As dog owners, we want to give our furry friends the absolute best of everything! Although we can never match the love that they show us, we always want to try our hardest. While treating them with chocolates and ice creams is tempting, this can actually do them more harm than good for them.
It’s a tricky task to choose treats that are both healthy and enjoyable for your pups, so we should be careful in selecting the proper treats for them. If your puppy has dietary restrictions, you should be especially cautious.
Many pet parents want to avoid giving packaged treats to their puppies and are looking for alternative healthy snacks. In this list, we have included treats that are readily available from the market or can be prepared at home with little effort.
What are the Healthy Treats for Puppies?
Here are some of the healthy treats you can give your puppies.
Meat
Different puppies may have different preferred tastes, but generally, every puppy loves meat. Therefore, it’s natural that meat is among one of the best treats you can give your pup.
Cooked lean meat is great for them and you can also try fish or turkey. Additionally, make sure to avoid oil and seasoning while cooking.
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help in the proper development and function of the brain, among other benefits. Chicken is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which benefit their immunity, skin, and coat health. Therefore, chicken is an excellent option if you’re a proud owner of a golden retriever and a labrador retriever puppy.
The pieces of meat should be given in small amounts no matter what type of meat you decide to give. Another thing to remember is that you should keep a safe distance from processed meat as they have added salt.
Apples
Much like us, apples are great for puppies. Apples are rich in vitamins A and C and dietary fiber. Meaning – consuming apples will help digestion and benefit your puppy’s eyes, skin, and hair. A lesser-known and talked-about benefit of eating apples is that it helps keep your puppy’s breath fresh.
However, it would be best to remove the apple’s seeds and core before giving them to your pup. Apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be harmful to their health. However, consuming small amounts of seeds won’t necessitate a medical emergency. Cores should be avoided as they can be a choking hazard.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in fiber and Vitamin A. It is an item that is primarily present in our homes. Not only is offering carrots convenient for us but also beneficial for our four-legged friends.
Carrots have great benefits for your puppy’s skin, digestive system, and you-guessed-it-eyes. However, some puppies might swallow without adequately chewing. Therefore, please ensure the pieces are small before offering them to your pup.
Watermelon
Watermelon makes for a fantastic treat, especially on a hot summer day. This wonderful and delicious fruit helps in keeping your precious puppy hydrated. While watermelon is almost 92% water, it is also rich in Potassium and Vitamin B-6.
A watermelon contains lycopene, which helps slow cancer cell growth. Additionally, the fruit is good for your puppy’s immunity and eye health.
Much like apples, remove the seeds and rind of the watermelon before offering it to your dog. Why, you ask? Because the consumption of seeds and rind can cause intestinal and gastrointestinal issues, respectively. Also, ensure that the pieces are appropriately sized.
Sweet Potatoes
This treat will require more effort than most other entries in this list. However, it’s convenient because most households have enough potatoes. They are rich in beta carotene, C, B-6, Iron, and Potassium.
Consuming sweet potatoes is great for your puppy’s digestive system and heart. Don’t offer your pup raw potatoes or dried sweet potato treats, as it harms their health.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers, like watermelon, make for a fantastic summer treat for dogs. It consists of 96% water, so offering them as treats is an excellent way to keep your puppy hydrated. That isn’t the only benefit of consuming cucumbers, though.
It is rich in several nutrients, including copper, Vitamin K, and biotin. Additionally, it has phytochemicals and phytonutrients. Therefore, it’s good for your dog’s bones and breath.
Strawberries
Strawberries are among the best lip-smacking treats you can give your fabulous furry friend. This fruit isn’t just delicious; it also offers multiple health benefits. Firstly, it improves your puppy’s immunity as it’s rich in Vitamin C.
Secondly, as it’s rich in fiber, it is suitable for your puppy’s digestion. Furthermore, it has malic acid, which might help whiten your puppy’s teeth. They are low in sugar, as a cup of strawberries has approximately 7g of sugar.
Despite all its benefits, strawberries may contain aflatoxins and can be high in pesticides. It is, therefore, best to use them as an occasional treat. Also, make it a habit always to choose organic strawberries.
Taking care of your puppy is both a rewarding and a pleasing experience. However, figuring out the proper treats for them can be challenging. By suitable, we mean treats that are both enjoyable and healthy. Apples, Meat, and Sweet Potatoes are examples of such treats. Presenting these treats in the right way is extremely important too.
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