Many dog owners struggle to find healthy dog training treats. Treats are often very high in calories and contain sugars, salt, additives, and other ingredients that some people find objectionable. All of these factors can contribute to excessive weight gain over time.
Fortunately, there are some healthier alternatives on the market. You may have to shop around a bit before you find one your dog likes; they come in all different shapes and flavors depending on what you’re looking for (see our guide to buying healthy treats for dogs here ).
1) Cheese treats – slices or cubes of real cheese make tasty training rewards that appeal most to dogs with a sweet tooth
2) Carrots – carrots can be cut into small chunks and frozen, then used as training treats. They are also nutritious (full of beta-carotene)
3) Broccoli – dogs love broccoli! broccoli is a great alternative for those looking for healthy dog training treats that taste a little different
4) Dried/dehydrated fruit – most dogs will eat dried apples, pears, peaches, etc. most of these can be found in a dehydrator, or if you want to spend a little more money buying online, they can be purchased pre-made at some pet stores
5) Homemade meatballs – purchase lean ground beef and mix with vegetables like carrots and peas; form into balls and bake until cooked thoroughly. Boil some water and let them cool before serving them as training treats
6) Jerky – all-natural beef or turkey jerky is a healthier alternative to traditional dog biscuits, as long as you make sure there’s no added salt or sugar.
As with any treat, it’s important to be careful about overfeeding your dog, regardless of the type of treats you’re using. If your pup seems more interested in his food than his new healthy dog training treats, try mixing a little bit into their regular kibble to entice them. Cats love most types of cheese, so don’t be surprised if they sneak a few bites! Keep searching for the best option out there – what may not work for your dog now will probably work later.
When searching for healthy dog train treats, what should you look for?
1) What is the first ingredient listed on the label? If it’s not a real food like apples, carrots, or beef (for example), then don’t buy it. If you can’t understand what all of the ingredients are or there are too many to list, stay away.
2) If your dog has any special dietary needs due to allergies, be cautious about anything with fillers like corn and soy. Some dogs may also have sensitivities to fillers like these which will only serve to frustrate training goals if they trigger digestive problems.