11 Healthy, Natural Treats for Dogs in Your Kitchen

Healthy, natural treats for your dog that are already in your kitchen? Yes! No trip to the pet store required. Many fruits and vegetables make wonderful treats for dogs. Obviously, they are nutrient-dense foods, which makes them great for health. They are often really convenient because many are staples you probably keep handy for your family anyway. And unlike many dog biscuits or similar treats, they are low in calories. This really helps to relieve the challenge that many of us face in striking a balance between treating our pups and managing a healthy weight for long-term health overall.

Medical Considerations for Dog Treats

For any kind of dog treat, it’s important to keep a few things top of mind.

First, diabetic pets need to avoid high-glycemic treats. This includes high-carb or sweet treats like most dog biscuits or fruits. If you have a well-managed diabetic dog and are interested in changing its diet routine, discuss this with your vet ahead of time to create a plan for how to go about it safely.

Second, be mindful of any substantial changes in your dog’s calorie intake. Obesity is a major contributing factor to developing diabetes, but weight loss should also be monitored.

Finally, despite being omnivores, suddenly introducing a high volume of plant fiber could cause gas or diarrhea. Fiber is regulating and beneficial to good gut microbes, but just as with humans, a sudden intake of too much can cause some discomfort. Go slowly.

So, what simple, natural dog treats can you incorporate into your routine? Here are some of our favorites!

Fruits and Vegetables That Are Safe for Dogs

Apples

An apple a day doesn’t necessarily keep the veterinarian away, and a whole apple would be a bit much for a dog anyway, but they are good for dogs just like they are people! Full of nutrients and fiber, these are great snacks. Just be sure not to let your pup have the seeds or the core.

Green Peas

Frozen or fresh, green peas are good treats, and most dogs love them. Hand your dog a couple as training treats or even put some in their bowl. Easy-peasy!

Carrots

Loaded with beta carotene and other vitamins, carrots are almost guaranteed to be in your kitchen anyway. Why not cut up some bite-sized pieces and use them as a healthy reward? Some dogs can be bad about swallowing without chewing (we’re looking at you, labs and beagles), so if yours is one, be sure that the carrot pieces are an appropriate size.

Green Beans

Dogs can eat green beans, too! Just be sure that cooked green beans aren’t seasoned. Plain, please. These are a great source of greens and fiber.

Watermelon

Like humans, most dogs love watermelon as a tasty, hydrating, and beneficial snack. Be sure to remove any seeds and don’t give your dog the rind.

Cooked Sweet Potatoes

Cooked sweet potatoes may not seem to smack of convenience, but since they keep well in the refrigerator, it’s actually really simple to roast up some extras to share during the week with your furry family member. It’s best to keep them plain. Do not give dogs raw potatoes of any kind.

Bananas

We all know that bananas are loaded with healthy nutrients. Most dogs love them, too, so they are a natural choice that you probably keep handy all the time. Just be sure not to overdo it. Given their high sugar content, it’s best to give bananas to dogs in moderation.

Broccoli

Cruciferous veggies have well-known health benefits, and broccoli is a good choice for pups. Feel free to give them a few small pieces as a treat. These can be raw, roasted, or steamed, just unseasoned, please. Like humans, dogs often have an easier time digesting high-fiber foods that have been cooked, but either is safe.

Cooked Squash

Cooked squashes are great natural treats for dogs! And since there are several kinds of squash that are safe for dogs, this is a good option year-round. Butternut squash, yellow squash, or zucchini are all great. Even pumpkin! Just be sure to remove seeds, and for the butternut, the rind, as well.

Strawberries

Strawberries are sweet little vitamin C nuggets that dogs love. Like bananas, they are high in sugar, so just keep that in mind when you decide how many to give.

Blueberries

Like strawberries, blueberries are great, healthy, and easy little treats to share with your pup!

You Should Know…

When trying out new treats for your dog, it’s always best to start with small portions and see how your dog’s GI tract responds. Some dog treats are okay to feed raw, and others are best served cooked. Always hold the salt!

There are also a number of foods in your kitchen that can be dangerous for dogs to consume. See our list of common food items that are toxic to dogs.