If you’re like me, you consider your dog a part of your family and want only the best for them. And like our robust and loving Bulldog, Buddha, and Stephanie’s energetic Australian Shepherd, Vivian, your pups probably go gaga for healthy, easy, homemade dog treats!
But have you ever turned a dog treat package around and read the ingredients list? It can be quite alarming to see the number of preservatives, artificial colors, and ingredients you can’t even pronounce. That’s why I began making homemade treats for Buddha and Vivian. Today, I’d love to share some of my go-to recipes with you.
The Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats
Creating treats at home means you know exactly what your furry friend is consuming. It also allows you to avoid potential allergens, customize the ingredients to suit your pet’s preferences and dietary needs, and even save a few bucks!
Essential Ingredients and Those to Avoid
Before we get cooking, let’s talk ingredients. Favorites for dogs often include things like peanut butter, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Remember to always use dog-safe ingredients. Avoid foods toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and excessive salt.
Now, let’s get to the fun part!
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Our pets, especially Buddha, go nuts for these. Pumpkin is great for doggy digestion and peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein.
Hey fellow pet lovers, it’s Jason! If you’re like me, you consider your dog a part of your family and want only the best for them. And like our robust and loving Bulldog, Buddha, and Stephanie’s energetic Australian Shepherd, Vivian, your pups probably go gaga for treats!
But have you ever turned a dog treat package around and read the ingredients list? It can be quite alarming to see the number of preservatives, artificial colors, and ingredients you can’t even pronounce. That’s why I began making homemade treats for Buddha and Vivian. Today, I’d love to share some of my go-to recipes with you.
The Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats
Creating treats at home means you know exactly what your furry friend is consuming. It also allows you to avoid potential allergens, customize the ingredients to suit your pet’s preferences and dietary needs, and even save a few bucks!
Essential Ingredients and Those to Avoid
Before we get cooking, let’s talk ingredients. Favorites for dogs often include things like peanut butter, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Remember to always use dog-safe ingredients. Avoid foods toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and excessive salt.
Now, let’s get to the fun part!
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Our pets, especially Buddha, go nuts for these. Pumpkin is great for doggy digestion and peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Add water as needed to help make the dough workable.
- Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Bake in the preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.
Recipe 2: Chicken and Sweet Potato Jerky
These protein-packed treats are a hit with both Buddha and Vivian.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 sweet potato
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature or use a dehydrator if you have one.
- Slice the chicken and sweet potato thinly.
- Arrange slices on a baking sheet.
- Dehydrate in the oven until completely dry. This might take up to 12 hours depending on your oven.
Recipe 3: Coconut and Blueberry Frozen Treats
Perfect for a hot summer day! Blueberries offer antioxidant benefits and coconut oil is great for your dog’s coat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup coconut oil
- Silicone ice cube tray
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil in a pan over low heat.
- Place a few blueberries in each section of your ice cube tray.
- Pour melted coconut oil over the berries.
- Freeze until solid, pop out, and watch your pup enjoy!
Tips for Storing Homemade Dog Treats
Remember to store these treats correctly. The biscuits and jerky can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, while the frozen treats should remain in the freezer.
So, there you have it! Easy, healthy, homemade treats