Pet owners may enjoy providing their canines with homemade treats and meals, but it is essential that a nutritionally balanced diet be the primary food source.
Cheese can be given to dogs who do not suffer from lactose intolerance as long as their lactose tolerance levels remain normal, but excessive consumption could lead to obesity. Anchovies and sardines canned in water rather than oil without added salt is another tasty treat that dogs can enjoy.
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Apples
Apples are an ideal low-calorie treat that are safe for canines. As with other fruits and vegetables, apples should be enjoyed sparingly to prevent weight gain.
Wash your apples thoroughly before removing the seeds and core. Choking hazards exist with apple cores while seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide which could poisoning.
Cut apples into chunks and mix them with your kibble recipe or homemade applesauce for your pup to enjoy. Or freeze chunks overnight and use as enrichment toys or frozen dog treats!
Apples can be an excellent way to keep dogs healthy, yet some products containing apples (such as chips, juice or sauce) often contain too much sugar – leading to weight gain in certain breeds.
Carrots
Carrots make a healthy treat for dogs to snack on in moderation, offering low calories and plenty of fiber. Chewing on carrots may even help shift unwanted plaque and tartar off their teeth and prevent issues like gum disease.
Carrots contain beta-carotene, an orange hued vegetable nutrient which converts into Vitamin A in your pet’s body and provides numerous health benefits from healthy skin and eyes to healing wounds. Furthermore, carrots contain quercetin which acts as an natural antihistamine similar to Claritin and Zyrtec medications; in addition they’re an excellent source of potassium!
Peas
Peas are generally safe vegetables for both humans and canines alike; however, if your dog has kidney issues they should be avoided as peas contain purines which turn into uric acid in their bodies – this can lead to kidney stones and other issues if ingested regularly.
If you want to add frozen peas to your pet’s food, make sure they do not contain added sodium and do not give whole pods as these could pose a choking hazard for smaller dogs and may chew too quickly and choke on them – cooked frozen peas make for easier mixing into their daily kibble diets.
Green Beans
Green beans contain vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s digestive health, while providing essential fiber to fill their bellies with satisfaction. Low in calories and offering variety for maximum nutritional benefit – green beans make an excellent way to add variety and boost healthiness in their diet!
Green beans can be provided raw, canned, steamed or boiled and should be cut into smaller pieces to prevent choking risk. Be wary of adding too many green beans as too many will cause stomach upset as well as rapid weight loss that may pose health concerns for your pet.
Oranges
Oranges provide a healthy source of Vitamin C for dogs to consume as treats, yet due to their acidic and sugary makeup they may cause digestive upset in some pups and older dogs with sensitive GI tracts. If this occurs it should only be fed in small sections at first; peels and seeds cannot digest completely so should be removed beforehand.
Oranges may increase diabetic dog’s blood sugar levels, and could aggravate any citric acid sensitivities they have. When giving new foods to your pup, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first!
Blueberries
Blueberries contain powerful antioxidants that can combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that damage body cells and DNA.
Studies indicate that blueberries can help an overweight dog by improving its metabolic profile and decreasing fat accumulation. Furthermore, blueberries support healthy gastrointestinal function as well as providing an active immune system response.
Keep your dog away from pesticides and herbicides with organic or sustainably-raised berries, so as to provide him with tasty yet low-cal treats or mix them into his dry or wet food. Frozen ones can even provide a refreshing snack during hot days!
