We all know how expensive dog treats can be, and very often the ingredients found in shop-bought dog treats are not always healthy for your dog. Unhealthy fillers are sometimes used in commercial dog treats that have little or no nutritional value at all. Furthermore, as with human food, commercial dog treats can have preservatives and food coloring which is not conducive to healthy eating habits for your dog.
By making your own homemade dog treats, you can control what your dog eats, it will most definitely save you money and they will taste a whole lot better – even by human standards.
Below are some recipes that even the novice cook can make. They are quick to make and many contain 5 ingredients or less. Just the mere smell of the preparation of some of these homemade treats will get your dog’s tail wagging.
Remember to always consult your vet when making your own doggie treats.
1PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA FROZEN DOG TREATS
We humans know what a wonderful combination peanut butter and banana is. This treat keeps your dog cool in the raging heat of summer and uses overripe bananas – which often go to waste. Once the mixture is ready, it is poured in ice cube moulds. Adapt the size of the moulds according to your dog’s size. You could even use bone-shaped or paw print moulds.
recipe:munchkinsandmilitary.com
2CARROT OAT APPLESAUCE TREATS FOR DOGS AND HORSES
These delicious treats can be made in 10 minutes and contain all-natural ingredients. They are somewhat chewy – so it gives them something to chew on. Make them according to the size of your dog and you can also be inventive and shape them anyway you want.
recipe:bakingmischief.com
3SPINACH, CARROT AND ZUCCHINI DOG TREATS
These veggie laden treats are delicious. The dough is easy to handle and very pliable which makes it possible to cut out various shapes. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to one week. The baking time depends on the thickness and size of the cookies.
recipe:damndelicious.net
4NUTTY BACON DOG TREATS
This is probably not the healthiest doggie treat but it’s certainly not loaded with preservatives and colorants either. The bacon could be substituted with something similar like cooked ground beef. However, the wheat germ is a good source of roughage and the soy flour adds an extra punch of protein too. This recipe yields approximately 6 dozen 1-inch diameter cookies.
recipe:doghillkitchen.blogspot.com
5GINGER HONEY PUMPKIN DIP
When it’s that time of year and there’s an abundance of pumpkin, make some pumpkin puree and freeze it.
This is a refreshing and healthy pumpkin dip which is delicious served with apples and green beans. Adding ginger to your dog’s diet helps maintain overall good health. More specifically, it has anti-inflammatory properties and drastically lowers blood sugar levels. Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. They are loaded with fibre, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients.
recipe:sugarthegoldenretriever.com
6CHICKEN DOG TREATS
The chicken in these versatile dog treats can be replaced by any meat, such as ground beef. They can be baked into a warm, soft tasty treat or frozen into a delicious snack. The recipe uses rice and rice flour which is an easily digestible carbohydrate which makes it a good source of energy when your dog has an upset tummy or if you are feeding an older dog.
recipe:kolchakpuggle.com
7APPLE CINNAMON DOG TREATS
This is a super quick and easy recipe that is sure to be a hit with your dog. The recipe yields 16-18 cookies and the entire mix has only 400 calories. Although intended for dogs, this recipe is also enjoyed by humans too. They are delicious warm or cold and should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
recipe:twolittlecavaliers.com
8DOG BISCUITS
These dog biscuits are not too salty and contain all-natural ingredients. The ingredients yield approximately 5 dozen biscuits and will soon become a popular treat with your dog. Store them between layers of wax paper or parchment in an airtight container.
recipe:epicurious.com
9BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES FOR DOGS
If sweet potatoes are healthy for humans why wouldn’t they be healthy for dogs too? Sweet potatoes are a source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Most dogs love the chewy sweetness of a dehydrated sweet potato treat. Furthermore, you can rest easy knowing that there are no additives or preservatives. Sweet potatoes are also a source of potent antioxidants that aid in healing and cancer prevention.
recipe:beaglesandbargains.com
10EASY 3-INGREDIENT DOG ICE CREAM
This is a quick and simple recipe using only 3 all-natural ingredients. Yogurt being the main ingredient is rich in calcium, protein and zinc. Yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s digestive system. It also aids in weight-loss by creating a longer lasting “full” feeling in your dog’s stomach. Make sure to only choose yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. For a more savory treat, replace the fruits for bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, a bit of parsley, or add a handful of your dog’s favorite biscuits to the blender.
recipe:curbly.com
