Cranberry dog treats are a tasty and healthy snack for your furry friend. They're made with dried cranberries, which are a rich source of antioxidants and fiber.
The antioxidants in cranberries can help support your dog's immune system and reduce inflammation. This can lead to a happier and healthier hound.
Cranberry dog treats are also a great way to provide your dog with a sweet and tangy flavor. Many dogs go crazy for the taste of cranberries!
One of the best things about cranberry dog treats is that they're easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of treats that your dog will love.
Ingredients
To make cranberry dog treats, you'll need some basic pantry ingredients. Almond flour is a great option, but you can also use all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
You'll also need rolled oats, which can be ground into a fine powder using a food processor or blender. This will help bind the ingredients together.
Add some chopped fresh cranberries to the mix for a burst of seasonal flavor. You can also use dried cranberries, but be sure to chop them finely first.
A lightly beaten egg provides moisture and structure to the dough, while a touch of honey adds sweetness without making the treats too sugary.
Melted coconut oil is a great addition, but you can also substitute it with olive oil, flaxseed oil, or sunflower oil.
Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need:
- Almond flour (or all-purpose or whole wheat flour)
- Ground oats
- Chopped fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
- Lightly beaten egg
- Honey
- Melted coconut oil (or other oil substitute)
Remember, you can always make substitutions to suit your dog's dietary needs and preferences.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You'll love making these cranberry dog treats because they're incredibly easy to make.
These treats are versatile, allowing you to make them in any shape and size you want, making them perfect for any occasion.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can even add a couple to your holiday cookie platters, making it a great way to include your furry friend in the holiday fun.
For your interest: Holiday Dog Treats
You can store these treats in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient option for any time of year.
Here are some benefits of making these cranberry dog treats:
- Seasonal – They're perfect for the holiday season.
- Inexpensive – They cost less than store-bought treats.
- Make ahead – You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake the next day.
Making Dog Treats
To make dog treats, you'll need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
You can use a variety of cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough, such as a 3-inch dog bone or smaller shapes for more treats.
Roll the dough out to a ¼-inch thick round on a lightly floured surface, and cut out as many cookies as you can.
Bake the treats for 12-15 minutes, until they're turning golden around the edges.
They'd also be pretty as hearts for Valentine's Day, but be sure to stash a bag of fresh cranberries in your freezer in case they're hard to find.
You can make the dough without a mixer - just a bowl, a whisk, and a sturdy spatula are needed.
Cut the dough into squares with a knife or a pizza cutter if you prefer shapes.
Let the cookies rest in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to wire racks to cool completely.
Cranberry Dog Treats
Cranberries are a safe and healthy treat for dogs when given in moderation. They're high in fiber and antioxidants.
You can give your dog dried cranberries, but be careful since they can look like raisins, which are toxic to dogs. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.
Dried cranberries may have added sugar, so it's best to choose unsweetened options for your furry friends.
Cranberry dog biscuits are easy to make and require no mixer. Just a bowl, whisk, and spatula are needed to create the dough.
You can roll out the dough and cut shapes, or simply cut it into squares or use a pizza cutter. The choice is yours!
Broaden your view: Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
FAQs and Tips
In my experience, storing cranberry dog treats in a cooler, less humid climate allows you to keep them on the counter for a couple of days. However, if you live in a warmer, humid climate like I do, it's best to store them in the refrigerator.
Fresh cranberries are safe for dogs, but be sure to cut them in half to avoid any choking hazards, especially for small dogs. When it comes to dried cranberries, check the label to ensure they don't contain xylitol, a sugar substitute toxic to pups.
You can also freeze cranberry dog treats and take out a few at a time, which is what I do most of the time. If you prefer a jigglier jelly treat, use less gelatin powder per cup of liquid, but if you prefer a firmer gummy, use 3 tbsp of gelatin powder per cup of liquid.
Remember, treats are for spoiling your pup in moderation, and different animals have different preferences, likes, and dislikes. If you're ever in doubt or have questions about what's suitable for your pet, have a chat with your trusted vet.
