When searching for the healthiest dog treats, opt for items made with real food ingredients like chicken, beef and sweet potatoes. Steer clear of fillers or synthetic additives which could cause inflammation and an upset stomach.
A great treat that helps clean your dog’s teeth while providing them with a delicious snack is the Virbac Dental Chews. These treats have an unique shape that reaches back molars to reduce tartar buildup and freshen doggy breath.
Contents
Chicken
Chicken is one of the healthiest meats for dogs to eat. Not only does it provide essential amino acids, but its high protein content keeps your pup’s muscles strong as they grow.
It is also rich in vitamins B3 and B6, phosphorous, and selenium. Furthermore, it has a low fat content.
Chicken is often an ingredient in commercial dog foods, but it’s important to be aware that some dogs may be allergic to it.
It is recommended that your dog only consume chicken once or twice a week and that no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake comes from this source. If you do decide to feed your pup chicken, be sure to use an approved brand with no added hormones or other harmful components.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes make for an excellent healthy dog treat, as they contain vitamin A and beta-carotene – vital nutrients that support skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles.
They provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which has been known to aid in digestive health and weight loss. You can cook, steam, bake, boil or dehydrate them for your pup.
Sweet potatoes contain essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber for your pup to help lower their risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
However, it’s essential to remember that sweet potatoes are high in starch and can quickly spike your dog’s blood sugar levels. Therefore, sweet potatoes should only be given occasionally as treats and only occasionally.
Kelp
Kelp is an essential source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids for dogs’ healthy lives. It contains over 60 different nutrients such as iodine and iron.
Dogs can benefit from kelp as it helps regulate glandular function and boosts their immune systems. This is especially beneficial for older pets whose metabolism may be slower or whose glandular functions may have been compromised.
Kelp also contains essential omega fatty acids which reduce skin irritations and itching. Furthermore, it may reduce flea infestations as well as boost general health.
Greenies
Greenies are dental treats for dogs that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, as well as freshen breath. Their chewy texture helps reach hard-to-reach places and is made with highly soluble ingredients – making them safe to digest while providing maximum enjoyment.
Low in calories and fortified with DHA – essential for brain development in puppies – they also come with Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy joints as well as a strong immune system.
These bite force testers come in five different sizes to accommodate different breeds of dogs. The smaller options are ideal for puppies and smaller breeds.
Rawhide
All dogs need to chew, and chewing on rawhides can promote healthy gums and teeth. Furthermore, the chomping action helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
While all dog treats are not created equal, certain chews can pose serious health risks for dogs. One popular treat that owners give their pups is rawhide: a natural delicacy made from the inner layer of cow hide or another animal’s hide.
Unfortunately, many of these chews aren’t as digestible as they appear. If your dog swallows too much of them, they could suffer serious gastrointestinal issues and pose a choking hazard; so make sure you supervise your pup when chewing on these items to prevent them from ingestion of small pieces of rawhide.
