What Are the Healthiest Dog Treats?

Dogs generally aren’t picky eaters, and they will usually be happy with most types of treats we give them. But that also means it’s up to us to make sure to get healthy snacks for dogs in Georgia to keep them in top shape and top health.

For example, a hot dog can be a wonderful treat from a dog’s point of view, but it’s also a calorie bomb for an animal that requires about a quarter of the calories that a human does (150 of the 500 daily calories needed). Here are some suggestions for healthy snacks for dogs in Georgia that your dogs will still love to eat.

Low-calorie and low-fat

In general, treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s total caloric intake. Many brands of dog treats will state the number of calories per treat on the packaging, so it’s important to look for this to know just how many calories your training session will add up to.

It’s also important to keep an eye on the amount of fat in treats. Many treats are high in fats because, well, fat is flavor and dogs like it. Choosing treats that are not super high in fat will help keep your dogs from gaining too much weight.

Size and ingredients

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right treats for your dog. Everything from ingredients to size can make a difference in choosing healthy snacks for dogs. For example, a large treat may not be the best choice for a small dog or a puppy—even if they really like it. Conversely, very small treats may not be the best choice for larger dogs.

Dental treats can be a good healthy snack for dogs and can help keep their breath fresher. While these are no substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth to fight plaque buildup, the shape of dental treats naturally helps remove some of the plaque and other buildup on dogs’ teeth.

Treats that contain grain can be just as healthy as treats without. Grain-free treats have been getting more popular in recent years, but a recent FDA investigation showed a potential link between grain-free diets and a certain type of heart condition. It’s best to consult your vet if you have questions about grain-free treats for your dog.

Nature’s candy

Sometimes the best treat is already in your fridge—and not in the meat section, but in the vegetable drawer. Many dogs love to gnaw on crunchy snacks, and the taste and activity of crunching on a carrot can be a joy. Since carrots are low in calories, it’s fine to give a dog a whole carrot as a snack. A piece of cooked sweet potato can also be a delightful treat, though it won’t last as long. As a bonus, these fibrous vegetables will help keep your dog “regular”!

For more advice on healthy snacks for dogs in Georgia, reach out to the team at D&G Kennels today.