Healthy fruit and veggie pet treats could already be in your fridge | Pets
Give your pet some watermelon, but keep serving sizes in mind. Dogs and cats should get no more than 10% of their daily calories from treats.
The average dog owner spends $65 on dog treats each year, yet the healthiest and least expensive treats for your pet could already be in your fridge. Many vegetables and fruits can provide a perfect chewy crunch.
Snacks for dogs
Especially in light of past rawhide recalls, asparagus spears and celery stalks are great chew-toy alternatives for dogs. Keep in mind that you might need to give them a few tries if your dog is new to produce.
Treats for cats
Any crunchy or chewy vegetable can also spark a cat’s interest — zucchini is popular because of the semi-moist crunch. The only thing cats don’t usually go for is fruit because they lack sweet taste receptors.
Not certain foods
Not all foods are safe for pets, of course, so beware of foods that are potentially toxic, including grapes, raisins, garlic, onion, avocado and chocolate.
Serving sizes
Dogs and cats should get no more than 10% of their total calories from treats to avoid unbalancing their diet. Each animal is different, so ask your vet how many calories your pet should get.
On average, a slim 10-pound cat should eat about 200 calories per day, 20 coming from treats. A slim 60-pound dog should get about 800 calories per day, with no more than 80 from treats.
