Healthy Homemade Treats for Your Dog: Recipes and Tips
Our furry friends bring so much joy to our lives and deserve the best. Naturally, we want to show them just how much we care. One way to do that? With healthy, homemade dog treats!
Store-bought treats are convenient, but sometimes it’s nice to get creative in the kitchen and whip up something special for your dog with love. There’s also the added bonus of picking exactly what’s in their treat.
Ready to treat your pup to some yummy homemade goodies? Grab your apron, because we’re diving into some simple and nutritious recipes that will have your dog wagging their tail in no time.
Why Homemade Dog Treats?
Having control over what goes into your dog’s treats has many benefits. If your dog has food sensitivities, allergies, or a specific diet, making treats at home is a great way to ensure they get exactly what they need. Plus, they’re often healthier than store-bought varieties, which can be packed with unnecessary ingredients.
Homemade treats also allow you to experiment with flavors and ingredients that your dog loves. You know your dog. Do they go crazy for peanut butter? What about sweet potatoes or pumpkin? You can mix and match to create treats your dog will go wild for!
And of course, there’s the bonus of knowing you’re feeding your pet something wholesome and safe. You can even make treats in bulk and store them in the freezer for easy access, like frozen dog food, but in treat form!
Tips for Making Healthy Dog Treats
Before we get to the recipes, let’s go over a few general tips for making healthy homemade treats:
1. Avoid Toxic Ingredients: Certain foods that are fine for humans can be harmful to dogs. Always steer clear of chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (a sugar substitute found in many foods). When in doubt about any ingredients, double-check that they’re all good before adding them to your dog’s treat.
2. Moderation is Key: While these treats are healthier than store-bought options, they should still be given in moderation. They’re still treats, not meal replacements.
3. Stick to Dog-Safe Flours: Many recipes call for whole wheat flour, oat flour, or rice flour, all of which are typically dog-friendly. Avoid using any kind of flour that could upset your dog’s stomach, like almond flour, unless you’re 1000% sure it’s safe for your pup.
4. Always Watch for Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can have allergies. If you’re trying a new ingredient, start with a small amount and observe how your dog reacts. If they show any signs of digestive upset, skin irritation, or discomfort, discontinue use.
5. Freeze for Longer Freshness: Making a big batch? Consider freezing some treats for later use. Freezing them helps preserve freshness and allows you to store multiple batches without worrying about them going stale.
Now that you’ve got the basic tips in mind, let’s get to the good stuff—the recipes! Here are a few healthy, easy-to-make dog treats your pup is going to love.
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Biscuits
Peanut butter and pumpkin make a delicious and nutritious treat! The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, while the pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestion.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, with no xylitol)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
• 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go, until a dough forms. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to shape it into fun designs—bones, circles, hearts, you name it!
5. Place the cut-out treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Chews
If your dog loves chews, these sweet potato treats are perfect. They’re healthy, long-lasting, and super easy to make!
Ingredients:
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into long, thin strips (about 1/4-inch thick).
3. Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they are dry and slightly crispy.
5. Let the chews cool before giving them to your dog.
Recipe 3: Banana Oatmeal Bites
Bananas are packed with potassium, which is great for muscle function. These banana oatmeal bites are a hit with pups and are loaded with fiber!
Ingredients:
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, no xylitol)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
3. Add the oats, oat flour, and peanut butter, and mix everything together until it forms a dough.
4. Scoop spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Flatten the balls slightly with a fork.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and firm.
7. Let the bites cool before serving.
Store-Bought Options for Busy Days
Homemade treats are fantastic but when you don’t have the time, you need a backup plan. California Dog Kitchen offers delicious frozen dog food options that are nutritious, balanced, and ready to serve. These frozen meals are packed with high-quality ingredients that your dog will love.
You can visit website to explore their range of frozen dog food options and find a convenient and healthy meal for your pup.
Final Thoughts
Making healthy homemade treats for your dog is a great way to create treats that are filled with love and healthier for your dog. Your dog’s taste buds will thank you—and their tail will be wagging, too!
Enjoy making these treats, and happy baking (and snacking)!
