Most pet parents have probably asked themselves, what are some healthy snacks for my dog?
Figuring out dog food is always a challenge. Dogs require a healthy well-balanced diet, and most dog foods offer the perfect balance of protein, healthy fat, and nutrients to keep your dog healthy without the need for an additional snack during the day. But who could ever deny a puppy a treat?
Luckily, there are a bunch of healthy snacks for dogs that your dog will enjoy and won’t have you worrying about your dog’s health!
Apples
Apple slices can be a great snack for a dog. They’re sweet, crunchy, and full of all the good stuff, including vitamins and fiber, that keeps your dog healthy, making them one of the most healthy human snacks for dogs.
Make sure that you remove the core and stem before you feed your dog an apple, as it could pose a choking hazard and could be toxic to your pup. But if your dog accidentally ingests a bit of an apple core, don’t panic — it won’t cause any immediate harm. Just remember to cut up the apple into small pieces the next time, and your pup should be fine.
Dragon Fruit
Can dogs have dragon fruit? Sure, dragon fruit can be a sweet and healthy low-calorie snack for a dog. For this reason, it’s one of the best healthy snacks for dogs on a diet.
It’s rich in vitamins and fatty acids, has a high water content, and offers a number of health benefits for dogs. However, like most other fruits, remember to remove the skin as it can pose a choking hazard, and cut the fruit up into small pieces.
Green Beans
Another great source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as much-needed fiber, green beans is one of the most healthy snacks for dogs that also offers a nice crunchy treat.
Go for fresh green beans if possible, and avoid seasoning the beans at all costs since too much salt can be very bad for dogs.
Watermelon
A hydrating and vitamin-filled snack for humans, watermelon is one of those good healthy snacks for dogs that puppies absolutely love. Watermelon is the perfect summer treat for your pup and is also a sweet snack that’s packed with nutrients.
Just remember to carefully remove the seeds, as they pose a choking hazard, and don’t feed your dog the rind of the fruit.
Carrots
When looking for healthy snacks for my dog, carrots come close to topping the list. Always on hand in most kitchens, carrots are a great source of fiber and vitamins. And because of the texture of this vegetable, carrots even benefit your dog’s dental health by helping remove plaque.
For smaller dogs, consider cutting the carrots up into smaller bits.
Yogurt
Low-fat yogurt is an excellent treat for dogs. It’s full of good gut bacteria, calcium, and protein, which can boost your pup’s immune system. Provided the yogurt isn’t artificially sweetened with additional sugars or salted, yogurt could be a good snack option for your puppy in small amounts.
However, some dogs are lactose intolerant. So, before you feed them dairy products, it’s best to check with your vet about how your puppy will react.
Peanuts
As long as they aren’t salted, peanuts can be a great snack for puppies. The ideal way to feed your dog peanuts is peanut butter. However, shelled and roasted peanuts also work just as fine.
Popcorn
As long as it’s not covered in salt or butter, air-popped popcorn can be a good low-calorie snack for your dog. It’s low in calories, rich in fiber, and a good source of magnesium and zinc.
Besides, your pup will appreciate the crunchy treat that they can share with you.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato contains a good mix of vitamins, fiber, and the antioxidant beta-carotene. So, apart from being a tasty treat, sweet potatoes can also protect your dog from the risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes well and avoid adding any additional seasoning to give your dog a tasty and energizing snack.
Final Thoughts
Most fruits and vegetables, when consumed in small amounts, can be tasty and nutritious snacks for dogs. However, some dogs can develop allergies, while others have more sensitive stomachs than others. So, as long as you check with your vet before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet, your dog will be grateful for all the new tasty treats!