FAQs
Fresh cranberries are safe for dogs, but it's essential to cut them in half to avoid choking hazards, especially for small dogs.
You can store fresh cranberries in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use. I personally store them in the fridge because I live in a warmer climate.
Dried cranberries can be a healthy snack for dogs, but be cautious of added sugar and xylitol, a sugar substitute that's toxic to pups. Always check the label before giving them to your dog.
Cranberry sauce is a no-go because it often contains too much sugar or sugar substitutes. Stick to plain, fresh, or dried cranberries for a healthier option.
If you're planning to make cranberry treats for your dog, be sure to use dog-safe ingredients and avoid raisins, which are toxic to dogs.
Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Remember to always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your dog's diet.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
When making homemade dog treats, it's a good idea to boost the flavor with chicken stock. You can read more about stock for making homemade dog treats in our FAQ post.
My dogs love gummies in all forms, but using 3 tbsp of gelatin powder per cup of liquid makes firm gummies. This ratio can be adjusted to suit your preferences and your dog's needs.
Cranberries can be tricky to puree due to their thick skin and low juiciness. Adding a little water or stock can help with processing.
If you prefer a jigglier jelly treat, you can use less gelatin. Just be aware that individual gelatin powders may have varying strengths, so you may need to experiment to find the right ratio.
Here are some general guidelines for gelatin powder ratios:
Remember, treats are for spoiling your pup in moderation. Always consult with your vet if you have any questions about what's suitable for your pet.
Cranberry Treats Variations
You can make a variety of cranberry dog treats by mixing in different ingredients.
Sweet potatoes can be added to cranberry treats for extra nutrition. They're a great source of fiber and vitamins.
Some people like to add a bit of honey to their cranberry treats for extra sweetness.
Crazy for Cranberries
Cranberries are a seasonal specialty product in New Zealand, but you can snap some up for the freezer if you can get them.
They tend to be a treat that's not always available, which is why I love making cranberry gummy treats for my furry friends.
These treats would be doggone delish as a special Thanksgiving dog treat or perhaps as a Christmas nibble with a bite of turkey.
Cranberries are safe for dogs to eat in moderation, according to research, and they're high in fiber and antioxidants.
You should always check with your vet before feeding your dog a new food, but cranberries are generally a healthy snack for dogs.
Expand your knowledge: Trick or Treat Dog Treats
Here are some fun ways to use cranberries in dog treats:
- Cranberry peanut butter dog treats are a perfect and healthy treat to make for your dog.
- They can be made with 3 cups of oat flour, 1/2 cup of plain unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of fresh frozen cranberries, and 2 large eggs.
Gelatin Gummy Dog Treats
Making gelatin gummy dog treats is a fun and easy process that can be customized to suit your dog's tastes. You can use shaped silicon moulds or make set-and-slice treats in a pan, both methods yield delicious results.
The process for making gelatin gummies is the same regardless of the method, and it's surprisingly easy. Just remember to slice the treats if you're using the pan method.
To make these tasty treats, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including powdered gelatin, cool water or stock, pureed cranberries, and dog-friendly herbs. You can also add a dash of beetroot powder to boost the color.
Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 3/4 cup cool water or homemade (or ready-made unsalted unseasoned) stock
- 3 tbsp quality powdered gelatin
- 1/4 cup pureed plain unseasoned cranberries
- 1 tbsp dog-friendly herbs (optional)
- Small dash of beetroot powder (optional to boost the color)
Using stock instead of water can add a rich flavor to your gummies, and it's especially great in this recipe as it helps balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cranberries safe for dogs?
Yes, cranberries are safe for most dogs when given in their natural form, without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Fresh or dried cranberries can be a nutritious treat for your furry friend, but be cautious of processed varieties.
Sources
- Cranberry Oatmeal Dog Cookie Recipe (dailypaws.com)
- Facebook (facebook.com)
- source (petmd.com)
- Tweet (x.com)
- Share (facebook.com)
- AKC (akc.org)
- Twitter (x.com)
- Cranberries are dog-safe in moderation (akc.org)
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