Specialty Dog Treats Spoiling Your Furry Friend with Luxurious Snacks

The seven best healthy dog treats, according to a vet

Does your dog need treats?

Fortunately, many dog treats are nutritious, so dog treats can be part of a balanced diet for your pup. Dog treats are especially helpful when you are training your dog or rewarding them for good behavior. If your dog has food allergies, youll need to pay close attention to treat ingredients, and dogs that are overweight or with certain medical conditions should only follow a veterinarian-recommended diet and may not be allowed to have treats.

Choosing healthy treats for your doggie

When your best friend learns a new trick or behaves really well at the dog park, its tempting to reach for the first treats you can find to praise them. But not all treats are a good reward for good behavior. Unfortunately, some treats may have questionable ingredients or high-calorie counts that can be detrimental to your pups health. To keep your pup healthy and following good nutrition, opt for healthy treats instead.

What to look for in healthy dog treats

If youre ready to start shopping for healthy dog treats for your best friend, there are several things to keep in mind. Take a close look at labels to evaluate the ingredients and calories, but also keep things like size and texture in mind.

Ingredients. One of the most important things to look for in healthy treats is the ingredients list. Stick to treats with an ingredients list of whole, natural foods. Many treats include healthy ingredients like meat, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables. Our vets also recommend treats with fish or salmon, because omega-3 fatty acids can help with brain and eye development in puppies or boost cognitive function in older dogs.

Brand. Some brands offer higher quality dog treats than others. Our veterinary team trusts brands like Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet/Hills, and Royal Canin. They all avoid cross-contamination between foods and treats during manufacturing.

Calories. Generally, treats should be just that treats! Treats should make up less than 10% of your dogs daily calories, so read the label for the calorie amount per treat and stick to the correct portion sizes.

Texture. You want to choose treats that arent too hard, otherwise, they can pose a choking hazard. Hard treats are difficult for a dog to bite into, so they might only be able to bite them into large pieces, which are hard to swallow. Too-hard treats can also fracture your dogs teeth.

Size. Treats can be a choking hazard if they are too large or too small for your dog. Opt for small treats for puppies or small dogs. Large dogs may enjoy large treats, but also make sure to keep an eye out. Even large dogs can choke on treats that are too big.

Labels. Treats labeled as all-natural can be misleading, as the treats may still be highly processed.

If your dog is overweight or has dietary restrictions, youll need to scrutinize the treat labels very carefully.

Types of dog treats to avoid

There are many popular treats out there that arent good for any dogs. Here are some common treats to stay away from.

Rawhides. Rawhides are inexpensive treats with little nutritional value. Some rawhides are treated with toxins like formaldehyde and bleach. They also pose a huge choking risk as they break down into pieces over time. However, some rawhide-like products, such as Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz, are VOHC-approved and safe for consumption.

Animal bones. Sure, bones are all-natural but they can be covered in pathogens, such as E. Coli and salmonella. Some people may suggest boiling the bones to sanitize them, but this process actually makes the bones brittle and more likely to splinter. This is a choking hazard for dogs, and splinters and sharp pieces can puncture the intestines.

Jerky-type treats. Since 2007, the FDA has received reports of sick pets after consuming jerky pet treats. Learn more about their ongoing investigationTrusted SourceU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Government agency.Go to source and how theyre testing treats to determine why some jerky treats are making pets sick. While these cases are rare, we recommend avoiding jerky-type treats especially with so many other great options on the market.

Treats with additives. We like treats that dont contain lots of additives or artificial colors. Some additives, such as Red#3, used for coloring or preservatives have been linked to cancer in animalsTrusted SourcePubMed CentralArchive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.Go to source.

Toxic human food. While dogs may love chicken and sweet potatoes as we do, there are many foods that humans eat that are not suitable for dogs. While you treat yourself with chocolate, you cant do the same for your pup, because the chemicals in chocolate can cause seizures and increased heart rates in dogs. Instead, you can give your dog human food treats like some fresh fruits and vegetables (avoid grapes and items with seeds or pits), like watermelon, broccoli, green beans, bananas, or carrots.

Can you make DIY treats at home?

Its easy to make DIY dog treats at home, and you might be surprised to find your mouth watering as the smell of our favorite peanut butter and oatmeal cookies (yes, these really are for your pup!) fills your kitchen. Making treats at home means you can customize the ingredients based on your dogs dietary needs and flavor preferences. Try one of our tried-and-true all-natural pet treat recipes for your best friend.

