Gluten Free Dog Treats for a Healthy Pet

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Posted Oct 20, 2024

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Close Up Photo of Peanut Butter Toast
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As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend, and that includes giving them healthy treats. According to research, 1 in 5 dogs suffer from gluten intolerance, making gluten-free dog treats a necessity.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, which can cause digestive issues in dogs. This is why it's essential to choose treats that are made with alternative ingredients.

One of the best alternatives to gluten is sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber and vitamins. In fact, they're a great source of complex carbohydrates that can help support your dog's digestive health.

Sweet potatoes are also easy to digest, making them an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

A unique perspective: Sweedish Fish Gluten Free

Why Bother Making Your Own?

Making your own gluten-free dog treats is a great way to save money, as they can be made at a lower cost than buying commercial treats. They're a fun project to work on with your dog, who will get excited to smell the treats baking in the oven.

These homemade dog treats also make a thoughtful and unique gift for dog owners, especially during the holidays. They're a great alternative to traditional gifts and can be given as a host gift when visiting a dog-loving friend or family member.

Making Your Own

Credit: youtube.com, Easy, 3 Ingredient, Gluten Free, Homemade Dog Treats, We Eat Dog Treats at the End!

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Dog Treats is a Great Idea!

Making your own gluten-free dog treats is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets only the best. Plus, they get really excited when they can smell that their homemade goodies are baking in the oven.

The process is surprisingly easy, and with just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. To get started, combine oat flour, peanut butter, and banana to make a dough ball.

To achieve the right consistency, mix the dough thoroughly before adding additional ingredients. If the dough is too dry, add more peanut butter, and if it's too wet, add more oats. You'll know it's ready when it comes together smoothly.

Roll out the dough to 1/4" thickness, and use a bench scraper or cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For a quicker process, consider using a bench scraper, which can also help prevent damage to your countertops.

Here are some general guidelines for making the treats:

With these simple steps, you can create delicious gluten-free dog treats that your furry friend will love.

Homemade Prep Tips

Dog Treats Laid on Brown Cardboard
Credit: pexels.com, Dog Treats Laid on Brown Cardboard

Making your own homemade dog treats is a great idea, and I'm excited to share some prep tips with you.

The first step is to combine the oat flour, peanut butter, and banana to make a dough ball. This will be the base of your treats, and it's essential to get it right.

Mixing the dough can be a bit tricky, and it may take longer than you think to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more peanut butter, and if it's too wet, add some extra oats.

To avoid crumbly dough, keep mixing until it's smooth and sticky. You'll know the dough is too dry if it's crumbly and doesn't stick together.

Rolling out the dough to 1/4" thickness is crucial, and I like to use parchment paper to prevent it from sticking. Smooth out any cracks in the dough to ensure even baking.

On a similar theme: How to Dry a Dog after a Bath?

Close-up of Dog Treats on a Container
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of Dog Treats on a Container

Cutting shapes from the dough is the fun part, and you can use a bench scraper or cookie cutters to get creative. I prefer square treats, but you can make any shape you like.

If you have scraps or small pieces, combine them, reroll, and make more treats. This way, you can make the most of your dough and reduce waste.

Using a bench scraper to transfer the treats to the baking sheet is a game-changer, especially if you have multiple dogs and need different treat sizes. It's also gentler on your countertops than using a cookie cutter.

Homemade

Making your own dog treats at home can be a game-changer for you and your furry friend. Not only can you control the ingredients and ensure they're safe for your dog, but it's also a fun and rewarding experience.

You can make a batch of homemade gluten-free dog treats using just three ingredients: oat flour, peanut butter, and banana. The dough can be sticky or dry depending on the size of your banana, so be prepared to add a bit more peanut butter or oats to get the right consistency.

Woman Giving a Treat to a Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Giving a Treat to a Dog

Rolling out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness is key, and using parchment paper can help prevent it from sticking. You can also use a bench scraper to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheet.

