Stop Buying Harmful Dog Cookies and Learn How to Make Your Own
Although you can buy ready made treats for your dog, not only are they very expensive but some of them are not at all healthy for your beloved friend.
Would it not be better all round to make healthy dog cookies at home, which are more affordable AND safe for your pet?
You can personalise the recipe to suit your dog's tastes and health requirements which means making your own dog treats really is the way to go.
Why not try some of our healthy dog treats and see which ones your dog likes best.
Pumpkin Homemade Dog Biscuits with Peanut Butter
This is one of our favorites and includes ingredients which are healthy and will provide your dog with energy. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, in a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of peanut butter (ensure the brand you use does not contain Xylitol - a sweetener which is deadly for dogs) and 2/3 cups of pumpkin which has been pureed. Add 2 eggs. Combine well and gradually add 3 cups of whole wheat flour. Add as much as you need so the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough, then lay out on a floured board and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Sweet Breath Biscuits with Parsley
Does your petty have smelly breath? He or she is sure to enjoy these treats and at the same time, the parsley will freshen their breath. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 tbsp of dried parsley, 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup of dry milk. Combine 1 cup of peanut butter (make sure it contains no Xyilot which is a sweetner that is deadly for dogs) and 2 eggs, add this to the dry mixture and stir well. Add the mixture to a floured board, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out the mixture, add to a baking tray and bake for 40 minutes.
Apple Treats with Carrot
Apples and carrots are both healthy choices for your dog and will keep him/her in great shape. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of grated carrots, 1/2 a cup of apple sauce and 1 egg. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls for your dog, press the mixture on a floured board until they are 1/4 inch thick. Bake in the oven until they are golden brown.
Cheese Corn Cookies
This is a great treat which contains lots of protein for your dog. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Combine 1& 2/3 cups of whole wheat flour, 3/4 of a cup of cornmeal, 1/4 of a cup of brewer's yeast and 1/2 cup of dry milk powder. Add 2/3 of a cup of cheese. Add 3/4 cup of low sodium beef broth, 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well until combined.
Knead well and then add the mixture to a floured board. Roll out until 1/4 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out the mixture, add to a baking tray and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The treats should be lightly brown.
Special Note
As with humans, we should stay away from any products which contain chemicals as much as possible. If you are able to, for your homemade dog treats, use organic ingredients. Be aware that some ingredients which are suitable for humans, can in fact be harmful to your dog, so make sure you do your research if you are changing the recipes in any way.
Homemade treats for your dog can be rewarding and fun for pet owners, especially if you find a recipe that your dog particularly likes. These are just a few ideas which you can try and have the peace of mind that your dog is getting a healthy treat where you have controlled the ingredients and are not subjecting him/her to harmful chemicals and preservatives. The best reward will be watching your dog devour the tasty treat made by you, his/her loving master.