All pup parents want to make sure they’re feeding their dogs the best possible food.
Giving your pet healthy, natural snacks (or as a reward for good behavior) is certainly better than those bad-smelling and over-processed treats you can pick up at the store.
But can dogs eat all the snacks we do? In short, no, they can’t.
Dogs have different dietary needs than us and some of the most common foods we eat are actually toxic to them (like onion and garlic).
So what natural healthy snacks can you feed your dog? One of the best things to do is look at the ingredients in the meals the best fresh dog food brands are serving up.
These meals are specifically formulated by canine nutritionists so you know they’re healthy and provide your pup with the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins they need.
Let’s have a look at some of the grocery store staples that you can feed to your pooch.
Why Should My Dog Eat Natural Snacks?
Treats (natural or not) should make up around 10% of your dog’s daily diet. As a treat, they need to be tasty for your pup – otherwise, they’re not going to work as a reward in training.
But as is the case with human treats, natural ones can be much healthier.
They don’t contain added ingredients (such as salt or sugar) and can be just as tasty as those processed one dog’s love.
Some of the benefits of feeding your dog natural snacks and fresh dog food are:
- Improved digestion (making them more regular)
- More energy
- Better smelling poop!
- Shinier coat and better skin
- Brighter eyes
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Non natural snacks can contain lots of extra calories which, even when they make up 10% of your dog’s diet, can cause weight gain and even obesity.
What Are Some Healthy Snacks to Feed Your Dog?
Here are some of the easiest natural snacks you can feed to your pup.
Carrots
Carrots are used in many dog foods – so they’re a great treat to give your pup. They’re full of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
What’s more, chomping on raw carrots can be great for your dog’s dental and gum health.
Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for dogs to eat. However, you need to make sure raw carrots are chopped into bite size chunks so they don’t become a choking hazard.
On a hot day, you could also try freezing a carrot as a refreshing snack to chew on. It’s also a great idea for teething puppies.
Green Beans
Green beans contain lots of added nutrients which make them a great and healthier snack for dogs.
They’re full of iron, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They’re also low in calories which makes them a great choice for overweight dogs.
As humans, we often add extras to green beans such as onions, garlic, salt, and butter. It’s really important you only feed your dog plain green beans. Some of the extras add lots of calories and are even toxic to them.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a favorite for many whenever the sun comes out. And the good news is that you can also give it to your dog!
Watermelon is rich in fiber and vitamin C and, because it’s 92% water, it’s a great way to keep them hydrated!
The seeds in watermelon can cause some issues, though. To avoid an upset stomach or intestinal blockage, it’s best to remove the seeds and rind before giving it to your pooch.
Bananas
Bananas are a good choice if you’re looking for a delicious and low-calorie treat for your pet. They contain fiber, potassium, and lots of vitamins and minerals.
Dogs seem to love them too!
Because they’re a fruit, bananas contain a lot of natural sugar. This high sugar content means you should only give bananas to dogs as a rare treat. Pups don’t need sugar in their diet and it can lead to dental problems and weight gain.
Strawberries
Strawberries are another favorite fruit during the summer months and one lots of dogs love. It’s safe to give your pup the occasional strawberry but, like bananas, they contain a lot of natural sugar.
They’re also packed with fiber and vitamin C as well as some other minerals that are good for your furry friend.
They even contain an enzyme that can help to keep your dog’s teeth white!
Blueberries
Blueberries are a nutritious snack to give your pup. They contain lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber which helps maintain your pup’s gut health.
They’re also a great size which means they can be used as rewards and don’t need to be cut up (unless your dog is very small).
Both fresh and frozen blueberries are safe to give your dogs. You can also try adding them to their regular food for variety.
Apple
Apple is a great choice to give your dog as a natural snack. Dogs love the fresh and crunchy texture and it helps with dental health and to get rid of doggy breath.
They also contain vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
It’s important, however, to remove the core and seeds before giving your dog apple. Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide that can be released when they’re chewed. You also need to chop apples up into small pieces to avoid choking.
Peanut Butter
Dogs love peanut butter – who doesn’t? Any time you reach for the jar they’ll be hovering around your ankles.
The good news is that most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat. It’s a good source of protein and healthy fats and is very versatile.
You need to be careful with peanut butter though. Some brands contain xylitol, a sweetener, which can be fatal to dogs. Always check the label, make it yourself, or go for a dog-specific peanut butter.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a crunchy and refreshing snack that dogs enjoy eating. It’s low in calories and is a great treat for overweight and non-overweight pooches.
It also has a high water content and is great for getting a bit of extra liquid into your dog’s diet.
You can freeze chunks in summer as a cooling snack, use slices as rewards, or even add bits of cucumber to their regular food for added crunch.
Green Peas
Dogs love eating green peas and you’ll find them in many fresh and canned dog food. They’re packed full of minerals and also contain zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
You can feed fresh and frozen peas to your pup as a treat or mixed in with their normal food.
Avoid feeding your dog canned green peas (or any canned vegetable really). Canned produce often contains extra salt and additives that dogs don’t need.
These are just 10 healthy and natural foods to give your pups. Which ones will you be trying?