Picking the right snacks for your dog is about more than just grabbing anything off the shelf. Many dog treats have artificial preservatives, too many calories, or low-quality ingredients that aren't good for your pup in the long run.
Healthy dog snacks made from natural, single-ingredient sources or wholesome recipes can help your dog digest better, keep a healthy weight, and get important nutrients. Plus, sharing healthy treats is a great way to bond with your dog.
The best healthy and natural snacks for dogs are usually made from simple, recognisable ingredients. Fresh fruits like apples and blueberries, veggies like carrots and green beans, and single-ingredient dried meats like chicken feet and pig ears are all good options.
These natural dog treats give your dog vitamins, minerals, and protein without any unnecessary junk. They’re a nice way to add variety and nutrition to your dog’s usual meals.
Knowing which ingredients are good and which to skip makes a big difference. You can also get creative with how you serve healthy snacks and make sure you’re giving the right amount.
Key Takeaways
- Natural, single-ingredient snacks like freeze-dried meats and fresh fruits are much better than treats with artificial stuff.
- Healthy dog snacks should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories to keep them fit and balanced.
- Fresh veggies, superfoods, and homemade treats are safe choices that help with digestion, coat health, and overall happiness.
What Are Healthy Dog Snacks?
Healthy dog snacks use whole, human-grade ingredients and not much processing. These treats give your dog more than just empty calories—they offer real nutrition from quality proteins and natural ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits of Healthy Dog Treats
Good dog treats support your dog’s health. They usually have 20-45% protein from real meat like chicken, beef, or fish.
Key nutritional components include:
- Protein: Helps build muscles and gives energy
- Vitamins A, B, D, E, and K: Keep the immune system strong and the coat shiny
- Minerals: Like iron and selenium for healthy cells
- Essential fatty acids: Good for the brain and heart
Freeze-dried treats keep almost all their nutrients because they aren’t heavily processed. Single-ingredient treats like beef organs pack a lot of nutrition, including Coenzyme Q10 for the heart.
Premium treats skip the artificial stuff and fillers that can cause allergies. Instead, they use natural preservatives like rosemary extract.
The best treats match your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Active dogs do well with more protein, while older dogs might need softer treats that are easy to chew.
Distinguishing Treats from Everyday Dog Food
Treats are different from your dog’s main food and should only be a small part of their daily calories. Dog food gives balanced nutrition for everyday needs, while treats are for rewards or a little extra boost.
Primary differences include:
| Aspect | Dog Food | Dog Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Complete nutrition | Rewards/training |
| Frequency | Daily meals | Occasional snacks |
| Calories | 90% of daily intake | Maximum 10% |
| Ingredients | Balanced formula | Often single-ingredient |
Training treats are usually small, soft, and low in calories so you can use them often. Dental treats are made to help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
Healthy treats are a nice extra, but they shouldn’t replace your dog’s main meals. Use them for fun, training, or just to make your dog happy.
Look for treats with human-grade ingredients and clear sourcing. Try to avoid treats with mystery meats or artificial flavours.
Best Natural Healthy Dog Snacks
Natural dog snacks give your pup great nutrition without fake additives. They’re tasty, healthy, and make for happy rewards.
Single-Ingredient Protein Snacks
Freeze-dried treats have lots of protein and keep most of their nutrients. Beef heart gives CoQ10 for the heart, and chicken liver is packed with important vitamins.
Natural Chews
| Chew Type | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bully sticks for dogs | High protein, long-lasting | Strong chewers |
| Pig ears for dogs | Natural fat content, softer texture | Moderate chewers |
| Rabbit ears for dogs | Low fat, hypoallergenic | Sensitive stomachs |
| Duck necks for dogs | Natural calcium, dental benefits | Raw feeding diets |
| Chicken feet for dogs | Glucosamine for joints | Senior dogs |
Soft Natural Options
Air-dried meat treats keep the nutrition of raw meat but are easy to store. Limited-ingredient training treats are great for frequent rewards.
Plant-Based Natural Snacks
Sweet potato chews are full of fiber and vitamins. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, but it’s best to give them in small amounts because of natural sugars.
Fresh Kitchen Options
Carrots are crunchy, low-calorie snacks that help with dental health. Plain cooked chicken is a lean protein that’s perfect for training.
Always check the ingredient list before buying treats. Skip anything with artificial colours, flavours, or lots of processing. Natural snacks are a nice addition, but they don’t replace a balanced meal.
Essential Nutrients in Healthy Dog Snacks
The best dog snacks have nutrients that help your dog’s immune system, brain, and overall health. Omega-3s fight inflammation, antioxidants protect cells, and beta-carotene helps vision and the immune system.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs
Omega-3 fatty acids are really important for your dog’s health. Dogs can’t make these fats themselves, so they need to get them from food or treats.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is the key omega-3 for dogs. It helps with joint and skin inflammation, and it’s good for the heart and kidneys.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is great for puppies’ brain development and helps keep older dogs sharp. Both EPA and DHA help keep coats shiny and skin healthy.
