Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Dog treats are a great way to bond with your dog, but if you choose the wrong ones, you could compromise their dental health and cause them to gain weight.
Giving your dog healthy treats made from quality ingredients is the best way to ensure that rewarding them with a treat is also supportive of their health.
Yummy Combs combines the highest quality ingredients with scientifically backed shapes to promote your dog’s oral health and keep their bellies satisfied.
Who doesn’t love to give their pup a treat after a walk, a trick, or just because? We love giving our dogs treats just as much as they love receiving them, but as you probably already know, giving them too many treats or treats that aren’t healthy can cause them to gain weight or even experience dental issues.
There’s no need to compromise. The team at Yummy Combs has compiled a list of the safest, most nutritious, and yummiest treats you can safely give your dog. Read on as we countdown the top 10 treats you’ll want to have on hand the next time your dog gives you those irresistible puppy eyes.
Before we begin our countdown, let’s cover a few of the basic dos and don’ts of dog treats. There are some basic rules to follow to make sure the treats you give your pet are not only satisfying for them but also safe.
The best dog treats are the ones filled with nutritious ingredients, not just full of preservatives and crude feed that amount to empty calories for your dog. There are also some safety concerns you’ll want to adhere to so that you can reduce the risk of choking.
Treats you give your dog should:
While you’re considering treats, here is a list of items you’ll want to avoid.
Avoid giving your dog treats that:
It might seem like the options are now limited, but that isn’t the case. Many tasty treat options can be found right in your fridge or pantry.
Whether you are using them for training, rewards, or just to show your love, dog treats are an essential part of a dog owner’s pantry. Here are 10 options for savvy pet parents who want to give their dogs the healthiest treats available.
That’s right. Your dog’s high-qualitypet food can also double as a dog treat. This is a particularly great option for training your dog, which might be particularly treat-intensive. If you use small pieces of your dog’s kibble, you can give more treats during training and still ensure you aren’t over-feeding your pet.
Most veggies are safe for your dog, but onions, garlic, and shallots are not. Avoiding veggies in the onion family will keep your pup safe, but offering carrots, cucumbers, and bits of zucchini are low-calorie, natural dog treats that are safe and effective.
Cooked sweet potato is a delicious and nutrient dense treat your dog will enjoy. You can give your dog slices of sweet potato or small chunks of it as a treat. Sweet potato does contain natural sugar and fiber, so avoid giving your dog too much as it can upset sensitive stomachs.
Natural peanut butter that does not contain artificial sweetener is a good option for treating your dog. One popular way to dispense it is to hide it inside of a dog toy. This helps keep your dog entertained and limits the amount of peanut butter they’re actually eating.
Freeze drieddog treats provide a crunchy alternative to harder treats that could harm your dog’s teeth. While it is true that some nutrients are lost during the freeze drying process, these treats are typically high-protein and contain limited ingredients. These crunchy treats can also help keep your dog’s teeth healthier than chewy treats.
Offering your dog low-fat cheese cubes is an option, but be sure to save it for particularly good behavior or special occasions. Too much cheese can lead to weight gain and even pancreatitis. Always choose low-fat options and never offer more than about an ounce of cheese at a time for large dogs and smaller pieces for small dogs.
If you have a senior dog that frequently has urinary tract issues, consider giving them single cranberries as treats. These bite-sized berries are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that can help support your dog’s health and helps support their urinary tract.
Just avoid giving them too much, or your furry friend may develop an upset stomach. Also important: be sure to avoid cranberries that contain artificial flavors or sweeteners, which can be toxic to your pet.
Dogs love blueberries, and they’re another bite-sized option that works well as training treats, too. Single-ingredient treats like berries offer a high value of nutrients for your dog with few calories, which is an important factor for dog training.
Some dogs have a sensitivity to grain which demands grain-free or gluten-free treats. However, for dogs that do not have an allergy, grain-free options are still a good choice if you want to avoid any possible sensitivities.
If you’re going to give your dog a healthy treat, why not give them a treat that helps protect them against gum disease? Gum disease is common in dogs. In dogs over age 3, 80% have gum disease, but few of their owners know it.
Gum disease doesn’t just lead to tooth decay and oral health problems, it also leads to major health issues and organ failure. Giving your dog healthy dog treats that also keep their teeth clean can pay dividends into their health. Lucky for you, we know just the treat for the job.
Yummy Combs are designed to take care of your dog’s teeth, support their wellness, and even help them live a long-lasting life.
Giving your dog Yummy Combs is one of the smartest things you can do to protect their teeth and their health.
You love your dog and love to show it by giving them treats. Instead of giving them treats that aren’t nutritious or could lead to weight gain, consider more natural alternatives that might be hiding in plain sight in your fridge.
In addition, toss them Yummy Combs and enjoy the benefits of fresher breath, cleaner teeth, and a healthier body.
Sources:
Freeze-Dried Food For Dogs: The Pros and Cons | PetMD
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? | American Kennel Club.org
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? 3 Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs – 2024 | MasterClass
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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