Are Healthy Treats for Dogs Worth It? | 5 Tips & 13 Benefits

Homemade raw dog treats are particularly good for pet owners who are short on budget. It is not only a good idea but also provides you with various nutritional and healthy benefits. Food makers can customize the recipe and select the ingredients according to their pups’ medical condition or liking.

Preparing a nutritional meal for your dog can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience that allows you to share a good time and strengthen your bond with your pup. Whether your concern is preparing good and healthiest treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs or a refreshing summer snack, Pet Life Expert provides detailed ideas for natural homemade recipes and whether they are worth it.

What Are Healthy Treats for Dogs?

Healthy dog treats are diets prepared using natural ingredients that have nutritional value. Healthy treats can be fruits and vegetables that are often rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This type of food doesn’t contain harmful ingredients, dyes, or preservatives, which is why it is the most healthy and nutritious for humans. However, it is necessary to have quantity and size idea before giving it to your dog. Here are some key characteristics to evaluate healthy dog treats.

Ingredients

Look for food products made with natural, healthful ingredients like sweet potatoes, lamb, or chicken. Stay away from foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, wheat, maize, 

Nutritional Value

High-quality protein sources and necessary vitamins and minerals should be included in treats purchased or prepared for your dog.

All-Natural

Minimal food processing and the absence of chemicals and additives characterize all-natural treats. 

Single/Limited-Ingredient

These food items do not contain any fillers and are produced with only one meat or a few ingredients. 

Low-Calories

Dogs that struggle with their weight can benefit from low-calorie treats. So, it is advised to get your hands on low-calorie foods.

Benefits of Including Healthy Treats for Dogs in Your Pup’s Diet

Feeding healthy dog treats to your pup is the most helpful thing any pet enthusiast or owner can do for their dogs. Here are some of the most definite reasons to ensure that homemade treats recipes are good for your pup.

1- Dental Health

Having healthy treats for your dogs’ teeth can make it easier for your pup to chew treats naturally and keep their teeth clean.

2- Skin And Coat Health

 With healthy or natural food, your dog can have a shiny coat, and their skin looks way better than before.

3- Fewer Allergies

Healthy dog foods don’t contain any kind of artificial fillers, additives, or preservatives that can cause any sort of allergies.

4- Better Digestion

Food with no harmful additives is way easier to digest, and it is not heavy on your dog’s stomach.

5- Longer Shelf Life

It is a well-known fact that natural food improves the life quality of your pup because it is nutritious enough to keep your pup healthy.

6- Essential Proteins

Also, it contains some very vital proteins, minerals, and vitamins that can improve your dog’s overall health.

7- Nutritional Benefits

Food with nutritionally rich ingredients is the way to ensure the long-term health and safety of your dog.

8- Weight Management

A well-balanced diet can make your dog maintain their healthy weight while ensuring they are getting the best of their food.

9- Natural Antioxidants

Food that is prepared with natural ingredients is rich in essential vitamins that ensure the improvement of teeth, hair, and skin.

10- Stress Reduction

As dogs can sometimes experience moments of stress and anxiety, this raw food helps relieve the stress and ensure a strong bond.

11- Stronger Immunity

The intake of naturally formulated food comes with all the nutrients that your dog’s body needs to keep up with life.

12- Supplement Your Dog’s Diet

Train your dogs to eat something nutritious in their meal and include extra supplements in their food. 

13- Positive Reward for Good Behavior

Another exceptional thing that can be adopted by any pet parent is rewarding their dog for behaving well overall during feeding times.

Avoid These Ingredients When Making Healthy Dog Treats

When making healthy and nutritious dog treats at your home, you must be aware of some specific ingredients that must not be part of the recipe for healthy dog treats. That’s because some commercial products can badly harm your dog’s health. Let’s have a look at those toxic ingredients in dog foods.

1. Natural Peanut Butter

Yes! Even natural peanut butter is not recommended as part of a natural dog food recipe. It contains some mycotoxins and aflatoxins, the most carcinogenic substances. It also contains sugars and fats that could lead to diabetes and obesity issues. 

2. Peas or Beans

Although it is included in most dog treat recipes, this starchy vegetable contains anti-nutrients that can damage a dog’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Furthermore, it could lead to other health issues and nutritional deficiencies.

3. Starchy Carbohydrates

Ingredients like rice, cereal grains, sweet potatoes, and potatoes have no nutritional value for a dog’s diet and can encourage the growth of dangerous bacteria in the stomach. They can also make insulin resistance problems worse and lead to weight gain.

4. Sugars

Diabetes, allergies, and digestive disorders are just a few of the health concerns that can be brought on by white sugar and other sweeteners. Sugars contribute to yeast infections and other inflammatory diseases by feeding dangerous bacteria and yeast.

5 Top Tips to Choose Healthy Treats for Dogs

When it comes to selecting food for dogs that is equally nutritious and aligns perfectly with your dog’s taste and requirements, you have to be considerate during selection. Be sure to consider things like:

1. Check On Ingredients

Stay away from treats that contain artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives. Seek out natural components such as sweet potatoes, lamb, or chicken. Be careful of items that can trigger allergies and digestive problems, such as maize, wheat, and soy. 

2. Treat Size and Breed

Another considerable thing is looking up the breed type and size of yours to be sure of their dietary needs. Make sure to consider your dog’s size and breed when choosing treats. 

3. Treat Quantity

Dog treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet. That’s because these high-value food diets contain high levels of calories, so it is advised to give it as much as possible.

4. High Nutritional Content

Typically, nutrient-rich products with vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are used to make natural food. 

5. Low Calorie Content

It is always recommended to go for products that contain low calories to avoid the unwanted issue of obesity in dogs.

Selecting Healthy Treats for Dogs for Specific Needs

Some healthy treats are good for your dog’s specific needs, like skin, weight loss, or dental health. 

Apples

A low calorie food is rich in calcium, phosphorus, fiber, and vitamin C. Your dog’s teeth may get cleaner thanks to the crunchy texture. 

Pumpkin

Rich in fiber and vitamins, this seasonal treat can make your dog’s coat look its best. You can use canned pumpkin that has not been sweetened or freshly cooked pumpkin. 

Carrots

An excellent source of beta-carotene and vitamin A, both of which can promote dental wellness. Carrots might produce gas, so start carefully.

Finalizing Up

Pet owners are often concerned about purchasing healthy treats for dogs, wondering if the food is the perfect match for their dog or not. The concern of every pet owner is understandable because not every homemade or commercially prepared food can be healthy or nutritious for dogs. Therefore, we’ve summarized the significance, benefits, and avoidable aspects of healthy dog food treats along with the selection of the best food. Certainly, our helpful guide will inspire any pet owner at the time of food purchase.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions