Best Dog Treats for Labrador Retriever (2024)
Labradors are known to be very food motivated and love getting treats as a way to bond with their owners. They will often remind their owners when it is time for meals and become very excited when it is time for a treat. Treats are an important part of the relationship between Labradors and their owners.
Choosing the best treats for your Labrador can be a bit of a challenge, as there are so many options available.
Healthy Treats and Finding a Balance
Treats can be a great way to strengthen the bond between a dog and its owner, and they can also provide some health benefits. However, it’s important to choose treats carefully, as some may contain additives or preservatives that are not good for your dog.
What To Look For
Treats that contain ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids can be especially beneficial for Labradors. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
Treats that contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial for Labradors, especially as they get older. These ingredients are commonly found in joint supplements and can help to reduce joint inflammation and protect the cartilage in your dog’s joints.
Dental treats can be a convenient way to help maintain your Labrador’s dental health. Chewing on these treats can help to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth, and the enzymes that are often found in dental treats can help prevent the formation of new plaque. This can help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and reduce the risk of dental problems such as gum disease.
Be Cautious
There are many different treats available for purchase, and it can be difficult to know which ones are the best option for your Labrador.
It’s important to remember that even treats that are low in calories can contribute to weight gain if they are given in excess. To help prevent weight gain, it’s a good idea to limit the number of treats you give your Labrador to two or three times per day.
If you need to use treats more frequently for training or to manage anxiety in your Labrador, it’s important to pay close attention to their body weight and size.
Best Dog Treats
There are many options available when it comes to treats for your Labrador, and it’s important to choose ones that are low in calories and gentle on their teeth. Commercially produced treats that are formulated for dental health can be a good option, or you can also consider giving your dog healthy fruits and vegetables as treats.
Some good options include carrots, green beans, and apples. Just be sure to remove any seeds or pits and cut the treats into small pieces to prevent choking.
When introducing new treats to your dog, it’s always a good idea to start with a small amount and monitor their reaction to ensure that they are tolerated well. If you have any concerns about your dog’s treat preferences or the treats you are giving them, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.
Here are some examples of healthy treats for your canine companion.
- Natural Dog Treats
- Veterinary Dog Treats
- Commercial Dog Treats
Below is a rundown of each of these types and some tips on what to buy, and what not to buy.
Natural Dog Treats: Fruits and Vegetables
There are many healthy and safe fruits and vegetables that you can give to your Labrador as treats. Some good options include:
Blueberries
Blueberries are a great treat option for Labradors because they are small and do not have pits that could cause a choking hazard. They can be served at room temperature or frozen for a refreshing treat on a hot day, and they are a good source of antioxidants.
Bananas
Peeled bananas can be a sweet and antioxidant-rich treat for your Labrador, but it’s important to keep in mind that they do contain more natural sugars than some other options. It’s a good idea to give these treats infrequently and in moderation.
Apples
Apples can be a good treat option for Labradors, as they are a good source of fiber. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core, as they can be a choking hazard and contain substances that are toxic to dogs.
Important
It’s important to be aware that grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can cause kidney failure. The cause of this toxicity is not fully understood, but it is known that grapes and raisins should be avoided as treats for dogs. If your dog accidentally ingests grapes or raisins, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Vegetables
Greens beans and carrots are safe and healthy treat options for Labradors. Both are good sources of fiber, and carrots are especially beneficial because they are crunchy, which can help to clean your dog’s teeth.
Kale is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. It can be served chopped or steamed, depending on your dog’s preference.
Peas and cooked sweet potatoes can be good treat options for Labradors and are often used as ingredients in commercial dog food. Both are rich in nutrients and can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.
Important
It’s important for dog owners to be aware that some mushrooms and vegetables from the Allium family (onions, chives, garlic) can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided as treats. These foods can cause serious health problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia, and can be especially dangerous in large amounts or with repeated exposure.
Veterinary Dog Treats
You can purchase some dog treats from your veterinarian, and these treats may have a dual purpose in that they are often recommended for specific health reasons.
Top Pick:C.E.T. Dental Chews
C.E.T. dental chews from Virbac are a type of treat that is designed to support dental health. They are coated in an enzyme that helps to reduce plaque and tartar and are meant to be chewed for several minutes. The longer your dog chews on the treat, the more “brushing” time they receive, which can be beneficial for their dental health. These chews are one of many options available for supporting your dog’s dental health.
Glycoflex Chews
Glycoflex chews from VetriScience are treats that contain ingredients like glucosamine and Perna or green-lipped mussel, which can have anti-inflammatory effects and contain omega-3 fatty acids. These chews may be especially beneficial for dogs with joint issues. If your Labrador needs to be on a therapeutic diet due to health problems like diabetes or kidney disease, there are some diet companies that offer treats that are specially formulated to be compatible with these diets.
Make Your Own
If you want to make your own treats for your Labrador, one option is to use canned food. Simply put a small amount on a cookie sheet and bake it at a low temperature to create a homemade treat that your dog will love.
Commercial Dog Treats
There are many different types of dog treats available, and it can be overwhelming to know which ones are the best choice for your dog. Some treats that you may want to avoid include rawhide treats, pig’s ears, and hard treats. These types of treats can be difficult for dogs to digest or may pose a choking hazard. It’s always a good idea to choose treats that are made with high-quality ingredients and do not contain any additives or preservatives.
Avoid
Rawhide and pig’s ear treats may be difficult for your Labrador to fully digest, and they may also be contaminated with harmful bacteria like Salmonella.
Hard treats like cow bones can be dangerous for Labradors, as they can cause damage to your dog’s teeth and may splinter into small, sharp pieces when chewed. If your dog ingests these splinters, they can cause physical damage to your dog’s digestive tract and potentially perforate their intestines.
SmartBones SmartSticks treats are a good alternative to rawhide treats, as they are made from chicken and vegetables and are easy to digest. These treats also contain peanut butter, which may make them especially appealing to your dog.
Bixbi Hip & Joint chicken jerky treats are formulated to support joint health and contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients may be especially beneficial for dogs with joint issues or those that are prone to developing them.
Related: Best Muzzle for Labrador Retriever
Dental Health
Treats that support dental health are important for dogs, and the best dental treats are those that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These treats have been tested and proven to be effective at reducing plaque and tartar buildup and can help to support your dog’s overall oral health. When selecting dental treats for your dog, it’s a good idea to look for ones that have the VOHC seal of approval.
Conclusion
There are many different treat options available for dogs, but it’s important to know which ones are safe and which ones to avoid. Some treats may be difficult for your dog to digest, may contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful, or may pose a choking hazard.
To ensure that you are giving your dog the best and safest treats, it’s a good idea to choose ones that are made with high-quality ingredients and do not contain any additives or preservatives. If you have any concerns about your dog’s treat preferences or the treats you are giving them, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.
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