The Ultimate Guide to Making Homemade Dog Treats

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Making homemade dog treats is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets only the best, and it's easier than you think. According to our recipe, you can use peanut butter as a main ingredient, but be sure to choose a brand that's free from xylitol.

Using a mix of whole wheat flour and oats provides a healthy base for your treats, and you can adjust the ratio to suit your dog's dietary needs. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup of oats.

Peanut butter is a great source of protein, but it's also high in calories, so be mindful of the amount you use. Our recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of peanut butter per batch.

By making your own dog treats, you can avoid common allergens and ingredients that can cause stomach upset.

Ingredients Needed:

To make homemade dog treats, you'll need some simple ingredients. Natural peanut butter is a must, as it's a great source of protein and healthy fats for your furry friend. Be sure to choose a peanut butter with only peanuts as an ingredient, without added oils, sugars, and salt.

Credit: youtube.com, Echo’s Doggie Treats - A homemade treat for our four-legged family members!

Bananas are another key ingredient, providing potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium. They're perfect for using up ripe bananas that are getting a bit old. You can also use oats, which are high in fiber, contain vitamin B, and omega-6 fatty acid. You can grind whole oats into a powder using a food processor or blender.

Here's a list of the main ingredients you'll need:

  • Natural peanut butter
  • Bananas
  • Oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Honey
  • Chicken stock
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional)

Remember to choose ingredients that are safe for your dog, and always check with your vet if you're unsure about any of the ingredients.

How to Make

To make homemade dog treats, start by using a recipe that's easy to follow, like the Apple and Oat Pretzel Dog Treats. These treats are a great option because they're made with safe ingredients that can even be given to horses.

You can substitute vegetable purees for peanut butter in some recipes, but be aware that you may need to add more flour to get the right consistency. My dog loves these treats, and I've even given them to horses with great success.

Credit: youtube.com, 3 Ingredient Homemade Dog Treat Recipe 🐶 Less Than $1

If you're planning to store your homemade dog treats at room temperature, make sure your house is at a consistent temperature. They should keep for about a week, but always inspect them before feeding to ensure they don't go moldy.

When it comes to ingredients, be aware that honey is not suitable for puppies under 1 year old. If you have a puppy, consider using pure maple syrup as a substitute until they're old enough.

To avoid overworking the dough, which can cause it to separate and crease, try adding a bit more moisture as you reroll it. However, this might not completely solve the problem.

The icing on these treats should harden enough to prevent messes when they're stored in a container. To add extra protection, stack them with wax paper between the layers.

Here's a list of tips to keep in mind when making homemade dog treats:

  • Use safe ingredients that can be given to dogs and other animals.
  • Be aware of the temperature and humidity in your house when storing treats at room temperature.
  • Inspect treats before feeding to ensure they don't go moldy.
  • Use pure maple syrup as a substitute for honey in recipes until puppies are old enough.
  • Be gentle when handling the dough to avoid overworking it.
  • Use wax paper between layers when storing treats in a container.

Recipe Variations

You can easily mix and match ingredients to create unique flavor variations for your furry friend. Use other nut butters if your dog enjoys them and can digest them.

Credit: youtube.com, EASY, TWO (2) INGREDIENT, HOMEMADE DOG TREATS

If you decide to experiment with different ingredients, keep an eye on the dough's consistency. It should be firm and sticky, similar to play dough. If it's too runny, add a smaller amount of the new ingredient incrementally until it reaches the right consistency.

Some pet owners have successfully made these treats using vegetable purees instead of peanut butter, but be aware that you may need to add more flour to achieve the right consistency.

On a similar theme: Treat Right Dog Treats

Flavor Variations

You can easily mix things up by substituting peanut butter with other nut butters if your dog enjoys them and can digest them.

Using plain pumpkin puree or plain mashed sweet potato instead of peanut butter works well too.

If you're experimenting with different ingredients, pay attention to the dough's consistency - it should be firm and sticky.

