As a dog owner, it’s important to make sure your dog is eating healthy food. After all, the second you welcome a puppy or dog into your home, you become responsible for their health. And while sometimes, a dog getting sick is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of your dog getting sick.
One of the ways to do this is to ensure their diet is healthy and balanced. This doesn’t just mean getting them good dog food made with proper ingredients. Giving your dog a healthy diet also includes choosing the right treats for them.
And since many different treat brands and manufacturers use additives that can be unhealthy for dogs, a lot of the time, it’s best to give them natural treats. There are many different fresh treats that you can give your dog that may already be in your kitchen.
So, to help you take control of your pet’s diet, we’ve compiled a list of the best natural and healthy treats for dogs to eat, including how you should feed it to them.
If you’re looking for alternative treats for dogs that are healthy and completely natural, then you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading to learn more.
Should I Add Natural Treats To My Dog’s Diet?
If you’re looking to keep your dog in tip-top shape, then adding natural treats to their diet is a great idea. There are tons of different fresh treats that you can give your dog that you may already have in your kitchen. These treats can be cheaper than traditional and commercial dog treats and offer a lot more health benefits!
On top of that, many of these treats require very little prep and energy, making them ideal even for busy dog owners. However, keep in mind that treats should only take up 10% of your dog’s diet, even if they are natural and healthy treats.
Best Healthy & Natural Treats for Dogs
When considering natural and fresh treats for your dog, it’s important to choose the right optinos. While there are many fresh foods on the market that are good for dogs, there are many human foods that can also be toxic for dogs. So, before adding anything to your dog’s diet, whether they are natural or not, make sure to do the appropriate research and consult your vet to keep things as safe as possible.
And to make it easier to choose the right food for your dogs here’s a quick list of some fresh foods that are healthy for your furry friends!
Apples
Apples are a great food for dogs. While the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” usually applies to humans, it can apply to dogs as well. Apples are loaded with natural fiber and vitamins. The fiber can help your dog’s digestion and general gut health while the vitamins are crucial in promoting and sustaining a healthy immune system.
When feeding your dog apples, it’s important to remove the core and seeds, as these can be harmful to your pet. Additionally, a whole apple might be hard for a dog to eat, so make sure to cut it up into small slices before giving it to your dog. It’s also recommended to keep the skin on as apple skin can also offer some health benefits.
For more information on feeding your dog apples, Spot and Tango has a comprehensive guide that contains everything you need to know.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are another great food to feed your dog. When feeding your dog pumpkins, it’s best to cut them in half, remove the seeds, and then roast it for 30-60 minutes depending on the size. Once the pumpkin is done cooking, you can turn it into a puree and add a teaspoon or two to your dog’s meals. The right dosage of pumpkin largely depends on your dog’s size, with larger dogs needing more pumpkin than smaller dogs.
Pumpkins are loaded with fiber and other vitamins and compounds, so they are very healthy for dogs. However, remember to only feed your dog pumpkins in moderation as too much fiber can actually cause digestive problems.
Berries (The Right Ones)
Berries are a great snack for dogs. Since they are small, they can easily be stored and it’s easier to portion the treats for your dog. However, make sure to feed them the right berries. This is because there are some berries like cherries that are toxic for dogs and can be very dangerous if they eat large quantities.
Berries that are safe for dogs include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cranberries. These are some of the most common berries that owners feed their dogs, and it’s best to stick to these options to reduce any risk involved with feeding your dog the wrong berries.
Watermelon
Watermelons are over 92% water. So, if you’re trying to keep your pet hydrated during the hot summer months, watermelon is a great treat. On top of that, watermelons have a lot of different vitamins and fibers that are good for your dog’s health. Again, make sure to slice up the watermelon into bite-sized pieces before feeding it to your dog so they won’t have a hard time eating it.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great treat for dogs. However, you cannot feed it to them raw. When feeding your dog sweet potatoes, you have to make sure they are cooked and soft enough for them to eat.
And while it might take some time and effort to cook the sweet potatoes, you can easily store them in the fridge right after and have a long-lasting treat for your pet.
Conclusion
Those are some of the best options for dog owners looking for healthy and natural dog treats. While there are other fruits and vegetables out there that are also beneficial to dogs, we chose to feature some of the most accessible options with the most health benefits.
You can feed any of these foods to your dog’s safely and expect them to reap some good health benefits. However, before you add anything new to your dog’s diet, make sure to consult your vet first. Since your vet has experience with your dog, they will be able to give you the right advice on whether or not you can feed it to them, how much to feed them, and how to safely introduce the food to their diet.
