When it comes to your dog, you want the best, including what you feed them. To ensure that your dog is getting the best possible treats, you can make them yourself. This way, you can control exactly what goes into them and it will save you money. Here are some tasty homemade treat recipes that your dog will enjoy.
Pumpkin Pupcakes with Strawberry Icing
Dogs love pumpkin it is healthy for them too. Pumpkin contains both beta-carotene and fiber to keep your dog’s digestive tract regular.
Pupcake Ingredients
• 1/2 Cup of Flour
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/8 Cup Oil
• 1/4 Cup Pumpkin
Strawberry Icing
• 1/8 Cup Frozen Strawberries
• 1/8 Cup Pumpkin
• 1 Tablespoon Water
• 1 Tablespoon Flour
Mix all of the ingredients until well blended in a medium-sized bowl. Drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from oven and allow the pupcakes to cool. While they’re cooling, mix the strawberry icing ingredients together in a small bowl and place a dollop on top of each cooled pupcake.
Quick Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Most dogs can’t get enough of peanut butter. If this is the case with your dog, try these quick and easy peanut butter dog treats.
Ingredients
• 2 Cups Flour
• 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 Cup Water
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized bowl, mix your flour, eggs, and peanut butter until they’re just combined. Gradually add your water, one tablespoon at a time until a dough forms. Next, lightly flour your work surface and roll out your dough (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.) Cut out your shapes and place them on a lined baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potatoes are packed full of healthy fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. These healthy chews are also low fat and they last for a long time in an airtight container.
Ingredients and Tools
• Large Sweet Potatoes
• Mandolin or a Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheets and Liners
Start by preheating your oven on its lowest setting. Slice or cut your large sweet potatoes 1/3 inch thick (they lose a lot of their thickness when they dehydrate, so you want to start out thick.) Grease a baking sheet and lay a single layer of your sliced sweet potatoes out on them. Place your baking sheet on the top rack of your oven and bake on the lowest setting, up to 8 hours. The longer the chips bake, the better they come out. Remember to store your treats in an airtight container.
Dog Brownies
Many dogs love chocolate, but it generally isn’t good for them. Treat your dog to these healthy dog brownies that contain no chocolate.
Ingredients
• 1 Can Salmon
• 1 Medium Sweet Potato (pre-baked with the skin still intact)
• 2 Eggs
• 1/3 Cup Coconut Flour
• Coconut Oil to grease your baking sheets
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Get a medium bowl and combine the salmon, two eggs, and the coconut flour. Let your mixture sit for 10 minutes, so the coconut flour soaks up the moisture. Next, remove the skin from the sweet potato and add the skinless sweet potato to the mixture. Grease a 9 by 9-inch pan or a 9-inch pie plate and press your mixture into the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about hour to an hour and ten minutes depending on your oven. For a crunchy treat, bake at 150 degrees for three to four hours. Allow the brownies to cool and slice them into squares. Store the excess brownies in an airtight container.
Pumpkin Carrot Bites
Pumpkin and carrots combine fall flavors that will keep your dog satisfied. These fun bite-sized treats also make an excellent training tool.
Ingredients
• 3/4 Cup Pure Canned Pumpkin
• 1 Egg – Lightly Beaten
• 1/4 Cup Shredded Carrot
• 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Get a large mixing bowl and combine pumpkin, a lightly beaten egg, shredded carrot and flour until the batter is moist and easy to work with. Roll your dough into small balls and place them onto a lightly greased or lined baking sheet. Bake your treats at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. This recipe makes about four dozen treats. Store the pumpkin carrot bites in the refrigerator so they last longer.
Frozen Apple Treats
If you’re looking for a “cool” and healthy snack for your dog, try these frozen apple treats.
Ingredients and Tools
• 2 Large Apples
• 1 Cup Greek Nonfat Plain Yogurt
• Water
• Ice Cube Tray
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Food Processor
• Measuring Cups
Slice your two apples into pieces (make sure to remove all of the seeds and the core.) Combine your apple pieces, yogurt, and a small amount of water in your food processor and blend it until you get a liquid consistency. Pour your apple liquid into your ice cube trays and freeze them for three to four hours. Pop them out and give them to your dog for a healthy, cool treat.
Berry Cheesy Bites
Your dog will love to rise and shine for these berry cheesy bites. They’re a fun breakfast time treat for your dog.
Ingredients
• 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan
• 1 Cup Blueberries – Frozen or Fresh
• 1 Egg
• 1 1/2 Cups Flour
• 1/2 Cup Water
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease or line your baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine your parmesan, blueberries, egg, flour, and water. Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter onto your baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove the berry cheesy bites from the oven and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container to keep fresh.
Vegan, Grain-Free Treats
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, these treats may be a great alternative to give to them.
Ingredients
• 1 Cup Oat or Rice Flour
• 2 Ripe Bananas – Peeled and Mashed
• 1/4 Cup Smooth and Unsweetened Peanut Butter
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and lightly grease or line your baking sheet. Peel your ripe bananas and mash them into the peanut butter until they’re mixed smooth. Slowly add your flour until you’ve mixed it in completely. The dough will get too hard to mix, when this happens use your hands and fold your ingredients until a ball. Chill your dough for 20 minutes and roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface. When your dough reaches 1/2 inch thick, cut out shapes and lay them on your baking sheet. Poke four holes into each treat so steam can escape. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the treats and let them cool completely before you store them.
These treats are healthy and affordable options that your dog is guaranteed to love. You can make them quickly and they can last for months if you store them properly.
