If you have a dog, you probably love to treat them with something tasty every now and then. Whether it’s an afternoon pick-me-up or a reward for good behavior, dogs always seem to appreciate a special snack or tasty treat.
However, while it can be tempting to share food from your own plate, it’s important to think carefully about what you’re giving your dog. Even small amounts of human food can quickly add up, which can lead to excess calories and potential health issues (like upset stomach).
Instead, the key is to find snacks made specifically for dogs that are both nutritious and delicious. Let’s discuss how you can pick the best treats for your furry friend, and review some great healthy snack recommendations.
How to Choose Healthy Snacks for Your Dog
Picking the right healthy snack for your dog can be overwhelming. With so many options out there, it’s important to know what to look for to make sure your dog gets treats that are both safe and good for their health.
Check the ingredients
The first thing to do when picking out a dog treat is to read the ingredients list. Avoid snacks that have artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, since these can lead to health issues over time. Instead, look for natural ingredients like chicken, lamb, or pumpkin.
Some ingredients (like wheat, corn, and soy) might trigger allergies or stomach problems in dogs, so you may want to skip dog treats that contain these ingredients. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
Consider Your Dog’s Dietary Needs
Not all dogs have the same nutritional needs, so it’s important to choose treats that match your pup’s specific health requirements. For example, if your dog is trying to lose weight, opt for low-calorie snacks.
If your fur baby has allergies or digestive issues, you should consider giving them limited-ingredient treats that are designed for sensitive stomachs. It’s always a good idea to ask your vet if you’re not sure.
Pick Age-Appropriate Treats
Dog treats come in all sorts of forms, including biscuits, bones, and chews. The right kind for your dog will depend on their age and chewing habits. Puppies usually do well with softer treats that are easier on their developing teeth, while older dogs might benefit from harder treats that help keep their teeth clean.
Choose High-Quality Brands
When choosing dog treats, it’s best to buy from brands that prioritize quality. Look for companies that use high-quality, natural ingredients, like Under the Weather. You might also consider buying organic or locally sourced ingredients if you prefer to make your own dog treats.
The Best Healthy Snacks for Dogs
Picking out the best healthy snacks for dogs can be challenging. Not all dog food and dog treat brands put the same care into their products. That’s why it’s so important to choose healthy treats for your dog from a reputable brand. Here are a few recommendations from Under the Weather:
Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin Bland Diet for Dogs
This bland diet dog food is perfect for dogs with upset stomachs. The blend of chicken, rice, and pumpkin is easy on digestion and provides soothing relief. One of the main ingredients is pumpkin, which is rich in fiber and nutrients that support digestive health, boost the immune system, and promote a shiny coat.
This dog food is formulated by veterinarians, and uses only high-quality, human-grade ingredients. To prepare, simply add water. Each pouch offers 3-8 meals depending on your dog’s size.
Ingredients: White Rice, Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast, Pumpkin Powder, Glycine, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride.
Probiotic Soft Chews for Dogs
These probiotic soft chews are another excellent option when it comes to healthy snacks for dogs. They’re designed to promote your dog’s normal digestion and support a healthy immune system. Your dog should also find them delicious due to the chicken liver flavor!
Each chew contains one billion colony-forming units (CFU) of beneficial bacteria, which encourages a healthy balance of gut flora. Regular use of these treats can help improve your dog’s well-being.
Ingredients: Brewers Dried Yeast, Chicken Liver Flavor, Vegetable Glycerin, and other natural preservatives and extracts for flavor and freshness.
PB&CHILL Calming Peanut Butter for Dogs
This peanut butter snack is more than just a delicious treat; it helps your dog relax because it contains natural calming ingredients like L-tryptophan and L-theanine.
This snack is free from harmful additives, and it’s the perfect solution for keeping your dog calm during stressful times (like vet visits or thunderstorms). These snacks come in pocket-sized packets, so they’re super easy to bring with you anywhere.
What Makes a Snack Healthy for Dogs?
Healthy dog snacks should have several qualities. Look for snacks that are made from wholesome, natural ingredients that are easy to digest. Snacks can also offer extra benefits like supporting your dog’s skin, coat, joints, and digestion.
However, just because something is safe for dogs doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. For example, while cheese is technically dog-safe, it’s also high in calories and fat, so it’s best to offer it sparingly.
Nut butters are another example; while dogs can eat plain nut butters, they’re often high in calories and fat. Make sure you’re choosing a brand that doesn’t include xylitol, which can be extremely dangerous for dogs.
If your dog needs to lose weight, try to avoid giving them high-calorie treats (like baked goods, sausages, jerky, or even starchy foods like sweet potatoes). These types of foods can cause digestive issues and other health problems, anyway, so it’s best to skip them.
Healthy Snacks for Dogs That You Can Find in Your Kitchen
Did you know that some of your own kitchen staples can make great healthy snacks for dogs? Usually, it’s best to avoid giving your dog human food, but some human food is safe and even good for dogs in moderation. Here are a few homemade options that are safe to share with your furry friend:
Plain Protein
Cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, beef, or salmon are great options when it comes to healthy snacks for dogs. Make sure there are no bones, and choose low-fat cuts whenever possible. And trust us: you don’t need to add seasoning! It won’t make a difference to your dog, and many seasonings can cause stomach upset.
Cooked Grains
Simple grains like rice, pasta, or oatmeal can be great for dogs—especially dogs with sensitive stomachs. Just make sure that it’s completely cool before serving it to your dog (hot food can cause dogs to feel nauseous and vomit).
Dairy
Plain yogurt is good for digestion, and a small amount of cheese is okay if your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. You may want to check with your vet before feeding your dog dairy products, though. Once again, cheese should usually be given sparingly, even if your dog isn’t lactose intolerant.
Nut Butters
Natural, xylitol-free nut butters are safe in moderation. When it comes to peanut butter, you’ll want to avoid sugary brands like Skippy and opt for unsalted peanut butter (or even homemade peanut butter).
Eggs
Boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein for dogs, so you can give your dog boiled eggs as a snack occasionally. Avoid feeding them raw eggs, since they can carry salmonella and cause other health problems in dogs.
Ingredients to Avoid When Choosing Healthy Snacks for Dogs
While most dogs tend to enjoy a wide range of foods, there are some foods you should never include in their diet. Here are some ingredients you’ll want to avoid when it comes to either shopping for or making your own healthy dog snacks:
Synthetic Additives
Synthetic additives—like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin—can be harmful over time. This is why checking the ingredients on the dog treats you buy is so important.
Artificial Colors
Artificial colors are completely unnecessary and can cause health problems in dogs. Remember, natural choices are best!
Artificial Sweeteners
Xylitol and other sugar alcohols can be extremely toxic to dogs. Avoid giving your dog treats that contain sweeteners at all costs.
Certain Foods
Macadamia nuts, chocolate, caffeine, and ethanol (found in alcohol and yeast dough) are all dangerous for dogs. Avoid giving them anything containing these substances.
These foods and ingredients can cause serious health issues, including digestive problems and life-threatening toxicity. Stick to dog-safe treats, and if you’re ever feeling unsure, ask your vet for advice.
Conclusion
Giving your dog snacks is a great way to reward them, but it’s important to choose treats that are both safe and beneficial for them. By paying attention to the ingredients, considering your dog’s dietary needs, and choosing high-quality brands, you can make sure that your fur baby stays happy and healthy.
If you’re looking for nutritious snacks to feed to your dog, we’d recommend trying out options like Under the Weather’s bland diet dog foods, probiotic chews, or calming peanut butter. If you want to learn more, you can always check out our blog or peruse our wide selection of products.
