Staying within an ideal weight range for your pup is key for many reasons, not least that extra pounds could cause health complications in later life.
There are various low-calorie snacks that can help your pup remain lean. Fruit, veggies and even meat can make excellent options.
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Carrots
Carrots are an excellent low-calorie option that provide dogs with essential nutrition. Packed full of beta-carotene, biotin, potassium, and dietary fiber that aids digestion by preventing constipation and softening stool, carrots can make an excellent source of nutrition.
Carrots offer a crunchy texture that can help keep your dog’s teeth clean, which is especially essential for puppies as they are more susceptible to dental issues than older animals. Carrots can also serve as an effective replacement chew toy if your puppy is sensitive to hard treats like bones and biscuits, and may help promote acceptance and tolerance of teeth brushing sessions.
Apples
Apples make for an irresistibly crunchy, teeth-cleansing snack that’s low in calories while offering dietary fiber, vitamin A and C benefits. They can be eaten whole, cut up into slices or mushed and placed into food dispensing toys – it all depends on what works for your family!
Some fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to eat (e.g. bananas, carrots and pumpkin) while other items should be avoided (such as raisins and grapes). Every pet differs; their allergy status, food sensitivities and texture preferences all play an integral part when selecting suitable treats; often corn and wheat free treats are recommended as good choices.
Green Beans
Green beans provide an effective weight management strategy and serve as an excellent source of fiber, essential minerals and Vitamin C and A.
Chopped raw or lightly cooked (e.g. boiling, grilling or dehydrating). Chopping them small to reduce choking risks is also advised.
Other healthy snacks to keep in mind include bananas, berries and plain boiled chicken – especially since boiled chicken has low calories while being high in protein, helping maintain muscle mass. Strawberry and watermelons are excellent ways to hydrate – just be sure to remove seeds and rind before enjoying these treats!
Pumpkin
Pumpkins offer much more than seasonal decorations or latte flavorings – they contain beta-carotene – an important carotenoid that the body converts into vitamin A – in addition to potassium and fiber content.
Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins C and E, both essential in supporting immune function. Studies indicate that diets rich in carotenoids found in pumpkin could offer protection from metabolic syndrome; an illness marked by obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Always consider your pet’s allergies, food sensitivities and texture preferences when selecting snacks for them. If you have any inquiries about what might be good for them we’re always here to assist!
Blueberries
Blueberries are low-cal and rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen your immune system. Furthermore, they contain manganese for bone health and blood clotting factors as well as the anti-inflammatory phytochemical quercetin that offers significant health benefits.
Bernal suggests fruits like apples (with seeds and core removed to prevent choking hazards), bananas, berries and watermelons as easy-to-chew snacks that can help dogs remain healthy while remaining tooth friendly. Air-popped popcorn without butter or salt and plain rice cakes also offer nutritious treats that won’t stain their teeth!
Be careful when trying any new foods or snacks and watch for signs of an allergic reaction such as drooling, face and mouth swelling or hives around your body.
Boiled Chicken
Boiled chicken provides lean protein that’s easily digestible for your pups, making it the ideal food to snack on or include as part of their meals if they experience digestive issues like diarrhea.
Cooked chicken can be stored either in the fridge for several days or frozen in an airtight container and kept frozen until fully chilled before refrigerating or freezing it. Just ensure it has fully cooled off before refrigerating or freezing!
Attracting puppy dog eyes is made easier with air-popped popcorn that’s low in calories but packed with nutrition – ideal as a reward during training sessions! Just don’t add salt or butter.
