Why buy commercial dog treats when you can make healthy and affordable substitutes at home?

With the opportunity to personalize each recipe according to your dog’s particular tastes and health needs, making dog treats is the way to go. Try some of these ideas and please your dog with some new treats.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats

This tasty treat includes ingredients that will help give your dog energy and health. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, then mix together 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2/3 cup pumpkin puree, and 2 eggs. When they are well-combined, slowly add a minimum of 3 cups whole wheat flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create shapes, and then bake for 20-25 minutes.

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Parsley Sweet Breath Biscuits

Does your furry friend have less than pleasant breath? He (she) will enjoy these treats while they naturally freshen his breath, thanks to the parsley in the recipe. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F, then stir together 1 cup rolled oats, 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1/2 cup dry milk and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix together 1 cup peanut butter and 2 eggs, then stir into the dry mixture. Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick, use cookie cutters to create shapes, then bake for 40 minutes.

Carrot Apple Treats

Carrots and apples are both healthy choices to help keep your dog in good shape. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and mix together 1 cup of grated carrots, 1/2 cup apple sauce, 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 egg. Roll into bite-sized pieces for your dog, and press to 1/4 inch thick. Bake until the dough appears golden brown.

Cheese Corn Biscuits

This treat is a good option, with protein from both cheese and corn for your furry friend. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and mix together 3/4 cup cornmeal, 1&2/3 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup dry milk, and 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast. Mix in 2/3 cup cheddar cheese. Mix 1 egg, 3/4 cup low sodium beef broth, and 2 tbsp canola oil together, then mix all wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. 

Knead the dough, and roll until 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and bake approximately 30 minutes, until the treats are lightly browned and on the hard side.

Special Considerations

Just like humans, we should keep our furry friends away from as many chemicals as possible. When possible, choose organic ingredients for your homemade dog biscuits. Keep in mind that some ingredients that are beneficial for humans can be deadly to dogs, or at least make them very ill, so always do your research before modifying recipes or adding extra ingredients.

Making dog biscuits can be a fun and rewarding experience for pet owners. Use these ideas to give you a start in this culinary adventure. The greatest reward will be seeing your pet enjoy the tasty delicacies made by you, his loving owner.