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Healthy Treats for You and Your Furry Best Friend

Now, more than ever, you will find people treating their furry friends more like their first child than a pet. We’ve all seen the commercials inspiring “love them like family, feed them like family.”

Pet parents are more and more likely to take a closer look at the ingredients listed in their pet’s food. Rather than spending time at the grocery store reading each ingredient line by line, there are plenty of groceries you buy for yourself that can be healthy treats for you and your doggos. Listed below are some easily shareable, healthy snacks for you and your dogs – these are not your ordinary table scraps! 

Watermelon: 

During the summer months, watermelon is a favorite sweet treat among both humans and dogs – the sweet, juicy bite of a watermelon is sure to refresh you and your furry friend. According to the American Kennel Club, “The fruit itself is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium.” With minimal prep work, watermelon is not only a tasty treat, but it’s also packed full of vitamins!

  • Just make sure to buy seedless or remove all the seeds before feeding to your pet.

Blueberries: 

The sweet little blue bites are perfect “one for you, one for me.”  snacks – They too are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. The AKC suggests using them as training treats versus store bought treats. 

  • You can also try freezing them for an added crunch!

Carrots: 

Fall is peak season for carrots so it is the perfect time to introduce the crunchy veggie to your furry friend’s diet. Besides the nutritional value (high in fiber and beta-keratin), their crunch is good for your pups dental health as well. American Kennel Club suggests you could also use large frozen carrots as an edible chew toy!

  • Please note, carrots will not replace routine dental care.

Apples: 

Just like all of the other fruits and veggies listed above, apples are high in fiber and vitamins A and C – making the sweet, crisp fruit another easy treat. Like carrots, apples are also a great chew treats which can benefit your pup’s dental health. 

  • Ensure all the seeds and core have been removed, and two to three slices will be a great little snack and perfect to split between you and your pet.

If you are interested in making your own dog treats, maybe an extra special treat – below are some super simple recipes for using some of the key ingredients above.

Apple Cinnamon Cookies 

Apple – Carrot Cookies

Of course with all of these, please do so in moderation. These are special treats for your furry friend – even though they’re packed with vitamins and goodies, too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. 

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Contributed by: Angela Witzkoskea graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and Journalism. Angela moved to Houston in early 2018 to pursue a career in software sales. Her family has always had an affinity for all animals, but particularly dogs. They currently have six dogs: a Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Maltipoo and Mixed-Mutt (they kind of have a soft spot for friends with 4 legs!).

 

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