Healthy Dog Snacks: How to Choose the Best Treats
Snacks and treats are an important part of your dog's life, but not all are created equal. Learn how to choose healthy options that benefit your pet.
Ingredients to Look For
- Quality proteins: Chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef as the first ingredient
- Natural ingredients: No artificial colors or preservatives
- Superfoods: Blueberries, pumpkin, sweet potato
- Omega-3: For healthy skin and coat
Ingredients to Avoid
Avoid treats with unspecified meat by-products, corn syrup, BHA/BHT, and excess salt or sugar.
Portion Sizes
Treats should not represent more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Adjust regular food portions if you give many snacks.
Homemade Options
Consider making your own treats with simple ingredients like baked sweet potato, carrots, or plain cooked chicken without seasonings.