Treats That Dogs Can Eat

Humans show love by sharing food. It seems natural to show our dogs love by sharing our favorite treats with them; however, some foods humans can safely eat cause our dogs to become very ill. Others, like dark chocolate, can even kill them. However, you can give your dog healthful, and even amusing treats that will not put your canine friend at risk.

  1. Fresh or Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

    • You can safely give your dog whole or bite-sized chunks of fruits or veggies as a healthy treat. Dogs enjoy sweet flavors, just as we do, so melon pieces, baby carrots, and berries are appealing goodies. Frozen blueberries are not only refreshing, but they are also a good source of antioxidants. Freeze mashed banana or applesauce inside an interactive toy to amuse and refresh your dogs on long trips or on a hot day.

    "Chocolate" Carob Baked Goods

    • Carob is an excellent chocolate substitute and is almost as appealing as the real thing for our canine friends. Carob treats abound--muffins, cookies, even canine birthday cakes--all you need do is find the form your dog likes best. You can make your own basic carob cookies and experiment. You can even add yogurt filling and make your dog sandwich cookies better than you can buy at any store.

    Cooked Lean Meats

    • Unseasoned cooked lean meats such as chicken or certain cuts of beef also make good dog treats. Do not use any salt when preparing your dog's meat and use powdered garlic only sparingly. Cut boiled chicken into cubes and keep the cubes in the refrigerator for your dog to enjoy while you are eating your popcorn or chips. Mixed with brown rice and mashed vegetables, boiled chicken can also be a special canine treat.

    Soft Cheeses

    • String cheese and other soft cheeses make excellent training treats when cut into small pieces. Some dogs can be lactose intolerant, so offer your dog only small amounts of cheese until you are sure that there are no ill effects like gas or an upset stomach. Some cheeses are high in fat, so alternate cheese treats with lean meat or vegetable treats.