All pets—and many people—love indulging in special treats. However, as your pet ages, they may be unable to digest decadent treats high in calories or fat. And, if your senior pet has a chronic medical condition, such as kidney failure, diabetes, or liver disease, many commercially produced treats may be off-limits. To spoil your senior pet safely, learn to choose the best treats for their health condition. Plenty of tasty options are available, regardless of their medical problem, provided you research. Here are five ways to choose safe treat options for senior pets with health issues.

#1: Rule out treats that can worsen your pet’s chronic condition

Like people, pets should follow strict diets if they have a health condition. Whether your pet is overweight or has a propensity to develop pancreatitis, its diet should be adjusted accordingly. Following are examples of conditions and the details of appropriate treats:

* Pets with late-stage kidney failure should have treats low in protein.

* Pets with diabetes should have treats high in fiber and low in calories and sugar.

* Pets with pancreatitis should have treats low in fat.

* Pets who are overweight or who have osteoarthritis or heart disease should have treats that are low in calories, fat, sugar, and salt.

* Pets with allergies should have treats with limited ingredients.

If you’re uncertain which treats should be avoided because of your pet’s chronic condition, speak with your primary care veterinarian.

#2: Stick to healthy snacks when sharing people's food with your senior pet

Although refraining from slipping your furry companion some pizza crust or a slice of bacon can be challenging, you can feed your pet better options. Avoid giving into their begging gaze, and share fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean meats instead—these “people foods,” like raw carrot and broccoli, are an excellent, healthy choice, so long as your senior pet has no problem chewing on them. Safe foods for pets include:

* Carrots

* Broccoli

* Cauliflower

* Green beans

* Peas

* Bananas

* Berries

* Melons

* Turkey or chicken breast

* Fish

When choosing fresh foods for your pet, keep a few rules in mind:

* Fresh is always best for fruits and veggies—canned options should not include salt or additional juice. 

* Introduce new foods slowly, in small amounts, to ensure your pet doesn’t get an upset stomach from a diet change. 

* Feed only small amounts of fruit, often high in sugar and calories.

* Cook your pet’s chicken, turkey, or fish with no seasoning.

#3: Avoid treats that are too difficult to chew or digest easily

Many senior pets suffer from gastrointestinal issues or dental disease, so digesting or chewing treats is difficult. In these cases, avoid treats that are hard, crunchy, or high in fat or artificial ingredients. 

#4: Make your senior pet treats from their regular food

If your senior pet has a medical condition, they may be on a prescription diet. But, you can make them a simple, safe treat from their diet, especially from a canned formula. Roll out your pet’s canned food to a quarter-inch thickness, cut out fun-shaped treats, and bake them at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until they reach the desired texture. You can also cut up small morsels of canned food and freeze them for a cool summer treat.

#5: Search for treats that offer your pet multiple benefits

As your pet ages, you want to ensure they’re in the best health possible, and treat supplements can help. Many treats offer numerous health benefits, making them more than a simple snack for your furry pal. Depending on your pet’s condition—for example, joint health, bad breath, or cognitive function—you can find treats that will provide a boost.

Your senior pet may have a medical condition, but that doesn’t mean they must give up treats. Many safe options are available. Contact our telehospice service if you have questions about the proper diet to help support your senior pet’s health.