10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love
As a dog owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend is getting the best care possible. This includes providing them with a balanced diet and tasty treats to enjoy. While there are countless commercial dog treats available on the market, many pet owners are choosing to make their own homemade dog treats. Not only does this give you more control over the ingredients, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your pup.
If you’re looking to spoil your dog with some homemade treats, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll share 10 delicious and nutritious homemade dog treat recipes that your pup will love. From savory to sweet, there’s something for every canine palate. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your four-legged friend!
1. Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup natural peanut butter
– 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter and water, and mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the whole wheat flour and rolled oats until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and crispy.
6. Allow the biscuits to cool completely before serving to your dog.
2. Pumpkin and Cheese Dog Treats
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, pumpkin, eggs, and water until a dough forms.
3. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are firm and golden brown.
6. Allow the treats to cool completely before giving them to your dog.
3. Carrot and Apple Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 egg
– 3 cups whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the grated carrots, applesauce, egg, and water until well combined.
3. Stir in the whole wheat flour and rolled oats until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and crunchy.
6. Allow the biscuits to cool before letting your dog enjoy them.
4. Sweet Potato and Blueberry Treats
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mashed sweet potato
– 1/2 cup blueberries
– 3 cups oat flour
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potato, blueberries, and water until well combined.
3. Gradually add the oat flour to the mixture until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly crispy.
6. Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your dog.
5. Chicken and Rice Dog Balls
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1/2 cup grated zucchini
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked brown rice, grated zucchini, chicken broth, and egg until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dog balls are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Allow the dog balls to cool before serving them to your pup.
6. Bacon and Cheddar Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chicken broth, and egg until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and slightly golden brown.
5. Let the biscuits cool completely before giving them to your dog.
7. Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Dog Cookies
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups oat flour
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
– 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, canned pumpkin, natural peanut butter, water, and cinnamon until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and slightly crispy.
5. Allow the cookies to cool before letting your dog indulge in them.
8. Coconut and Honey Dog Bites
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups coconut flour
– 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the coconut flour, melted coconut oil, honey, and eggs until a dough forms.
3. Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
4. Form the dough into small bites and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dog bites are golden brown and firm.
6. Let the bites cool completely before giving them to your dog.
9. Blueberry and Banana Dog Muffins
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups oat flour
– 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
– 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, mashed banana, blueberries, water, and plain yogurt until well combined.
3. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Let the muffins cool before serving them to your pup.
10. Liver and Oat Dog Treats
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked liver, chopped
– 1 1/2 cups oat flour
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, blend the cooked liver until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the liver puree, oat flour, egg, and chicken broth until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly crispy.
6. Allow the treats to cool completely before giving them to your dog.
FAQs
Q: Are homemade dog treats healthy for my dog?
A: Homemade dog treats can be healthy for your dog, as long as they are made with wholesome ingredients and are given in moderation. It’s important to avoid using ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, xylitol, and raisins. Additionally, some dogs may have dietary restrictions or food allergies, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new treats into their diet.
Q: How should I store homemade dog treats?
A: Homemade dog treats should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them fresh. It’s best to store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life, especially if they contain perishable ingredients like meat or dairy. If you plan on making a large batch of treats, you can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
A: While these recipes are designed to be safe and tasty for dogs, you can substitute ingredients based on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs. For example, if your dog has a sensitivity to wheat, you can use gluten-free flour or alternative flours like coconut or almond flour. Just be sure to research any ingredient substitutions to ensure they are safe for dogs to consume.
Q: How many treats can I give my dog each day?
A: The number of treats you can give your dog each day depends on their size, age, and activity level. As a general rule, dog treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Be sure to factor in the calories from the treats when considering their regular meals and snacks.
In conclusion, making homemade dog treats can be a fun and rewarding way to show your furry friend some love. By using wholesome ingredients and following these simple recipes, you can create delicious and nutritious treats that your dog will absolutely adore. Not only will you have peace of mind knowing exactly what your dog is eating, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you made them yourself. So go ahead, grab your mixing bowl and pamper your pup with some homemade goodness!
