Healthy snacks for dogs: no treats, eat your veggies

2012 was plagued with dog food and treat recalls. Brands that we all know and trust like Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky, Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky and Wagon Train Chicken Jerky were on the recall list for making pets sick and even worse. You can view a larger list at Dog Food Avisor.com. If we can’t trust these manufacturers to provide us with safe food and treats for our beloved pets, maybe it’s time we look into healthy alternative treats.

Dogs Love Vegetables

Okay, maybe not every dog loves all of the vegetables that are good for them, but pet owners can surely find a vegetable that even the pickiest dog will eat. You may have to try a variety or even sneak some veggies into their food to get them to start liking them.

Give the dog a big old carrot to play with, and while they are playing they may get to enjoy the taste. Just watch carefully so a small dog doesn’t bite off a huge chunk of carrot and get choked. Mix it up by trying small bites of raw carrot or cooked carrot to see which one your pet prefers.

According to Modern Dog Magazine, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitaminB6 and Vitamin C. When you are cooking them up for a family dinner, it is easy to scoop out a small amount of sweet potatoes before you season yours. Offer them to your dog as a treat, or add a small bit to the food, to get him or her used to the taste. Chances are your dog will welcome a tasty treat.

If you snack on raw broccoli or cauliflower, don’t be afraid to share it with your dog, instead of his regular treats. He will enjoy sharing your food and it will be much healthier then risking giving him a treat that might be on a recall list you haven’t seen.

A diet change can upset a dog’s sensitive stomach. Introduce various vegetables slowly and one at a time. Dogs have allergies just like people do, so watch for any signs that your pet is not tolerating a fresh vegetable well.

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, St. Louis Alternative Pet Health Examiner

Donna Thacker strives for an all natural lifestyle and uses alternative healthcare as much as possible to care for her two Shih Tzus. A firm believer in natural and home remedies, Donna has written many articles on alternative health care for pets. ...

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