Mass produced dog treats can be high in calories. Many pet parents are making the switch to home made foods and treats to keep their dogs healthy and cut out preservatives and empty calories. If you are looking for alternatives to conventional store-bought dog treats, the following healthy options will give you some ideas for your dog.
Sweet Potato – Sweet potatoes are great treats – you can even bake them in slices for an added kick.
Carrots – These veggies are welcomed by many dogs. If your dog likes to chew, give him raw carrots. Smaller dogs may prefer cooked carrot slices.
Pumpkin – Pumpkin is another great treat for dogs; cooked or raw is fine, depending on your dog’s tastes.
Green Beans – Green beans are another great treat. You can warm up a can of green beans, feed your dog crunchy raw green beans, or even bake them for an added crunch.
Bananas – Bananas are sweet and easy to eat for all dogs, but they are especially good for smaller dogs.
Apples – This is another crunchy, healthy treat that is great for dogs with a high desire to chew. Cut them in slices and remove the seeds so you can dole out chunks when your dog does something well.
Watermelon – Watermelon is another sweet, juicy treat that is very low in calories and is appreciated by many dogs.
Broccoli – Raw broccoli is another great treat for dogs that like to chew, and puppies that are cutting teeth.
Plain Rice Cakes – Plain, unflavored rice cakes are great treats to keep on hand for your pet. They have a longer shelf life than fresh veggies, and can easily be broken into chunks to reward your dog.
Air Popped Popcorn – Unsalted, un-buttered and unflavored popcorn is another treat that can be made in bulk and stored for a few days. As well, it’s easy to ration out in tiny portions to reward your dog while keeping the pounds off.
It’s important to steer clear of foods that will harm your dog, such as grapes, onions, chocolate and other doggie no-nos.