What Is the Healthiest Thing You Can Give a Dog?
When it comes to caring for your canine companion, making the right dietary choices is crucial. One key aspect of a dog’s nutrition beyond its main meals is the type of treats you provide. Healthy dog treats can support everything from weight control and digestion to mental stimulation and training success. But with endless treat options on the market, how can you identify the healthiest choices?
Key Elements of Healthy Dog Treats
Healthy dog treats are built on a foundation of quality ingredients and minimal processing. When choosing what to give your dog, look for the following attributes:
- High-quality proteins such as real chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, duck, or fish
- Limited ingredients or single-source protein formulas, ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
- No artificial additives—avoid colors, preservatives, and flavors
- No fillers like corn, wheat, soy, or gluten that offer little nutritional value
- Added nutrients like vitamins, omega fatty acids, and minerals that support skin, coat, joints, and digestion
- Low calorie content, especially for training treats
Top Healthy Treat Ideas for Dogs
Here are some of the top healthy treat options to consider:
- Freeze-dried meats: These lock in nutrients and retain a strong natural aroma that dogs love. Organ meats are particularly nutrient-dense.
- Single-ingredient treats: Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, these include pure meats or fish dried or freeze-dried without additives.
- Natural chews: Items like yak cheese, fish skins, or dehydrated tendons offer long-lasting enjoyment and improve dental health.
- Vegetables and fruits: In moderation, dogs can enjoy carrots, green beans, apple slices (no seeds), pumpkin, and squash. These fiber-rich choices can support digestion.
- Home-prepared foods: Plain, lean cooked meats such as chicken breast, and small servings of plain peanut butter (xylitol-free) can be given occasionally.
Treats for Special Dietary Needs
If your dog has allergies or specific health concerns, opt for:
- Hypoallergenic treats with hydrolyzed proteins
- Limited-ingredient diets to minimize allergenic exposure
- Treats fortified with supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Treats That Also Aid Dental Hygiene
Crunchy, abrasive treats can assist with oral care. Look for products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal for validated dental benefits. Chewy textures and textured biscuits can help reduce plaque and freshen breath.
Portion Control and Calorie Awareness
Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Overfeeding treats can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance, especially in smaller breeds. Use training treats in tiny portions and break larger chews into smaller bits.
Training and Enrichment Purposes
Treats serve more than nutritional purposes—they’re valuable training tools. Use small, soft, low-calorie treats that are easy to chew and quickly consumed. Maintaining variety during training can boost engagement. Forms like biscuits, semi-moist treats, jerky, or freeze-dried cubes work well depending on the task.
Homemade Treat Options
Making treats at home allows you full control over ingredients. Popular homemade healthy options include:
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey—no seasoning, sauces, or bones
- Unsweetened canned pumpkin—a great source of fiber and nutrients
- Peanut butter—ensure it’s xylitol-free and low in added sugar or salt
- Vegetable chips—baked carrots or green beans without oil or salt
Best Practices for Choosing and Offering Treats
To ensure your dog receives only the best additions to their diet, follow these general pointers:
- Check for branding and quality assurance from reputable companies or vet-recommended products
- Align choices with your dog’s life stage, health status, and breed size
- Gradually introduce new treats to observe any adverse reactions
- Monitor calorie counts and adjust main meals accordingly
- Be aware of hazardous human foods such as chocolate, grapes, onions, macadamia nuts, and any items containing xylitol
A Treat Is Not a Meal
It’s vital to remember that even the healthiest treat is a supplement—not a replacement—for a balanced canine diet. Used correctly, treats can reward behavior, support training, deliver health benefits, and add joy to your dog's daily life.
Always speak with your veterinarian when introducing new foods or treats, particularly if your dog has existing health concerns. By making informed decisions, you can give your dog snacks that truly enhance their quality of life while keeping them strong, active, and happy.
