Henlo frens, today we’ll talk about my favest thing in life, eating. And what’s a better way to start this than with talking about treats. As a Golden Retriever, I love to indulge in tasty treats from time to time, and my humans are always happy to oblige! That’s why I’ve decided to share with you some of my favorite treats in this article.
Importance of healthy dog treats
Healthy treats play a vital role in keeping dogs happy and healthy. Just like humans, dogs need nutritious food to maintain good health, and treats are an essential part of their diet. High-quality treats made with natural ingredients can provide essential nutrients and vitamins that help support your furry friend’s overall well-being. Additionally, healthy treats can be an effective way to reward and motivate your dog during training sessions or simply as a tasty snack. However, it’s essential to choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s breed, age, and size, and to give them in moderation to avoid overfeeding. By selecting healthy treats for your dog, you can help ensure that they live a long and happy life.
Merlin’s Top 3 Dog Treats
Carrots
Carrots are a great treat for Golden Retrievers. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals that promote overall health. Chewing on crunchy carrots helps to clean your dog’s teeth, while the fiber aids in digestion and weight management. I have already shared my love of carrots in one of my posts on Instagram, make sure to follow me to not miss any carrot-eating adventures!
Now that you know the benefits of carrots for Golden Retrievers, you may be wondering how to incorporate them into your dog’s diet. The good news is that carrots are versatile and easy to prepare. Here are a few ideas:
- Chopped raw carrots: Cut up some raw carrots into bite-sized pieces and give them to your dog as a healthy snack.
- Steamed or boiled carrots: Cooked carrots are a bit easier to digest and can be added to your dog’s regular meals as a nutritious supplement.
- Frozen carrot sticks: Freeze some chopped carrots in an ice cube tray for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
- Carrot-based dog treats: You can find or make dog treats that contain carrots as a main ingredient.
While conducting research for this article, I stumbled upon a very helpful website where you can quickly identify which fruits and vegetables are good for dogs at a glance.
Yogurt
Recently, my humans introduced me to yogurt, and I have to say, it’s become one of my favorite treats.
Not only is it delicious, but it also has a lot of health benefits for dogs like me. Below you can find some of those benefits:
- Improves Digestive Health
- Provides Calcium and Protein
- Helps with Weight Management (AKA. I’m not fat, I’m fluffy!)
- Boosts Brain Function and many more!
If you’re interested in adding yogurt to your Golden Retriever’s diet, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with no added flavors or sweeteners. Greek yogurt is a good option, as it’s higher in protein than regular yogurt. Second, start with a small amount and gradually increase it over time. Too much yogurt can cause digestive upset in some dogs. Finally, consider adding yogurt to your dog’s regular meals or using it as a special treat.
Egg Shells
Although this might come a surprise, egg shells are quite a treat for dogs. I for sure love them and would have some anytime I have the occasion.
@merlinthegolden Trying eggshells for the first time #Merlinthegoldenboy #goldenretriever #fluffness #cute #doggo #funny #beautiful #playtime #goldenboy #doglife #dogoftheday #doggosbeingdoggos #doglover #dogsoftiktok #doglover #dogtok ♬ Spongebob Tomfoolery – Dante9k Remix – David Snell
Eggshells are a surprisingly beneficial ingredient for dogs. Not only are they a great source of calcium, but they can also provide other essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium. Calcium is particularly important for growing puppies and senior dogs, as it helps maintain strong bones and teeth. Eggshells also contain collagen, which can aid in joint health and reduce the risk of arthritis. Additionally, eggshells are a great way to add fiber to your dog’s diet, which can help regulate digestion and bowel movements. To incorporate eggshells into your dog’s diet, simply grind them into a fine powder and mix them into their food. It’s important to note that eggshells should be thoroughly cleaned and cooked before feeding to avoid any risk of salmonella. By adding eggshells to your dog’s diet, you can provide them with a variety of essential nutrients that promote good health and well-being.
While doing research for this article we’ve stumbled upon a neat website where you can get a quick glimpse of advantages and disadvantages of different foods for dogs. You might want to give it a try!
Bonus tip: Hidration!
Ensuring that your furry friend stays properly hydrated is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and support organ function. Inadequate hydration can lead to a range of health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and even heatstroke. Always make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water and monitor their intake to prevent dehydration. Additionally, during hot weather or periods of high activity, offer your pup extra water and take breaks in the shade to avoid overheating.
@merlinthegolden I’m a water doggo #Merlinthegoldenboy #goldenretriever #doggo #funny #dog #doglover #doggosdoingthings #dogsoftiktok #dogtok #doggosforlife #doggotiktok ♬ original sound – Merlin the Golden
As mentioned in this article by petmd.com “Unless directed by your veterinarian, it’s not necessary to measure out the exact water amounts your pet drinks. Just make sure that your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water every day.”