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If you’re like most dog owners, you want to make sure that your furry friend is eating healthy. That’s why it’s essential to know the best and safest ingredients for dog treats. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ingredients for homemade dog treats and a few recipes that you can try out!
The Best (and Safest) Ingredients for Dog Treats
If you’re like most dog owners, you want to give your furry friend the best possible treats. But with all of the different options on the market, it can be hard to know which ingredients are safe and healthy for your pup. This blog post will list some of the best and safest ingredients for dog treats. Next time you’re shopping for treats for your pup, keep these in mind!
Canine lovers often worry about the treats and food they give to their beloved pet, not to mention the cost of buying any bag of treats. Rewarding dogs with commonly found items either at home or at a local grocery store is healthier and can also be more economical.
Safe Ingredients for Dog Treats
Items such as yogurt, pumpkin, and regular everyday fruits and vegetables can be an excellent reward for any canine and be a fantastic base when making any homemade treat recipe.
Yogurt
Yogurt is not only tasty for dogs but is also suitable for digestion. The bacteria found in yogurt can often replenish naturally occurring bacteria in a dog’s digestive tract, which is beneficial, especially if the puppy is experiencing diarrhea.
Owners can add 1 to 3 tablespoons of yogurt into the dog’s food per day to help coat upset stomachs or as a special daily treat. Yogurt can also be frozen in ice trays and served as popsicle treats, perfect for any summer day.
Organic, non-fat plain yogurt is ideal as additional additives can upset sensitive stomachs.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a delicious and healthy addition to any canine’s diet. It is high in fiber, Vitamin A, and potassium. Additionally, it is known to help regulate digestion and can be helpful for dogs with diarrhea or constipation.
Pumpkin is another great aid in digestion as it is packed full of fiber. This simple fruit can most often be solutionersistent diarrhea or constipation for dogs with p.
1 to 2 tablespoons of pumpkin can be mixed into regular dog food or served on its own.
Canned pumpkin is usually found in the cooking aisle of most grocery stores and is easier to see in the fall months. It’s always a good idea to stock up on it as it is harder to find during the off-season.
When purchasing canned pumpkin for dog treats, buy actual canned pumpkins and not pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkin pie mixes often come with many extra ingredients, including cinnamon and excessive amounts of sugar, which can cause digestive problems.
Pumpkin can also be frozen and served as a tasty, cold treat.
Cheese
Cheese is an excellent treat for dogs. It is high in calcium and protein, which are essential nutrients for dogs. Additionally, cheese is a good source of vitamin B12.
As with any other food item, moderation is key when feeding cheese to dogs. Too much cheese can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Owners should limit their dog’s intake to a tablespoon of cheese per day.
While most cheeses are safe for dogs, avoid giving them any blue cheese. This kind of cheese contains a toxin that can be harmful to dogs.
If your doggy loves cheese, you should make this delicious cheese dog treats: Healthy Homemade Triple Cheddar Dog Treats.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits are completely fine to give dogs and are a much-welcomed treat.
Pitted fruits such as peaches, pears, and apples should be served to man’s best friend sans the pit, as it can cause a bowel obstruction. Fruits can be served cut up and by themselves or mixed into the dog’s food.
Another fun way to present fruits to your dog is to pick a few and mix them fruit cup style. This gives the animal different textures and flavors to enjoy.
Remember that grapes and raisins should be left out entirely as both cause damage to the kidneys, sometimes resulting in death.
What kinds of fruits are safe for dogs?
Save fruits for dogs include blueberries, bananas, watermelon, and apples (without the core or seeds).
- Strawberries are safe for canines but should be eaten in moderation as they contain a lot of sugar.
- Blueberries are high in antioxidants and can help improve brain function.
- Bananas have potassium that helps with muscle function. Bananas are an excellent ingredient for dog treats.
- Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat because it contains mainly water. However, the seeds should be removed before serving as they are a choking hazard.
- Apples can be given without their core or seeds since both contain toxins that could cause illness in the animal.
What vegetables are safe for dogs?
