Even though we work hard to choose better food for ourselves, a lot of the time we forget to look at ingredients when it comes to our pets. Did you know you can make dog treats?
You’ve probably heard the argument that spending a little but of money now on your health (buying and growing healthy food)will save you a whole lot of money later by avoiding prescriptions and doctor visits. The same goes for your pets.
Yet, making dog treats at home can be cheaper than buying them at the store!
I started making my own dog food a few years ago for our chocolate Labrador. I also make my own dog shampoo.
Making your own pet products can be super frugal. Obviously, that depends on the ingredients that you choose, but I’ve found that the treats are definitely a money saver.
Plus, you are in charge of the ingredients!
Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats
If you haven’t before, you should look at the ingredients on your favorite dog treat bag. A lot of companies are realizing that healthier ingredients are selling and they’re making the change. That’s super encouraging! Especially on those days when you want to pick up some treats because you just don’t have time to make any (though these are really fast and easy to make).
Even the more health conscious brands often add unhealthy preservatives. Others use bleached or unhealthy byproducts. It’s just healthier all around to make your own.
Let’s move on to the ingredients you’ll need for these recipes. Remember, you won’t need all of these ingredients. These are for all three recipes, but this will give you a better idea of what a great dog biscuit or dog treat needs.
- ground oats
- cheddar cheese
- coconut oil
- milk
- peanut butter
- pumpkin puree
- unbleached wheat flour
As you can see, these are healthy, whole food ingredients. You can also exchange peanut butter or pumpkin puree with bananas as an alternative.
I’m all about keeping things simple, so the different recipes that I’ve tweaked and made into my own were because I wanted them to be more simple or more healthy.
I know you’re looking for the same thing so don’t worry. I got it taken care of and tested for you!
Dog Treat Recipe #1 – Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
This recipe has just 4 ingredients: peanut butter (natural without all the added sugar), oat flour, and an egg. It’s really easy to make and will bake in the oven for about 18 minutes.
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Equipment
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter , natural
- ½ cup ground oats or oat flour
- 1 medium egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine all three ingredients in a small glass bowl and stir until well combined.
- Use hands to fully incorporate dough and then spread on a flat surface. You can do this with your hand or a rolling pin. It doesn't really stick like other doughs because of the oil content.
- Cut into bite sized pieces and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 18 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Remove from the baking sheet and allow to fully cool. Store in an air tight container for 2 weeks. Place container in the fridge to extend shelf life.
I’ve kept these on my counter in a sealed jar for 2 weeks before, but they will last longer in the refrigerator. Out of the three recipes, they tend to be the driest and can last a bit longer. This is why I usually make one batch at a time and the size of the batch isn’t huge.
This makes 7 ounces when weighed. The dough forms into the size of a baseball. The number of treats will vary, depending on the thickness that you roll them out to and the size of the cuts that you make them. I make these about the size of a nickel.
Dog Treat Recipe #2 – Homemade Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats
This recipe makes a chewy, yummy dog treat. My dog inhales and swallows many dog treats whole. She tends to chew these instead.
With just 4 ingredients, these are easy to make and your pet will love them.
Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats
Equipment
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- ½ cup unbleached all purpose flour
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk OR pumpkin puree OR Peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine all ingredients in a small glass bowl and stir until well combined.
- Use hands to fully incorporate dough and then spread on a flat surface. You can do this with your hand or a rolling pin. This batch will be stickier. Don't be afraid to use more flour. Really flour the surface and the top before rolling.
- Cut into bite sized pieces and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Remove from the baking sheet and allow to fully cool. Store in an air tight container in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Because of the cheese content, you need to keep these in the refrigerator.
Dog Treat Recipe #3 – Pumpkin Ginger Dog Treats
If I open a can of pumpkin puree, I like to use it all. This recipe uses a 1/2 cup. I will use the remainder in these amazing chocolate chip peanut butter muffins or in pumpkin spice soap.
Again, only 4 ingredients (Yes, I like to keep things simple). These are easier to roll out than the cheddar dog treats and make cute little crackers that are a little softer than the peanut butter dog treats.
Pumpkin Ginger Dog Treats
Equipment
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup ground oats or oat flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine all ingredients in a small glass bowl and stir until well combined.
- Use hands to fully incorporate dough and then spread on a flat surface. You can do this with your hand or a rolling pin. Don't be afraid to use more flour while rolling.
- Cut into bite sized pieces and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Remove from the baking sheet and allow to fully cool. Store in an air tight container for 1 week. To make them last longer, store them in the refrigerator.
The amount of dog treats you give your dog in a day will depend on the size of the dog. It’s recommended not to give them more treats than 10% of their calorie intake. That’s considering that most treats are not healthy though and these are, so I tend to give her a little more and cut back on her evening meal a little.
Enjoy these recipes! Let us know in the comments how your doggo loves them and any changes you’ve tried.
6 comments
Leave your reply.