7 Recipes to Help You Create Your Dog Treats at Home

7 Recipes to Help You Create Your Dog Treats at Home

As a dog mom, I want what is best for them, and that includes what they eat. I started to realize that all these cookies and biscuits are probably not the best way to show love to my pup. I started doing some research about healthy alternatives for dogs and was amazed what a little creativity and minimal effort can do! I have tried many different recipes, here are a few of my favorites.

PUMPKIN FREEZER POPS

Ingredients:
– 1 can real Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)*
– Ice cube trays

This is one of my favorite and probably one of the easiest recipes you will find. Grab some ice trays, or buy some new ones in fun shapes, and spoon the pumpkin into the trays. Store remaining pumpkin in the fridge, for another day. Freeze for at least 2 hours and watch your puppy’s eyes light up! You can also mix in yogurt, peanut butter, or banana for a new spin on this treat.

*Be careful not to purchase pumpkin pie filling in a can, it is full of sugar.

FROZEN YOGURT BITES

Ingredients:
– 1 large plain Greek yogurt
– Blueberries
– Strawberries
– Ice trays

Another easy treat to whip together! Mix the yogurt and berries in a bowl and then spoon the mixture into ice trays (or some small paper cups). Freeze for at least two hours and share! You can substitute any fruit. Diced apples, pears or baby carrots work too if that’s what you have on hand.

SWEET POTATO CHEWS

Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato
– Parchment paper

Cut the sweet potato lengthwise into strips no thicker than ¼ inch. Place the strips on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2 hours at 250 degrees. If your pup likes more chew to his potato, add another half hour to cooking time.

FRESH RAW CARROTS

Ingredients:
– 1 bag baby carrots

Most dogs love carrots. Having a bag of carrots on hand is a great way to shower your pup with crunchy, sweet, healthy treats.

CHICKEN JERKY

Ingredients:

– Olive oil, to grease wire rack
– 1 pound chicken breast

Preheat the oven to 250ºF.

Grease a wire rack with olive oil (or coconut oil) and place on top of a cookie sheet. This will allow the air to circulate as the chicken is dehydrating. Set aside. Trim chicken of all visible fat. Slice the chicken 1/8th inch to 1/4 inch thick.

Place the chicken slices on a rack and cook for 2 hours *(check them after an hour and then every thirty minutes or so. Everyone’s oven can vary a little, so after you make them once you can adjust the time as necessary).

Flip them over after 2 hours and continue to dehydrate in the oven for another 45 minutes, or until fully crisp.

WATERMELON SLUSHIES

Ingredients:
– 2 Cups Frozen Watermelon, cubed
– 1/3 Cup Cold Coconut Milk

Add ingredients to the blender and pulse 2-3 times, or until you reach your desired consistency.

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA TREATS

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
– 1 large ripe banana (or 2 medium bananas), smashed

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Blitz the old-Fashioned rolled oats in a blender until you have a fine flour, or, alternatively, use oat flour instead. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, smash the peanut butter and ripe banana. And the oat flour and smash with a fork until the dough is thick and well combined. If it’s crumbly, add 2-4 Tablespoons more peanut butter and recombine. You want the dough to be firm, sticky, and pliable. Roll dough into a thin slab, about approx. 1/4 inch thick, and cut into shapes with a cookie cookie. Alternatively, you can roll them into 1 Tablespoon balls and flatten with your hands for a simple circular cookie. Bake for approx.15 minutes until lightly brown underneath. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before sampling or sharing with your pup! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!

–

Remember to always consult your veterinarian before feeding your pet a new treat if your pet has any medical concerns or allergies. Just a reminder that treats are just that – treats. They are meant to be an occasional way to treat your dog. Every pet is different, so it’s best to consult your veterinarian if you have any dietary concerns.