As most fruits are acceptable to administer to dogs, so are most vegetables.
Carrots are healthy for dogs as they contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for healthy eyes and skin.
Be aware that carrots can stain carpets, so it’s best to feed this treat outside or in a crate.
Green beans are another excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, and Vitamins A, C, and K. green beans are especially good for dogs with weight control issues. It makes them feel fuller faster.
Carrots and green beans, as well as other veggies, can be fed raw or cooked. They can also be mixed in with food or fed solo.
PRO TIP: Garlic, tomatoes, and onions should be avoided entirely.
What else can Fido Eat?
Lean Meats
Lean meats such as boiled or grilled chicken, turkey, and beef can be served without seasoning or salt to dogs.
It is best not to feed them pork due to its high-fat content and excessive amounts of grease. Also, avoid pork bones as they can splinter in the dog’s throat.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many health benefits for humans, which is true for dogs. It can be given as a supplement or added to food. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that help fight infection. It also helps improve digestion and can be used as a topical treatment for wounds, hot spots, and dry skin.
Do not give your dog coconut oil if they are overweight or has pancreatitis.
PRO TIP: Start with small amounts of any new food to make sure there are no adverse effects before feeding in larger quantities.
Peanut Butter
All dogs love peanut butter, and it also serves as a safe treatment that is good for their health. It is essential to purchasing unsweetened peanut butter or all-natural brands with only peanuts as an ingredient. Peanuts are safe for dogs and are a good source of protein.
Dry Breakfast Cereals
Safe, unsweetened cereals such as Cheerios, Rice Krispies, or Chex can be given to dogs as a snack. They are low in sugar and provide carbohydrates and fiber.
Salmon Oil
Salmon oil is a good source of Omega- fatty acids, beneficial for dogs’ skin and coat. It can be given as a supplement or added to the dog’s food.
Salmon oil supports heart health, has given our dogs an insanely soft and silky coat, reduces dry skin, and can relieve allergies and some joint pain. Salmon oil contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and just like humans, dogs cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own and must obtain them from their diet.
I put Salmon Oil in my dog’s food every day. I always buy Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil.
A Few Easy Dog Treat Recipes We Love
- Peanut Butter Air Fryer Dog Treats: Delicious and Nutritious
- Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats
- “Fat Elvis” Peanut Butter, Banana & Bacon Dog Treats
- The Best Cheerios Dog Treats Recipe
- Healthy Homemade Triple Cheddar Dog Treats
Wrapping it Up
Treating pooches with safe, everyday foods saves money and can be healthier for them. It keeps their digestion on track, but dog treats that are safe to eat often have vitamins in them as well.
They also take little time to prepare, and most of these items are usually already found in your home.
Many owners spend tons of money on treats found on pet store shelves, but there are more straightforward and cheaper ways to reward dogs. Regular household food items such as yogurt, pumpkin, fruits, and vegetables can show any dog that their owner cares without breaking the bank.
FAQS
What vegetables are poisonous to dogs?
Vegetables poisonous to dogs include garlic, onion, tomato, potato, and rhubarb stems and leaves. These vegetables can cause illness in dogs if consumed.
What is the best fruit for dogs?
The best fruit for dogs is watermelon. Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat because it contains mainly water. However, the seeds should be removed before serving as they are a choking hazard.
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter. Peanut butter is safe for dogs and is a good source of protein. It is essential to purchasing unsweetened peanut butter or all-natural brands with only peanuts as an ingredient.
What are hypoallergenic treats?
Hypoallergenic treats are an excellent option for people who have dog allergies. They are made without the most common allergens, including wheat, soy, dairy, and corn. This means that they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs who eat them.
What ingredient should not be in dog treats?
A few ingredients should not be in dog treats, including chocolate, raisins, and grapes. These can be toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems.
What treats can I give my dog with allergies?
There are a few different types of hypoallergenic dog treats that are safe for dogs with allergies. These include treats made with limited ingredients, grain-free treats, and treats made with novel proteins.
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