Caring for our canine friends is constant, but rewarding work. If you’re a conscientious pet parent, you might be on the lookout for food and treats with that perfect balance of nutrient-rich, low-cost, easy to buy or make, and the taste your dog loves!
A diet based on natural ingredients can help balance a dog’s immune system, increase their energy, and likely prolong their life. Here are 5 of the best natural treats for your pupper BFF.
1. Frozen bone broth
One of the best ways to help your pup cool down in the summer heat is a frozen treat! Bone broth for dogs is naturally nutrient-dense, it is packed with anti-inflammatory amino acids and collagen. It promotes digestion and a healthy gut. Thanks to its high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, it also protects your dog’s joints and relieves pain from conditions like arthritis.
Since dogs can not cool down their bodies through sweat as we do, they usually look for cool surfaces to lay on. If unavailable, they start panting so they can circulate air; therefore, the only way they can cool down is through their mouths. That makes a frozen treat like bone broth a great way for them to cool down in hot weather. If using commercial bone broth, make sure there is no added salt, onion, or garlic. If you want to make a safe bone broth recipe for your fur baby.
2. Human food aka Your kitchen
Treats can be tricky in terms of high calories. Specialists recommend that the treats shouldn’t amount to more than 10% of your dog’s daily consumption. The option that allows you to avoid this best natural treat dilemma altogether is the food in your kitchen. You can use fruits such as blueberries, watermelon, apples, and bananas. You can also use veggies like cucumber, pumpkin puree, and peppers. This way you are 100% sure of the ingredients.
However, remember that it should all be served in small pieces and all seeds must be removed. If your little buddy is a picky eater this might not be your plan A, but there is no harm in experimenting with foods and flavors they like as long as you avoid harmful foods like onions.
3. Simple Whole Ingredients
As a rule of thumb, you want to look for treats with fewer ingredients—1-3 maximum— that are usually recognizable and not unpronounceable stuff. It is an irrefutable indication that the product isn’t heavily processed, ensuring that you are only serving healthy options for your buddy. As an example, banana yogurt ice treats make a great summertime snack, and you can make them right in your own kitchen.
Additionally, look for ingredients that specify a part of the animal it comes from, such as beef liver, chicken liver, chicken breast, duck Liver, or turkey liver. Watch out: low-quality treats may actually use parts of animals that aren’t meat as a cheap filler.
4. Jerky
Jerky treats are usually made of thin slices of meat that were slowly dehydrated to extend their shelf life. It is commonly used to promote dogs’ dental health as it encourages chewing. It also helps with mental stimulation because chewing on jerky treats in a dog’s world is the equivalent of squeezing a stress ball in the human world, it allows your canine buddy to relieve stress. Moreover, it is high in protein and low in fat. Look for beef jerky, chicken jerky, or even duck jerky.
5. Dog Treat Subscription Boxes
Constantly looking for natural treats for your buddy can be time-consuming. In this case, opting for a monthly subscription that delivers all your pup’s favorite treats to your doorstep can be a game-changer.
There are quite a few dog treat subscription boxes available. Gnawbox and Pawstruck are two subscriptions with treats exclusively. Barkbox, Pet Treater, Bullymake Box, and many other subscriptions include treats alongside chew toys and other goodies.
Although it can be frustrating to compare which food and treats are the very best for our canine companions, it’s always worth it! Give your dogs treats that are good, and good for them.