10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes (Vet-Approved)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Want to learn how to make homemade dog treats from the comfort of your home? Youll be able to choose each ingredient, save money, and cook specifically for your pups preferences. The best news is that dog treat recipes are typically simple and easy to follow.

Keep reading to find 10 amazing dog treat recipes for dogs of all ages. Spoil your dog with healthy and delicious homemade dog treats! Whether you want to make a healthy dog treat, replace your pups favorite brand of dog biscuits, or cook up a soft dog treat, weve got you covered.

Keeping your dog healthy is important, so youll want to choose a healthy dog treat recipe. That means avoiding ingredients that arent good for dogs! Scroll down to find our favorite healthy treat recipes:

The Top 10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes:

Healthy Dog Treat Recipes

1. Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treat Recipe

What could be cuter than a doggie pretzel? This easy recipe just needs four ingredients: oat flour, rolled oats, applesauce, and an egg. So healthy and simple, you might want to try one!

2. Cranberry & Oat Treats

Whether or not its a special Day, your pup will appreciate these delicious and healthy cranberry dog treats. Made with gluten-free oats, flaxseed, and antioxidant-rich cranberries, these dog-friendly cookies come together in minutes.

3. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Help your pup celebrate fall with these tasty treats! While you sip on a PSL, your dog can enjoy treats made with pumpkin and peanut butter. The best news? These treats are a lot like cookies, so youll have no trouble throwing them together quickly.

4. Breath-Freshening Dog Treats

Does your dog have bad breath? This recipe from Health Starts in the Kitchen has some unusual ingredients (like parsley and activated charcoal), but it will approximate Greenies and save you quite a bit of money!

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipes:

If youre looking for traditional dog biscuitrecipes, youre in the right place! These easy recipes will help you make crunchy biscuits with all kinds of shapes and flavors!

5. Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipe

With the help of a fun cookie cutter, you can whip up peanut butter biscuits pretty enough to give as a gift! Throw these simple biscuits in the oven and youll have crispy treats in about 20 minutes.

6. Bacon Glazed Biscuits

These biscuits are pretty, full of great ingredients, and easy to make. But what puts them over the top is the glaze, a mixture of peanut butter and bacon fat. What dog could resist that?

7. Spinach, Carrot, & Zucchini Dog Biscuits

If youre looking for something a little more veggie-heavy, you might want to try this recipe. It incorporates carrots, spinach, and zucchini, plus pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats, into a classic-looking dog biscuit!

Soft Dog Treat Recipes:

Does your dog prefer soft treats? Here are some of the best soft dog treat recipes, including donuts and cupcakes!

8. No-Bake Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Looking for a soft dog treat recipe thats quick and easy? Try this one from Live Laugh Rowe, which uses coconut oil and peanut butter. Your dog will thank you!

9. Carrot Peanut Butter Pupcakes

If you and your dog are celebrating, why not roll out the pupcakes? These soft, dog-friendly cupcakes have a tasty peanut butter yogurt frosting and you can top them with homemade dog biscuits for extra flair!

10. Peanut Butter Bacon Donuts

These doggie donuts look sweet and good enough to eat but dont be fooled! Theyre savory treats made with oats, peanut butter, and a sprinkling of bacon bits. Guaranteed to be a hit!

Homemade Dog Treats: Conclusion

Now you know how to make homemade dog treats with these 10 delicious recipes! Whether youre looking for soft dog treats or homemade dog biscuits, these recipes will turn you into a doggie chef before you know it. What you feed your dog is important, and this way you can control every ingredient. Just remember these are still treats and as such, they should only be fed in moderation since they are not a complete and balanced diet and they do add up the calories. Gone are the days of having to buy expensive dog treats!

Prefer to skip the cooking? Choose from our favorite dog treat brands!

Featured Image Credit: The team at Hepper

33 Unique Ways to Spoil Your Dog (From Simple Pleasures to Extravagant Adventures)

Are you always looking for new ways to spoil your dog?

Youve come to the right place

The unconditional love of a dog is unrivaled. It doesnt matter how bad your day has been or how long youve left them at home by themselves, theyll be excited to see you.

Desperate to spend every moment by your side hoping youll lean down and rub their belly or give them a smooch on the face every once and awhile.

If youre anything like me, you feel compelled to give some of that unconditional love back by spoiling your dog. But beyond throwing a squeaky octopus around the house or going to the dog park, how else can you spoil your best friend?

