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Safe Birthday Treats For Dogs

The Best Healthy Dog Treats Reviewed

Baking A Safe Birthday Treat for Your Dog

From chicken jerkies to milk bones to dental chews â healthy dog treats come in a variety of forms and flavors. To help you find the right one for your dog, we reviewed the 8 best healthy dog treats.

Get it on The Honest Kitchen

Summary: These treats feature only one ingredient â sustainably sourced and wild-caught white fish, which is dehydrated and easy to serve. The treats are packed with protein and flavor and suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. They are free from artificial preservatives, by-products, and fillers.

Flavor Options: White Fish

  • Sustainably sourced, wild-caught white fish
  • Premium-quality and 100% human grade
  • Dehydrated and easy to snap in half
  • No by-products, preservatives, or fillers
  • Made in the USA with European ingredients

Cons

  • No significant cons

Ingredient Analysis: The only ingredient in this recipe is wild-caught and dehydrated white fish.

Review: Pet owners are amazed by these treats and give them 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. They describe them as âhigh-value treatsâ and say their pets love munching on the dehydrated real fish meat. Customers also note that despite the relatively high price tag, the treats are absolutely worth it. Plus, featuring only one ingredient, they are excellent for dogs with sensitive tummies.

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options: Salmon Turkey Beef Jerkey Wild-Caught Salmon

Price: $13.44/3 oz

Cons:

  • A bit expensive compared to other brands

Get it on Chewy

Cons

Nylabone Power Chew Xl

If you own an extra-large sized power chewer, few gifts can compare to the Nylabone Power Chew XL. Its designed to withstand the jaws of the biggest, strongest power chewers, made with a long-lasting chicken flavor. This bone will keep your dog occupied for hours- and away from your shoes.

Featured Image credit: Ruth Black, Shutterstock

Contents

What Are Healthy Dog Treats

Healthy dog treats are dog treats that offer nutritional value instead of just taste and fillers. They come in different forms, from bully sticks to jerky treats to kibble.

Healthy dog treats will be more satisfying for a dog and offer them more nutrients than a standard edible. Plus, they often target specific issues such as preventing weight gain, indigestion, or dental problems.

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Skip Real Bones & Rawhide

Even on a milestone dog birthday, real bones or rawhide treats may not be worth the risk. Splinters and pieces can sometimes break off and cause choking, injuries or blockages in the digestive tract if swallowed. Play it safe with rawhide free dog treats like Milk-Bone GnawBones®chews. Or give them a chewing challenge with our extra-entertaining Wonder Bones® long-lasting treats!

Carrot Peanut Butter Pupcakes

Dog chocolate bar dog treats dog birthday gift dog safe

Puppies + cupcakes = pupcakes. These doggy desserts are exactly what you need to celebrate a special occasion, like Scouts first birthday or Bellas graduation from obedience school. Dont forget the party hats!

For a particularly well-behaved dog, youll want to find a gift, too.

Also Check: Restaurants That Host Birthday Parties

What Ingredients Should I Look For In Healthy Dog Treats

When shopping for healthy dog treats, you need to look for several ingredients:

  • Real Meat. Real meat gives dogs all the protein they need if given in the right amounts. Some dog food fails to provide all of the protein a dog needs through the use of meat, and offering dogs treats made of real meat can help offset that need for protein.
  • Vegetables. Vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals to dogs. Things like pumpkin and blueberries are fantastic additions to dog treats.
  • Grains. Contrary to the wide held belief that dogs need grain-free food, only about 20% of all dogs are allergic to grains. In fact, grains offer healthy fats and fiber that aid digestion, skin health, and brain and eye function.

Special Desserts For A Dog Birthday

Since dogs always watch us eat cake on our birthdays, it is only right to surprise them with a make shift dog birthday dessert that is safe for them. There are many safe ways to make your dog a dessert on their birthday. Using simple ingredients such as greek yogurt, peanut butter, pumpkin puree and unsweetened applesauce can make for a quick and easy cake recipe for dogs. Using these types of ingredients can make your dogs birthday sweet, without all the dangerous ingredients and additives that are commonly found in human cakes. Along with cake, homemade ice cream recipes for dogs can also be a tasty treat they can enjoy. Using ingredients you may already have at home, pups can enjoy recipes of this treat specialized for their specific dietary needs.

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Fun Gift Ideas For Your Dogs Birthday

Celebrating your dogs birthday is a fun tradition that your dog will truly appreciate. And while most toys and treats are fine, you may be wanting to find something extra special for your furry friend. We made this list to make it easier for you to find the ultimate dog birthday gift. Heres a list of 20 Unique Gift Ideas for your Dogs Birthday:

Dog Birthday Cake & Cupcake Homemade Recipes

DIY DOG TREATS

Whats that? You say your dog is spoiled? Perfect, youve come to the right place. Because we dont think your dog is spoiled enough!

Which is why we have the most incredible birthday cake recipes for your dog. Theyre delicious , and a great way to celebrate another year with your BFFF .