Cutting shapes from the dough can be fun, and you can use a cookie cutter or a bench scraper to get the job done. The treats will be done when they're golden brown on the bottom, so be sure to check on them after 12 minutes.

Here are some tips for making homemade gluten-free dog treats:

  • If the dough is too dry, add a bit more peanut butter.
  • If the dough is too wet, add a bit more oats.
  • Use a bench scraper to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheet.
  • Check on the treats after 12 minutes to ensure they're golden brown on the bottom.

You can also use a snowman cookie cutter to make fun shapes for your dog, like Christina Galloway did. And don't worry if you have scraps or small pieces left over - you can simply reroll the dough and make more treats!

Supplies

For making your own dog treats, you'll need a few essential supplies.

A silicone baking mat is a must-have for easy cleanup and preventing treats from sticking to the surface.

You can also use a dog bone cookie cutter to give your treats a fun shape that your dog will love.

Storage and Use

Credit: youtube.com, Grain Free Dog Treats | Grain Free Dog Treat Recipe

For the longest shelf-life, refrigerate the treats in an air-tight container. The treats will be good up to two weeks in the fridge, or you can freeze up to a month.

You can also package these treats in individual portions in your fridge, making them very convenient and easy to work with.

At our house, we let our dogs go potty before bed, then put them in their crates and give them one of these treats, which they love.

Assessing Food Quality

My friends, I'm glad you asked how to assess the quality of these gluten free dog treats. The truth is, it's not just about what I think, but what our furry friends think too!

According to the American Kennel Club, whole grains, peanuts, pumpkin, and eggs are all good for your pup. I've seen this firsthand with my own dogs, Friday and Gracie, who love treats made with these ingredients.

Credit: youtube.com, Tropical Treasures: Gluten-Free Dog Treats Recipe | Proud Dog Mom

My husband and youngest son tried these treats and gave them a thumbs up, which is high praise coming from humans who don't usually eat dog treats! They're not just okay, they're actually pretty great.

Rosie, my neighbor's dog, is a tough critic when it comes to treats, but she devoured these crunchy gluten free dog treats and begged for more. That's a big seal of approval from a discerning pup like Rosie!

Crunchy Treats

I'm neurotic about making my dogs fat, so I limit their treats. My veterinarian helps me determine their healthy weights, and I take responsibility for keeping them healthy.

My dogs are happy to eat healthy ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs, and bean flour. I make sure to avoid binders, additives, and colors in their treats.

I have a gluten-free household, and my dogs are part of it, so I make gluten-free treats for them. This way, I can ensure they're not hindering my son's relationship with his pets, who love to lick everyone in the house.

See what others are reading: Hummel Hot Dogs Gluten Free

Carrot, Banana & PB

Credit: youtube.com, TWO HOMEMADE DOG TREAT RECIPES | COOKING FOR YOUR DOG

Carrot, Banana & PB treats are a great option for your furry friends. They're made with wholesome ingredients like carrots, bananas, and peanut butter.

These treats are easy to make and require just a few ingredients: 1 banana, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1 egg, 1/3 cup peanut butter, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. You'll also need 2 cups of gluten-free flour.

The recipe is simple, and you can even use a snowman cookie cutter to make fun shapes for your dogs. As one commenter, Christina Galloway, noted, "I used a snowman cookie cutter so they are two bite sizes. A bigger treat."

One thing to keep in mind is the calorie count. Holly M asked about the calorie count per treat, but the recipe doesn't specify. If you're looking for low-calorie treats, you might want to consider adjusting the recipe or using a different ingredient.

To store these treats, you can keep them in a container on the counter for a few days. Mina asked how long they can last, and according to the comments, they're good for at least a few days.

Your dogs will love these crunchy treats, and they're a great way to reward good behavior or simply give them a tasty snack. Liz noted, "My dog loved these treats. Easy and fun to make."

