Homemade Dog Treats Anyone Can Make!

Don’t you feel so accomplished after making a great meal, or baking a perfect pie? I feel the same way after I make Cookie and our office dogs something from scratch. And there is nothing better than making dog treats. They are just super cute and the dog’s go nuts over them. When we think of dog treats, we don’t usually think about making them from scratch. There are so many options nowadays like, Newts, Bully Sticks, and even calming ones like King Kanine. But I’ll tell you, there is nothing like the feeling of making a batch of homemade dog treats! My fur-baby just knows that it’s something special.

Let’s face it, we give our dogs so many treats. Whether it’s for tricks, doing something constructive during their walk. We humans go as far as giving dogs treats when we leave the house. Our guilt drives us to give them something they didn’t even work for! We know they are just too cute.

When our furry companions deserve a treat we don’t just want to give them something that tastes delicious (or so we assume that it does) we want something equally beneficial to their health. They deserve something wholesome and tasty. As well as something that makes them feel extra special.

Is Store-bought dog treats harmful to your dog?

However, because we feed them so many treats it’s often most convenient to just go to the store and purchase a bag of seemingly healthy dog treats. After all, it’s just a ‘treat’ right? Unfortunately, many store-bought treats today are filled with artificial ingredients and harmful toxins. Such preservatives and fillers increase the chance that your dog will suffer from liver disease, arthritis, and even cancer. You can read more about the dog food industry loopholes here.

Thankfully, we can go the extra mile for our dogs without too much extra effort. Healthy homemade dog treats are a great way to reward your dog and their health at the same time. Purchasing healthier brands of dog snacks may seem too expensive to most people. However, now there are so many recipes that we can comfortably delight in making at our leisure and in the comfort of our own kitchen! You’ll know exactly what your dog is eating. A healthy and happy dog means a happy owner! Or I like to say, ‘Happy Dog, Happy Life’.

If you want what is best for your dog, we have some fun and creative healthy homemade treat ideas for you to try at home. These recipes are easy and delicious!

What Are the Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats?

Before you get knee deep into baking, it is important to know why homemade dog treats are a healthier and more beneficial option for your dog. Not only is your pup receiving a treat with natural ingredients rather than artificial ones, you as the owner will have the satisfaction in knowing that you did the right thing by taking your dog’s health into your own hands.

1. You get to control what goes into your dog’s snack recipe. Ensuring your furry friend is receiving nutritious and wholesome snacks. You can even tailor the dog treats to your pet’s specific taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
2. Prevents unhealthy additives from slipping through the cracks which most store-bought treats allow. Unfortunately, the great majority of commercial dog treats contain preservatives and artificial ingredients to extend shelf life and enhance colors and/or flavors. Some treats are also made from byproducts as opposed to wholesome and natural ingredients. Read here to learn more about the ingredients used in most commercial brands.
3. It turns out to be a tasty alternative! Making them yourself is a tasty alternative from your dog’s usual bland dog biscuit. You can use a mix of ingredients to create an optimal choice for your dog’s particular health needs.

Doggy Approved Healthy Recipes:

Now its time to have some fun in the kitchen and make healthy snacks for your pup to enjoy; pick and choose which recipe fits your dog, or try them all: (Don’t forget to let us know which is your favorite, well, your dog’s favorite)

Leftovers Trail Mix

A money-saving alternative and prevents food waste! No need to run out to the grocery store, just open up your fridge and see what kind of left-over goodies you have inside. Combine together any of the following leftovers to create a flavorful trail mix for your dog:

Recommended ingredients:

• Pieces of meat (rinse off any flavoring or seasons)
• Potatoes, or sweet potatoes
• Veggies (avoid onions or choose from these following ingredient’s)
• Fruits (no grapes)

Directions:

1. Cut all the ingredients into ½ inch thick pieces.
2. Lightly spray with some cooking spray.
3. Place inside a food dehydrator OR an oven set too 200 degrees, and cook until dried.

An alternative to homemade can be found here. 

Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Nibbles

The perfect doggie snack for a cool down and for the hot summer! With just two simple ingredients your dog will love this tasty snack.

Ingredients:

• 32 ounces vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup of peanut butter

Directions:

• Melt 1 cup peanut butter in the microwave
• Combine yogurt with the peanut butter in one bowl
• Pour mixture into cupcake papers
• Place in freezer for 12 hours

Homemade Dog Biscuits

For something a little more crunchy for your dog, try your hand at a traditional homemade dog biscuit. Avoid all of the additives from store-bought treats with this classic dog treat. This is an easy DIY recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups of whole-wheat flour (or with rolled oats if your dog doesn’t digest whole wheat well)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 egg (place the entire egg into a blender and crush the shell; the shell holds essential nutrients for your dog) Read more here.
• 1 tsp. Beef or chicken Bouillon granules
• ½ cup of hot water
• Optional: You can add bacon or chicken broth for extra flavor.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
2. Dissolve the bouillon in the hot water
3. Add the remaining ingredients to the dissolved bouillon.
4. Knead the dough until it forms a ball (can take 3 minutes)
5. Roll the ball of dough so it is ¼ inch thick
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut into cute shapes
7. Place the dough pieces on a greased cookie sheet
8. Bake for 30 minutes
9. Let cool off before serving

If you don’t want to make your own here is a BOGO on healthy Bully Sticks! Use PUPPYLOVE when you go to checkout!

Let me know what you think of these. I’d love to hear from you. Remember you can get on the Waggles Wall when you write me and send a photo of your fur-baby! Sam@Waggles.com

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