15 Healthy Snacks Dogs and Cats Love (And Which Ones to Avoid)
There's this special feeling every pet parent gets when giving their pet a snack and seeing the joy in their behavior. Snacks like treats help build trust, support training, and create some of the most bonding moments you'll have with your pet.
But the thing is, not all treats are created equal. Even some harmless human foods can be very dangerous to your pet, while others are safe, nutritious, and even very good for their health.
Here is a list of 15 healthy pet snacks your dog and cat will actually love, plus the ones you should never give them.
Healthy Snacks for Dogs
1. Carrots: Very crunchy, low in calories, and packed with beta-carotene. Dogs love the texture, and chewing on raw carrots can even help scrape away plaque on their teeth. It is also a great snack for dogs watching their weight.
2. Apples: Apples are sweet, rich in fiber, and a great treat option that dogs actually enjoy. Just remove the seeds and core, because apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds that build up if eaten regularly.
3. Blueberries: Small, easy to toss, and loaded with antioxidants. Blueberries are one of the easiest "superfood" snacks you can give without any prep work.
4. Pumpkin: Plain, cooked, unsweetened pumpkin is a perfect snack that also supports digestion. It's often used to settle upset stomachs and add fiber to a dog's diet. But avoid pumpkin pie filling; it's loaded with sugar and spices dogs don't need.
5. Plain Cooked Chicken: Simple, lean protein that dogs do not joke about. Just keep it unseasoned, with no salt, garlic, or onion powder, which are common in seasoned chicken.
6. Sweet Potatoes: Cooked and mashed or cut into small pieces, sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense treat that are highly rich in vitamins and fiber. Here is a little secret: do you know that many commercial dog treats use sweet potato as a base ingredient for good reason? Well, now you know. We gat you.
7. Commercial Dog Treats: Purpose-made dog snacks are made specially for dog nutrition, balanced, safe, and often made to support things like dental health or joint function. Here is a quick tip: look for treats with real meat as the first ingredient and minimal fillers.
Healthy Snacks for Cats
8. Cooked Salmon: They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids; cooked salmon also supports skin and coat health. But always serve it to your cat cooked and boneless; raw fish carries parasite and bacteria risks.
9. Cooked Chicken: Plain, unseasoned chicken is packed with good protein and can be used as a treat as well, because cats can't resist a well-cooked chicken. As natural carnivores, cats genuinely benefit from high-protein diets and snacks like this.
10. Sardines: They’re small fish with a big nutritional payoff; sardines are rich in omega-3s and generally well-tolerated. Stick to sardines packed in water, not oil or sauce, and keep portions small due to their fat content.
11. Freeze-Dried Meat Treats: These retain most of the nutritional value of raw meat while being shelf-stable and convenient. This is a good option, especially for cats that prefer the taste and texture of "real" meat over processed treats.
12. Cooked Turkey: Is a lean, easily digestible protein alternative to chicken. Great for cats with chicken sensitivities or just for variety.
13. Cat Treats Formulated for Dental Health: Specially made cat treats to help reduce plaque buildup while also serving as a reward. These are a smart way to support oral health without an extra step in your routine.
Snacks Both Dogs and Cats Can Enjoy
14. Cooked Plain Eggs: Eggs are a complete protein source that is loved by dogs, cats, and even humans. Always serve them fully cooked; raw eggs carry salmonella risk and can interfere with biotin absorption over time.
15. Seedless Watermelon: Mostly a dog favorite, watermelon is hydrating and naturally sweet, a great hot-weather treat. Many cats simply won't be interested, since they don't seek out sweet flavors the way dogs do. Always remove seeds and rind.
Snacks to Avoid
Some human foods are genuinely dangerous, not just not ideal but actively harmful.
- Chocolate toxic to both cats and dogs
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs
- Onions: damages red blood cells
- Garlic toxic in concentrated amounts
- Xylitol a sugar substitute that's deadly to dogs, even in small amounts
- Alcohol extremely toxic, even in tiny quantities
- Caffeine affects the heart and nervous system
- Macadamia nuts toxic specifically to dogs
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injury
Whenever you’re in doubt, skip it. The risk almost never outweighs the reward of sharing.
Check out our blog on Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dogs and Cats for more foods you should never give to your pet.
How Often Should You Give Treats?
A good rule of thumb: the 90/10 rule. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your pet's daily caloric intake, with the remaining 90% coming from a balanced, complete meal.
How much that actually translates to depends on your pet's size, age, and activity level. A large, active dog can handle more treats than a small, sedentary senior cat.
Whenever you’re in doubt, we recommend you ask your vet for advice, especially if your pet has any health conditions like obesity or diabetes.
To explore more about treats, read our blog on How to Use Pet Treats Properly: Best Treats for Dogs and Cats
Healthy snacks are one of the simplest, most enjoyable ways to reward your pet, support training, and strengthen the bond you share, as long as they're chosen carefully and given in moderation.
If you're looking for pet treats, considering where to buy pet essentials in Nigeria, or searching for an online pet store in Nigeria, Petrite offers a wide selection of dog treats, cat treats, and everyday essentials to support happy, healthy pets, delivered nationwide.