Treats Shouldn't Be Just Anything – Dogs Need Healthy Treats

Dogs and treats go together like cake and ice cream. If there’s a dog in your household, chances are you love giving them treats as a way to show affection. But are those treats actually healthy?

More specifically, are they gut-healthy treats? Just like with food, the treats we give our dogs should contribute to their overall health and digestion. If you’re already mindful about your dog’s diet, why not make sure their treats support their well-being too?

Why We Give Our Dogs Treats

Before diving into gut-healthy treats, let's consider why we give dogs treats in the first place. The reasons vary, but here are some of the most common:

• Training – Treats are often used as positive reinforcement in training. When a dog associates a behavior with a reward, they are more likely to repeat it.
• Positive Association – Treats help dogs build positive associations with new or stressful experiences, such as visiting the vet or meeting new people.
• Bonding – Some experts believe that giving treats strengthens the human-dog bond, much like playtime and petting.

Of course, sometimes we give dogs treats just because we enjoy making them happy. Since treats are a regular part of many dogs’ diets, it’s important to choose options that promote their health.

Why Treats Should Be Healthy

Everything a dog eats has some effect on their overall health. While an occasional indulgence isn’t harmful, consistently giving low-quality treats can contribute to digestive issues, allergies, or weight gain.

Healthy treats provide benefits such as:

• Nutritional Support – A good treat offers an extra boost of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help maintain a strong immune system.
• Digestive Health – Ingredients like sweet potato and pumpkin can aid digestion, making them great choices for dogs prone to diarrhea or constipation.
• Allergy Prevention – Many treats contain common allergens, such as wheat, corn, or artificial additives. Choosing hypoallergenic treats with single-source proteins and quality ingredients can minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
• Oral Health – Hard, chewable treats can help reduce tartar buildup and improve dental hygiene.
• Mental Stimulation – Treats can be paired with puzzle toys or training exercises to provide mental enrichment and keep dogs engaged.

Dogs, like humans, thrive when they eat nutritious foods. By choosing healthy treats, you can ensure every bite contributes to their well-being.

Treat Your Pup with Gut-Healthy Treats

If you’re going to give treats, why not make them gut-healthy? A treat that supports gut health helps maintain a balanced microbiome, promoting digestion and overall wellness.

A small change—like switching to gut-healthy treats—can have a big impact on your dog's health. Whether for training, bonding, or just because, make sure the treats you give compliment the food in their bowl.