Ideally, when they have a complete, balanced diet, there’s really no need for your fur buddy to have snacks in between meals. However, treats are useful as rewards for good behaviour and training purposes, and natural dog treats are an excellent option.
Benefits of Natural Dog Treats
Free from Chemicals, Preservatives and Hormones
Often present in artificial treats are chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones, which can cause hyperactivity. Natural dog treats do not come with the risk of ingesting these substances.
Less Sugar, Fat, Calories
Store-bought snacks are usually high in fat and sugar, therefore high in calories too. Always follow the 90-10 rule. Treats shouldn’t account for more than 10% of the daily calorie intake. The rest should come from their main meals. To estimate how much treats your dog should eat, ask your veterinarian.
Wholesome Nutrition
When choosing dog treats, remember that they deserve the same quality ingredients as we would want in our own food. They can get better nutrition from minimally processed and high-quality ingredients.
Here Are Some Examples of Healthy Natural Dog Treats
Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cucumbers
- Pears
- Strawberries
- Watermelons
Vegetables
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green Beans
- Pumpkin
- Red Peppers
PLEASE NOTE: Some natural foods are toxic to pets. For example; grapes, avocados, onions and cherries can sometimes be fatal. Ensure that you do your research or ask your vet before giving your pet anything new.
Related Article: Toxic Foods For Dogs And Cats
Do-It-Yourself Healthy Treats
Here are some great recipes that are so quick and easy to make.
What To Remember When Giving Natural Dog Treats
There are many good reasons for having snacks on hand for your dogs. Natural dog treats are healthy, nutritious and delicious options that are also less expensive than store bought ones. If you decide to give them to your fur babies, consult with your veterinarian to determine the ideal amount and type of snacks to provide and make sure your pups have a primary well balanced diet. Remember that treats are just a huge bonus for being good, well behaved dogs.
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