Making fruit dog treats at home is a great way to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. According to the article, using fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and berries is a great way to make healthy dog treats.
You can use a variety of fruits to make different flavors and textures. For example, apples are a great source of fiber and can be used to make crunchy dog treats, while bananas are a good source of potassium and can be used to make soft and chewy treats.
Making fruit dog treats at home is also a cost-effective option. The article notes that using fresh fruits can be cheaper than buying commercial dog treats. Plus, you have control over the ingredients and can customize the treats to your dog's preferences.
For another approach, see: Dogs Eating Fruit
Making Homemade Treats
Making homemade treats is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets healthy, tasty snacks without any preservatives. Store-bought treats can be a mystery when it comes to ingredients, but with homemade treats, you have complete control over what goes into them.
To make the treats, start by thoroughly mashing the berries or pureeing them for a more uniform texture. Combine the berry puree with coconut oil, flax/LSA, and any optional seasonings in a mixing bowl.
Add the coconut flour incrementally, mixing thoroughly, until you've reached the desired consistency for shaping. The dough may feel slightly loose and wet/oily when warm, but it should hold shape when pressed. If it's too sticky, you can use a small amount of additional flour or oil to adjust the consistency.
Here's a quick guide to storing your homemade dog treats:
Remember to store your treats in an airtight container or ziplock bag for best results.
Storing Homemade Treats
Storing homemade dog treats is a bit different from buying them at the store. You can extend their shelf life by storing them in the fridge or freezer instead of leaving them at room temperature.
At room temperature, homemade dog treats will last for up to 7 days in an airtight container or ziplock bag. This is the shortest shelf life among the three storage options.
In the fridge, your homemade dog treats will keep for up to 3 weeks. Store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag for the best results.
The freezer is the best option for long-term storage. Your homemade dog treats will last for 3 months when stored in a resealable freezer bag.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you store your homemade dog treats:
Making the
Making the treats is where the magic happens. Thoroughly mash the berries (or puree for a more uniform truffle texture).
You'll want to combine the berry puree, coconut oil, flax/LSA, and any optional seasonings in a mixing bowl. This is where the flavors come together.
Add the coconut flour incrementally, mixing thoroughly, until you've reached the desired consistency for shaping. The truffle dough may feel slightly loose and wet/oily when warm, but should hold shape when pressed.
Here's a rough guide to help you mix the ingredients:
- Berry puree
- Coconut oil
- Flax/LSA
- Optional seasonings
- Coconut flour (added incrementally)
Not quite right? You can use a small amount of additional flour, additional oil, or warm water to adjust consistency to a nice sticky dough for shaping/pressing into balls.
Roll into small bite-sized balls.
Treat Ingredients
When making fruit dog treats, the right ingredients are crucial.
For the treat ingredients, you'll need:
- 3/4 cup dog-friendly berries, pureed or well mashed
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, warmed to liquid
- 2 tbsp ground flax or LSA
- Optional: Sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon
- Approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup coconut flour
- Optional: Fine desiccated coconut for rolling (or other coating of your choice)
The amount of flour needed will depend on the moisture of your berries.
Fruit Options
Apples make a great treat for your dog, packed with vitamins A and C and fiber, and are especially good for senior dogs.
Low in protein and fats, apples are a nutritious option that's easy to incorporate into your dog's diet.
Just remember to remove the seeds and core before giving them to your dog.
Bananas are also a good choice, but should be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content.
They're rich in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper, making them a great source of nutrients for your pet.
Blueberries are a superfood for both humans and pets, full of nutrients that can benefit your pup.
They're a great option for training or as a special treat, and can even be mixed with plain yogurt or used in a dog biscuit recipe.
Here's an interesting read: Dog Treat Training
Apples
Apples are a great treat for your dog, full of vitamins A and C and a good source of fiber.
Just remove the seeds and core before giving them to your dog, as they can be toxic.
Apples are low in protein and fats, making them especially good for senior dogs.
They're a tasty and healthy snack that your furry friend will love.
Bananas
Bananas are a tasty and nutritious treat for your dog, but they should be given in moderation. They're very high in sugar, so it's best to use them as a special treat rather than a regular part of their diet.
Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper, making them a great source of nutrients for your pet. They're a good alternative to other fruits that are high in sugar.
Here are some tips for incorporating bananas into your dog's diet:
- Feed bananas in moderation to avoid an overload of sugar.
- Use bananas as a special treat, rather than a regular part of your dog's diet.
- Be sure to choose ripe bananas for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
You can even make your own banana and peanut butter dog treats at home, using a simple recipe that's easy to follow.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood for humans and pets alike! They are full of nutrients that can benefit your pup.
You can mix blueberries with a plain yogurt to make a tasty treat for your dog.
Blueberries are a great option as a treat if you want to teach a new trick, or even just train your dog to catch food in the air.
You can make this easy dog biscuit recipe using blueberries.
Just remember that blueberries are a great option as a treat, but they shouldn't replace your dog's regular meals.
Mixing blueberries with a plain yogurt is a simple and healthy way to reward your dog's good behavior.
Worth a look: Trick or Treat Dog Treats
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Dogs can eat strawberries, and they're actually very good for them. They're packed with vitamins and minerals that can do your furry friend a lot of good.
Strawberries are sweet, so it's essential to serve them in moderation to prevent stomach aches. Too many strawberries can cause digestive issues in dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fruit for dogs?
For a safe and healthy treat, consider giving your dog sliced apples or blueberries, as they are non-toxic and rich in fiber and antioxidants. However, always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet.
Are fruits good treats for dogs?
Yes, fruits can be a healthy and low-calorie treat option for dogs when given in moderation. They can help support a dog's overall health and weight management.
Can I use frozen fruit to make dog treats?
No, frozen fruit is not recommended for making dog treats, as it may not provide the same nutritional benefits as fresh fruit. For a healthy and safe treat, use fresh fruit and follow the steps to freeze it into cubes.
Are there any fruits dogs can't eat?
Yes, there are several fruits that are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, and cherries, which can cause serious health issues if ingested. If you suspect your dog has eaten any of these fruits, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Sources
- https://therecipecritic.com/homemade-dog-treats/
- https://thecozycook.com/homemade-strawberry-banana-dog-treats/
- https://www.zimmvet.com/blog/fruits-and-veggies-that-double-as-dog-treats/
- https://www.dalmatiandiy.com/recipe-berry-bliss-ball-truffle-dog-treats/
- https://www.wiggleworthy.com/dog-treat-recipes-with-fruits-vegetables.html
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