Alternative Treats for Dogs

Stop settling for unhealthy dog treats!

As a pet owner, you love your dog and you want him or her to be happy and healthy. Unfortunately, one of the things that makes your dog the happiest, treats, could lead to unhealthy weight gain and a whole host of problems. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 53 percent of dogs are either obese or overweight, and unhealthy treats have, no doubt, contributed to this growing number. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy treats around your house. The following is a list from our veterinarian in North Merrick of healthy, alternative dog treats:

#1. Red Peppers

Believe it or not, red peppers are great treats for dogs! Slice a red bell pepper for a sweet, vitamin-packed treat to give your furry friend. You can give your pup fresh red pepper or you can freeze the pepper slices to help him or her keep cool.

#2. Cabbage

Cabbage is a great cruciferous vegetable, and it is known for its cancer-fighting abilities. If you are looking to add more nutrients to your dog’s diet, steam a small amount of cabbage and add it to his or her food. Be careful not to give him or her too much, as this can lead to gas and an upset stomach.

#3. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, carotenoids, fiber, iron, zinc, vitamin A, alphacarotene and potassium. Pumpkin is filling and low-fat, which makes it a great choice if your dog needs to lose a few pounds. You can buy it fresh and bake it in the oven, or you could always buy it canned, just make sure that it is unsweetened.

Learn about more alternative treats for your dog when you stay tuned for our next blog.

There are plenty of healthy dog treats out there!

Unfortunately, most pet owners simply don’t understand just how unhealthy most prepacked dog treats are. Unhealthy treats have led to a huge percentage of obese and overweight dogs, and if you want to make sure that your dog is healthy and happy, you need to find a healthier alternative. Luckily, our veterinarian in North Bellmore is here to help. Check out our last blog to learn about the healthy treat alternatives that we’ve already gone over, and keep reading to learn more:

#4. Frozen Sardines

No matter how you feel about sardines, you can rest assured that your dog will love them. Sardines are not only tasty for pups, they are also rich in omegas. Sardines are small enough to be fed whole, and they are the perfect treats for training your four-legged friend.

#5. Carrots

Carrots contain lots of vitamin A, fiber and beta-carotene. Plus, they are low-fat and low-calorie, and raw carrots can even help to keep your dog’s teeth clean! Raw baby carrots make great snacks, and if you want to add more nutrients to your dog’s meals, you can cook carrots and mash them into the dog food.

#6. Apples

Once you have removed the seeds and the core, apple slices make a wonderful treat for dogs. Apples are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and soluble fiber.

There are plenty of healthy treats available for your dog, but before you give your dog people food, always make sure that it is safe! Feel free to contact our veterinarian in North Merrick if you have questions or concerns.