The majority of commercially available dog treats are unhealthy due to their excessive fat content and chemical preservatives. Look no farther than this list of our seven favorite healthy dog treats for training if you’re worried about your dog’s weight or just want to give him a better diet.
As with humans, many canines have a strong desire to eat. Their sensitive noses can detect the aroma of food before you can say “sit,” and their ears perk up at the sound of a packet being rustled. Due to their insatiable appetites, food rewards are an effective tool for training, but there is always the risk of overfeeding or nutritional imbalance.
We’ve compiled this guide to the finest healthy dog treats for training so you can teach your pet anything from a solid recall to a show-stopping new trick. Your dog needs a balanced diet, so don’t forget to adjust the amount of his regular meals to account for the goodies you give him every day.
Cooked lean meat
You can’t go wrong with lean meat as a high-reward dog treats during training sessions where you need to get your dog’s full attention. You can use plain boiled chicken breast without any added oil or flavor if you cut it up into very small pieces (about the size of your little fingernail). Chicken is great because it’s easy on the stomach and it’s full of omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for the skin and the coat. Due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon is occasionally used as a reward for dogs. Due to the higher fat content, only modest amounts should be given, and dogs with a history of pancreatitis should not be fed this. It’s important to stay away from processed meats because of the salt that’s added to them.
2. Dog food for your pet
Your dog will benefit greatly from a reward made from his or her usual dry food. This is a great option for pets that require special diets due to underlying health issues, such as overweight dogs on low-fat diets. Prepare a training treat supply by setting aside a portion of their daily meal in a container. They can eat, learn, and play with the help of dog puzzles or a food-distributing toy.
3. Peanut butter
Peanut butter with added salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners should never be given to a dog. Toxic xylitol can be hidden under benign-sounding names like “Birch sugar” or “E967.” To be safe, don’t give it anything to eat if you’re unsure.
However, a small amount of natural, unsweetened peanut butter is a wonderful training reward for your dog, and it also makes a great diversion if you pop it into a Kong. Besides being packed with healthy fats and protein, peanut butter also contains a number of useful vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
4. Pumpkin
You may be surprised to learn that pumpkin isn’t just a tasty human delight, but also a fantastic option for a healthy treat for your dog! A healthy, lustrous coat can be yours with the help of a pumpkin’s abundance of vitamins and fiber. The fresh pumpkin flesh can be used in a variety of seasonal dishes. It’s ideal for using up all those pumpkin seeds after Halloween. Canned pumpkin, preferably unsweetened, can also be used.
5. Apple slices
To reward your dog during training, try feeding him an apple slice. Apples aren’t only a tasty treat; they also help remove plaque and bad breath from your dog’s teeth. To prevent choking, apples should be thinly sliced and only given in tiny quantities due to their high sugar content.
The seeds contain a small amount of cyanide that might be hazardous if given regularly over a period of time, so make sure they’re unseeded and avoid giving the core.
6. Fresh vegetables
Dogs can enjoy a variety of healthy treats made from fresh veggies. Raw carrots, green beans, and broccoli are all fine options, but be wary of giving your dog large chunks of these foods because they may cause choking or intestinal blockage if they are gulped rather than chewed. The vegetables could be grated or chopped into extremely small pieces. However, giving too many raw vegetables, especially green beans, can lead to gastrointestinal problems including loose stools and flatulence, so moderation is key.
7. Adventurous canine treats
If you want everyone’s attention while you train your dog, use one of the treats from our AdVENTuROS line. These treats are low in fat, include no artificial colors, and smell and taste amazing. Your dog would do anything to get one. Try buffalo, venison, or wild boar.
Keep in mind that the above-mentioned nutritious dog treats are meant solely as a reward. Never use them to replace a healthy, well-rounded meal, and remember to feed moderately. Talk to your vet if your dog is overweight; they can advise you on effective weight loss methods and provide healthy dog treats.