Introduction:
If you are a dog parent, you have probably noticed that your furry friend loves to get treats. And even though you could buy a variety of treats from the store, making homemade treats is a delightful and healthy alternative. By making your own dog treats, you will have control over the ingredients, ensuring that you feed your furry friend a healthy diet. And what’s more, it’s a fun way to bond with your dog.
In this article, we will provide a few recipes for homemade dog treats that are bound to make your furry friend bark for more. We will also discuss the benefits of baking treats for your dog and how to store them adequately.
Why Bake Homemade Dog Treats:
Baking homemade dog treats is an excellent way to ensure your furry friend’s tastes are adequately taken care of. It’s also a great way to control your pup’s diet. When you bake treats homemade, you know exactly what’s in each snack, and you can avoid harmful fillers and preservatives that can be found in store-bought treats.
Additionally, baking homemade dog treats provides your furry friend with some excitement and much-needed mental stimulation. It also doubles up as a bonding activity, and your furry friend can join in on the fun.
Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats:
Before we proceed to the recipes, let’s discuss the ingredients you need for your homemade dog treats. The best place to start is by confirming that your furry friend is not allergic to any of the ingredients you intend to use. Once this is taken care of, here are some of the ingredients you will need:
– Flour
– Rolled oats
– Wheat germ
– Peanut Butter
– Coconut oil
– Pumpkin puree
– Applesauce
– Unsweetened yogurt
– Chicken or beef broth
– Carrots
– Sweet potatoes
– Brown rice
– Cheese
– Eggs
– Oatmeal
Ensure that all the ingredients are natural with no added sugar or unhealthy preservatives.
Recipes:
1. Apple Carrot Dog Treats
These bites provide a perfect crunchy texture that your furry friend will adore.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups oats
– 1/2 cup applesauce
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– An egg
– 2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the applesauce, carrot, egg, and honey in a bowl.
3. Add the oats to the bowl and mix well.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces using a cookie cutter or a knife.
6. Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow the bites to cool before storing them in an airtight container.
2. Peanut Butter Dog Treats
What dog doesn’t love peanut butter? These bites are perfect for natural peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups flour
– 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 egg
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, peanut butter, water, and egg until the dough comes together.
3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
4. Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces using a cookie cutter or a knife.
5. Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Allow the bites to cool before storing them in an airtight container.
3. Chicken and Brown Rice Treats
These treats make for an excellent source of protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown rice
– 1 lb. chicken breast, cooked and chopped into small pieces
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Directions:
1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a bowl, mix the rice, chicken, egg, and parsley until well blended.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces using a cookie cutter or a knife.
6. Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Allow the bites to cool before storing them in an airtight container.
4. Oatmeal and Blueberry Treats:
Blueberries offer antioxidants, while oatmeal provides heart-healthy fiber.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup blueberries
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, mix the rolled oats until a fine powder is formed.
3. In a bowl, mix the applesauce and egg until blended.
4. Add the blueberries and blended oats to the bowl and mix well.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces using a cookie cutter or a knife.
7. Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
9. Allow the bites to cool before storing them in an airtight container.
5. Sweet Potato and Cheese Treats:
Sweet potatoes provide vitamins A and C, and cheese is a bone-strengthening source of calcium.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked sweet potato
– 1/4 cup grated cheese
– 3 cups flour
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl until smooth.
3. Add the grated cheese to the bowl and stir it through.
4. Add the flour to the bowl and mix everything till it forms a dough.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces using a cookie cutter or a knife.
7. Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Allow the bites to cool before storing them in an airtight container.
Storage:
Homemade dog treats should be stored in an airtight container. If you plan to use them for a short time, you can store them in a container that’s at room temperature and place them on a cool, dry shelf. Dog biscuits that are more perishable may need refrigeration. You can store the treats in an airtight Ziploc in the freezer to keep them fresh for a more extended period.
FAQs:
Q1. What ingredients are not safe for dogs in homemade treats?
Ans: Some ingredients, such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, onions, and garlic, are not suitable for dogs. You should avoid using them in your homemade dog treats.
Q2. Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Ans: Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter. However, you should ensure that you give them natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt. Additionally, you should ensure that your dog is not allergic to peanuts.
Q3. Are homemade dog treats better than store-bought treats?
Ans: Homemade dog treats are better than store-bought treats as they provide added benefits. For instance, you can ensure that the treats are natural, with no harmful preservatives and fillers.
Q4. What baking tips should I be aware of when baking homemade dog treats?
Ans: You should ensure that you bake the treats at a temperature lower than 375℉. Additionally, you should avoid using baking powder, soda, or other leavening agents.
Conclusion:
Baking homemade dog treats is an excellent way to bond with your furry friend and provide them with a healthy and natural snack. By making treats at home, you can ensure the ingredients used are healthy and natural, and you can avoid harmful fillers. The recipes provided in this article are a few options to get you started. Remember to store the treats in an airtight container and avoid using harmful ingredients when making them. Enjoy making delicious treats for your furry friend and spending time bonding with them!
