Do you have a furry four-legged family member that you love to spoil? If so, these homemade dog treats are going to be a hit! They’re made using simple ingredients that your pup is certain to love. Plus, making your own dog treat recipe is a great way to save money, too!
Homemade Dog Treats – Pup Approved!
I plead guilty to the fact that we love to spoil our dogs. Can you blame us? We love coming home and seeing their tails wagging, truly excited to have us home!
Our dogs are loyal and have always been so good to our family that I think it just makes sense to offer a fun and delicious treat that they can enjoy as well.
If you’re a fan of spoiling pets like I am, this simple dog treat recipe is the perfect way to make it happen!
Are homemade dog treats better?
Yes, homemade dog treats are often better than store-bought treats because they don’t contain preservatives, chemicals, and fillers like many packaged treats do. With homemade treats, you get to decide exactly what ingredients go into them. So, you can specifically choose the items that are healthy and safe for your dog.
Healthier ingredients means your dog will be healthier from head to toe, including their digestive system, heart, and coat.
Can you use regular flour for dog treats?
Yes, you can use regular flour for dogs treats. While this recipe uses wheat flour, it can be made using all-purpose flour as well. It really shouldn’t alter the overall appearance or outcome of these DIY dog treats.
However, dogs don’t need any flour in their diets. Flour can be a common allergen for dogs, so if your pup has a sensitive stomach, you should stick to whole-grain flours to prevent reactions. Some dog foods use flour to bind ingredients, so keep that in mind when choosing food for a dog with allergies.
Is peanut butter good for dogs?
Yes, most peanut butter is safe for dogs. As long as it doesn’t contain the ingredient xylitol, it should be fine for your furry friend. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s toxic for dogs, often used in gum and candy. Using natural peanut butter is a great way to get some good fats into the belly of your four-legged friend!
Peanut butter is a good source of protein, and it also has vitamins B and E in it. However, peanut butter should be served in moderation to keep your canine a healthy weight. Give them no more than a teaspoon per day for small dogs or two teaspoons for medium to large dogs.
Is oatmeal good for dogs?
While it’s not included in this recipe, oatmeal is generally good for dogs. It’s a common ingredient for homemade dog treats. Oatmeal is considered an excellent alternative for dogs who are allergic to grain and wheat. It has vitamin B and omega fatty acids, which will help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
However, like any ingredients, oatmeal is best if served in moderation. Every day, your dog should have no more than one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their body weight. If your dog needs to lose weight, serve them even less than that since it’s high in calories.
How long do homemade dog treats last?
If you spoil your dog as I do ours, they won’t last long! But if you’re able to store them in the fridge in a container that is airtight, you can get 1-2 months out of them for sure!
You can even add them to the freezer to save for later, too!
Ingredients for dog treat recipe:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (I used Kroger® White Whole Wheat Milled Flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup all-natural smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup milk (organic cow milk or unsweetened plain almond milk that does not contain any artificial sweeteners)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
SUPER IMPORTANT: Make certain to avoid peanut butter or almond milk that contains xylitol as this is harmful to dogs.
Also, never give your dogs a low sugar peanut butter that contains sugar alternatives. The very best option is peanut butter that is made from just ground peanuts with no sugar or other things added.
Directions for peanut butter dog treat recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Add the peanut butter, milk, and molasses; mix until well combined.
- Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper (or waxed paper) to ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Transfer each dog treat to an ungreased baking sheet, leaving ½ inch of space between each treat.
- Bake at 350F for 15-17 minutes. The treats may still be slightly soft in the center but should be fairly dry and hardened around the edges.
- Remove the dog treats from the oven and cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Homemade Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup all-natural smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup milk (organic cow milk or unsweetened plain almond milk that does not contain any artificial sweeteners)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Add the peanut butter, milk, and molasses; mix until well combined.
- Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper (or waxed paper) to ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small shapes with a cookie cutter. Transfer each dog treat to an ungreased baking sheet, leaving ½ inch of space between each treat.
- Bake at 350F for 15-17 minutes. The treats may still be slightly soft in the center but should be fairly dry and hardened around the edges.
- Remove the dog treats from the oven and cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
FAQ
What can dogs eat for treats?
There’s no shortage of treat options for dogs. While homemade treats are often the healthiest, they take a lot more time and effort to prepare. So, if you’re looking for something quicker and more convenient, you can use store-bought treats, chews, or safe human foods for your dog’s snacks. If you purchased packaged treats, just make sure you check the ingredients to make sure they’re healthy and safe for your dog.
What are the best natural treats for dogs?
Store-bought treats can be expensive and unhealthy, so many dog parents choose natural human foods for dog treats instead. Fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial because they often have numerous health benefits for dogs while also being low in calories.
Here are some of the best natural treats for dogs:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Peas
- Green beans
- Watermelon
- Cooked sweet potatoes
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Broccoli
Of course, not all dogs will like these healthy treat alternatives. It might take a lot of trial and error to discover which ones your pup likes best. When trying out different fruits and vegetables, make sure you avoid grapes because they’re toxic for dogs. While the reason is unknown, they have reportedly caused kidney problems for canines.
Is homemade food better for dogs?
Homemade food can be better for dogs than store-bought food, but it can also be worse. Kibble brands are often low in protein, but packed with carbs, making them like fast food for canines. So, a homemade diet can remove those unwanted preservatives and fillers. However, you will need to thoroughly research a balanced diet for dogs before serving them homemade food.
The best way to create a balanced homemade diet for dogs is to follow a recipe or consult a dog nutritionist for help. That way, you can ensure your dog is getting enough protein, carbs, and nutrients with every meal. You’ll also need to make sure that the food is the proper serving for your dog’s age and weight. If you’re not willing to take the time to figure out the best recipe for your dog, then it’s better for you to stick with store-bought food.
Can I make my dog’s food myself?
Anyone can make homemade dog food for their canine, but it doesn’t always mean they should. Preparing a balanced diet at home takes a lot of time, preparation, and research. So, make sure you understand the needs of a dog’s diet before switching them to only homemade food.
If you want to make their food a little healthier without switching fully to homemade, consider mixing in some vegetables, such as carrots or green beans.
Is it cheaper to make dog food yourself?
Yes, in many cases, homemade dog food is cheaper than store-bought dog food. Depending on where you buy the food from and the size of your dog, it could cost as little as $2 per day. This is generally cheaper than most high-quality dog food brands. So, if you’re willing to take the time to make your dog their own food, it will likely save you money in the long run.
Is homemade dog food healthy for dogs?
Homemade dog food is healthy for dogs, but only if you do your research first and create a balanced diet. Without a proper balance of ingredients, your dog could become malnourished or ill on a homemade diet. So, be sure to talk to a professional and follow specific recipes when first getting started with homemade dog food.
Should I put treats in my dog’s food?
There’s no need to put treats in your dog’s food. If your dog is a picky eater, mixing in homemade dog treats could help make the food more appealing, but too many treats could cause your dog to gain weight. Instead of using treats for picky eaters, consider finding a nutritional topper or wet food to mix in with your dog’s meals. Daily treats are okay, but only in moderation.
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Joanne says
1/4 teas.of baking soda per 1 Tablespoon of Molasses is equal to 1Tablespoon of Baking powder.
Not really necessary when using Molasses to also add Baking powder.