Adding smaller amounts of these ingredients incrementally will help you achieve the right consistency to roll out and cut the dough.

I've found that using applesauce and oats is a big hit with dogs, so feel free to give it a try.

Pumpkin and Flax Seed Mix

Credit: youtube.com, Flax and Pumpkin Carb Free Bread

If you're looking to mix things up with your dog's treats, the Pumpkin and Flax Seed Mix is a great place to start. This combination is a hit with many dogs, and it's easy to make.

You can substitute different ingredients in this mix to suit your dog's tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can use other nut butters if your dog prefers them, or try using plain pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato instead.

To get the right consistency, keep an eye on the dough as you add different ingredients. You want it to be firm and sticky, so add a little at a time until it reaches the right texture.

Here are some ingredients you can use in place of flour in this mix:

  • Pumpkin puree
  • Mashed sweet potato
  • Oats

These alternatives can help make the dough more manageable and add extra nutrition to the treats.

Storage and Freezing

You can store your homemade dog treats in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Credit: youtube.com, Making homemade dog treats two way! They Cannot Get Enough!

If you plan to store them for longer, consider placing them in the freezer, where they can last for up to 8 months.

To prevent them from sticking together in the freezer, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container after about an hour.

Place frozen dog treats in the fridge to thaw when you're ready to give them to your furry friend.

Remember to store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months if you choose to freeze them.

Treat Types

Peanut butter treats are a classic favorite among dogs, and can be made with just three ingredients: peanut butter, oats, and honey.

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious treat option, rich in fiber and vitamins.

Carrots are a crunchy and healthy snack that can be easily baked into bite-sized treats.

Bacon-flavored treats are a popular choice, but be sure to use a dog-safe alternative to ensure your furry friend stays healthy.

Cheerio

Cheerio treats are a hit with dogs, and they're surprisingly easy to make at home. You can use Cheerios as a main ingredient in your dog's treats, as seen in the Peanut Butter Cheerio Dog Treats recipe.

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These treats are made with ingredients you likely have on hand, such as peanut butter, honey, and eggs. They're crunchy and delicious, and dogs can't get enough of them.

If you're planning to store these treats, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure to inspect them before feeding to make sure they haven't gone moldy.

One thing to keep in mind is that the dough for Cheerio treats can be a bit finicky. It may start to separate and crease after a few rolls, but this is normal.

Here are some tips for working with the dough:

  • Try adding a bit more moisture as you reroll the dough to help it hold together.
  • Be gentle when handling the dough to avoid overworking it.

The icing on Cheerio treats should harden enough to prevent messes when stored in a container. To add extra protection, stack the treats with wax paper between the layers.

Soft

If you're looking for a treat that's easy to chew, soft dog treats might be the way to go.

Homemade Jam and Cookies with Strawberries
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Soft treats can be a great option for older dogs who have trouble with harder treats. These treats are often made with ingredients like sweet potatoes and eggs, which provide a gentle and easily digestible snack.

One benefit of soft treats is that they can be made with healthier ingredients, like coconut oil and unsweetened applesauce, which are often found in grain-free recipes.

You can also try making soft peanut butter treats using wheat flour and peanut butter, which are almost universally loved by dogs.

A different take: What Are in Dog Treats

Becky's Tips

Use natural peanut butter in your homemade dog treats, as it's a safer option for your furry friends.

Peanut butter is a favorite among dogs, but make sure to check the ingredients for Xylitol, a sugar substitute that's toxic to dogs.

Always supervise your dog when introducing new treats to their diet, including homemade ones.

Recipes

Making homemade dog treats is a great way to ensure your furry friend is getting only the best ingredients. You can find plenty of recipes online, but it's essential to choose ones that are safe and healthy for your dog.

