Back to school season is also snack season in many households. If you have kids in school, you might be stocking up on granola bars, juice pouches, cheese sticks, and other snacks to keep them fueled and energized throughout the day. But while you’re searching for the perfect snacks for your kids’ school days, don’t forget about your furry friend! At Dan’s Pet Care, we love to collect snack ideas that provide your dog with needed nutrition and high-quality taste. If you' want to provide your dog with some healthy back to school snacks this fall, keep reading to learn about some of our favorites!
Serve treats safely with these tips in mind
Dogs love treats, but it’s important not to overfeed your dog. In many cases, the calories your dog consumes from treats will need to be subtracted from their regular mealtime calories. Speak with your vet to come up with a snacking plan that won’t cause overfeeding problems for your dog.
Also, when providing your dog with homemade treats, it’s important to read ingredient labels carefully. For example, peanut butter can be a healthy treat for dogs — but peanut butter with artificial sweeteners can make your dog very sick.
#1: Plain canned pumpkin can provide your dog with fiber and vitamins
Canned pumpkin is a great way to add vitamin A and fiber to your dog’s diet — and dogs love it, too! You can mix some pumpkin with your dog’s regular food, or freeze pumpkin in ice cube trays for a cold treat.
#2: Carrot sticks offer healthy, low-calorie crunch
Carrot sticks can be a great treat to pack for your child’s school lunch—and your dog might like them, too! Carrots can help to clean your dog’s teeth and prevent oral decay. Be sure to watch your dog carefully while they are consuming raw carrots to prevent choking. Cut carrots into appropriately-sized pieces that won’t get lodged in your dog’s throat.
#3: Apple slices are great for humans and dogs alike
Many dogs love to eat apple slices, and they’re a great source of fiber and vitamins. But be sure to remove the seeds and core and cut apples into thin pieces that won’t cause choking. Apples do contain sugar, so serve them to your dog in moderation to avoid overfeeding.
#4: Plain yogurt is great for your dog’s digestive tract
Many dogs benefit from the probiotics in plain yogurt, just like humans do. But be careful to check the ingredient list—never serve yogurt to your dog if it has any ingredients such as fruit or sweetener. Keep in mind that some artificial sweeteners can be toxic to dogs. Sugar-sweetened yogurt will be too high in calories for your dog to consume. You can put a dollop of yogurt on top of your dog’s regular meal, serve yogurt in a dish with a few unsweetened blueberries, or freeze yogurt in an ice cube tray to make small treats for your dog.
#5: Peanut butter is a favorite treat for many dogs
Dogs love peanut butter, and in moderation, it can be part of a healthy diet. It is high in calories, so be sure to keep portion sizes small. Peanut butter can be served on apple slices or carrot sticks to increase their treat value. Always watch your dog closely while they’re eating peanut butter and serve small amounts at a time. Peanut butter can get stuck in humans’ throats and dogs’ throats, too!
#6: Frozen blueberry treats can give your dog a fun challenge
If you went blueberry picking while the crop was in season, you might have a freezer full of blueberries that you’re looking to use up. You can make healthy treats for your dog by placing a few blueberries in an ice cube tray and filling it with water. Dogs enjoy licking the cubes to expose the treats buried inside.
#7: Sweet potato chews are a delicious fall staple
Dogs love to chew, so give them something to chew on when you make your own sweet potato treats! Simply slice sweet potatoes into thin ribbons and bake them at a low temperature until crispy. Your dog will benefit from all the vitamins and fiber found in these nutritious root vegetables.
Treat your dog to Long Island’s favorite pet care service this fall!
As another school year begins, you may be in need of some help to give your dog the care they need. Whether you need training, doggy daycare, walking services, or any other pet care service, Dan’s Pet Care is here to help. Contact us today to get started!
