Balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of canine health. That’s why it’s so important to feed a high-quality, complete and balanced diet that contains all the nutrients your dog’s body needs to function at its best. Choosing a high-quality dog food can help support and maintain your dog’s health. But don’t forget that the treats you feed should also be nutritionally balanced and beneficial to overall health.
In this fact sheet, we’ll take a look at some of the different types of dog treats available and give you some tips for choosing healthy, nutritious treats your dog will love.
Fresh Human Foods as Treats
Fresh human foods including fruits and vegetables can provide health benefits for dogs. But it’s important to make the right choices to avoid health problems such as digestive issues, weight gain, and even accidental poisoning.
Apples are a low-calorie treat and a good source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C. They are also packed full of healthy dietary fiber to aid digestion. Blueberries can also be used as tasty and nutritious snacks. They are rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Pumpkin is a healthy vegetable that’s full of nutrients and vitamins, supports the digestive system, and can help promote weight loss. Peas are also a good choice; they’re high in protein, fiber, and vitamins and can be fed fresh, frozen, or thawed.
Some fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs and should always be avoided. Common examples include grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, rhubarb, and raw potatoes. These foods can cause symptoms of poisoning including vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures and organ failure. It’s also important to avoid feeding your dog table scraps. Many human foods are high in fat, salt, sugar, and calories making them very unhealthy for dogs.
Commercial Dog Treats
There are a huge variety of commercial dog treats available, and it can be difficult to know which are healthy for your pet. Claims such as “natural” and “organic” do not necessarily indicate that a treat is healthy, so take care to read the full ingredient list to be sure you’re choosing a high-quality product.
Avoid treats with added sugar, low-quality fillers, and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These types of ingredients lack nutritional value and may even be harmful to your dog. The healthiest kinds of commercial dog treats are meat-based, minimally processed, and low in calories. We recommend selecting treats that are sourced and made in the US, or other countries with strictly enforced food regulations.
Types of Commercial Dog Treats
In this section of the fact sheet, we’ll highlight some of the most common types of commercial treats to help you choose the best option for your dog.
Biscuits and Crunchy Treats
Biscuits and crunchy treats come in a variety of flavors, shapes, and sizes. They are convenient, easy to store, and are perfect for use as training rewards. Choose a treat that’s an appropriate size for your dog, and check the ingredient list to make sure the product contains high-quality, human-grade ingredients with no added chemicals or fillers. Grain-free treats with no corn, soy, or wheat are an excellent choice for controlling your dog’s weight and minimizing the risk of food allergies.
Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
Freeze-dried raw treats are made with healthy, protein-rich ingredients such as meat and fish. The freeze-drying process locks in the natural flavors and valuable nutrients.
Jerky Treats
High-quality jerky treats balance taste and texture. Always choose treats made with a limited number of natural, minimally processed, and reliably sourced ingredients. We recommend avoiding low-quality jerky treats from China, as several brands have been linked to sickness and death in dogs in recent years.
Functional Treats
Functional treats are designed to provide specific health benefits for dogs. Examples include dental chews, and treats that contain added ingredients to support digestion, joint health, or the immune system. It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian before feeding functional treats to make sure they are appropriate for your dog’s unique nutritional needs. As with all commercial dog treats, read labels carefully and avoid products made with low-quality ingredients and chemical additives.
How Often to Feed Treats
Overfeeding of treats can lead to weight gain and obesity, so it’s important to limit your dog’s treat intake. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 15% of your dog’s diet. It’s also a good idea to limit treats to training and behavior rewards to help prevent overfeeding.
