As a dog owner, you always want to provide your furry friend with the best care possible. Aside from a balanced diet, treats are an excellent way to keep your dog happy and healthy. However, with so many options on the market, you might be wondering which ones are safe and nutritious for your dog.
Luckily, there are many healthy and tasty homemade dog treats that you can make with simple ingredients. With a little bit of time and effort, you can assure your dog will love these treats and keep them coming back for more.
Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats
Peanut butter and bananas are classic dog treat ingredients, and your furry friend will undoubtedly love this tasty mix. These treats are easy to make and only have three ingredients - ripe bananas, peanut butter, and oat flour.
Ingredients:
- 2 overripe bananas
- 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups of oat flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter until combined.
3. Add the oat flour to the wet mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out to around 1/4 inch thickness and then cut into your desired shape. Place the cut-out cookies onto a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Carrot and Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Carrots are a great source of fiber and vitamins for your dog, while sweet potatoes add a bit of sweetness and nutrition. This simple recipe only requires five ingredients and will make plenty of treats that will last your pup for weeks.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of grated carrots
- 1/2 cup of cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and oats.
3. Add in the grated carrots, mashed sweet potato, and water.
4. Mix until a dough forms. Add more water if needed.
5. Roll the dough out to around 1/4 inch thickness and then cut into your desired shape. Place the cut-out cookies onto a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until slightly browned. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cheesy Dog Biscuits
Most dogs love cheese, and this cheesy dog biscuit recipe will undoubtedly become one of their favorites. It only requires five ingredients, and you can customize it by using different types of cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, and cheese.
3. Add in the applesauce and chicken broth.
4. Mix until a dough forms. Add more chicken broth if needed.
5. Roll the dough out to around 1/4 inch thickness and then cut into your desired shape. Place the cut-out cookies onto a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until slightly browned. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Blueberry and Mint Dog Treats
Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, while mint freshens your dog's breath. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days, as the blueberries give a refreshing taste to the treats.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of oat flour
- 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven at 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, blueberries, and mint.
3. Add in the applesauce and water.
4. Mix until a dough forms. Add more water if needed.
5. Roll the dough out to around 1/4 inch thickness and then cut into your desired shape. Place the cut-out cookies onto a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until slightly browned. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
In conclusion, these homemade dog treats are an excellent way to provide your furry friend with healthy, tasty, and safe treats. By using simple ingredients that you probably already have at home, you can save money and ensure that your dog is eating nutritious snacks. Remember to always supervise your dog while eating treats and adjust the portion size accordingly to your dog's size and weight.