Ever grow tired of just feeding your furry friend just plain ol’ dry food? I do. I mean, think about it, we pepper our days with all different types of foods – fruits, vegetables, meats and starches. Why wouldn’t our little pets want and enjoy different texture type foods?
Now, there are some foods that are off limits for dogs. Namely – chocolate. If you are a dog however, you should know that for sure. Other foods to add to the list are: avocado, bread dough, grapes, raisins, hops, macadamia nuts, moldy foods, onions and garlic.
So whatever you do, try and steer clear of those foods!
However, there are some awesome natural foods that your pup will truly enjoy. And, rather than feeding them that processed packaged food – give them some natural food. After all, they can benefit, just like you can, from munching on living food.
So here are some snacks for your pup to try:
Carrots: Rick Woodford, author of Feed Your Best Friend Better, says, ‘Try a frozen carrot in place of bones to keep a dog’s teeth healthy and cool them down in the summer.’ And, if this idea is a no-go with your favorite pet, Woodford suggests grating a carrot and adding it their meal, or steaming it for them.
Red Apples: this is a favorite snack for my little puppy. Modern Dog, reports, ‘They [apples] are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre.’ Cesar Millan, the famous dog whisper, also gives this healthy treat a giant thumbs up!
Kale: this is a super food not only for you – but for your dog! Raw and cooked, kale harbors anticancer compounds that can keep people and pups healthy. Modern Dog suggests chopping, lightly steaming, and adding kale to your dog’s dinner. Kale is an excellent source of calcium.
Yogurt: make sure this is yogurt without artificial sugar in it. Yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s digestive system. However, if you are giving yogurt for the first time, start with small amounts to prevent a stomach upset. (The quantity should be 1 tsp. for a puppy and 1 tbsp. for a medium-sized dog.)
Green Beans: ASPCA lists green beans as a healthy treat for pets. Fox News reports, ‘Green beans add fiber and to dogs’ diets and make them feel full without having the extra calories.” So this looks like the perfect diet food for your pup!
BONUS: for a special summer treat try this little awesome idea – a frozen chicken stock cake! This is an awesome DIY project. Just freeze toys or treats in water or chicken broth in a bucket and place outside in the summer to keep your dog cool (and occupied) during the day!