When we first got Asti, the question arose: what else can we give her apart from her regular food? After all, we don’t eat twice a day, so I didn’t want her to miss out. I found some great healthy treats for dogs and now I’m sharing them with you.
Simple Treats
First off, a little disclaimer: at home, our dog is on a natural diet, and when we travel to another country, we give her commercial food. I don’t believe that a dog should stick to just one type of food, but of course, it’s very individual, and you should always pay attention to your pet’s poop. Ours is fine, so let’s get into the healthy dog treats recipe options.
Corgis and Carrots
Carrots – unlimited amounts! I offer them in various ways. Sometimes I buy small carrots, and other times I give her a whole large one (peeled) to roll around the floor. I mostly cut it into rings and give it to her when she follows commands, but if I need to keep her busy, a whole carrot works too. It’s healthy, tasty, and inexpensive.
Apples
This fruit is a big hit! I give her small apples to roll around or slice them into pieces for her to snack on. It’s a fun way to eat and play at the same time.
Eggs
I serve these in a bowl as a snack. It’s not something to give too often since they’re quite caloric and could cause an upset stomach if overdone. But it’s a filling treat.
Beef Tripe
Usually, I add this to her bowl, but sometimes I feed it to her by hand as a treat for training.
Cucumbers
Asti really loves cucumbers and enjoys crunching on them. We give her as many as she wants, either whole or sliced into pieces.
Easy Natural Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home
1. Carrot & Banana Dog Biscuits
These biscuits are packed with vitamins and natural sweetness, making them a perfect treat for your dog.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Add the grated carrot, egg, olive oil, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving.
These treats are a great source of fiber and vitamins from the carrot and banana!
2. Apple & Oat Dog Treats
A simple and healthy treat that’s easy on your dog’s tummy.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (peeled and grated)
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (unsweetened, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grate the apple and combine it with the oats and flour in a large bowl.
- Add the egg and peanut butter, and mix until it forms a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into small bite-sized shapes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
The apple provides a fresh, sweet flavor, while the oats are good for digestion.
These treats are simple and full of natural ingredients that are safe and healthy for dogs. Make sure to avoid any added sugar or harmful ingredients like xylitol!
Store-bought Treats
We occasionally use bones, rings, and other treats. Honestly, I’m not sure what they’re made of, but I buy imported ones, hoping they contain meat. These come in handy during outdoor training sessions (they don’t stain clothes). A couple of pieces always end up in my jacket or bag.
Let me introduce myself: I’m Jenny, and I’ve been living with my Corgi, Asti, for almost 5 years now. On this blog, I share insights into life with my red-haired companion, including tips on care, diet, and of course, funny videos.