8 Healthy Treats for Dogs During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for everyone to express their joy and gratitude towards those they hold dear. It is a time to give thanks to those around you, including your beloved dog.

Pet parents never forget to hang a stocking for their dog or offer them a present during the holidays. Dogs are exceptionally easy to give presents to as well. Offer them a new toy or treat and it instantly brightens their day.

Here are some delicious and nutritious healthy treat options to provide your dog this holiday season.

Important Food Warning: Treats are not a supplement for a healthy diet. Dog treats of any type should make up less than 10% of the dog’s daily calories. Always give treats in moderation.

If a dog experiences any side effects from a specific treat, stop feeding that treat immediately. It may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Speak with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist for suitable alternatives.

Healthy Treats for Dogs

Many of the treats in this list contain several vitamins and minerals that help support the body. For more information on specific vitamins and minerals, visit MedlinePlus with the National Library of Medicine.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are a delicious snack that any dog would love to chomp into. This squash has plenty of hydration and is an excellent source of essential nutrients like vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as fiber. Veterinarians may recommend fresh pumpkin puree in a dog’s diet if they are constipated or experiencing diarrhea.

Pet parents should avoid feeding pumpkin vines and seeds to their dogs. The vines are toxic, and the seeds may cause gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

Give dogs fresh pumpkin slices or blend them with water for a smoothie. You can also use pumpkin as a food topper.

Apple Slices

The adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” works equally well for dogs. Apples are an amazing source of vitamins A and C, essential nutrients to help a dog’s immune system, skin, muscles, tendons, and cell growth. Vitamin C also helps absorb iron in the blood to allow red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Owners should avoid feeding apple seeds, as they contain cyanide and are extremely dangerous for dogs.

Apples can be cut into slices, chopped into pieces, diced, added as a food topper, or mashed into a sauce.

Berries

Dogs love to eat berries because they are small, juicy, and packed with an abundant number of vitamins and minerals. The best berries to give dogs are fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries.

These berries contain a plethora of antioxidants to support immune health and combat infection. They also provide fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Vitamin K supports blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Additionally, berries have high moisture content, making them good for dry skin in wintry weather.

Dog owners should wash all the berries before offering them as a treat. Avoid berries with seeds, as they may cause gastrointestinal issues or contain highly toxic chemicals. Berries make an excellent food topper or training treat for new puppies.

Potato

The potato is the original superfood due to its versatility and sheer number of health benefits. Specifically, dogs love eating sweet potatoes and cooked plain potatoes (no butter or seasonings). Potatoes are filled with fiber for gastrointestinal health, antioxidants, and vitamins B and C. Also, they are a great source of potassium for heart health and blood pressure, as well as calcium and iron.

Dog parents should peel the skin of the potato, remove any roots, wash, and cook it thoroughly before feeding it to their dog. The skin and roots contain solanine, which causes gastrointestinal issues in dogs.

Offer sweet or cooked potatoes to dogs as a standalone treat, food topper, or a special snack.

Pineapple

Pineapples are a sweet fruit that you and your dog can enjoy together. This fruit has high moisture content, fiber, vitamin C, and bromelain, which helps prevent inflammation and swelling.

However, pineapples have a high sugar count and can lead to an upset stomach when too much is consumed. Only feed dogs small portions of pineapple at a time. Additionally, avoid feeding the core, leaves, stem, and skin because they may cause adverse health effects.

For the best results, feed your dog small, fresh wedges of pineapple, or mix it with other fruits to create a delicious fruit smoothie.

Anchovies

Yes, those small fish that smell weird are a great winter treat for dogs. According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine ideology, anchovies help stimulate warmth, which can be good in cold weather. Additionally, anchovies are filled with Omega-3 nutrients which are good for skin, coat, heart, and joint health.

Dogs should only eat anchovies that are raw, packed, or dried in water. Avoid any packages that are canned in olive oil, salted, or marinated. Too many seasonings may be toxic to dogs.

The fishy breath might be a setback, but your dogs will enjoy this special snack that offers them so much.

Watermelon

Watermelons are the best way to enjoy a tasty treat and stay hydrated. The winter air can be difficult on pet skin, so staying hydrated is crucial for a dog’s health. Watermelons are 92% water and are great for their metabolism and overall health. These fruits contain vitamins A, B, and C, along with potassium and magnesium. Furthermore, they have citrulline and lycopene which are good for kidney and heart health.

Avoid feeding your dog the rinds and seeds because they may cause gastrointestinal issues.

Watermelons have a low fat and calorie count, making them great as treat chunks, food toppers, or blended drinks.

Carrots

Carrots are another low-calorie food that is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin A. Because of their bright color and unique taste, dogs love gobbling one as a treat after play. Alternatively, carrots cut into small pieces make a wonderful training treat for new puppies.

Owners should wash them first. Carrots are also good steamed or baked. Owners can also shred carrots on food as a delicious topper.

Summary of Health Pet Treats

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