Here are 33 ideas to spoil your dog from simple pleasures to extravagant adventures!

Simple Pleasure

You dont have to spend a lot of money on your dog to spoil them. You can show tenderness and affection with small, everyday actions that wont cost a dime. Here are just a few examples!

Give them

• A kiss
• A back massage
• 100 nicknames

Let them

• Chew for a while
• Groom themselves
• Lay on you

Product recommendation

For a long distracting chew, its hard to beat the Nylabone range of flavoured dog chews. From textured rings, dental Dinos, and large power chew bones Nylabone has something for every dog!

Adventures

Adventuring is a surefire way to make your doggie happy. If youre ready to see the world and moisturise some fire hydrants, here are just a few ideas to get started!

Take them

• For a hike
• On a doggie date
• On a picnic

Or, let them

• Roll around in the mud
• Off the leash

Product recommendation

Want to go on a doggie adventure with your pup? The K9 Sport Sack is the perfect companion, especially if you have a smaller dog who cant last long on hikes or walks.

Accessories

Your dog can live in the utmost comfort when you get them the right accessories. From their morning naps to evening walks, you can make sure they never miss out on anything. Thats what true pampering looks like!

Buy them a

• At-home dog camera and treat dispenser
• Dog fitness tracker
• A new piece of dog decor for your home (this ones really for you!)

Product recommendation

I cant go past the Furbo dog camera when it comes to accessories. Not only can you see what your pup is doing, but you can also toss treats and talk to your dog through Furbo so they dont feel alone while youre out and about. Heres a photo of our dog Frankie caught on camera while we were at work one day:

Food

From gourmet meals to finger-licking treats, indulging your dogs taste buds has never been easier. All that it takes is a little creative thinking. Its time to make your dog drool!

Give them a

• Home-made doggie treat
• License to mop up your food spills
• Daily dental chew
• A lick of your ice cream

Product recommendation

If youre looking for a way to spoil your dog while keeping them healthy and energetic, too, you might like to consider a meal delivery service. For US-based readers, PetPlate is a great option. PetPlateis a meal delivery service that offers vet-designed, human-grade meals with real ingredients. All of their freshly-cooked meals are made with USDA-certified meats and fresh produce.

Training

You dont have to be a drill sergeant to train your dog. You can have a great time with big bellyfuls of furry cuteness as they sit and rollover on the kitchen floor. You can also try some of these suggestions.

Teach them to

• Shake your hand
• Kiss on command
• Give you a hug

Product recommendation

For the best dog training products, I recommend checking out Robert Cabrals recommendations on Amazon. Robert is one of the worlds leading dog behavior specialists and has helped train hundreds of dogs all over the world.

Games

Games are one of the best ways to spend time with your dog. The physical activity will keep them fit and healthy, and the hours that you spend together will strengthen your bond.

The possibilities are endless. The fields are open. Grab a toy and get to playing!

Play

• Fetch
• Frisbee
• Hide and seek

Or

• Stuff treats in a toy
• Create a dog playground in your backyard

Product recommendation

The Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Dog Frisbee is a unique toy your dog will love to chase, catch, and return. Its durable, which is great for those big chewers, lightweight, and floats in water.

Grooming

Not every dog likes the process of grooming mind you, some lap up the attention! The trick is to make it a luxurious experience with lots of praise and reward.

Give them a

• Spa day
• Professional grooming experience

Product recommendation

There are so many different grooming products out there, it depends on your dog breed and what youre looking for. Amazon has a great selection of brushes, clippers, grooming tables, and more.

Health

You can spoil your dog by making sure that they never hurt, itch or ache. No matter how you think about it, healthcare for your dog is just as essential as treats and cuddles.

Two health-related ways to spoil your dog

• Get them pet insurance
• Go for regular vet check-ups

Product recommendation

The Zesty Paws range of supplements for dogs is a great immunity booster. Theyre also good if your dog has issues with allergies, digestion, and other problems.

Bonus Tips to Spoil Your Dog

Spoil them by

• Letting them unwrap dog gifts
• Having a portrait painted
• Getting them a doggie companion

Time to Spoil Your Dog!

Consider some of these suggestions if you want to spoil your furry little friend. While this isnt an exhaustive list by any means, it should be enough to get you started. The world is full of toys, games, snacks, treats and luxury beds, so dont be shy about exploring the possibilities for your poochs sake.

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