Bone Appetite
There is no better way to show your dog how much you love them than with homemade dog treats. In your dog’s eyes, you will be the world’s greatest chef. These treats are quick, easy and save money over expensive store-bought treats. Plus, you know there are only wholesome ingredients in each treat. They also make awesome gifts for your dog loving friends.
First, presentation is key. No self-respecting dog will eat a plain old shapeless treat.
To take your treats to the next level, try out these fun puppy themed shapes.
If you really want to impress your furry friend, how about using these adorable, personalized cookie cutters?
Recipes for Homemade Treats
Peanut Butter is packed with protein and contains healthy fats, niacin, vitamin B and vitamin E, all of which contribute to your dog's overall health. Choose a natural peanut butter. Be sure to check the label and choose a brand that does not contain Xylitol. Recently some peanut butter manufacturers switched to using the sweetener xylitol as a sweetener. It is harmful to dogs.
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 egg
1 cup peanut butter (brand should not contain xylitol.
1 cup water
2 Tablespoons honey
For the Frosting-Optional
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 Tablespoons peanut butter
1 Tablespoon honey
3-4 Tablespoons hot water
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F.
In a large bowl combine flour and the egg. Add peanut butter, water, honey and stir until you have stiff dough. the dough becomes very firm and sticky. you may need to use your hands, or the paddle attachment on your mixer.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/2-inch-thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. the treats barely spread and rise, so get creative with your shapes.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden. Once done, set aside to cool. (If you have smaller cookies, use less time, otherwise the bottom might burn.)
To make frosting, combine the peanut butter and honey in a microwavable bowl, and heat in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until melted.
Add melted peanut butter mixture to cornstarch and stir until just combined.
Slowly add in water 1 Tablespoon at a time until you have reached the consistency that you would like. For a thinner frosting, add more water.
Drizzle frosting on each cookie
Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats
Ingredients:
1 ripe large banana
1/4 cup unsalted natural peanut butter
1/4 cup hot water
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats, ground in a blender into oat flour
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper
In large bowl, mash the banana with a fork.
Add in the peanut butter and hot water and stir to combine.
Add in the oat flour and stir to combine.
Roll the dough out to ¼” thick between two floured pieces of parchment paper and cut unto shapes.
Bake for 30 minutes (if you cut them into very small sizes, keep an eye on them during the last 5-10 minutes of baking so they don’t burn).
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat for your dog. Besides being a natural stomach soother, pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dog's digestive tract. Due to its high soluble fiber content, pumpkin is very good for your dog’s digestion. It will also add bulk to their stool, which can help with diarrhea.
Ingredients:
¾ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg yolk
2 cups wheat flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, stir together pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg yolk until completely combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flours and baking powder.
Gradually add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture until completely combined (dough will be quite dry).
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and roll out to approximately ¼″ thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut shapes out of dough and transfer cut out cookies to prepared cookie sheet, placing at least 1″ apart.
Bake cookies on 375°F for 20 minutes for small cookies and 25 minutes for large cookies.
Keep uneaten cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Chicken and Biscuits
Chicken is a great source of protein for dogs. Whole grains (like whole wheat) are packed with all kinds of things that are great for your pup -fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Your pup may just suit up and offer to help with these delicious treats.
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
2 cups whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
1 (5.3-ounce) container nonfat plain Greek yogurt
3/4 cup water
1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring until thoroughly incorporated. Batter will be very thick and sticky.
Drop batter by level tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Using the back of a spoon, flatten the dog treats slightly.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
Cool completely on wire racks. Store in refrigerator or (for longer storage) in zippered freezer bags in freezer (thaw before serving).
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
The scent of the bacon cooking is bound to bring your dog in to the kitchen to scope out what’s up. Add cheese and it will become a new favorite treat.
Ingredients:
4 strips Bacon, cooked crispy
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 cup Milled Oatmeal
2 large Eggs
Additional Milled Oatmeal
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350.
Combine bacon, cheese, and oatmeal in mixing bowl. Allow mixer to break bacon and cheese up into little bits.
Add eggs to the dry mixture to form a thick sticky dough.
Dust surface of counter with additional milled oatmeal, to prevent sticking.
Roll dough out to approximately 1/4 of an inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
Bake treats on a parchment paper lined baking tray for approximately 20 minutes till pale brown.
Bone Appetite!