Healthy, Natural Treats For Dogs from your Kitchen

Healthy and natural treats for your dog that you already have in your kitchen? A visit to the pet store is not required. Many fruits and vegetables are great treats for dogs. Obviously, these are foods that are rich in nutrients that make them beneficial to health. They are often affordable because many of them are staples that you probably keep on hand for your family anyway.

And unlike many dog biscuits or similar treats, they are low in calories. It really helps solve the problem many of us have when finding the balance between treating our puppies and maintaining a healthy weight for overall long-term health. So, what are some simple and natural dog treats to include in your daily routine? Here are some of our favorites!

An apple a day won't necessarily scare the vet away, and a whole apple will still be too much for a dog, but it's just as good for dogs as it is for people! Loaded with nutrients and fiber, they make a great snack. Just make sure you don't give your puppy any seeds or pith.

Frozen or fresh peas are a good treat, and most dogs love them. Give a couple of these to your dog as a training treat, or even put some in his bowl. Rich in beta-carotene and other vitamins, carrots are almost always in your kitchen.

Why not cut carrots into small pieces and use them as a healthy reward? Some dogs are prone to swallowing without chewing (we're looking at your Labradors and Beagles), so if this is your dog, make sure the carrot chunks are the right size. Dogs can eat green beans too! Just make sure the cooked green beans are unseasoned. It is an excellent source of vegetables and fiber.

Cooked sweet potatoes may seem inconvenient, but because they keep well in the refrigerator, it's actually very easy to toast a little extra to share throughout the week with your furry family member. Better to keep them clean. Do not give dogs raw potatoes in any form.

We all know that bananas are rich in beneficial nutrients. Most dogs love them too, so this is a natural choice that you probably always have on hand. Just make sure you don't overdo it. Given their high sugar content, bananas are best given to dogs in moderation.

Cruciferous vegetables are known for their health benefits, and broccoli is a good choice for puppies. Feel free to give them some small pieces. They can be raw, fried or steamed, just not seasoned. Like humans, high-fiber cooked foods are often easier for dogs to digest, but both are safe.

Cooked zucchini is a great natural treat for dogs! And since there are several types of pumpkin that are safe for dogs, this is a good year-round option. Butternut squash, yellow squash, or zucchini are all great. Just do not forget to remove the seeds, and the nut and peel.

Strawberries are sweet little vitamin C treats that dogs love. Like bananas, they are high in sugar, so keep that in mind when deciding how much to give. Like strawberries, blueberries are a great treat, healthy and easy to share with your puppy!

When trying new treats for your dog, it's always best to start with small portions and watch your dog's GI response.

If you don't want to take the time to prepare your dog treats, Colorado Pet Treats has great natural pet treats that are low in calorie and full of the same healthy food that you find in your kitchen: