healthy natural dog snacks
12 natural treats for dogs you can feed from your kitchen
Looking for some ideas on natural treats for dogs that are healthy, tasty, and most likely already in your cupboard or fridge? Then youve come to the right place!
Even though youre probably already spoiling your canine companion by serving them up the best dog food every day, sometimes its nice to be able to offer them some additional treats and snacks to add a bit of variety into their diet.
A lot of pet parents wonder what human foods dogs can eat, so weve compiled a handy list for you of 12 safe options that are also nutrient-dense and taste great - because a food thats nutritious but not delicious isnt worth eating in our book!
While there are a few items below that might not be staples in your kitchen, most are budget-friendly and all of them are readily available, so you wont have to hunt high and low to find them.
Although many popular dog treats lining the supermarket shelves can be good in a pinch and helpful when training, many of them are void of nutrients and act as empty calories.
However, you should keep in mind that many treats we consider as 'healthy' can actually contain hidden sugars for a dog and are best served only in moderation, as part of a balanced doggy diet.
1. Blueberries
They may be small but the humble blueberry packs a powerful nutritional punch that makes it a superfood for both humans and dogs. Loaded with antioxidants that will help fight free radicals and slow down the aging process in your pups body, blueberries are also great at supporting urinary tract health, reducing the risk of some cancers, and can help protect brain cells.
You can mix blueberries into your dogs regular meals, feed them on their own as a snack, and if you freeze them, they make a great cooling treat on hot summer days. Youll also find blueberries in the ingredient list of some of these 6 easy dog smoothies your pooch will love - all of which are a yummy way of sneaking some extra fruit and vegetables into your doggys daily diet.
2. Anchovies and sardines
Ok, we wont lie, these little guys arent going to leave your dogs breath smelling the sweetest but considering all the health benefits they offer, we reckon theyre worth it. Packed full of Omega-3 fatty acids, both anchovies and sardines can help keep your dogs coat looking glossy, their skin nourished, and their heart, brain, and joints in peak condition. Theyre also high in calcium, zinc, and vitamins B12, D, E, and K.
When selecting anchovies and sardines for your pup, go for ones that are packed in water rather than oil and make sure theres no added salt. You can serve them as a snack or as a topper over your dogs wet or dry food. Youll want to keep the portions controlled though as one anchovy has eight calories - stick to two to three per day for small dogs and no more than five for larger breeds. For sardines, smaller dogs can have up to half a tin a week and large breeds can have one tin.
3. Bone broth
The hip kid on the block these past few years, bone broth is equally as good for doggy consumption as it is for humans. A quick warning though, bone broth is a bit of a labor of love as it requires at least 24 hours of simmering animal bones and connective tissue to get the full nutritional benefits, but if you dont mind tending to it, your canine companions body will thank you big time.
High in protein and nutrient-dense, bone broth is full of anti-inflammatory amino acids and collagen to help support gut health. Its also great if your dog suffers from arthritis as it contains high amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to help their joints and can slow the progression of this painful condition. We recommend you start with a few tablespoons and then gradually increase the dosage. Its great poured over wet or dry food to create a nice soup.
4. Carrots
A kitchen staple in most homes, carrots are loaded with beta-carotene which is great for eye, skin, and coat health, and for helping keep the immune system strong. Carrots are packed full of fiber too, excellent for keeping your pooch regular!
Raw carrots make a delicious and healthy snack and because theyre crunchy, they give your dogs jaw a good workout and help keep those teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Just make sure you cut raw carrots into appropriately sized pieces depending on whether you have a small or large dog. You also can steam or boil them and then puree and mix in with wet food for an extra dose of nutrition.
5. Chia seeds
Popular with wellness warriors the world over, the tiny but might chia seed is a nutritional powerhouse that has it all - protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Getting to work on everything from skin and coat health to supporting the immune and digestive systems, chia seeds also help regulate blood sugar and as they move through the gut they can absorb 10-12 times their weight in water, expanding to leave your pup feeling fuller for longer.
If you want to mix chia seeds into your dogs dry food, youll want to soak them for around 90 minutes first, but with wet food, you can mix the dry seeds straight in as theres plenty of moisture for them to absorb. Chia seeds are full of fiber and too much of anything isnt a good thing, so stick to teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dogs body weight - so a 20lb dog could have a teaspoon a day and a 40lb dog can have 1 teaspoon.
6. Eggs
Theres plenty to love about the incredible egg which comes rammed full of a host of goodness your dog will benefit from. High in protein, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins, eggs are solid all-round performers on the nutrition front. Theyre easy to digest too, so theyre ideal for dogs with delicate digestive systems or those recovering from illness.
You can serve eggs up to your pup in lots of different ways, including scrambled and hard-boiled. One medium-sized egg has about 75 calories, so youll want to factor this into your dogs daily calorie count.
7. Pumpkin
The creamy texture and mild flavor of pumpkin make it a hit with most dogs and like carrots, this vegetable is a great source of beta-carotene, large amounts of soluble fiber, and plenty of antioxidants and vitamins. It works wonders at relieving both diarrhea and constipation and will add a nice shine to your pups coat.
You can mix a tablespoon or two of cooked pumpkin in with your dogs food and the seeds make a great snack if you roast them in a little bit of olive oil - just keep the portion sizes under control with the seeds and stick to a few at a time. If you decide to buy canned pumpkin rather than roasting your own, steer clear of pumpkin pie filling, which has a ton of sugar and spices that arent good for your dog.
8. Cooked sweet potato
Like pumpkin, sweet potatoes tend to go down a treat with dogs and this cooked vegetable keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can roast up a nice big batch at the weekend and itll easily see you through the week. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber to keep the digestive system healthy and because theyre a whole food, theyre less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, making them safe for most dogs. Just make sure you roast them without seasoning and serve them with the skin off.
