Often people ask me for healthy treat options for dogs. Just like humans, our dogs enjoy treats. But also like humans, the wrong treats can cause weight gain and other health issues. I am not a veterinarian but I have interviewed a Canine Nutritionist , twice and a Veterinarian. Both of these guests have stressed that much of the commercial pet treats and food is very unhealthy for dogs and cats. Many contain corn contaminated with high levels of pesticide. Starches and fillers are other common ingredients, along with artificial colors and preservatives, plus synthetic vitamins and minerals that may not nourish your pet effectively. For these reasons, I decided to exclusively feed my dog one ingredient, healthy treats. Scroll down for some Amazon options and to learn how I make homemade dog food and treats.
I wrote a blog about the homemade dog food with a video and recipe for wet and dry food.
After reading this book, The Plant Powered Dog: Unleash the Healing Powers of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet to Help Your Canine Companion Enjoy a Healthier, Longer Life by Canine Nutrionist Diana Laverdure-Dunetz MS, I learned that most human produce is in fact extremely healthy for dogs. Below, I have included list of foods that dogs can and shouldn’t eat (according to the American Kennel Club).
Among the treats that my dog Zeus enjoys are:
- Unsalted, cooked chickpeas
- Frozen, diced carrots
- Carrot sticks
- Dehydrated, cooked, sweet, potatoes, slices (makes a great chewy treat), or dices
- Almost any raw vegetable
- Dehydrated, apple pieces.
- Watermelon
- Blueberries
- Scroll down for a list of fruits and vegetables dogs can eat, according to the American Kennel Club.
You can dehydrate treats in the microwave or in a food dehydrator for longer term storage and easier portability. I like to put my dehydrated treats in small bowls around the house and in a training pouch. There is always an opportunity to train or reinforce good behavior when treats are readily available. Treats don’t have to be large and should be small to prevent choking as most dogs, swallow them whole anyway. Make them very small, especially for a little dogs like my Zeus.
If you don’t have the time or ambition to make your own, these one ingredient treats are great!
I like to put the dehydrated treats in a snuffle mat or snuffle ball to encourage Zeus’s natural foraging skills, increase his curiosity and play.
I also like to use a lick mat for Zues. I spread unsweetened applesauce (no artificial sweeteners which can be harmful to dogs) or other pureed fruits and then freeze them. Some people put peanut butter on the lick mat. Peanut butter is high in fat and some dogs get upset tummies after consuming it. If you decide to use it, I would recommend plain, unsweetened, no salt added peanut butter. Be careful and read ingredients as some brands use artificial sweeteners which can be very harmful to dogs. The lick mats are great during grooming, bathing, nail trimming or when I am entertaining dinner guests and want to keep him occupied. Many have suction cups so they can stick vertically on the side of a bathtub or on a wall. I keep a few in the freezer and Zeus gets so excited when I take one out for him!
According to the American Kennel Club, among the foods that dogs should not eat are:
- Avocado (contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs)
- Cherries (With the exception of the fleshy part around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. )
- Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dog’s breed, sex, or age. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Always be mindful of this dangerous fruit for dogs.
- Asparagus
- Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50-100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the ones that are poisonous can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. Washed white mushrooms from the supermarket could be OK. I don’t feed raw mushrooms to my dog (or humans) as they can contain agaratine which can cause cancer. I lightly steam all mushrooms.
- The green parts of tomatoes While the ripened fruit of the tomato plant is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine.
- Raw Asparagus While asparagus isn’t necessarily unsafe for dogs, there’s really no point in giving it to them. It’s too tough to be eaten raw, and by the time you cook it down so it’s soft enough for dogs to eat, asparagus loses the nutrients it contains.
- Onions, leeks, and chives Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to most pets, especially cats. Eating onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Poisoning from onions is more serious in Japanese breeds of dogs like Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are very susceptible to it.
- Xylitol can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. Eventually, your dog may have seizures. Liver failure can happen within just a few days.
- Macadamia Nuts Keep your dog away from macadamia nuts and foods that have macadamia nuts in them. Just six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog sick.
- Chocolate All kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate contain theobromine. The most dangerous types are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Chocolate can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhea. It can also cause heart problems, tremors, seizures, and death.
Fruits and Vegetables Can Be Healthy Snacks Too
According to the American Kennel Club, among the fruits and vegetables dogs can eat are:
Fruits
- Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack.
- Bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.
- Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries as an alternative to store-bought treats.
- Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber.
- Cranberries and dried cranberries (check ingredients as some dry cranberries have other ingredients which may not be safe) are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many cranberries can lead to an upset stomach.
- Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and they can even boost energy levels. They’re loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.
- Mangoes This sweet summer treat is packed with four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. They also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Just remember, as with most fruits, remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard.
- Oranges are fine for dogs to eat, according to veterinarians, but they may not be fans of any strong-smelling citrus. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and in small quantities, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dog. Vets do recommend tossing the peel and only offering your dog the flesh of the orange, minus any seeds. Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems, and the oils may make your dog literally turn up their sensitive nose.
- Peaches Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, and can even help fight infections, but just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide. As long as you completely cut around the pit first, fresh peaches can be a great summer treat. Skip canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups.
- Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. It’s been suggested that eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip canned pears with sugary syrups.
- Pineapple A few chunks of pineapple is a great sweet treat for dogs, as long as the prickly outside peel and crown are removed first. The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins.
- Pumpkin Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and very healthy snack for dogs. In addition to helping with your dog’s skin and coat, it is great for digestion and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation. Just keep in mind that you should never feed your dog pumpkin pie mix. If you’re buying canned pumpkin, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin.
- Raspberries are fine in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. They’re low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help aging joints. However, they do contain small amounts of xylitol, so limit your dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time.
- Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them.
- Watermelon It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon flesh is otherwise safe for dogs. It’s full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to help keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days.
Vegetables
- Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Furthermore, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus.
- Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Don’t overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause lots of gas. Cabbage is also safe for dogs, but comes with the same gassy warning.
- Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog’s teeth (and fun).
- Celery In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. Celery is also known to freshen doggy breath.
- Green Beans Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned – all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and they’re also full of fiber and low in calories. Opt for low-salt or no-salt products if you’re feeding canned green beans to your dog.
- Peas Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.
- Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. While your dog would probably have to eat a very large amount of spinach to have this problem, it might be best to go with another vegetable.
Which healthy treats have you given to your fur baby? Share these in the comments.
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