Best sources in dog snacks include:
- Fish-based treats (like salmon, sardines, and mackerel)
- Freeze-dried fish
- Treats with added fish oil
Most dogs need about 20-55mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per kilogram of body weight each day. Many dog foods don’t have enough omega-3s, so healthy snacks can help fill the gap.
Role of Antioxidants in Dog Health
Antioxidants protect your dog from cell damage that can cause aging and sickness. They get rid of harmful molecules before they can hurt your dog’s cells.
Vitamin E keeps cells healthy and supports the immune system. It works with selenium for healthy muscles. Vitamin C helps make collagen and heal wounds.
Natural antioxidants in treats include blueberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots. These foods have lots of different antioxidants that work together.
Key benefits include:
- Less inflammation
- Stronger immune system
- Better brain health
- Slower aging
Dogs make some antioxidants on their own, but extras from treats help fight off stress and pollution. Older dogs especially, do well with antioxidant-rich snacks.
The Importance of Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene turns into vitamin A in your dog’s body. This helps with vision, the immune system, and skin health.
Vitamin A is important for healthy eyes and seeing at night. Beta-carotene also keeps the respiratory and digestive systems working well.
Orange and red veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin have lots of beta-carotene. You’ll find these in many healthy dog treats.
Beta-carotene is safe even in bigger amounts because your dog’s body only uses what it needs. The rest is stored or gets flushed out.
It also works as an antioxidant, protecting skin from sun damage and helping keep your dog’s coat bright. Dogs with light-colored coats especially benefit from beta-carotene.
Top Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs
Fresh fruits and veggies give your dog vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and are a great low-calorie treat. Carrots have vitamin A and help clean teeth, blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and strawberries give a little vitamin C.
Carrots: Crunchy and Nutritious
Carrots are a favourite veggie snack for dogs. Their natural sweetness makes them tasty, and they’re loaded with good stuff.
Key nutritional benefits include:
- Lots of vitamin A for eye health
- High fibre for digestion
- Potassium for muscles
- Beta-carotene for skin and coat
The crunchy texture helps clean your dog’s teeth. Chewing carrots can cut down on plaque and freshen breath.
How to serve carrots:
- Raw: Cut into small pieces to avoid choking
- Cooked: Steam or boil—don’t add seasoning
- Frozen: Great for teething puppies
Always chop big carrots into bite-sized pieces, especially for small dogs. This keeps things safe and easy to eat.
Carrots can be given daily, but keep portions small because they have natural sugars. A couple of baby carrots or small chunks are just right for most dogs.
Blueberries: A Superfood for Dogs
Blueberries are a tasty and healthy treat for dogs. These little berries are loaded with antioxidants.
Antioxidants help protect your dog’s cells from damage. They also help keep your dog’s immune system strong.
- Help fight cell damage
- Support your dog’s immune system
- May ease inflammation
- Might help older dogs stay sharp
Blueberries have vitamins C and K, plus manganese. Vitamin C helps your dog’s immune system, while vitamin K is good for blood and bones.
There are lots of easy ways to give blueberries to your dog. Try them fresh as a training treat, or frozen for a cool snack in summer.
- Fresh blueberries as treats
- Frozen blueberries for hot days
- Mashed on top of food
- Mixed with plain, unsweetened yoghurt
Because they’re small, blueberries make great training treats. Most dogs can eat them whole without any problem.
Start with just a few—2-3 berries for small dogs, up to 10 for big dogs. Watch for any tummy troubles when trying new snacks.
Fresh or frozen blueberries are both good options. Skip dried blueberries, as they’re high in sugar and sometimes have added sweeteners.
Strawberries: Healthy Sweet Reward
Strawberries are sweet and most dogs love them. They’re packed with vitamin C for a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin C: Helps keep your dog healthy
- Fibre: Good for digestion
- Folate: Helps cells work right
- Potassium: Good for the heart
Strawberries also have natural enzymes that may help keep your dog’s teeth clean. They can be a fun way to support your dog’s smile.
- Wash strawberries well
- Remove the green tops
- Cut into small pieces
- Start with a small amount
Strawberries have natural sugar, so don’t go overboard. Treats like these should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Some dogs might get an upset stomach from too many strawberries. Try just one small piece at first and see how your dog feels.
For most dogs, 1-2 strawberries for small breeds and 3-4 for large breeds is plenty. Offer them a couple of times a week, not every day.
Superfoods for Canine Wellness
Superfoods are packed with nutrients that help your dog feel their best. They support your dog’s immune system, skin, and coat, and can help with digestion.
