Dog Food & Nutrition

Dogs are more than just pets, they’re family. And just like we enjoy homemade goodies, our canine companions appreciate a delicious, homemade treat too! Commercial dog treats often contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients that may not be the best for your beloved pooch. Creating your own dog treats ensures that you know exactly what your furry friend is eating. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding way to bond with your dog.

Here’s a collection of delightful DIY dog treat recipes that are simple to make and packed with ingredients that are both nutritious and tail-waggingly tasty.

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 3/4 cup peanut butter (ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, and water in a bowl and mix until smooth. Gradually mix in the whole wheat flour and rolled oats to form a dough.
3. Roll & Cut: Sprinkle a bit of flour on a flat surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
4. Bake: Place the shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

2. Pumpkin and Apple Doggy Delights

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (pure, not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, applesauce, and eggs until well combined. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and oats until a dough forms.
3. Shape & Bake: Scoop out small spoonfuls and shape into balls or flatten them. Place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the treats are firm. Cool completely before giving them to your dog.

3. Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Prep Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Slice them into 1/4 inch thick slices.
3. Bake: Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, turning them over halfway through. The chews should be dry and shriveled. Let them cool completely before serving.

4. Cheesy Carrot Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, whole wheat flour, and ground flaxseed. Add the water and coconut oil and mix until dough forms.
3. Roll & Cut: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
4. Bake: Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow them to cool before serving.

5. Chicken and Parsley Dog Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and fresh parsley. Add in the egg and water and mix until well combined.
3. Shape & Bake: Roll out the mixture onto a floured surface and cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

6. Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the applesauce and egg. Gradually incorporate the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Add water a little at a time until a dough forms.
3. Roll & Cut: Roll out the dough onto a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out the shapes of your choice.
4. Bake: Place the cut-out shapes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

7. Blueberry and Flaxseed Drops

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine the blueberries and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Add the ground flaxseed and mix well. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and water to form a thick dough.
3. Shape & Drop: Use a spoon to drop small spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before giving them to your dog.

8. Turkey and Rice Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, cooked brown rice, grated carrots, and egg. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and water until a dough forms.
3. Roll & Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
4. Bake: Place the shapes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are firm. Let them cool completely before serving.

9. Cheesy Spinach Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, and egg. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and milk until a dough forms.
3. Roll & Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out shapes.
4. Bake: Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

10. Bacon and Cheese Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (ensure it’s not heavily seasoned or salted)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and egg. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and water until a dough forms.
3. Roll & Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
4. Bake: Place the cut-out shapes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and firm. Cool completely before serving.

Final Tips

• Storage: Store homemade dog treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Some treats can be frozen to extend their shelf life.
• Customization: Feel free to customize these recipes based on what your dog loves. For example, you can substitute different fruits, vegetables, or lean meats.

Nutritional Considerations

Creating homemade dog treats not only allows you to control the ingredients but also can be a wonderful bonding activity. Enjoy making these treats and cherish the joyful moments they bring to you and your furry friend. Happy baking!

While these recipes use dog-safe ingredients, always remember to introduce new treats slowly to your dog’s diet and observe for any adverse reactions. Treats should be given in moderation and should not replace balanced meals.

Creating homemade dog treats can be a gratifying experience. Not only does it ensure that your dog receives healthy and nutritious snacks, but it also allows you to experiment with flavors and ingredients that your dog loves. Plus, the bond you’ll share over these delightful treats is priceless. Happy baking, and don’t forget to sneak in a few extra belly rubs for your furry friend!