Giving your dog a treat is one way to show them your affection. However, as much as we want to indulge our furry companions, feeding them too many treats is not a good idea. Not only does it spoil a dog’s appetite for actual meals, but it can also make them overweight and unhealthy.
Dog treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s total caloric intake. This is especially true for service dogs or therapy dogs, who follow a strict diet and eating schedule. Thankfully, there are healthier and more natural dog treats you can easily access in your kitchen. This article lists five options for treats that your dog can eat safely.
1. Carrots
Carrots are affordable, easy to prepare, and can be eaten raw or cooked, making them ideal for your dogs’ training. They’re rich in fiber, low in calories, and full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A & C and beta-carotene. The crunchiness of raw carrots gives your dog’s jaw a good workout. It also helps keep their teeth and gums in good condition.
2. Apples 
An apple is another healthy and natural dog treat that you often have on hand. Like carrots, apples are a good source of vitamins A & C and antioxidants, which are helpful for your dog’s digestion. Since apples don’t require cooking, they make for an easy snack. Make sure to wash them thoroughly, though, as they can have a high concentration of pesticides.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries may be tiny, but they’re full of antioxidants that help fight free radicals and slow down the aging process of your dog’s body. Many consider them a superfruit due to their significance in protecting your dog’s brain cells and supporting their urinary tract health. When frozen, their small size makes a great cooling treat, which is perfect for training outdoors.
4. Anchovies and sardines
Anchovies and sardines are great for your pup’s heart and brain due to their richness in Omega-3 fatty acids. These treats are also high in calcium, zinc, and vitamins B12, D, E, and K, all of which contribute to your furry friend’s nourished skin, glossy-looking coats, and healthy joints.
5. Sweet potatoes 
Sweet potatoes are delicious snacks that are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B5, B6, & C, manganese, and potassium. They’re also high in fiber, which aids your dog’s digestion. Your dog can eat this treat raw, but it’s better to boil them first and chop them up into bite-size snacks.
Conclusion
Anyone with a dog understands how essential dog treats are for positive reinforcement. Most dog trainers use treats as a reward, which is necessary for teaching dogs new tricks and behaviors. Treats also serve as snacks that help clean your dog’s teeth or aid digestion. But in addition to all that, treats play a considerable role in forging a bond between you and your dog.
Although treats are vital to a dog’s life, giving them too many unhealthy treats can be harmful. The five treats in this article are all excellent choices for our four-legged friends, but remember to balance them with your dog’s overall daily calories.
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