- Antioxidants help keep your dog healthy
- Omega-3s are great for skin, coat, and joints
- Beta-carotene supports eyes and immunity
- Fibre keeps digestion on track
Omega-3s from salmon and chia seeds are awesome for shiny coats and happy joints. Dogs with itchy skin can benefit from these healthy fats.
Carrots and sweet potatoes have beta-carotene, which is good for eyes and overall health. Pumpkin is full of fibre and helps with both constipation and diarrhoea.
How to Safely Introduce Superfoods
Start with a tiny amount of any new superfood. Try a quarter teaspoon for small dogs and a half teaspoon for big dogs.
Watch for any tummy troubles or allergies in the first few days. Slowly increase the amount over a week or two.
Small dogs can usually have 1-2 teaspoons, while big dogs can have 1-2 tablespoons. Cook sweet potatoes and soak chia seeds before feeding.
If your dog has health issues, check with your vet before adding new foods. Some superfoods aren’t right for all dogs.
- Take out seeds, pits, and any toxic parts
- Don’t add salt, sugar, or spices
- Skip raw salmon and undercooked veggies
- Store leftovers in the fridge
Go for organic options when you can. Always wash fruits and veggies before giving them to your dog.
Ingredients to Look For and Avoid
Picking the right snacks helps keep your dog happy and healthy. Look for simple, natural ingredients and stay away from anything artificial or hard to digest.
Safe and Nutritious Ingredients
The best dog treats have just a few high-quality ingredients. Single-ingredient treats made from real chicken, beef, or fish are easy to digest and tasty.
Air-dried and freeze-dried treats keep most of the nutrients. These are better than heavily processed snacks.
- Named proteins like chicken breast or salmon
- Natural preservatives like tocopherols
- Whole fruits and veggies like sweet potatoes
- Healthy fats like fish oil
Avoid treats that just say "meat meal" or "animal fat." Good brands tell you exactly what’s inside.
Stick to treats with clear ingredient lists. Stay away from artificial colours, flavours, and chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT.
Single-ingredient treats are best for dogs with allergies. They make it easy to know what your dog is eating.
Risks of Animal Bones and Harmful Additives
Animal bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and hurt your dog. Raw bones can carry germs and still break teeth.
Safer options include bully sticks or dental chews made for dogs. These satisfy chewing without the risks of bones.
- Xylitol – very dangerous for dogs
- Propylene glycol – not safe for dogs
- Ethoxyquin – can harm kidneys and liver
- Artificial colours – not needed
Rawhide chews are made with chemicals and are hard to digest. They can cause dangerous blockages in your dog’s tummy.
Grain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy don’t add much nutrition and can cause allergies. They also add extra calories your dog doesn’t need.
Always read the label and choose treats with real, simple ingredients. Your dog will thank you!
Feeding Guidelines and Portion Control
Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from balanced dog food.
How Many Snacks Are Healthy?
Most dogs do great with 2-4 small treats a day, depending on their size and how active they are. For a 20kg dog, snacks should add up to about 100 calories a day.
Small dogs under 10kg need fewer treats—just one or two tiny ones a day is enough.
Big dogs over 30kg can have a little more, but it’s still important not to overdo it.
Active dogs can have a few more snacks since they burn more energy. Puppies need regular meals, so keep treats small to avoid spoiling their appetite.
Older dogs usually need fewer calories. Cut back on treats as your dog gets older and less active.
Balancing Snacks With Your Dog's Diet
If you give snacks often, cut back a little on meal portions. Too many treats can lead to extra weight and health problems.
Dog food labels often suggest too much food. Every dog is different, so adjust based on your dog’s needs.
Weigh your dog every month to make sure they’re staying healthy. Change treat amounts if you notice weight changes.
Pick snacks that go well with your dog’s regular food. Avoid treats that are high in sugar or fat.
Use tiny treats or low-calorie options for training. Homemade treats make it easy to control size and ingredients.
Creative Ideas for Serving Healthy Snacks
Snack time can be fun and good for your dog’s mind. Frozen treats are great for hot days and help slow down fast eaters.
Interactive Treat Toys and Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders turn snack time into a game. Dogs have to work for their treats, which keeps their minds busy.
Kong toys filled with mashed banana or plain yoghurt can keep your dog entertained. Freeze them for an extra challenge.
Snuffle mats hide small treats, letting your dog sniff and search. This is a great way to use up energy indoors.
Treat-dispensing balls are fun for dogs who like to chase. Put in small biscuits and watch your dog roll the ball to get the treats out.
Lick mats spread with pumpkin or sweet potato are calming and help clean teeth. The licking action is soothing for most dogs.
You can even make your own puzzle feeder with a muffin tin. Hide treats in each cup and cover with tennis balls for your dog to find.
