Healthy Treats to Feed Your Dog
Dogs love treats, just like people do. However, most commercially available dog treats can be fatty, calorific, and full of additives. Although store-bought treats are fine when fed in moderation, you might want to consider giving your dog a healthier version. The foods listed below are a much more nutritious alternative to give your dog when you want to give it a reward.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great snack to feed your dog. Full of fibre, zinc, vitamin A, potassium, and more, this tasty veggie is low in fat and has a range of health benefits. Pumpkin is good for dogs suffering from upset tummies and diarrhoea as it’s easy on the stomach. It can also help firm up your dog’s stools. If you plan to give your dog pumpkin, make sure you cook it first with no seasoning or buy an unsweetened can version.
Peanut Butter
Dogs go nuts for peanut butter. This nutritious treat is full of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Make sure you choose unsalted, raw peanut butter (the ingredient list should only include peanuts) before you serve it to your dog. You could try putting peanut butter on a chew toy or hide a worming tablet inside it.
Eggs
Eggs are a fantastic source of protein for both dogs and humans. Scrambled, poached, or boiled with no seasoning is the best method to prepare them. You can also include the shells for an extra source of calcium. Just make sure you wash the shells thoroughly and grind them down before you give them to your dog.
Carrots
Carrots are low in fat and packed with vitamin A, making them a nice treat for your dogs. Raw carrots are usually better than cooked as they can also help with cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Chicken
Chicken is a great addition to your dog’s diet. Naturally low in fat and high in protein, chicken is a delicious snack for dogs. Boiled chicken with no seasoning is the best food to give dogs with upset tummies (combined with boiled rice) as it is bland and easy to digest. You can also give your dog chicken bones, but make sure they are raw. Cooked bones can break easily and cause choking and internal blockages. Although you can give your dog raw chicken, it is best to cook it thoroughly first to prevent the risk of salmonella poisoning.
Salmon
Another meaty treat that is packed full of goodness. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve the quality of your dog’s skin and coat, as well as boost its immune system. Always ensure salmon is cooked thoroughly before serving it to your dog. Salmon can contain a parasite that can make your dog sick if it’s eaten raw.
Oatmeal
For elderly dogs that have problems with bowel regularity and chewing hard foods, oatmeal can be very advantageous. It’s a good source of soluble fibre and can be used as a substitute for wheat for dogs with wheat allergies. Oatmeal should be cooked with no seasoning before you give it to your dog. You can also feed oatmeal alongside probiotics to increase their effectiveness.
Specifically for helping with the joint health of your dogs, these chicken flavoured chewable treats contain glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Green Lipped Mussel, Curcumin, Turmeric and Bromelain. They are chicken flavoured so your dogs will love to eat them as a treat – they won’t know they are really healthy either!