healthy dog snacks

Question
Hey I was just wondering if you knew of any foods for dogs that would act as a treat but are healthy,don't make my dog gain weight,get sick,but help to keep my dog active and healthy.Something that would be easy to make or buy.And would suite an 8 year old dog(in human years)

Answer
All treats can make a dog gain weight, because all food has at least some calories.  If you give treats, you subtract that amount off the normal amount of food you give him.  If you give a handful of treats a day, feed a handful less of dog food.

Look for treats that are all natural and have no junk like by-products, sugar, or preservatives.  If the dog has any allergies to corn/wheat/soy, avoid those.  I prefer to buy grain-free treats.  Some treats you can give in small amounts: Pieces of boiled chicken, pieces of apples or carrots, crackers like Wheat Thins, etc.

Some GOOD treats in stores are: Newman's, Zukes, Blue Buffalo biscuits, Bravo Treats, Grizzly Treats, Innova Evo biscuits, Old Mother Hubbard.  There are also treats that contain joint supplements like glucosamine that would be good for your large-breed dog.  

BAD treats: (because they contain sugar, by-products, artificial colors or preservatives) Snausages, Pupperoni, Purina T-Bonz and Beggin Strips, Milk Bones, Canine Carry Outs, etc.  These types of treats are like junk food for dogs.