Seasonal and Frozen Snack Options
Frozen treats are perfect for summer. Try freezing plain yoghurt with blueberries in ice cube trays.
Frozen watermelon chunks (with seeds removed) are a cool, hydrating snack. Always remove seeds to keep your dog safe.
Bone broth ice cubes are another fun idea. Use unsalted, onion-free broth and freeze in small moulds.
Baked apple slices (without seeds or core) make a tasty autumn treat. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon before baking.
Sweet potato chews are great for winter. Slice and bake or dehydrate for a chewy snack.
Fresh carrots and green beans are perfect in spring. Steam them lightly and serve at room temperature for an easy, healthy snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog owners often wonder how to pick safe treats, make simple homemade snacks, or choose the best treats for their pup’s needs. Here are some friendly tips to help keep your dog happy and healthy.
What are some recommended brands for healthy dog treats?
Hill's Natural Baked Light Biscuits are a popular choice for balanced nutrition. They’re low in calories and don’t have artificial additives.
Greenies Regular Dog Dental Treats help clean your dog’s teeth while giving them a tasty snack. They’re great for fighting plaque and tartar.
Northwest Naturals makes freeze-dried green-lipped mussels, which are packed with omega-3s and good for your dog’s joints.
PolkaDog has dehydrated cod skin and Alaskan salmon chips that are full of protein. Their gentle processing keeps the fish’s natural nutrients intact.
Real Dog Box offers air-dried fish treats like sardines, anchovies, and salmon. Their subscription box brings fresh, single-ingredient treats right to your door.
How can I make homemade treats that are safe and beneficial for my dog?
Sweet potato chews are easy to make—just slice sweet potatoes and dehydrate them. They’re full of fibre and vitamins but low in calories.
No-bake coconut treats use just a few simple ingredients. Coconut adds healthy fats, and you can mix in dog-safe items like oats and honey.
Pumpkin and ginger treats are gentle on your dog’s tummy. Pumpkin gives fibre, while a little ginger can help with inflammation.
Frozen banana and yoghurt treats are perfect for hot days. Use plain yoghurt for probiotics and bananas for a natural sweet flavour.
Chicken jerky is simple—slice chicken breast thin and dehydrate it well. It’s a pure, protein-rich treat with no added junk.
Which human foods are considered safe and healthy snacks for dogs?
Carrots are crunchy, low in calories, and help clean your dog’s teeth. Most dogs love their sweet flavour and crunch.
Plain cooked sweet potatoes are loaded with fibre and beta-carotene. Serve them fresh or as chewy dried treats.
Blueberries are tiny, tasty, and full of antioxidants. They’re great for training because of their size and health benefits.
Plain pumpkin puree helps with digestion and can ease both diarrhoea and constipation. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin with no added sugar or spices.
Spinach adds iron and vitamins when given in small amounts. Mix a little into homemade treats or offer as an occasional snack.
What kind of treats should I give my dog to support weight loss?
Carrot sticks make a crunchy, low-calorie snack. They give your dog something to chew without adding extra calories.
Frozen blueberries are fun, healthy, and super low in calories. Each berry is only about one calorie.
Plain cooked green beans are a great swap for high-calorie treats. They’re full of fibre and help your dog feel full.
Small pieces of plain cooked chicken breast are a good source of lean protein. Just skip the skin and any seasoning.
Ice cubes made from low-sodium chicken broth are a cool, calorie-free treat. They’re fun for dogs to lick and chew.
What are the best treats for small breed dogs that promote good health?
Very thin jerky treats are easy for little dogs to chew and help keep their teeth clean. They’re gentle on small jaws.
Freeze-dried minnows are just the right size for tiny breeds and give a boost of omega-3s. They’re perfect for training.
Mini dental chews made for small dogs help with oral health. Their size makes them safe and easy to handle.
Soft-baked, bite-sized treats are gentle on small teeth and easy to eat. They’re a good choice for pups who don’t like to chew hard treats.
Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats like liver or salmon can be broken into tiny pieces. This way, you can control portions and still give your dog a healthy snack.
Which dog treats are most frequently recommended by veterinary professionals?
Greenies dental chews are a favourite among vets. They help reduce plaque and tartar, and you can give them to your dog every day for better dental health.
Hill's Natural Baked Light Biscuits are made by experts in dog nutrition. These treats are balanced and made with quality ingredients your dog will love.
Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats, like pure salmon or liver, are also a hit with vets. They’re simple and don’t have any weird additives or preservatives.
Raw carrots are a great natural treat. They help your dog chew and can even help clean their teeth a bit.
Plain cooked sweet potatoes are another vet-approved snack. They’re gentle on your dog’s stomach and are packed with fibre for healthy digestion.
