Making homemade low-cal dog treats is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets the nutrients they need without overloading them with calories. According to a recipe in our article, a single sweet potato treat contains only 25 calories.
These treats are not only low in calories but also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support a balanced diet. A single serving of our chicken and carrot treat recipe provides 10% of your dog's daily fiber needs.
One of the benefits of making your own dog treats is that you can control the ingredients and avoid preservatives and additives found in commercial treats. A recipe in our article uses whole wheat flour as a healthier alternative to refined flour.
For more insights, see: Buy Low Sodium Hot Dogs
Why to Make
Making homemade low-cal dog treats is a great idea because it allows you to give your furry friend something special and healthier than most store-bought dog biscuits.
You can easily adjust the ingredients to accommodate your dog's specific dietary needs, whether it's a low-fat diet for pancreatitis or weight loss, or a gluten-free diet for wheat sensitivity. This is a big plus, especially if your vet has recommended a specific diet for your pup.
These treats are much lower in calories, with only about 30 calories per biscuit compared to the 120 calories in traditional dog treats. This makes them a great option for overweight dogs.
The best part is that you can make these treats with just a few simple ingredients: pumpkin puree, peanut butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Some cinnamon may be added for flavor, but it's not necessary.
You can also save money by making your own dog treats at home, especially if you compare them to the gourmet treats sold at pet boutiques.
Nutrition and Ingredients
When choosing ingredients for your homemade dog treats, it's essential to select healthy options that provide your pup with the nutrients they need. 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 should be free from added oils, sugars, and salt to avoid any potential harm to your dog. Bananas are another great ingredient, providing potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium, all of which are healthy nutrients for dogs.
For another approach, see: Nudges Dog Treats Healthy
Here are some key ingredients to consider:
It's also crucial to avoid using processed peanut butter that contains added ingredients, and to choose the right type of oats, such as whole oats, 1-minute oats, or instant oats, without any added sugars or other ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for this recipe are quite interesting. The serving size is 56 calories, which is relatively low.
Let's take a closer look at the macronutrients. The recipe contains 1g of fat, which is a small amount. This is actually a good thing, as excessive fat can be detrimental to our health.
Here's a breakdown of the macronutrients:
It's worth noting that the percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your individual values may vary.
Ingredients Needed:
When choosing ingredients for your dog's treats, it's essential to select healthy options that provide essential nutrients. Natural peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats for dogs.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats for our dogs as well as vitamins B and E, and niacin. Make sure to use only natural peanut butter, without added oils, sugars, and salt.
Bananas are a nutritious choice for dog treats, offering potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium. These nutrients are all healthy for our dogs.
Oats are another healthy ingredient for dog treats, high in fiber and containing vitamin B and omega-6 fatty acid. You can use whole oats, 1-minute oats, or instant oats as long as they don't have added sugars or other ingredients.
Here are some key ingredients to look for:
Using the right ingredients can make a big difference in the health and well-being of your furry friend.
Recipe Ideas
You can make delicious and healthy homemade dog treats with just a few ingredients. Consider trying the Easy DIY Sweet Potato Chews, which are a great alternative to store-bought treats.
For a no-bake option, you can whip up the No Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats with coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and ground ginger. These treats are gentle on your dog's stomach.
Here are some more recipe ideas to get you started:
- Easy DIY Sweet Potato Chews
- No Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Apple Pie Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Treats
More Recipes
If you're looking for more recipe ideas, I've got you covered. Here are some fun and easy-to-make dog treats you can try:
You can make sweet potato chews that are a healthier alternative to traditional dog treats.
These treats are made with sweet potatoes, which are a great source of fiber and vitamins for dogs.
Here are some more recipe ideas:
- Easy DIY Sweet Potato Chews
- Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Healthy Dog Treats
- Apple Pie Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Treats
Some dog treats are even safe for humans to eat, like the DIY Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Oat Pretzel with Apple
These oat-based treats are a great alternative to traditional dog biscuits. They're made mostly of oats, flour, and applesauce.
You can find the recipe for Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats at The Cookie Rookie. Their unique combination of ingredients creates a savory flavor that dogs love.
The ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, making this recipe a convenient option for pet owners.
Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt
Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt is a great way to keep your pup cool and happy during the warmer months. You can make these yummy treats with just three ingredients: pure pumpkin puree, plain yogurt, and an ice tray.
All you need is a few simple ingredients and some ice cube trays to get started. The frozen treats will be ready in no time, and your dog will love the cool, creamy texture.
Be sure to choose a yogurt base that contains no artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to dogs. This way, you can enjoy the treats with your furry friend.
These frozen treats are also a healthier alternative to store-bought options like Frosty Paws. You can make them at home with a few simple ingredients, and your dog will thank you.
