As breeders, we’re often asked:
“What treats can we safely give our puppy — and what’s actually healthy?”
It’s a great question. While the treat aisle can be overwhelming, we believe some of the best and healthiest snacks for dogs are simple, whole foods — many of which you already have at home.
In this post, we’re sharing our favorite easy-to-feed healthy dog treat ideas, including dog-safe fruits and vegetables, quick tips for prep, a note on rawhide, and our favorite chew alternative: bully sticks (with a secure holder).
🥕 Easy & Healthy Treats from the Kitchen
These treats are great for training, positive reinforcement, and keeping your pup happy between meals — without relying on processed snacks. We’ve chosen items that are quick to prepare, low mess, and easy to feed by hand or in enrichment toys.
✅ Dog-Safe Fruits (Wash, cut, and go!)
- Apple slices (no seeds or core — crisp and refreshing)
- Blueberries (perfect bite-sized training treats)
- Banana coins (soft and easy to mash into a Kong)
- Watermelon chunks (seedless, chilled — great in hot weather)
- Strawberry halves (sweet and packed with antioxidants)
✅ Dog-Safe Vegetables (Raw, steamed, or frozen)
- Baby carrots (a crunchy teething snack — serve raw or frozen)
- Green beans (raw or lightly steamed — great for calorie control)
- Cucumber rounds (cooling and hydrating)
- Zucchini sticks (easy to chop and mix with meals)
- Sweet potato cubes (lightly steamed or baked — soft and satisfying)
- Pumpkin (plain canned — perfect in a spoon or stuffed toy)
🍽️ Pro tip: For quick access, prep a small container of pre-cut fruits and veggies to keep in your fridge. That way, treats are always ready when you need them.
🔍 A Note on Rawhide
Rawhide is a popular chew, but we recommend using it with caution. While some dogs tolerate it well, rawhide can be difficult to digest and may become a choking hazard if large pieces are swallowed.
If you choose to use rawhide, supervise closely and look for minimally processed, high-quality products. Always check with your vet about what’s best for your individual dog.
🦴 A Safer Favorite: Bully Sticks (Use with a Holder!)
One of our go-to chew options is the bully stick. It’s made from a single, natural ingredient, is fully digestible, and provides great mental stimulation for dogs of all ages.
To keep chewing safe, we highly recommend pairing bully sticks with a secure holder. These holders grip the end of the stick and prevent your dog from swallowing the last bit — helping to avoid a choking risk.
They’re easy to use, reusable, and make chew time much safer — especially for puppies or eager chewers.
Final Thoughts
Treats don’t need to be complicated. In fact, the healthiest choices are often the simplest ones. Whether you’re reinforcing good behavior, practicing crate training, or just sharing a quiet moment, these easy-to-serve snacks can be a delicious (and nutritious) part of your dog’s daily routine.
As always, if you have any questions about feeding, treats, or chew safety, we’re happy to help.
Here’s to happy training, healthy pups, and plenty of wagging tails!