10 Everyday Food That Make Great Dog Treats

Raising a dog can be expensive business. As a dog owner, there are literally hundreds of commercial dog treat options out there, but what if you want to explore cheaper alternatives or everyday food that can serve as great dog treats?

Today we discuss 10 of such everyday food that can do just that!

1. While a whole apple might be too much for your dog, apple slices serve as a healthy, delicious snack while keeping your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh at the same time! It is best to remove any apple seeds as small amounts of cyanide may be released when chewed or broken.

1. Given that watermelons are 92% water, it helps to keep your dog hydrated while serving as a tasty dog treat. It is full of vitamin A, B-6, C as well as Potassium. While watermelon flesh is safe to use as dog treats, it is important to ensure that the seeds and rind are removed as they can cause intestinal blockage.

1. Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre and beta-carotene which produces Vitamin A which are beneficial for your dog. Furthermore, carrots serve as a good (and entertaining) dental tool for your dog’s teeth when they crunch into the raw vegetable. It’s no surprise that carrots are included in many dog treats and meals.

1. Whether served raw, roasted or steamed, unseasoned broccoli can serve as great dog treats all year round. They contain vitamin C and fibre. It is important that they are served in small pieces to avoid becoming a choking hazard. However, as with all food, broccolis should be served in moderation lest it results in digestive issues when consumed in large quantities. Furthermore, the beta-carotene that gives the potato its’ yellow, gold or orange colour is an antioxidant which helps to reduce risks of cancer while providing protection against heart diseases.

1. Apart from giving your dog the sweet flavour it loves, sweet potatoes provide support for a healthy digestive system due to their high dietary fibre content. It also does not hurt to know that sweet potatoes are low in fat and contain essential vitamins like B6, C and A as well!

1. Pure pumpkin serves as a healthy dog treat and comes packed with a bunch of additional benefits such as helping with your dog’s skin and coat as well as improving their digestion. They are also known to serve as a remedy to diarrhoea and constipation! There are also several other kinds of squash which are safe to be used as dog treats such as butternut squash, yellow squash and zucchini.

1. Bananas are full of healthy nutrients for your dog, but it is important to note that they are also high in sugar content and hence need to be given in moderation. Considering that bananas are also high in fibre, this might cause them to have an upset stomach if they are not used to digesting bananas in large quantities. With all that in mind, bananas serve as a good low-calorie dog treat for your canine when fed as treats in moderation.

1. Also known as a ‘superfood’, blueberries are rich in antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage in both humans and canines. Packed with fibre and phytochemicals, blueberries serve as one of the most beneficial dog treats you can feed your dog. It doesn’t hurt that they also serve as great tools to teach your dog to catch treats in the air!

1. Not just a pretty fruit, strawberries are full of fibre and vitamin C and even an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as it eats them. Talk about multi-functional!

1. Last but not least, we have the humble green pea. Whether served raw or canned, green beans are safe to be fed as treats to our dogs, as long as they are served plainly without any added condiments or garnishes such as salt, oils, spices, garlic or onion. In fact, not only is green peas a healthy snack option, it is also recommended by veterinarians. Most dogs also seem to love green peas as a dog treat.

With this list in mind, it is also important to note that there are some household food that are toxic to our beloved pets. This includes grapes and raisins, which are extremely toxic to our dogs and can cause renal failure, onions and garlic that may damage red blood cells and chocolate that can be life-threatening because it may lead to cardiac dysfunction.