Pet Guide
Dogs are the most popular pet globally, owned by 33% of respondents, with cats coming in second, at 23%. Fish (12%), birds (6%), and other pet types (6%) all rank significantly lower.
Simple things...
So what are some simple, natural dog treats to incorporate into your routine? Here are some of our favorites!
Apples
An apple a day doesn’t necessarily keep the veterinarian away, and a whole apple would be a bit much for a dog anyway, but they are good for dogs just like they are people! Full of nutrients and fiber, these are great snacks. Just be sure not to let your pup have the seeds or the core.
Green Peas
Frozen or fresh, green peas are good treats, and most dogs love them. Hand your dog a couple as training treats or even put some in their bowl. Easy-peasy!
Carrots
Loaded with beta carotene and other vitamins, carrots are almost guaranteed to be in your kitchen anyway. Why not cut up some bite-sized pieces and use them as a healthy reward? Some dogs can be bad about swallowing without chewing (we’re looking at you, labs and beagles), so if yours is one, be sure that the carrot pieces are an appropriate size.
Green Beans
Dogs can eat green beans too! Just be sure that cooked green beans aren’t seasoned. Plain, please. These are a great source of greens and fiber.
Watermelon
Just like humans, most dogs love watermelon as a tasty, hydrating, and beneficial snack. Be sure to remove any seeds, and don’t give your dog the rind.
Cooked Sweet Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes may not seem to smack of convenience, but since they keep well in the refrigerator, it’s actually really simple to roast up some extra to share during the week with your furry family member. It’s best to keep them plain. Do not give dogs raw potatoes of any kind.
Bananas
We all know that bananas are loaded with healthy nutrients. Most dogs love them, too, so they are a natural choice that you probably keep handy all the time. Just be sure not to overdo it. Given their high sugar content, it’s best to give bananas to dogs in moderation.
Broccoli
Cruciferous veggies have well-known health benefits, and broccoli is a good choice for pups. Feel free to give them a few small pieces as a treat. These can be raw, roasted, or steamed, just unseasoned please. Like humans, dogs often have an easier time digesting high-fiber foods that have been cooked, but either is safe.
Cooked Squash
Cooked squashes are great natural treats for dogs! And since there are several kinds of squash that are safe for dogs, this is a good option year round. Butternut squash, yellow squash, or zucchini are all great. Even pumpkin! Just be sure to remove seeds, and for the butternut, the rind, as well.
Strawberries
Strawberries are sweet little vitamin C nuggets that dogs love. Like bananas, they are high in sugar, so just keep that in mind when you decide how many to give.
Blueberries
Like strawberries, blueberries are great, healthy, and easy little treats to share with your pup!
You Should Know…
When trying out new treats for your dog, it’s always best to start with small portions, and see how your dog’s GI tract responds.
There are also a number of foods in your kitchen that can be dangerous for dogs to consume, so check back soon for a list of common foods to avoid.
Yes, but with caution...
Eggs: Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet.
Nope never!!!!
Chocolate: No, dogs should never eat chocolate.
Cinnamon: No, dogs shouldn’t eat cinnamon.
Garlic: No, dogs shouldn’t eat garlic. Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor him or her for a few days, not just right after consumption.
Macadamia nuts: No, dogs should never eat macadamia nuts. These are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts, part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system. Never feed your dog macadamia nuts.
Almonds: No, dogs shouldn’t eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.