Discover Nutritious & Healthy Snacks for Dogs Today

Obesity can shorten a pup’s life by 2 years or more, making healthy snacks for dogs critically important for improving the length and quality of your pooch’s life. Some dog treats can contain a lot of calories. Luckily, you may already have many healthy options in your fridge or pantry.

Keep reading to learn more about the best healthy snacks for dogs.

Risks and Benefits of Dog Treats

59% of dogs are obese, and obesity puts dogs at a higher risk for things like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, bladder stones, arthritis and other joint problems, and anesthetic complications. Too many treats, especially if they’re high in calories, can contribute to obesity, so make sure that treats make up 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

We all love spoiling our dogs, though, and treats make training much easier, so we want to give you plenty of healthy snacks for dogs to choose from.

The Best Healthy Snacks for Dogs

While this list contains some of the best healthy snacks for dogs, some can still be high in sugar, fat, or calories, so always give treats in moderation.

Apples

Rich in fiber and antioxidants, apples are an excellent healthy snack for dogs. Just be sure to remove the core before feeding apple to your dog, because apple seeds contain toxic cyanide.

Green Beans

Plain, unsalted, cooked green beans are a wonderful way to add some greens to your dog’s diet.

Eggs

Whether raw or cooked, eggs are an awesome treat for dogs. Eggs are packed with protein and are also a good source of fatty acids, selenium, iron, folate, riboflavin, and vitamins A and E.

Bananas

High in fiber and potassium and low in sodium and cholesterol, bananas are a great sweet treat for dogs. However, they do contain a lot of sugar, so stick with a few slices rather than feeding your pup a whole banana.

Pears

Pears contain vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. They’re also delicious. Just make sure to core and slice the pear before feeding it to your dog.

Plain Yogurt or Kefir

While many dogs are lactose intolerant, some dogs love yogurt and kefir. Just make sure it’s plain with no sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is also known as birch bark.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Just make sure you only feed plain blueberries that haven’t had sugar or syrup added to them.

Pumpkin

Helpful for dogs with diarrhea or constipation, pumpkin may be one of the best snacks for dogs. Canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling) is easy to add to your dog’s food bowl or can be stuffed into a Kong or on a lick mat and frozen for excellent enrichment.

Cooked Squash

Pumpkin isn’t the only squash that’s good for dogs. Zucchini, yellow squash, and butternut squash are also excellent snacks. Just be sure to remove seeds and rinds and boil or steam them without any seasonings before serving.

Fish

Anchovies, sardines, and other small fish are amazing healthy snacks for dogs (as long as they aren’t canned in oil). Small fish species are chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids along with other vitamins and minerals and don’t carry the mercury risk of larger fish like salmon.

Cantaloupe

A nutritional powerhouse, cantaloupe is packed with potassium, fiber, beta-carotene, niacin, folate, and vitamins A, B6, and C. Remove the rind and seeds first before sharing with your dog.

Red Peppers

While spicy peppers can cause digestive problems in dogs, red peppers that have had their seeds and stems removed make a good snack for dogs because they contain vitamins and antioxidants.

Nut Butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters that don’t contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners make good snacks for dogs in small amounts. They tend to be high in fat, though, so give this treat sparingly.

Carrots

For a snack with good crunch, it’s hard to beat carrots, which are full of fiber and beta-carotene, an important antioxidant.

Strawberries

A fantastic source of vitamin C, strawberries are a good snack for dogs. However, they are naturally high in sugar, so limit how often you feed your dog strawberries. Also, avoid giving your dog strawberries that have been canned or otherwise covered in sugar or syrup.

Green Peas

Fresh or frozen, green peas can be used as a tasty training treat for dogs.

Celery

With vitamins A, B, and C, celery is a crunchy treat that may help boost your pup’s immune system.

Cucumbers

Full of water and nutrients and low in calories and fat, cucumbers are the perfect tasty treat for dogs on hot summer days.

Broccoli

Steamed, roasted, or raw, unseasoned broccoli is delicious and full of fiber, making it an excellent snack for dogs.

Watermelon

Since watermelon is 92% water, it’s the perfect healthy snack for dogs as long as you remove the rind and seeds first.

Portion Control Practices

No matter how healthy a snack is, too much can cause obesity and other problems, so be sure to limit how much of the above snacks you share with your dog.

The Best Food for Dogs: A Raw Diet

Healthy snacks only go so far. If you want your dog to be as healthy as possible, you should choose a species-appropriate raw diet.

Dogs and wolves have nearly identical digestive tracts and should have similar diets. We Feed Raw has made a raw diet for dogs as easy as possible with our pre-portioned nutritionally complete and balanced patties.

We also use a cold-pressure process to inactivate any potential pathogens, making our food safe for your dog, yourself, and your family.

Start your dog on their raw journey by completing our quiz.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best healthy snacks for dogs?

The best healthy snacks for dogs include most fruits and vegetables (apart from grapes, raisins, and onions), small fish, plain yogurt or kefir, nut butters, and eggs.

What are some good healthy snacks for dogs?

Some good healthy snacks for dogs include apples, green beans, eggs, bananas, pears, plain yogurt or kefir, blueberries, pumpkin, cooked squash, small fish, cantaloupe, red peppers, nut butter, carrots, strawberries, green peas, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, and watermelon.

Can I give a healthy snack for dogs even if they're not hungry?

While you can give a healthy snack for dogs even if they aren’t hungry, you should wait and use the healthy snacks for training, treats, or added to meals. Feeding dogs when they aren’t hungry can contribute to obesity.

What are healthy snacks for dogs on a diet?

Healthy snacks for dogs on a diet include most fruits and vegetables except the ones that are toxic for dogs, like grapes, raisins, and onions. No matter how healthy a snack is, dogs on a diet should have few treats outside their regular meals, so limit how many snacks you share with your pup.

What are healthy snacks for dogs, and how do I choose them?

Healthy snacks for dogs include apples, green beans, eggs, bananas, pears, plain yogurt or kefir, blueberries, pumpkin, cooked squash, small fish, cantaloupe, red peppers, nut butter, carrots, strawberries, green peas, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, and watermelon. Try sharing small pieces of these snacks with your dog when you buy them for yourself to see what your dog likes and how their digestive system does with it.

Switch to Balanced Raw Dog Food

Ready to take your furry friend's health and vitality to the next level with wholesome and natural treats? At We Feed Raw, we understand the importance of a balanced diet enriched with nutritious snacks for your beloved dog. Our pre-portioned, nutritionally complete, and balanced raw patties are crafted to mimic what your dog’s wild ancestors would thrive on, ensuring your pet receives the benefits of a species-appropriate diet.

But why stop at meals? The healthy snacks listed in this article are the perfect complement to a raw diet regimen. By incorporating these snacks, you're not only providing variety but also supplementing your dog's diet with essential nutrients that support their overall well-being. Plus, with our commitment to safety through a meticulous cold-pressure process, you can confidently offer your dog both meals and treats that contribute to a healthier, happier life without the risk of pathogens.

Take action for your pup's health today. Dive into a world of difference with raw nutrition by visiting wefeedraw.com. Take our quiz to tailor your dog's journey to raw feeding and discover just how joyful and vibrant your companion can be with the right fuel. Healthy living starts with every bite—let We Feed Raw guide you there.