Credit: youtube.com, EASY Cheddar Cheese Dog Biscuits // DIY dog treats recipe

Some recipes, like the Apple and Oat Pretzel Dog Treats, use vegetable purees as a substitute for peanut butter, which works out well but may require adding more flour. This is a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

The shelf life of homemade dog treats depends on storage conditions. If your house is at a consistent temperature, they can be stored at room temperature for about a week. However, it's always a good idea to inspect them before feeding to ensure they don't go moldy.

If you're planning to give your dog treats with honey, be aware that it's not recommended for pups under 1 year old. A safer alternative is pure maple syrup, which is a great option for dogs of all ages.

Some recipes, like the 4-Ingredient Chicken and Biscuit Dog Treats, use leftover chicken to minimize waste and create healthy treats. This is a great way to reuse ingredients and reduce your environmental impact.

If you're making treats with a dough that includes flour, be prepared for it to become overworked and separate after a few rolls. You can try adding a bit more moisture to prevent this, but it's not always possible.

Credit: youtube.com, The Best Homemade Dog Treats Around

When it comes to storing treats, you can stack them with wax paper between the layers to prevent messes and keep them fresh. This is especially helpful if you're planning to store them in a container.

Here are some popular homemade dog treat recipes:

  • Apple and Oat Pretzel Dog Treats
  • 4-Ingredient Chicken and Biscuit Dog Treats
  • Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits [Gluten Free]
  • Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
  • Easy DIY Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredient Information

Natural peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats for dogs, as well as vitamins B and E, and niacin.

Peanut butter can be a bit tricky to choose, so make sure to pick a natural peanut butter with only peanuts as an ingredient. Processed peanut butter can contain added oils, sugars, and salt, which are not good for our furry friends.

Bananas are a great addition to homemade dog treats, providing potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium. They're also a great way to use up ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Here are some key ingredients to consider for your homemade dog treats:

Bacon

Cook making homemade dough for pie in cafe
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Bacon is a popular ingredient in dog treats, and it's not hard to see why - it's a tasty addition that many dogs love. It's used in combination with peanut butter to create a delicious and irresistible flavor.

In the Peanut Butter and Bacon Dog Treats recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction, bacon is a main ingredient, adding a smoky flavor to the treats. The recipe also suggests using cookie cutters to create cute shapes, making the treats a fun and engaging snack for dogs.

Bacon is often paired with peanut butter and other ingredients like oats and egg to create a crunchy and tasty treat. The Tidy Mom's Peanut Butter & Bacon Dog Treats [Gluten Free] recipe is a great example of this, using bacon along with oat flour, brown rice flour, and shredded carrot to create a gluten-free treat.

If you're looking to make dog treats at home, bacon is a great ingredient to have on hand. It's easy to use and adds a lot of flavor to the treats. Just be sure to store any leftover treats in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

Here are some common ingredients used with bacon in dog treat recipes:

  • Peanut butter
  • Oats
  • Egg
  • Shredded carrot
  • Wheat flour

Pumpkin

Credit: youtube.com, Ingredient 101 - Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a nutritious ingredient that can be used in homemade dog treats. It's a great alternative to grains for dogs on a grain-free diet, as seen in the Homemade Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats recipe.

You can use canned pumpkin puree as a substitute for fresh pumpkin, making it a convenient option for dog owners. This is evident in the Pumpkin and Flax Seed Dog Treats recipe.

Pumpkin adds fiber and moisture to dog treats, which can be beneficial for digestive health. The Homemade Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats recipe suggests using pumpkin to make a sweet potato and apple carrot variation.

Pumpkin can be used in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a versatile ingredient for dog owners. As mentioned in the Pumpkin and Flax Seed Dog Treats recipe, you can cut the dough into shapes using a cookie cutter set or cut it into strips with a knife.

Here are some key ingredients that can be used with pumpkin in dog treats:

  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Pumpkin
  • Pumpkin (canned)

Beef or Chicken

Person Serving a Platter of Homemade Biscuits
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These beef or chicken dog treats are incredibly easy to make, requiring only four ingredients. They use healthy chicken or beef broth to create a tantalizing flavor that dogs can hardly resist.

