Snacks: Healthy Treats for You and Your Dog

Snacking can help training, boost energy, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog—but only when treats are chosen smartly. Pick snacks that add nutrition, not empty calories. Think about size, ingredients, and how often you reach for them.

What to avoid and what to watch for

Avoid snacks with added sugar, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), high salt, and unknown preservatives. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and anything with caffeine are dangerous for dogs. For humans, watch portion sizes of nut butters and dried fruit—healthy, but calorie-dense.

Read labels. If the first ingredient is a whole food (chicken, sweet potato, oats), that’s better than a long list of chemicals. For dog treats, prefer named proteins (chicken, beef, salmon) rather than vague terms like "meat by-product." Low-carb, low-sodium options help dogs with weight or heart issues; for humans, look for fiber and healthy fats like those from nuts and seeds.

Practical portion rules and timing

Keep training treats tiny—peas or half a small biscuit—so you can reward without overfeeding. A good rule: total treats should be under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For yourself, pack single-serving snacks (a small handful of nuts, an apple, or yogurt) to avoid overeating.

Use snacks as tools: pre-workout carbs for energy, post-walk protein for recovery, and calming chews or a massage routine after a busy day. Match the snack to the situation instead of mindless munching.

Dental health matters. Hard chews, dental sticks approved by vets, or crunchy raw carrots can help scrape plaque. Rotate textures so your dog gets both soft and crunchy options; this keeps interest high and supports oral health.

Quick homemade snack ideas you can trust

Homemade snacks let you control ingredients and portion size. Try plain cooked pumpkin (no spices) spooned into a Kong, or thin apple slices (no seeds) as training treats. Plain unsweetened yogurt makes a great frozen treat—mix in mashed banana or a few blueberries. For a protein boost, cook and chop plain chicken breast or salmon flakes and freeze in small portions.

For people, mix a small serving of nuts with dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips for a balanced trail mix. Oat-based energy bites with peanut butter and a touch of honey are quick and keep you full longer.

Snacks should support health goals for both of you. Keep things simple, check labels, and rotate choices so snacks stay exciting without becoming a problem. Small changes at snack time add up to big gains in long-term wellness for you and your dog.