Discover more: Dog Eating Frozen Dog Poop
Blueberry Oat and Peanut Butter
Blueberry Oat and Peanut Butter treats are a great option for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a tasty and healthy snack.
You can make these treats with just a few ingredients, including blueberries, oats, flour, eggs, peanut butter, and cinnamon.
They're also easy to make and require minimal preparation time, making them a great option for busy dog owners.
According to Southern Bytes, you can use the following ingredients to make Blueberry, Oats, and Peanut Butter Dog Treats: BlueberriesOatsFlourEggsPeanut butterCinnamon
These treats are not only delicious but also nutritious, making them a great addition to your dog's diet.
Storage and Freezing
You can store your homemade low-cal dog treats at room temperature for up to 5 to 7 days, but if they're softer, it may be shorter.
Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Refrigerating them will extend the storage time to 1 to 2 weeks.
Freezing is a great option too - they'll keep for up to 3 months when stored airtight.
If you plan to freeze them, it's best to place a pan in the freezer for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
This will prevent them from sticking together, making it easy to grab as many as you need.
Tips and Variations
You can easily customize these homemade low-cal dog treats to suit your pup's taste preferences. Use other nut butters if your dog likes them and can digest them.
Keep an eye on the dough's consistency when using different ingredients, as you want it to be quite firm and sticky. Adding a smaller amount of these ingredients incrementally will help you achieve the right texture.
Flavor Variations
Peanut butter dog treats are a hit with many pups, but you can easily mix things up and try new flavors.
If your dog loves nut butters, try using alternatives like almond butter or cashew butter.
You can also swap out peanut butter for equal parts plain pumpkin puree or plain mashed sweet potato.
Just keep an eye on the dough's consistency, as it should be quite firm and sticky.
Add a small amount of the new ingredient at a time until you reach the right consistency for rolling out and cutting.
Becky's Tips
If you're short on time, try making a double batch of cookies and freezing half for later.
Freezing cookies is a great way to preserve their freshness and texture.
To freeze cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer until they're frozen solid.
Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage.
You can also make a batch of cookie dough and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Additional reading: Make Freeze Dried Dog Treats
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the healthiest low calorie treats for dogs?
Healthy low-calorie treats for dogs include carrot sticks, cucumber slices, apple slices, cooked lean meats, and other nutrient-rich options like pumpkin and blueberries. These treats can be a great way to reward and nourish your furry friend while keeping them at a healthy weight.
Are homemade dog treats healthier?
Yes, homemade dog treats can be healthier because you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose high-quality and nutritious options. By making your own treats, you can also avoid common allergens and sensitivities that may affect your pet's health.
What is the healthiest flour to use for dog treats?
The healthiest flour to use for dog treats is whole wheat flour, rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Consider alternatives like oat flour for a nutritious and safe option.
What are the best treats for dogs on a low fat diet?
For dogs on a low-fat diet, healthy treat options include whole grain and veggie-based snacks, as well as fruits like apples and bananas that are low in calories and rich in nutrients. Consider making your own treats at home using fresh produce for a guilt-free reward.
What is the best flour for dog treats?
For a nutritious and safe flour option for dog treats, consider using whole wheat flour, which is rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Alternatively, you can also use oat flour or another dog-safe flour as a substitute.
Sources
- Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin) (allrecipes.com)
- Customized Cookie Cutter for your dog’s breed (shopstyle.it)
- Easy Homemade Dog Treats (itdoesnttastelikechicken.com)
- Frosty Pumpkin Dog Treats recipe (healthstartsinthekitchen.com)
- Watermelon Pupsicles recipe (bellyfull.net)
- Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats recipe (livelaughrowe.com)
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats recipe (delish.com)
- No Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats recipe (sunnydayfamily.com)
- Frozen Dog Treats recipe (homeiswheretheboatis.net)
- DIY Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats recipe (goodhousekeeping.com)
- Banana Zucchini Bread Homemade Dog Treats recipe (bellyfull.net)
- Carrot Cake Homemade Dog Treats recipe (bellyfull.net)
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats recipe (sunnydayfamily.com)
- Chicken and Beet Dog Treats recipe (threelittleferns.com)
- Ice Cube Cake recipe (thestarvingchefblog.com)
- Frozen Pumpkin and Yogurt Dog Treats recipe (communikait.com)
- Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Dog Treats recipe (mommalew.com)
- Blueberry, Oats, and Peanut Butter Dog Treats recipe (southern-bytes.com)
- Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats recipe (floraandvino.com)
- Low-Fat Homemade Dog Treats—Healthy & Delicious (101cookingfortwo.com)
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