We believe the best dog foods are the ones made at home with love. So when youre done making pupcakes learn how to make homemade dog food with a crockpot.

Picture: Moms & Munchkins

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What Ingredients Should I Avoid Healthy Dog Treats

Some ingredients should not be on the ingredient list of healthy dog treats. Those ingredients are:

  • Added Sugar. A sweetener is often used in dog treats, but it is not necessary. Added sugars can cause obesity, arthritis, and allergies.
  • Salt. Salt may also be listed as sodium chloride, sea salt, or iodized salt, and it is an essential nutrient. However, it is easy for dogs to overconsume, which can cause excess water intake, dry mucous membranes, and restlessness.
  • Corn. Cornis often used as a cheap replacement for meat but has much less nutritional value. This will be commonly found in budget dog food and treats.
  • Dairy. Dairy is a common allergen in dogs. It can cause itchiness and digestive irritation and has no place in healthy dog treats.

Avoid Dangerous Ingredients And Human Food

You may love chocolate, you may think your dog would love a chocolate cake, but never feed chocolate to a dog. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, even in the smallest quantity.

You’ll find some dog cake mixes use carob, like we do with our carob brownie flavor of Pawsome Cake. Carob is a dog-safe alternative to chocolate.

So I can’t stress this enough. Never use chocolate and never feed your dog chocolate.

Other toxic foods to avoid include raisins, which many people like to put in a carrot cake. So if you are making a carrot cake for your celebration, please skip the raisins.

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Is Microcrystalline Safe For Dogs

Microcrystalline cellulose is a form of processed cellulose containing the crystalline regions of cellulose.

Thus, it is a more crystalline product than cellulose.

It lacks odor and taste making it a great stabilizer, thickener, or excipient in pet food products.

According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, microcrystalline cellulose is safe for all animal species including dogs.

Its use in animal nutrition doesnt raise any concern for consumer safety.

The conclusion was arrived at after peer-reviewed scientific papers and risk assessments conducted by EFSA and other expert bodies.

Testing of the MCC showed that its manufacture meets the specification stipulated for its use as a food additive.

It has the correct pH , water-soluble matters , sulfated ash , carboxyl groups , and loss on drying .

Other tests on arsenic, heavy metals, chromium, and nickel showed concentrations below the limits required.

It is clear that microcrystalline cellulose is safe for our furry friends.

The relevant authorities havent necessarily given the minimum or maximum content to use.

This is because the research found out that setting a maximum amount is not necessary.

It is low in toxicity, isnt absorbed in the gut, and offers very low resistance to digestion.

All these reasons make it safe for use in any amount.

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Oat And Apple Dog Pretzel Treats

DIY No Bake Birthday Cake for Dogs

With chewy rolled oats and fruity applesauce, these pet-approved pretzels by the Cookie Rookie are sure to have even the most stubborn pups sitting and staying. The treats even use gluten-free flour so theyre healthy and hearty. Also, find out whether dogs can eat strawberries or not.

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Is Microcrystalline Cellulose Safe For Dogs

As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Commercial pet foods have made pet ownership convenient.

Legit pet food manufacturers have done a hard job of creating nutritious, delicious, and affordable foods for our four-legged friends.

They have carried out study after study to determine what pets need to grow and blossom well.

Now, regardless of your dogs medical condition, size, and age, among other factors, you can get the diet that is ideal for her.

To make dog food yummy and nutritious for dogs, manufacturers experiment with different ingredients all the time.

Some of them are genuinely good for your pet while some are downright toxic.

It is thus necessary to question every ingredient added to your pets food to ascertain if it is safe for her or not.

You have to go through dog food labels and determine their safety or lack thereof.

Today we look at microcrystalline cellulose.

If you are wondering if your dog can have it, we have answered the question for you.

Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Pupcakes

If youre hosting a party for your dogs cakeday, sometimes its easier to make cupcakes instead of trying to cut up a full sized cake . Pupcakes are a perfect solution, especially for portion control. Also I should mention that these are quite good yes, I tried one or maybe a few.

Picture: The Brown Eyed Baker

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Pumpkin Banana Dog Cupcakes

Not only will your dogs love pumpkin banana pupcakes theyre a great breakfast item for you as well. Using oat flour, honey, banana, peanut butter, and a little pumpkin pureee, its actually a delicious cupcake with a healthy twist. If your dog has a sensitive tummy, overweight, or still a puppy then exclude the honey and frosting from this recipe.

Picture: Love From The Oven

The Best Healthy Dog Treats: Our Top 8 Picks Reviewed

How To Make a Meat Birthday Cake For Dogs | DIY Dog Treats

By Katelyn Son | Updated December 14, 2022

  • Use code VETERINARIANS30 for 30% off
  • 100% WILD CAUGHT, SUSTAINABLY SOURCED WHITE FISH: Product of Europe, packed in the USA.
  • JUST ONE INGREDIENT: This high-protein treat is made with 100% white fish, that’s it!
  • HEALTHY TREAT: This high-protein treat is easily breakable for portion control and is low in calories.

