Natural Treats for your Dog

Rewarding your dog with food treats for good behavior is a fun and effective way to train. The best dog training treats are irresistibly yummy, small in size, easy to carry and healthy. For puppies and for dogs with sensitive stomachs, it is best to stick to treats with simple ingredients, such as low fat meats that are easy to digest.

In between meals is the ideal time to give treats. As a rule of thumb, save the best, most delectable treats for last. This will allow you to reengage your dog if she begins to lose interest in the training session. When teaching new skills, keep training sessions short. An ideal training session should last 15 minutes or less.

Here are five healthy and delicious training treats (in no particular order) for your dog:

Bananas

are probably one of your favorite fruits. They also make excellent treats and snacks to help train your pup around the house or on the go. They are high in potassium, fiber and magnesium. Bananas have lots of Vitamin B6, which helps metabolize proteins and regulates blood cell function so the blood can bring more oxygen to the brain and muscles. They also contain Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and helps build cartilage. Tip: Just slice up a few small, bite-sized pieces of your banana and you’ll have an easy, natural, healthy training treat.

Carrots 

are great for a dog’s teeth. In their raw form they can help dogs maintain strong teeth. Due to the amount of chewing involved, these veggies also act as a great polishing agent to keep your canine’s bright smile shining. Carrots are low calorie and high in fiber and beta carotene. Beta carotene works as an antioxidant, helping to prevent disease and infection. It may also help improve your dog’s eyesight. Tip: Baby carrots are perfect for small dogs.

Jerky

will provide your meat eating pup the protein it needs. Jerky treats are excellent on-the-go or at home. Our Grass-Raised Venison Jerky treats are 100% USDA inspected (human grade) venison meat (including liver, heart and kidney) with absolutely NO GRAIN of any kind! We designed this treat with trainers in mind. Jerky can be broken into whatever size you wish as a reward. Tip: A perfect treat for a hike or walk around the neighborhood.

Apples 

also help to clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which helps to freshen her breath. Apples are a good source of fiber as well as vitamin A and C. Make sure to take out the seeds and the core before feeding to your dog, as these can be choking hazards. Tip: Most of the calories in apples come from naturally occurring sugar, not processed sugar that might be found in other treats. Still, sugar is sugar, so it can contribute to weight gain in large quantities.

Blueberries (Berries)

are available all year, and whether fresh or frozen, they are great training treats for your canine companion. They are loaded with phytochemicals, and their deep blue hue is the result of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanidins. Blueberries are also a good source of healthy fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and E. Tip: Keep a container of frozen blueberries in your freezer so you always have a natural, healthy treat available.

Always use treats to reinforce a calm, submissive state. Let your dog smell the treat first, but hold it up away from her and wait. Once the dog has the scent, she may jump around at first, and will probably jump on you. If so, indicate your disapproval with your attitude and body language and slowly move yourself back or to one side…and then wait. At that precise moment of calm, give her the treat for being a “good girl”. Remember, your moment of patience as an owner will pay off in a well-behaved dog for a lifetime.

What are some of your dog’s favorite all-natural treats?