Do you love to see your dog enjoying his treats but worry about what goes into them?

There are heaps of natural treats which are healthy and don’t contain any preservatives or other nasties. Most of which can be found in your kitchen right now! That’s right, most fruit and vegetables are healthy for dogs and, unlike shop bought treats, aren’t packed with calories. Which is fab when you’re monitoring your dog’s health & weight.

Let’s look at 10 healthy treats for your dog…

Carrots

Carrots are high in beto caratine and other nutrients. They are low-calorie and high-fibre and the act of crunching them cleans your dog’s teeth – winning!

Apples

Apples are a brilliant choice for a healthy snack. They are full of Vitamin A & C and contain fibre to help with digestion. Avoid the core and seeds, as they can contain cyanide when they are breaking down.

Peas

Dogs are fine with all varieties of peas – baby peas, snow peas, garden peas – we say yes please to peas! They are a wonderful source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants. Peas can also reduce inflammation and help with joint pain in older dogs.

Strawberries

Strawberries are an ideal snack for Fido as they contain antioxidants and Vitamin C and are high in fibre. They also contain an enzyme (malic acid) which may help to whiten your dog’s teeth. Freeze them in Summer for a refreshing longer-lasting snack.

Celery

Packed with Vitamins A, B & C and nutrients to support a healthy heart, Celery is a great snack choice. Chewing on a stalk of this vegetable can also promote fresher breath – you have to be happy about that!

Bananas

Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins B6 and C and fibre. As they are naturally sweeter than other fruits, dogs seem to take to them easier. We should limit them though as they are more calorific than other fruits and vegetables. Limit to half a banana a day for larger breeds and a few pieces for smaller ones.

Cooked Sweet Potato

Boiled or roasted sweet potato is fine for dogs. You should never feed a dog raw potato as it contains Solanine – which is a poison and can cause heart problems, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal upset.

Blueberries

We all know blueberries are a superfood for humans – they are just as good for dogs, too. They are rich in antioxidants which prevent cell damage and are packed with fibre. Their size makes them an ideal choice for smaller dogs and puppies.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a great snack which helps to maintain the condition of your dog’s skin and coat. It soothes the digestive system and is great for diarrhoea and constipation. It’s also a great natural source of fibre. Always use fresh pumpkin – never use pumpkin pie filling.

Pears

These are a smart choice for a healthy snack as they are high in Vitamin C & K, copper and fibre. It’s suggested they can even cut the chances of having a stroke by up to 50%! Pass me a pear, please!

Conclusion

Many fruits and vegetables are fine as treats for your dog – but be sure to try them with a small amount in case of any allergies or stomach upsets.

If you’ve enjoyed reading our 10 Healthy Treats For Your Dog, or if you have any other healthy treat suggestions, please leave a comment below.