10 Fruits and Vegetables That Double as Healthy Dog Treats

As dog people, we want the best for our dogs, and that also applies to treats. While ready-made dog treats are convenient, they can sometimes be high in calories, sugars, or artificial additives. Luckily, nature provides a variety of healthy alternatives! Fruits and vegetables not only make delicious treats, but are also packed with vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients. In this article, you’ll discover 10 safe and healthy options for healthy dog treats that your dog will likely enjoy.

Why choose healthy dog treats?

Natural snacks like fruits and vegetables have a lot of benefits:

• Often low in calories: Ideal for dogs that need to lose a few pounds or have a sensitive stomach.
• Rich in vitamins: They contain essential nutrients such as vitamin A, C and fiber.
• Free from artificial additives: A pure and healthy alternative to some commercial treats.
• Versatile: Suitable as a reward, snack or cooling bite on a hot day.

It is important to know which fruits and vegetables are suitable for dogs, and how to offer them safely. Some types, such as grapes, are poisonous to dogs. So be careful before trying something new!

10 Fruits and Vegetables That Double as Healthy Dog Treats

Vegetables:

1. Cucumber
   A refreshing, low-calorie snack that is ideal for hot days. Cut it into small pieces or give a slice as a reward.
2. Carrot
   Dogs love the crunchy texture of carrots. Rich in vitamin A and good for their teeth. Perfect as a raw snack! I regularly give my dogs a whole carrot to chew on. Carrots are also very high in fiber.
3. Sweet potato
   Boil and mash (insert Samwise meme here, haha!), or bake this delicious vegetable in thin slices in the oven (without herbs of course). It is full of fiber and supports healthy digestion.
4. Broccoli
   In small amounts, broccoli can provide a vitamin boost. Steamed, it is easier to digest. Be careful not to give too much, as this can cause gas formation.
5. Pumpkin
   A great snack for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Pumpkin is easily digestible and helps with digestive problems. Make sure to remove the skin and seeds and give it cooked. I like to cook and puree pumpkin, my dogs love it!

Fruit:

6. Apple
   A crunchy snack that many dogs love. Make sure you remove the core and seeds, as they contain harmful substances.
7. Blueberries
   These little sweets are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Ideal as a training treat because of their size! Also perfect as a topper on a meal for example.
8. Banana
   Bananas are a sweet treat that you can give in small pieces. They contain a lot of potassium, but don’t give too much, because they are high in sugar. Tip: freeze small pieces of banana in the summer to give as a refreshing ice snack.
9. Watermelon
   On hot days, watermelon is a delicious hydrating snack. Be sure to remove the rind and seeds before giving it to your dog. Watermelon is also great as an ice snack!
10. Strawberries
    These red treats are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Ideal as a sweet treat, but just like with bananas: not too much.

How do you offer these treats safely?

• Cut it into small bite-sized pieces: This will prevent your dog from choking.
• Remove peels, pits and cores: These may contain toxic substances or be difficult to digest.
• Introduce new treats slowly: This way you can see if your dog responds well to it. Keep a close eye on your dog and stop if you think your dog is not responding well to it.

Fruits and vegetables are a healthy way to treat your dog. Try these 10 options for healthy dog treats and see which ones your dog likes best. You can also let your dog choose by offering him a few options and seeing which one he likes best!
Remember: every dog is different, so pay close attention to how your dog reacts and if in doubt, always consult your vet.

You can also cook and bake delicious food for your dog! I have used some of the above mentioned vegetables and fruits in recipes here on the blog.