7 Healthy Snacks Your Dog Will Love

Looking to make the switch from high-calorie processed dog treats to all-natural snacks that are good for your dog…and your wallet?  Dogs are omnivorous, so healthy fruits and veggies with a little crunch for added fun can be great treats for your dog.  Check out these healthy alternatives to commercial treats, so your dog can be as fit as you are.

1. Carrots

Carrots are a tried and true favorite among dog owners. Dogs love crunching on raw baby carrots. You can even pop them in the freezer to help clean their teeth and cool them down in the summertime.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are full of healthy cancer-fighting compounds. Many dogs love the taste of broccoli and cauliflower, but feed it to your dog in small amounts as too much could cause unpleasant gas and bloating.

3. Cooked Eggs

Eggs are the perfect combination of protein, nutrients, and healthy fats. Choose high quality cage-free eggs, and be sure to cook them all the way through to reduce the risk of salmonella.

4. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is rich in healthy nutrients. You can cook it yourself or buy it canned and unsweetened (not the pumpkin pie filling version). A good treat for overweight dogs, pumpkin’s low in fat, but filling because it’s got a lot of fiber. The high fiber also makes it good for dogs experiencing constipation. Pumpkin is great by itself, added to dog food, or as an ingredient in homemade dog biscuits.

5. Blueberries

Save some of those blueberries from your smoothie and give them to your dog. Rich in antioxidants, blueberries are a superfood for dogs, too. Give them to your dog fresh or frozen, and don’t forget to toss some in a baggie for a snack at the dog park.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Lots of dogs love the taste of sweet potatoes. They’re full of vitamins and nutrients, and they contain a type of sugar that’s gradually released, which is good for weight loss. Bake some for the dog the next time you make a baked sweet potato for yourself. You can also puree it or slice it thin and crisp it up for a crunchy snack.

7. Apples

Apples are sweet, crunchy, and nutritious. Feed your dog fresh apple slices or pop them in the freezer for added crunch. Cut away the stem and seeds first. Fresh apples are better than dehydrated apple slices, which can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities.

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