The Trupanion blog
4 DIY Dog Treat Recipes You Can Make at Home
By: Brianna Gunter
Sometimes it seems like dogs will eat just about anything. So, it’s up to us pet owners to make sure Fido only has access to the best of the best. There are an increasing amount of health dog treat options at stores these days, but one way to know for certain what you’re giving your pal is to make his snacks yourself.
Always talk with your pet’s veterinarian about what kinds of food are safe and which ingredients are off-limits to dogs. To give you a leg up, we did a little digging and found four DIY dog treats that are easy to make and healthy for your four-legged friend.
PB&AC dog Treats
The original version of this DIY dog treat recipe appeared on allrecipes.
This easy dog treat recipe combines three things that many canines love the taste of: peanut butter, apples, and carrots. While the sizes of each treat may vary, each one will contain an average of 72 calories. Makes 10 dog treats.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of grated carrots
- 1/2 cup of grated apple (honeycrisp or granny smith is recommended because they bake well, but your choice)
- 1 cups of oats (quick cooking or “1-minute” oats)
- 1/4 cup of dog-safe peanut butter (check the label first to ensure it’s a safe peanut butter for dogs)
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (or 175 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper, aluminum foil, or parchment paper. Do not grease.
- In a bowl, add the peanut butter and egg. Whisk together until thoroughly combined.
- Add the oats, carrots, and apple, and stir all ingredients together until everything appears evenly mixed.
- Use a spoon to place small dollops (about 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons each) of the mixture on the baking sheet, at least two inches apart. Press down gently on each dollop to flatten to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- When the baking sheet is full (or the mixture is all used up), place the treats in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Treats are fully cooked when they start to brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and allow the treats to cool for five minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Only give your dog a completely cooled treat.
- Store out of reach from your dog in an airtight container or bag for up to a month. If frozen, treats can last up to five months. Now you have some healthy treats to reward your good boy!
Easy freeze dog treats
The original version of this DIY dog treat recipe appeared on detoxinista.
These dog snacks are perfect for pups who love frozen treats! Best of all, these 71-calorie treats only contain three simple ingredients. Makes 12 treats.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup of dog-safe peanut butter
- ¾ cup of water
*You will also need a silicone mold for freezing the treats. Chewy has some fun shapes.
Instructions
- Start by ensuring your silicone mold is clean and placing it on a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer (the baking sheet will keep it stable so the treats form evenly).
- Chop the banana into small chunks and add to a bowl. Use a fork to mash the banana into one sticky mixture.
- Using a blender (or a large bowl and a strong hand) mix the banana with the peanut butter and water until smooth.
- Spoon out the mixture into your silicone mold, dividing evenly among the spaces.
- Put the mold on its baking sheet into the freezer, and allow to chill until the treats are firm. This should take about two hours in the average freezer.
- Remove the mold and gently bend to pop the frozen treats out. They’re ready to go! Store uneaten treats in an airtight container in your freezer for up to four months.
Doggy donuts
The original version of this DIY dog treat recipe appeared on Sunny Day Family.
These donuts look so delicious, you might be tempted to save one for yourself. You could eat it too, because the ingredients here are safe for both dogs and humans. They are 160 calories each, so limit Fido to no more than one a day and consider cutting in half for smaller dogs. Makes six dog donut treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice flour
- 1 cup oats (quick cooking or “1-minute” oats)
- 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil
- 1/2 cup dog-safe peanut butter
- 3 eggs
- Plain Greek yogurt (for “frosting”)
*You will also need a donut pan.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Grease your donut pan with olive oil or flax seed oil (not cooking spray, as this can potentially cause an upset stomach in your dog). Set aside.
- Add the flour, oats, eggs, and oil to a large bowl and mix together until a batter forms. Stir in the peanut butter until all ingredients are even.
- Scoop out the dough and press gently into the donut pan. Distribute evenly between all the spaces, then press each one firmly with your fingers to ensure it’s all intact (the donuts will rise very little, so it’s important that the batter is packed in).
- Put the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. These dog treats are finished when they turn a golden brown and are firm to the touch. *Note—if using a mini donut pan instead of a regular one, check treats after 9 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once fully cooled, spread a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt on each for frosting. You can harden the yogurt by putting the treats in the freezer, or you can wait to add it just before giving one to your dog. Store uneaten treats in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Dried banana dog chews
The original version of this recipe appeared on Golden Woofs.
Looking for simplicity? This dried-fruit dog chew recipe does take over an hour to complete, but it’s super easy to prepare! The amount of dog chews you get will depend on how many bananas you use and their size, but each will contain an average of 25 calories.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees F (121 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- Peel bananas and carefully slice into thirds, length-wise. This can be a bit tricky depending on the exact shape of the banana, but going slow and steady will help.
- Lay the slices out on the baking sheet, at least 1 inch apart. Drizzle each slice lightly with lemon juice (this will help prevent too much browning).
- Put the baking sheet in the oven, and bake for 45 minutes. If the banana strips are still soft and bendy after that, bake for another 15-20 minutes or until they are stiff but not crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow strips to cool on the sheet. Store in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to two weeks. Freezing is not recommended. Now your dog has a stash of fruit chews that are tasty and nutritious!
How many treats can dogs have a day?
Dog treats make great rewards for any well-behaved pup, but it’s important to not overload your pal’s diet with them. Always take calorie counts into consideration, and adjust your dog’s meal quantities accordingly. It’s also crucial to talk with your pet’s veterinarian ahead of time before introducing any new treats into their diet.
Want to learn more about healthy food for dogs? Our pet care guide has the answers to your dog nutrition questions.
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While you’re browsing our pet blog, please note that the views expressed here are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Trupanion. Our articles are reviewed by veterinarians for accuracy, but they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Always consult with your own pet’s veterinarian for advice.