Healthy Dog Treats: What Can Your Dog Eat Between Meals?

Treats are a great way to reward your dog, encourage learning, or simply show them you love them. But just like with their main diet, it's important to choose high-quality, healthy options when it comes to treats.

Natural and Organic Treats: Why Are They Better for Your Dog?

Natural treats, free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, are easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions. (1*) Organic treats are an added advantage because the ingredients are grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.

Examples of healthy natural treats:

  • dried meat (chicken, beef, fish),
  • pieces of fresh or cooked vegetables (carrots, pumpkin),
  • Fruit in moderation (seedless apples, blueberries).

Special Care Treats: Dietary Supplements for Joint and Skin Health

There are treats available that provide functional benefits beyond just taste. Added vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint support, mobility and healthy skin. (2*)


Such treats are especially beneficial for older dogs, larger breeds, or dogs with sensitive skin.

How often to offer treats and how to avoid excess weight?

Treats should not exceed 10% of a dog’s daily energy intake . (3*) Too many treats can lead to excess weight gain, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and orthopedic problems. (4*)

Weight control tips when using treats:

  • choose smaller pieces or cut them,
  • use treats with fewer calories,
  • When learning, count treats as part of your daily food intake.

Conclusion

Treats are a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog – as long as you choose quality, natural options and watch the quantity. This will bring joy to your dog while also ensuring their long-term health.

Literature: (*)

  1. Source: Additives in pet food: are they safe? (M. Craig), https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352299571_Additives_in_pet_food_are_they_safe
  2. Source: Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals, (JE Bauer), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22087720/
  3. Source: Treat guidelines for dogs, (UC Davis, Veterinary Medicine), https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/inline-files/treats-guidelines-for-dogs-2020.pdf
  4. Source: The Growing Problem of Obesity in Dogs and Cats, (AJ German), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622083523
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