When it comes to the health of your dog, there are a lot of things to consider. The type of food they will eat, where they will go to the vet, and even what types of treats you’ll be giving them.
There are plenty of dog treats on shelves that are full of harsh chemicals and just overall are not good to give your furry friend. When looking at dog treats, make sure to read the ingredients and see how natural they really are.
Better yet, skip the dog treat aisle and head to your local grocery store. There are a variety of fruits and vegetables that can be used as treats for your dog, PLUS you know they’re healthy.
Here is a list of 10 fruits and veggies that can double as dog treats:
1. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic option to use as a treat. They are full of vitamins A, B5, B6, and C (they’re also high in fiber). Boiling them first will make it a lot easier to chop into pieces and feed to your dog!
2. Apples
Apples are a really cheap option that you probably already have on hand. They contain vitamins A & C and most dogs enjoy eating them. Before feeding apples to your dog, remember to remove the core, seeds, and stem.
3. Blueberries
Because blueberries are chock-full of antioxidants, they make an amazing treat for your dog. They are especially great to use as training treats, because they are so small. Ditch those chemical filled training treats and reach for some blueberries instead!
4. Cucumber
Not all dogs like the taste of cucumber, but some do. Cucumbers are a great source of vitamin K and can also be used as training treats. Just remember to cut out the seeds first (this is easier to do when you cut the cucumber lengthwise and scoop the seeds out) and then chop it up.
5. Pumpkin
Many dog parents use pumpkin as a treat for their furry friends. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A & C and they also contain high amounts of fiber, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Canned pumpkin is best, but you can also cook your own fresh pumpkin if you’d like!
6. Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which makes them another good option to use as dog treats. However, not all dogs enjoy bananas.
7. Pineapple
This one might come as a shocker to some dog parents, but pineapple is actually a good treat to give your dog! It’s loaded with vitamin C but SUPER high in fiber, so feed in moderation.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C, but it can be known to upset some dogs' stomachs. If using as a treat, feed in moderation and keep an eye out for any stomach pain that it may cause.
9. Pears
Another shocker to some dog parents would be using pears as treats. Pears contain vitamins C & K and are a very healthy option to choose as treats. Just like an apple, remember to remove the seeds and pit before feeding to your dog!
10. Celery
Almost every dog loves crunchy things, and celery is pretty crunchy! It is a great source of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron, potassium, and calcium. Chopping up some plain celery to use as dog treats is a really healthy alternative to store bought treats.
Conclusion
Rather than buying treats from the pet store that contain harsh chemicals and aren’t healthy for your dog, try switching them to different types of fruits & vegetables! Chances are, your dog will enjoy at least ONE of the foods listed above. Why not feed your dog something that you know is good for them and you can simply get at the grocery store?
