If your canine friend is a picky eater, then this article is just what you were looking for. Some dogs have particular preferences when it comes to their food and what treats they like as their reward. I mean, some might say dogs eat even their own faeces, so to question their preferences is already weird enough.

Well, all right. But at the end of the day, we can’t help but wonder what gets our four-legged friends’ stomachs growling, and we felt compelled to find some answers. Your pooch might go with the usual fare, sure, but you could also be surprised to find they prefer some of the strangest, most accessible snackable items.

Peanut butter

Well, you can find peanut butter in dog foods, especially since it’s so high in protein and healthy fats. But the question is, how about sharing the same stuff you spread on the toast? Well, don’t let strong reactions fool you, since most dogs adore a lick of the sticky stuff, despite their struggle. And let’s be honest, it’s also very funny to watch.

Corn on the cob

Some dogs might develop allergies to corn, but these natural scavengers will go to town on a corn cob and love the energy-boosting carbohydrates. Why wouldn’t they, after all? If you really think it’s funny watching a human work a row and rotate just like an old-fashioned typewriter, then let your canine go for a spin.

Carob

If you’re anything like me, then you also went through a “replace chocolate with carob, it’s better for you” phase, which obviously didn’t last. But, since chocolate isn’t too conducive for canines, you can now let the chocolate replacement go to the dogs.

In fact, not only do most dogs love it as a treat, but it’s also good for them. You can make them a carob cake, or simply let them eat the pods. Zoe the dog, for instance, keeps her carrot all to herself. Is yours the same?

Broccoli

Do dogs love broccoli? Yes, they do. All those years, our parents told us to eat our vegetables, and now you know something that back then you never even thought of: that you could have been slipping them under the table to a four-legged co-conspirator. What a waste, right?

Flies

Well, all right. This might not be the most filling or nutritious snack, we know. However, dogs seem to love both the chase and the reward. Flies are very small, as we all know, and sometimes we might not be so sure why our four-legged friends are so frenetically craning their necks and jerking about.

However, maybe a slow-motion camera installed in your kitchen will help you get funny snapshots of your dog chasing a fly in real time!

Cabbage

Well, no one would have guessed that our dogs can be so innately health-conscious. You can leave the salad supplement on the table as you prepare for dinner, and your beloved dog might simply decide it will end up on their menu, instead.

Ice cubes

It’s basically only frozen water. Yet, many dogs love to crunch and munch on this ice. In fact, multiple studies came out, raising concerns about stomach issues and bloat. Luckily, they have long been dismissed. Turning water from liquid to frozen is probably the cheapest, most effective treat you can offer your best friend, and it’s also refreshingly perfect on a hot day!

Moths

Well, moths are definitely larger than flies and a bit more fulfilling, and they seem to provide continuous moments of joy for any playful puppy, especially when the moth tries to hide on its attacker’s back. The real question is, do they really want to eat them, or is it simply the thrill of the hunt? You get to decide.

Bananas

If your beloved buddy is athletic, high energy, and hardworking, then feel free to give him a little banana and fruits with those vegetables. Why not, after all? As a matter of fact, it’s quite an easy item to take along for a walk or a long hike.

Besides, it also serves as a shareable treat for the two of you. In case you decide to brainstorm other weird ideas, don’t just assume that lemons will automatically make the list of treats your dog prefers.

As a general rule, they hate the smell and taste of citrus. Nevertheless, it should be noted that their reactions are quite entertaining. You only have to make sure you follow up any lemony teasing with a real, tasty treat!

What else can they eat? Healthy treats version

Protein

Treating your beloved friend to lean meat is a surefire way to grab their attention, but also to keep them feeling fuller for much longer. For instance, plain boiled chicken breast with no added seasoning or even oils is a wonderful, healthy snack.

It enhances muscle growth, is quite gentle on the stomach, and on top of everything, the omega-6 fatty acids it has help keep their skin and coat super healthy. You can also try giving your dog some salmon, since it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

However, it’s worth mentioning that it is much higher in fat, and ideally, it should be given occasionally, and in very small amounts. Also, try to avoid giving your dog processed meats high in fat and salt.

Kibble

If your dog is on a prescribed diet, or even a special low-fat one, then giving them a bit of their regular, dry food can be a wonderful way to reward them without risking their health. Even if they’re not on a particularly special diet, it’s still a good way to give them a snack that’s low in calories. You always want to make sure that what you give them is included in their daily allowance.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin and squash are packed with fiber and vitamins that will keep your dog satisfied with his treats while also giving them a healthy-looking coat. You can also simply cook the flesh of these fruits, as long as you remove the seeds and rind too. You can give your dog unsweetened tinned pumpkin.

Apple

Apple slices are yet another tasty, crunchy treat for your little pet. They are full of fiber and nutrients, which prove to be so efficient for your dog’s breath. Apples are quite high in sugar, so they should be fed in moderation. Also, always give apple slices, since a whole apple could be just a choking hazard. The pips should be, at all times, removed, since they can be quite poisonous if ingested in large amounts or if eaten regularly.

The healthiest way to help your dog lose weight

Even if obesity is an extremely serious issue for canines, both diet and exercise are fairly important in helping your dog lose weight. At the same time, it is also important to remember that weight is always something that needs to be done in a gradual, very gentle way. Make sure you always speak to your vet about the most efficient ways to help your dog lose weight.

If you found this article useful, you should definitely check: Love Dogs but Can’t Handle All the Fuzz? These Short-Haired Dog Breeds Are the Perfect Solution!