’s easy to be confused about what treats are truly healthy for your pet. The truth is, most commercial dog treats are loaded with dangerous toxins that negatively affect your pet’s health and well-being.
Treats that are healthy for dogs are made without fillers, artificial sweeteners, additives and preservatives. Instead, they have a high concentration of protein and other whole foods to keep your pet feeling satisfied without compromising their health.
Carrots
Aside from their beautiful orange color, carrots are high in nutrients like Vitamins A and C, beta carotene, potassium, dietary fiber, phosphorus, folate, calcium, and magnesium. They also have cancer-fighting properties, promote heart health, reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and help balance blood sugar levels.
Vitamin A is especially important for eye health, as it helps support the cornea. It can also help prevent age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and night blindness.
Green Beans
Green beans are full of vitamins and minerals that can help improve your dog’s health in a variety of ways. They are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, and C as well as flavonoids, beta carotene, and other beneficial nutrients that fight free radicals and keep your pet’s immune system healthy.
They are also a great source of Vitamin B6, which is important to carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, as well as red blood cell formation. They also contain calcium and Vitamin K, which are essential for bone strength.
While raw green beans can be a good treat for dogs, be sure to cook them before offering to your furry friend to reduce the risk of digestive upset and choking. You can also add green beans to soups for a quick, nutrient-dense meal.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great treat for dogs because it contains essential vitamins for their immune system, such as Vitamin A and B6, which keep their eyes healthy, their coats shiny, and their noses free of sniffles.
Besides, it has low calories and sodium (sodium is an important mineral for the kidneys) and is fat-free.
However, watermelon has some sugar, so it should be fed in moderation. Its high fiber content wraps around the sugar to slow its release into your dog’s bloodstream and promote good gut health.
You can feed your dog watermelon in a number of ways, including hand-fed pieces (cut the fruit into small, chewable chunks and remove the seeds and rind), frozen or pureed.
Freeze-Dried/Dehydrated
Freeze-dried/dehydrated foods and treats are an excellent way to add raw protein to your dog’s diet. They are also a great way to get some extra vitamins and minerals into your dog’s diet.
A key difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated food is that freeze-drying preserves more nutrients in the final product than dehydrating does.
The cold temperature of the freeze-drying process doesn’t damage proteins, which helps keep them healthy and intact for longer. It also keeps the nutrient content of the food higher, ensuring that your pet gets all of the important nutrients they need to be healthy and happy.
Rawhide
Rawhide chews are a great way to satisfy a dog’s need for chewing. They also help keep teeth clean and promote healthy behavior by keeping dogs engaged and busy.
But, like all treats and chews, there are a few things you need to know before giving your dog these natural chews.
Choking: Some rawhide chews can choke dogs if they bite off too much, and it’s important to read the packaging of the product you give your dog to determine whether it’s a choking hazard or not.
Intestinal obstruction: Many rawhide chews don’t digest well, so they can cause blockages in the stomach and intestines when eaten in large amounts.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a semifluid fermented milk food that has a smooth texture and mildly sour flavor because of the lactic acid bacteria in it. It’s available in a variety of flavors, as well as different types of milk (cream, whole, low-fat, skim).
Yogurt is high in calcium, which is important for bone health and can also help prevent heart disease and certain birth defects. It’s also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.