8 Natural Snacks To Feed Your Healthy Labrador

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Labradors love treats, just like the rest of us. But it is also important that we give them the right sort of food. Whilst it’s fine to give the occasional dog biscuit, you can also enjoy adding in some healthy, natural alternatives. Here are some fun natural snacks for Labradors that you can share with your furry friend:

1. Raw Carrot

Dogs are big fans of carrots. Crunching down on them will provide a fun distraction, work their jaw muscles and help to get rid of some of the build up around their teeth too!

2. Apple slices

Fruit in large quantities is not good for your dog, but a couple of apple slices will provide a mouth-watering treat. Next time you are slicing up an apple for the kids, why not pick a couple of pieces for your Labrador to enjoy too.

3. Tripe

Your local butcher will be able to provide you with some fresh tripe for your Labrador. It’s very rich so make sure not to give them too much at once – and I also advise wearing gloves. The smell is not nearly as appealing to the human nose as it is to your dog’s! A treat perhaps best given in the garden, but your Labrador will love you even more for having it.

4. Water Melon

Fresh slices of seedless water melon are a brilliant treat for your Labrador, especially on a sunny day. They have a high water content and provide a very refreshing way to keep your dog hydrated.

5. Eggs

Crack a raw egg into your Labradors bowl once or twice a week, and he will be very grateful indeed. Some kibble fed dogs are reluctant to try egg at first, due to the texture being quite different from their normal food. If your dog is unsure then mix it up with a fork first and try tipping a little bit over their normal dried food. This should let him realise what a tasty treat he has in store.

6. Fish skins

For those of you who eat a lot of fresh fish anyway, why not de-skin a couple of fillets before you cook them and put the skins to one side for your dog? If you aren’t a fish fan yourself, but you have a local fishmongers, then they won’t be hard to get hold of by themselves.

7. Pigs ear

Pigs ears are available from most pet stores, and most dogs love them. They are quite tough and chewy, so they will take a lot of dogs a while to wolf down too! They are natural cut-off’s from the butchering process and should contain no additives or preservatives.

8. Steak

We’re ending on a pricier option, but it’s a real trump card. Whether it’s venison or beef, your dog will think he’s hit the jackpot when you share a bit of raw steak with him. Use as a lovely surprise with his dinner, or a brilliant bonus reward for your training.

Stay Safe, Be Sensible

It’s great fun thinking of new treats to give our Labradors, especially when we can make sure that they are full of natural goodness. But it is worth being cautious when you do so. The first time you give your Lab something new, make sure it’s in a very small quantity in case it upsets his stomach.

Some human foods are dangerous when ingested by our dogs. Check out our article on toxic items before trying something new.

And remember – slim labs are healthy labs, so treats and snacks need to be infrequent or deducted from your dog’s overall daily food allowance. Even if they are natural!

What special treats do you give your Labrador Retriever? Why not let us know in the comments box below?

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7 COMMENTS

  1. I am a bit concerned about the idea of giving my 20 month old lab a raw egg. I thought that we shouldn’t give them raw meat or chicken because of salmonella. Raw eggs often contain salmonella. I realize that they survive the strange things they find on their own (baby birds, whatever animal they can catch) but why would I introduce them to something that could possibly have salmonella in it? I give my lab a bit of egg scrambled in a nonstick pan that has been sprayed with oil.

  2. I have a nearly 15 yo Choc Lab, my second Lab. I learned what food hounds they are very quickly so I started giving green beans, carrots & chopped apple for snacks. Then I found if I give two small meals & three snacks (consisting of a little plain yogurt, pure pumpkin & a veggie), that keeps her a lot happier w/much less begging. Thinks she’s getting all these great meals! I also give her supplements to help w/her dementia & GOLPP but she’s doing pretty well for her age. I swear by doing my own cooking for her w/a small amount of grain free kibble……she also gets some commercial treats but I try to keep them to a minimum.

  3. Hi, my lab pup is 5 1/2 months old and i haven’t increased his food since i got him from the breeder 6 weeks ago. he doesn’t always eat all his food but i do give him two biscuits a day and treats for training. he is putting weight on, but he is not fat, defined waist and you can feel his ribs. should i cut his food down a bit as he doesn’t always finish his meals?

    • If your puppy is just the right weight for his size (and he sounds as though he is) then he is eating the right amount. If you reduce the food because he is leaving some in his bowl, then that’s fine as long as you remember to offer him a bit more as he grows. Much more info in How to Feed Your Puppy

  4. If it’s green and crunchy(no seeds) my Jack will eat it. He also likes plain baked sweet potatoes(no skin). I also changed how he eats. I figure if the eat less just more often works for people why not him. We walk a half to full mile 3-4 times a day right after he eats. He’s lost 6lbs in 8wks.

  5. Thanks for reminding me about different treats, I never thought about fish skins, and I’d forgot about raw eggs. Do you think pigs ears would be ok for my lab pup? she’s 13 months old. I used to give them to my other lab but he was 3 when I got him, so I’m always a bit tentative at what I give Alice as extra.
    I always weigh her daily food and treats and she’s a healthy 24 kilos with a nice waist line.
    Thanks for the emails I always find your articles interesting .

  6. I make a rack of beef spare ribs for my Lab Sandy. I freeze them and bring them out for the big treat! She loves them. Thanks for you for your lab site its the best!

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