As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry friend. One way to ensure their well-being is by making your own dog-friendly treats.
Not only does this allow you to control the ingredients, but it also gives you the opportunity to tailor the treats to your dog’s preferences. Whether you have a picky eater or a dog with specific dietary needs, homemade treats provide a healthy and delicious solution. Here, we will share some simple and tasty recipes for you to try!.
1. Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These treats are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Dogs love the taste of peanut butter, and bananas add a natural sweetness.
Ingredients:.
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup unsalted, natural peanut butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions:.
- Mash the ripe banana in a bowl.
- Add the peanut butter and rolled oats to the mashed banana and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
- Place the treats on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours or until firm.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer.
2. Sweet Potato Chews
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamins, making them an excellent choice for homemade dog treats.
Ingredients:.
- 2-3 large sweet potatoes
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into thin, even slices or strips.
- Place the slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
- Bake for about 2-3 hours or until the sweet potatoes are dried and crispy.
- Allow them to cool completely before serving.
3. Chicken and Rice Balls
If your canine companion prefers meaty treats, these chicken and rice balls will definitely satisfy their cravings.
Ingredients:.
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with the cooked rice.
- Add the beaten egg and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until the balls are cooked through.
- Allow them to cool before giving them to your furry friend.
4. Pumpkin and Oat Treats
Pumpkin is not only a tasty treat for dogs, but it also aids with digestion. These pumpkin and oat treats are perfect for sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s plain, unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 cups oats
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix the canned pumpkin puree and melted coconut oil.
- Add the oats to the pumpkin mixture and stir until well combined.
- Roll out the mixture and use a cookie cutter to create attractive shapes.
- Place the treats on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Allow them to cool completely before serving.
5. Apple and Carrot Pupcakes
A twist on traditional cupcakes, these pupcakes contain dog-friendly ingredients and are perfect for celebrating special occasions with your four-legged friend.
Ingredients:.
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, mix the grated carrot, unsweetened applesauce, honey, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and water.
- Fill each cupcake liner with the mixture, about three-quarters full.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a pupcake comes out clean.
- Allow them to cool before frosting or serving.
6. Cheese and Bacon Biscuits
If your furry friend enjoys savory treats, these cheese and bacon biscuits will quickly become their favorite snack.
Ingredients:.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted chicken broth
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, grated cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, unsalted chicken broth, and beaten egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to create biscuit shapes.
- Place the biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
- Allow them to cool completely before serving.
7. Yogurt Drops
Yogurt drops are a refreshing and healthy treat for your canine companion, especially during hot summer months.
Ingredients:.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt and all-natural peanut butter until smooth.
- Using a small spoon or a pastry bag, drop small dollops of the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours or until the yogurt drops are completely frozen.
- Transfer the frozen drops to an airtight container and store them in the freezer.
8. Salmon Bites
This recipe combines the health benefits of salmon with the deliciousness of homemade treats.
Ingredients:.
- 1 can wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the drained and flaked salmon with the egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the oat flour to the salmon mixture, stirring until it forms a thick dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
- Place the salmon bites on the baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Allow them to cool before serving.
9. Carob Peanut Butter Cups
If your doggo has a sweet tooth, these carob peanut butter cups are a healthier alternative to chocolate treats.
Ingredients:.
- 1/2 cup carob powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup unsalted, natural peanut butter
Instructions:.
- In a bowl, mix the carob powder and melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
- Place a small amount of the carob mixture at the bottom of each liner, filling it about one-third full.
- Place the muffin tin in the freezer for a few minutes to allow the bottom layer to set.
- Add a small dollop of peanut butter on top of the carob layer in each liner, leaving room for another layer of carob.
- Finish by adding another layer of the carob mixture on top of the peanut butter.
- Place the muffin tin back in the freezer and allow the cups to set completely.
- Once set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
10. Blueberry Frozen Yogurt
A cold and fruity treat, this blueberry frozen yogurt will keep your dog cool and satisfied on a hot day.
Ingredients:.
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:.