If this caught your attention, see: Lamb Lung Treats Good

Crunchy: Ingredients

Dog Treat in the Shape of Bones
Credit: pexels.com, Dog Treat in the Shape of Bones

These crunchy treats are made with gluten-free flour, which is a must for my household since we're all gluten-free, including my dogs.

I use peanut butter as a main ingredient, but be sure to choose a brand that doesn't contain xylitol, as it's toxic to dogs.

My dogs are happy to eat these treats, and I'm happy to know exactly what's in them.

Consider reading: Beef Hot Dogs Gluten Free

General

Gluten-free dog treats are a great option for pet owners who want to ensure their furry friends are happy and healthy. Many dogs have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, which can lead to digestive issues and other health problems.

Some common ingredients in traditional dog treats, such as wheat and barley, contain gluten. However, there are many alternative ingredients that can be used to make gluten-free dog treats.

When We Treat

I'm neurotic about making my dogs fat, so we don't give them many treats. My veterinarian helps me determine their healthy weights, and I take responsibility for keeping them healthy.

A fresh viewpoint: Nudges Dog Treats Healthy

Man in Long Sleeves and Brown Pants Putting Dog Treats on Bowl
Credit: pexels.com, Man in Long Sleeves and Brown Pants Putting Dog Treats on Bowl

My dogs are happy with healthy ingredients, and I prefer to know exactly what's in their treats. I avoid binders, additives, and colors, opting for pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs, and bean flour instead.

We have a gluten-free household, and I make sure my dogs' treats are gluten-free too. This way, my gluten-free son can still give them treats without worrying about cross-contamination.

My 3 dogs will eat anything, but I'd rather feed them something good for them. They're just as happy with healthy treats, and it's my responsibility as their owner to make sure they're well-fed.

Comments

Comments are a crucial aspect of general understanding. People often leave comments to share their opinions, ask questions, or provide additional information.

The tone of comments can vary greatly, ranging from constructive and helpful to hurtful and unproductive. Research has shown that negative comments can be just as effective at influencing opinions as positive ones.

A Man Sitting on the Floor with His Daughter while Petting the Dog
Credit: pexels.com, A Man Sitting on the Floor with His Daughter while Petting the Dog

A study found that comments with a negative tone can actually increase engagement and encourage more people to participate in the conversation. However, this can also lead to a toxic environment if not monitored properly.

In general, it's a good idea to read comments with a critical eye and consider the source of the information. This can help you separate fact from opinion and make more informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gluten-free treats good for dogs?

Yes, gluten-free treats can be beneficial for dogs, potentially alleviating digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and irregular stools. Some dog owners have reported noticeable improvements in their pets' digestion after switching to gluten-free treats.

What is the best gluten-free flour for dog treats?

For gluten-free dog treats, consider using almond flour, tapioca flour, or coconut flour, which are all grain and gluten-free options. These alternatives can be a great substitute for traditional flours in dog treat recipes.

What can I use instead of flour for dog treats?

Consider using coconut flour or garbanzo bean flour as a substitute in dog treat recipes, but note that flavor profiles differ and blending may be necessary for optimal results

Sources

  1. Share on Reddit (reddit.com)
  2. Share on X (x.com)
  3. Share on Flipboard (flipboard.com)
  4. National Puppy Day (nationalpuppyday.com)
  5. Easy Gluten Free Dog Treats - The Fabled Table (thefabledtable.com)
  6. American Kennel Club (akc.org)
  7. X (x.com)
  8. Gluten Free Dog Treats - Carrot, Banana & Peanut Butter (handmadeweekly.com)

Bertha Hauck

Senior Writer

Bertha Hauck is a writer with a passion for sharing knowledge about canine companions. With a focus on Dutch Shepherds and other breeds originating in the Netherlands, Bertha's articles provide in-depth information for dog enthusiasts. Her expertise in herding dogs and FCI breeds has earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.