9. Watermelon
Juicy and delicious, watermelon makes the perfect cooling summer snack. Overflowing with the antioxidant lycopene, which gives this fruit its pink hue and may help prevent cancer, watermelon is a great source of fluid to help flush the kidneys and keep the urinary tract healthy. Plus it has fiber for digestive health and is vitamin and mineral-rich.
Just be mindful that dogs cant eat the rind or seeds of watermelon, so youll want to remove all of these before you serve this tasty treat up to your pooch.
10. Green beans
Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned, it doesnt matter which way you serve up a green bean, as long as its been prepared naturally, its good for your dog. Theyre full of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K and theyre low in calories too so theyre great for overweight dogs as they can help them lose weight while still giving them a feeling of fullness.
Add to your dogs food for a tasty topper, give them as a standalone snack, or whip up a batch of your own DIY dehydrated dog treats using a mixture of beans and sweet potato - your pup will love the crispy texture.
11. Bananas
Creamy and filling, bananas are a great low-cholesterol sweet treat that have good amounts of potassium, vitamin C, and copper, which can aid digestion, heart health and provide a vital boost of energy.
You can serve sliced banana on its own or for a really indulgent occasional snack, spread with a little sugar-free peanut butter. Just remember that bananas are a calorie-dense fruit that also contains a fairly high amount of natural sugar, so moderation is key here.
12. Strawberries
A crowd-pleaser with humans and canines alike, the sweet and juicy strawberry makes for a delicious dessert-like treat. Theres plenty of fiber and lots of vitamin C to give your dogs immune system a good boost. Strawberries also act as a natural tooth whitener thanks to a compound called malic acid, so its a great choice if youre looking to polish up your pups pearlers.
Always give fresh strawberries and never canned fruit as these are usually soaked in syrup and sugar. Youll also want to start with small amounts just to make sure this fruit doesnt upset your dogs digestive system and as with all fruits, stick to small portions as strawberries contain natural sugars.
10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes (Vet-Approved)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreWant to learn how to make homemade dog treats from the comfort of your home? Youll be able to choose each ingredient, save money, and cook specifically for your pups preferences. The best news is that dog treat recipes are typically simple and easy to follow.
Keep reading to find 10 amazing dog treat recipes for dogs of all ages. Spoil your dog with healthy and delicious homemade dog treats! Whether you want to make a healthy dog treat, replace your pups favorite brand of dog biscuits, or cook up a soft dog treat, weve got you covered.
Keeping your dog healthy is important, so youll want to choose a healthy dog treat recipe. That means avoiding ingredients that arent good for dogs! Scroll down to find our favorite healthy treat recipes:
The Top 10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes:
Healthy Dog Treat Recipes
1. Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treat Recipe
What could be cuter than a doggie pretzel? This easy recipe just needs four ingredients: oat flour, rolled oats, applesauce, and an egg. So healthy and simple, you might want to try one!
2. Cranberry & Oat Treats
Whether or not its a special Day, your pup will appreciate these delicious and healthy cranberry dog treats. Made with gluten-free oats, flaxseed, and antioxidant-rich cranberries, these dog-friendly cookies come together in minutes.
3. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Help your pup celebrate fall with these tasty treats! While you sip on a PSL, your dog can enjoy treats made with pumpkin and peanut butter. The best news? These treats are a lot like cookies, so youll have no trouble throwing them together quickly.
4. Breath-Freshening Dog Treats
Does your dog have bad breath? This recipe from Health Starts in the Kitchen has some unusual ingredients (like parsley and activated charcoal), but it will approximate Greenies and save you quite a bit of money!
Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipes:
If youre looking for traditional dog biscuitrecipes, youre in the right place! These easy recipes will help you make crunchy biscuits with all kinds of shapes and flavors!
5. Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipe
With the help of a fun cookie cutter, you can whip up peanut butter biscuits pretty enough to give as a gift! Throw these simple biscuits in the oven and youll have crispy treats in about 20 minutes.
6. Bacon Glazed Biscuits
These biscuits are pretty, full of great ingredients, and easy to make. But what puts them over the top is the glaze, a mixture of peanut butter and bacon fat. What dog could resist that?
7. Spinach, Carrot, & Zucchini Dog Biscuits
If youre looking for something a little more veggie-heavy, you might want to try this recipe. It incorporates carrots, spinach, and zucchini, plus pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats, into a classic-looking dog biscuit!
Soft Dog Treat Recipes:
Does your dog prefer soft treats? Here are some of the best soft dog treat recipes, including donuts and cupcakes!
8. No-Bake Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Looking for a soft dog treat recipe thats quick and easy? Try this one from Live Laugh Rowe, which uses coconut oil and peanut butter. Your dog will thank you!
9. Carrot Peanut Butter Pupcakes
If you and your dog are celebrating, why not roll out the pupcakes? These soft, dog-friendly cupcakes have a tasty peanut butter yogurt frosting and you can top them with homemade dog biscuits for extra flair!
10. Peanut Butter Bacon Donuts
These doggie donuts look sweet and good enough to eat but dont be fooled! Theyre savory treats made with oats, peanut butter, and a sprinkling of bacon bits. Guaranteed to be a hit!
Homemade Dog Treats: Conclusion
Now you know how to make homemade dog treats with these 10 delicious recipes! Whether youre looking for soft dog treats or homemade dog biscuits, these recipes will turn you into a doggie chef before you know it. What you feed your dog is important, and this way you can control every ingredient. Just remember these are still treats and as such, they should only be fed in moderation since they are not a complete and balanced diet and they do add up the calories. Gone are the days of having to buy expensive dog treats!
Prefer to skip the cooking? Choose from our favorite dog treat brands!
Featured Image Credit: The team at Hepper
