What treats are healthiest for dogs?

There’s nothing quite like the occasional treat and this feeling is amplified by a hundred when it comes to your pups! Unlike us, they do not have a variety of textures and flavours to enjoy, so they get excited just at the mention of something they’re not used to. Pet parents get equally excited to give their pups premium protein snacks when they get the chance because nothing makes them happier than seeing their dogs happy. Although this is all well and good, treats should be literally just that, a treat. And they should be healthy ones too! Dogs need healthy, wholesome treats to complement their balanced meal plan to stay happy and fit. Your dog is likely to be happy with anything. So, the onus is on you to ensure that you still pack in some nutrition where possible with your treats. Treats are the highlight of any pooch’s day, so let’s get to work on ensuring that highlight gives them health benefits that are long-lasting too.

How often should I give my dog treats?

We know it’s hard to resist those eyes, wagging tails and whiny voice but the first rule of doggy treats is to monitor how often you hand them out. We couldn’t judge you ourselves. The dedicated team of doggy treat makers at Whooch knows exactly how irresistible it is to hand them out. Even though our wide range of doggy treats is highly nutritious, try not to hand out too many of them. Our chews have detailed information about daily recommended amounts to help guide you, but it will do you well to practise moderation. This is especially the case when it comes to our hemp-infused protein-packed foods. Now that we got this out of the way, let’s discuss all the healthy treat ideas for your dog.

4 healthy dog treats

1. A spoonful of peanut butter

Regular peanut butter isn’t just safe, but it is also a healthy treat alternative for your dog. Not just that, pups of all sizes and breeds go crazy for it. You need to avoid peanut butter with xylitol and other sugar substitutes, found in low sugar and sugar-free products because it isn’t safe for dogs to consume. Small sized breeds should only have half a teaspoon and larger dogs can enjoy a tablespoon of peanut butter a day. You shouldn’t give them this nutty delight every single day because we’ve already mentioned that moderation is key.

2. Fruity treats

Fruits are a lovely treat for dogs and that can include things like bananas, blueberries, apples, and strawberries because they can bring a fresh variety to their day-to-day diet. Fruits come with benefits unlike other processed treats because they’re full of antioxidant compounds,Vitamins A and C, and many more minerals that promote health and longevity for your pup.Even though they don’t count as fruits, we’d like to make a special mention to carrots because they can be a good choice due to their vitamin A and fibre content. We’d like to repeat here that you should try not to overdo it. It’s a good idea to share a chunk of your own fruit serving with your dog instead of giving them a whole serving. That’s because all fruit has high sugar content, so moderation is a good idea to avoid an overflow of it.

3. Cooked chicken

Dogs love protein even if it isn’t in large amounts. Cooked chicken that is mixed into the kibble is a great way to spice things up in your dog’s usual bowl of food. It isn’t just a tasty treat; cooked chicken is a healthy meal alternative for dogs that don’t have any protein-averse reactions.

4. Commercial treats

Commercial dog treats aren’t a bad idea either if you aren’t so sure about feeding them the above options. Shop-bought treats aren’t necessary for a balanced diet, but they are a nice treat to give your pup every now and then. The benefit of packaged doggy treats like ours here at Whooch is that we have detailed advice about how much to give your dog.

Tips to avoid over-treating your dog

We’ve given you some idea about how to give your pup a treat but the most important takeaway here is that you should control how much of them they get. By professional recommendation, treats shouldn’t make up more than 5-10 percent of your dog’s diet. The foods on this list are all safe to consume but you should also check in with your vet about any unique dietary concerns your dog may have before going on a treat shopping spree. Try to avoid chucking anything on your plate to the pup because our foods are often too rich and seasoned, and these can have negative consequences for your dog’s digestive system.