Dogs are members of the family for most dog owners, so it’s only natural to want to give them treats. Unfortunately, many store-bought dog treats may contain unhealthy ingredients or fillers that can end up bad for your dog’s health. Whether you’re a breeder of puppies in Brisbane or a first-time dog owner in Sydney, your dog is counting on you for their health and happiness.
Making healthy dog treats at home is a rewarding and enjoyable task that can help keep your dog’s tail wagging, especially since you have full control over what goes into them. There are plenty of easy recipes for healthy homemade dog treats that you can make at home!
Before getting started, it’s important to note that some dogs may have special dietary needs. It’s a good idea to consult with your vet before making any homemade treats for your dog. Now, let’s get into the recipes:
Doggy Treats You Can Make at Home
Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
These sweet and savoury treats are sure to make your pup happy! All you need are:
- 2 mashed bananas (ripe is best)
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter (make sure it’s all-natural and doesn’t contain xylitol)
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- coconut oil or unsalted butter
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Mash the bananas in a large bowl using a fork or spatula. Mix in the peanut butter and flour together with the bananas until everything is thoroughly combined. Grease an 8×8 baking pan with coconut oil or butter and spread the mixture into the pan evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Once cool, cut into small squares and serve.
Sweet Potato Fries
Who doesn’t love sweet potatoes? Your pup will too! All you need is:
- 1 large sweet potato
- olive oil (or another oil of your choice)
- ground cinnamon (optional)
Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips resembling french fries – as thin as you possibly can without them breaking apart. Place the strips onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle olive oil over the sweet potato fries until they are lightly coated then sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top. Let cool before serving, and don’t be afraid to give these tasty snacks a try yourself.
Carrot Oat Treats
This simple recipe is perfect for those pups who don’t have a sweet tooth! For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 carrot
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter
Start by preheating your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Use a knife to cut about half a centimetre off each end of the carrot. Using a box grater or mandolin, grate the carrot into a large bowl. Mix together the oats, honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon in the bowl until thoroughly combined. Grease an 8×8 baking pan with coconut oil or butter then spread the mixture into the pan evenly using a spatula. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top, then let cool before cutting into small squares and serving!
Frozen Apple Dog Treats
This easy recipe doesn’t even require any kind of cooking, so it’s great for dog parents who are pressed for time. You’ll need:
- 2 apples (we prefer Honeycrisp or Fuji, but any will work)
- 1 cup plain greek yoghurt (nonfat)
- Water
Start off by slicing the apples into small pieces, taking care to remove the core and seeds. Put the sliced apples, greek yoghurt and 2 tablespoons of water into a blender. Blend on low speed until you get a smooth consistency. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or your choice of mould and freeze. Once the treats are solid, you can pop them out of the moulds and place them into a tupperware container for long-term storage in the freezer. Feed one treat at a time to your dog on hot days!
Conclusion
With these easy recipes, you can easily make healthy treats right at home for your dog. Not only are they healthier than store-bought options but they also save money and are more fun to make yourself! Keep in mind that these recipes should not replace meals; they are meant only as occasional snacks so make sure you keep portion sizes small when serving up these yummy treats. Dogs with health conditions, such as skin problems, may require specific diets or other healthy recipes that are tailored to their needs.