The recipe is a great way to whip up a bunch for your pooch or use them as gifts. These biscuits can be served fresh or frozen for later use.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious ingredient for dog treats, and they can be used in a variety of recipes. They're a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for your dog's coat and overall health.

One key thing to note is that sweet potatoes can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. For example, the Sweet Potato Carrot Dog Cake recipe includes sweet potato puree, while the Sweet Potato Dog Treats recipe from K9 Instinct uses mashed sweet potatoes.

If you're planning to bake a sweet potato-based cake for your dog, you'll want to use almond flour and coconut oil, as seen in the Sweet Potato Carrot Dog Cake recipe. This will help create a soft and delightful treat for your furry friend.

Here are some common ingredients used in sweet potato dog treat recipes:

  • Almond Flour
  • Cooked Sweet Potatoes
  • Peanut Butter
  • Honey
  • Coconut Oil
  • Nonfat Yogurt
  • Wheat Flour (or substitutions)
  • Eggs
  • Shredded Carrots
  • Coconut Flour

Remember to always check with your vet before introducing new ingredients or recipes to your dog's diet.

Carrot and Banana

Woman Giving a Treat to a Dog
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Carrot and Banana treats are a great way to reward your furry friend, and the best part is that they're easy to make and packed with nutrients.

Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium, making them a healthy addition to your dog's diet.

Carrots, on the other hand, provide a crunchy texture and a boost of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision and immune function.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make these tasty treats:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1-2 carrots, peeled and grated
  • Peanut butter (make sure it's natural and free from added oils, sugars, and salt)
  • Oats (you can use whole oats, 1-minute oats, or instant oats)

Note that oats are a great source of fiber, vitamin B, and omega-6 fatty acid, making them a nutritious addition to your dog's treats.

Soft Coconut Flour

Soft Coconut Flour is a popular choice for making grain-free dog treats. It's a key ingredient in the Soft Coconut Flour Dog Treats recipe from The Radiant Life Blog.

These treats use coconut flour as a main ingredient, along with sweet potato, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and coconut oil. The combination of these ingredients makes for a soft and healthy treat that's perfect for finicky dogs.

For another approach, see: Coconut Flour Dog Treats

Close-up of Gingerbread Cookies in Dog Shapes
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The Soft Coconut Flour Dog Treats recipe is a great option for pet owners who want to avoid preservatives and unknown ingredients found in store-bought treats. By making these treats at home, you can be confident in what you're feeding your dog.

Coconut flour is a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional flours. It's a popular choice for dog treat recipes because it's easy to digest and can be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Here's a list of the ingredients used in the Soft Coconut Flour Dog Treats recipe:

  • Sweet Potato
  • Eggs
  • Unsweetened Applesauce
  • Coconut Oil
  • Coconut Flour

Frequently Asked Questions

Are homemade dog treats healthy?

Yes, homemade dog treats can be a healthy alternative to store-bought options, allowing you to control the ingredients and avoid allergens or sensitivities. By choosing high-quality, nutritious ingredients, you can provide your dog with a safe and healthy snack.

What flour is best to make dog biscuits?

Whole wheat flour is a nutritious choice for making dog biscuits, rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Consider substituting with oat flour or another dog-safe flour for a delicious and healthy treat

Is it cheaper to make dog biscuits?

Yes, making dog biscuits at home can significantly reduce your dog treat expenses, with potential savings of at least 50% or more. By making your own treats, you can enjoy healthier, safer, and tastier options for your furry friend.

What makes a good dog biscuit?

A good dog biscuit contains essential vitamins, proteins, and fibers from natural ingredients like peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables, as well as oat flour. Choosing the right ingredients ensures a healthy and tasty treat for your furry friend.

How are dog biscuits made?

Dog biscuits are made by combining raw materials, shaping, cooking, cooling, and packaging, similar to human biscuits. This process involves mixing protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber to create a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs.

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.

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