Read Also: Birthday Party Activities For Toddlers

Frozen Watermelon Dog Treats

There are so many creative ways to eat watermelon and now you can add these tangy treats to the list. Just make sure you use seedless watermelon since those pesky black seeds can make your dog sick.

Check out these sweet potato dog treats that are perfect for your pup.

Whip Up A Fruit Salad

There are no hard and fast rules about what constitutes a doggie birthday cake so why not make a fruit salad instead?! Fruit is typically safe for dogs to eat .

Safe fruits include apples, bananas and watermelon.

Chop them up into a colorful, delicious, healthy serving for the birthday dog. Here is a list of dog-friendly human food.

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The Purpose Of Microcrystalline Cellulose In Dog Food

Cellulose is the carbohydrate that gives plants strength and rigidity.

It is found in the cell wall of plants where it is extracted and added to pet foods.

The carbohydrate is made up of glucose molecules that dogs cannot digest as they lack the necessary enzymes to break it down.

That is a good thing as it means cellulose passes the GI tract unchanged.

When added to dog food, it doesnt add any calories to the food.

For pet parents looking for a weight control tool for their pets, feeding cellulose-packed foods can do the trick.

Cellulose is technically an insoluble fiber since it doesnt dissolve in water but excels at absorbing it.

Due to this, it is great at helping dogs produce good stools .

Additionally, it can shorten the transit time of the gut contents thereby helping them move along smoothly.

Ultimately, the digestive tract will have a consistent fecal volume and frequent bowel movements.

Lastly, the addition of cellulose to dog food may also reduce dental plaque and gum inflammation.

It does this by altering the texture of food increasing its chewing time and elasticity thus mechanically cleansing the teeth.

How Do You Make Healthy Dog Treats

Dog safe peanut butter carrot cake

There are many homemade dog treat recipes. To make healthy dog treats at home, all you need are a couple of dog-friendly ingredients. Here is a simple homemade dog treat recipe for healthy peanut butter & pumpkin dog treats.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F .
  • Combine flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl stir with a spatula until combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a work surface and work it with your hands until the mixture starts to come together
  • Add 1 teaspoon of water at a time to help make the dough workable, but donât add too much as it should be dry and stiff.
  • Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until dog treats are golden brown and crunchy, about 40 minutes. Let cool before serving to your dog.

You can serve the treats once they cool down or store them in an air-tight container.

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Don’t Forget About The Humans

Aside from an afternoon of cute dog shenanigans, you have to give your human guests some incentive to come to the puppy party, too. Enter, delicious party foods and drinks. Whip up a few party favorites like chicken wings, spinach, and artichoke dip, and deviled eggs, serve beer, wine, orif you’re really into the party themea custom cocktail in honor of your doggy’s day.

  • 08 of 10

    @wagbooth / Instagram

    Strike a paws! Make your own photo booth backdrop, grab some props , and get ‘gramming! Have your guests upload their photos to Instagram or Facebook with a custom hashtag , so you can see all of the fun in one place.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.

  • 09 of 10

    @caseythecollie / Instagram

    The best part of these dog-friendly party games is that they’re actually basic training techniques disguised as fun! Make sure you have plenty of toys for games like hide-and-seek and fetch, which help dogs practice commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “fetch.”

    If you really want to take your puppy party games to the next level, try a round of Snoopy Says. Like the human version, Simon Says, participants listen to commands and make certain movements. The last pupper standing wins!

    Continue to 10 of 10 below.

  • What To Serve Your Dog For Their Birthday

    Throwing your pup a birthday party? You’re not alone. Nearly 10 million Americans celebrate a dog’s birthday each year.

    Many of them want to serve a birthday cake at the celebration. Many also worry about what to serve their dog for their birthday. They worry about feeding their dog something unhealthy, that might be bad for them or that they simply won’t like.

    We’ve got the solution.

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    What Are The Benefits Of Healthy Dog Treats

    Healthy dog treats are beneficial for dogs. Here is a closer look at some of the pros of giving your dog healthy treats:

    • Bonding. Using healthy dog treats to bond with your dog is a fantastic way to build trust in the relationships between you and your dog. The added benefit of providing them with valuable nutrients is just a bonus.
    • Training. Dog treats are arguably the best way to train a dog. The positive reinforcement tactics associated with giving a treat for a job well done can be enhanced with healthy dog treats. This way, instead of merely receiving empty calories for performing a trick or obeying a command, they can receive a treat that offers them extra valuable nutrients.
    • Extra Nutrition. Healthy dog treats offer more nutrition on top of the nutrition they receive from their regular food. This can mean extra protein, fiber, vitamins, and even probiotics in a dogâs daily nutrition intake coming in the form of treats.

    However, using healthy dog treats should be mindful. For example, you need to keep your dogâs treat intake to no more than 10% of its daily calories. This helps prevent unwanted weight gain.

    Also, if a dog eats too many treats, it can start to refuse its regular food. This can cause a host of issues but is easy to avoid if the treats are given in moderation, and the dog recognizes early on that it must work for them instead of expecting them.

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