As a dog owner, one of the best ways to get your furry friend happy and healthy is by giving them treats. However, not all store-bought treats are good for your dog’s health, and they can be quite expensive. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn how to make homemade treats that are both nutritious and delicious.
The great thing about making homemade dog treats is that you have control over the ingredients, making them tailored to your dog’s specific dietary needs. You can add supplements, adjust the amount of protein or carbohydrates, and even make them gluten-free if your dog is sensitive to gluten.
Here are some homemade treats your dog will love.
Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Sweet potato is full of vitamins A and C, which are crucial for your dog’s skin and coat health. This recipe is perfect for the colder months as it has a bit of spice to it.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato
– 2 cups of flour (rice flour, oat flour, or whole wheat flour)
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– ½ tsp ginger
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Wash and peel the sweet potato, then boil it for 15 minutes.
3. Let the sweet potato cool, mash it with a fork, and set it aside.
4. In a separate bowl, mix in the sweet potato, flour, cinnamon, ginger, honey, olive oil, and egg.
5. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake the treats for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
7. Let them cool before serving.
Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats
This recipe is perfect for dogs with a sweet tooth, and it’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– ½ cup peanut butter (make sure it’s free of xylitol)
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl and mix the peanut butter, rolled oats, and egg in with it.
3. Knead the mixture until the dough comes together.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface (use oat flour, rice flour, or whole wheat flour) and cut it into bite-sized shapes using a cookie cutter.
5. Place the treats on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
6. Once done, let them cool before serving.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade treats for your furry friend is not only a way to save money but also to ensure that their food is healthy and nutritious. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients and avoid anything toxic to dogs such as chocolate or xylitol. With a little patience and creativity, you can create great tasting treats that will impress your dog and give them the nutrition they need to be healthy and happy.
