How To Make Dog Treats

Are you curious about how to make dog treats because you want to provide your pet with healthier snacks?

If you answered yes, keep reading and I'll show you how to make tasty, healthy treats for your dog in no time.


how to make dog treats in kitchen with dogs

But first, have you ever asked yourself, "What makes homemade dog treats a better choice than store-bought options?"

Here are some considerations:

  • Homemade dog treats allow you to control the ingredients to ensure your pet's safety.
  • DIY dog treats can be more cost-effective and customized to your dog's preferences.
  • Discover simple recipes for a variety of treats such as peanut butter, oatmeal and banana, or sweet potato dog treats and many more.
  • Learn which ingredients to include and those to avoid when making dog treats.
  • Understand the proper storage and safety tips for homemade dog treats.


Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?

Learning how to make dog treat at home has many benefits. You get to choose the ingredients, meet your dog's special needs, and save money.


Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade treats mean you avoid the risks of commercial treats with may have unlisted fillers and preservatives. Plus, you can make treats that your dog can safely eat, even if they have allergies.

Cost Savings and Customization

Homemade treats are budget-friendly compared to store-bought ones especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. You can also make treats in fun shapes and flavors, making them special for your dog.

Making my own dog treats has been a game-changer. I know exactly what's going into them, and my dog loves the unique flavors I can create at home.

So let's get into the details...

person cutting out cookie shapes

How to Make Dog Treats

Making dog treats at home is fun and easy. It lets you give your dog tasty, healthy snacks. Here's how to do it step by step.

  • Measure all the ingredients you'll be needing for the recipe. This will help you give your full attention to the recipe instructions.
  • Make sure to follow the recipe for the best taste and texture. Prepare the dough as indicated in the steps.
  • Cut and shape the dough using cookie cutters or freestyle. Make sure they're the right size for your dog. Training aids should be very small.
  • Bake or Freeze the Treats - Now, either bake the treats right away or freeze to bake later. You can also bake first and then freeze for long term storage.
  • If baking, allow to cool thoroughly before storing them in a sealed container or bag. This keeps them fresh and tasty.

By following these steps, you can make lots of tasty treats for your dog. Try different ingredients and flavors to find your dog's favorite. My dogs like peanut butter, oatmeal and banana, or sweet potato dog treats, and quite a few more!

dog being offered a treat in the kitchen

Best Ingredients for Dog Treats

Choosing the right ingredients is key when making homemade dog treats. Healthy and safe options ensure your dog gets nutritious snacks. Let's look at the must-have ingredients for making treats at home.

Healthy and Safe Options

Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and organic whole wheat flour are good for your dog's digestion. They offer fiber and complex carbs. Lean proteins from chicken, turkey, or lean beef are great for building muscle. Fruits and veggies, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin, add vitamins and minerals.

  • Whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat flour)
  • Lean proteins (chicken, turkey, lean beef)
  • Fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin)

Stay away from harmful ingredients that can be toxic to dogs such as chocolate, xylitol, onions, and grapes. Choosing wholesome ingredients for dog treats lets you make tasty, nutritious snacks your dog will enjoy.

Ingredient Benefit
Oats Provide fiber and complex carbohydrates
Chicken Offer high-quality, lean protein
Sweet Potatoes Rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness

By choosing the right ingredients for dog treats, you can create healthy and delicious snacks that your furry friend will enjoy.

Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipe

Homemade peanut butter dog treats are a hit with dogs. They're easy to make and a healthy snack. Here, we'll show you how to make homemade peanut butter dog treats that your dog will love.

Peanut butter is a favorite in dog treats. It's tasty and good for dogs. It has protein, healthy fats, and vitamins that help keep dogs healthy.

flour-and-peanut-butter-400x399-s.jpg

Find our favorite and easy Peanut Butter Dog Treat recipe here.

These homemade treats are a tasty and healthy snack. Making them at home lets you control what goes into them. This ensures your dog's health and enjoyment.


Oatmeal and Banana Dog Treat Recipe

Discover the power of healthy ingredients with this oatmeal and banana dog treat recipe. These homemade treats are full of nutrients, making them a tasty and healthy choice for your dog.

Nutritious and Delicious

Oatmeal is great for dog treats because it's full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium, which is good for muscles and nerves.

Together, oatmeal and bananas make a treat that's both tasty and healthy. It's a favorite among pet owners who care about their dog's health.

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter (optional)

How to Make:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Line a baking pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper
  • Mix all ingredients together in medium size bowl
  • Shape into balls - small for training or larger for daily treat
  • Place of prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes depending on size

If you want harder treats, bake longer and let dry thoroughly in the oven after you have turned it off.

TIP: If you don't want to get out your mixer every time you make treats or cookies, a Danish dough whisk gets the job done without the hassle. They look a little strange, but are fantastic for any kind of mixing plus super easy to clean. I love them.

These treats have flavors most dogs love and no doubt your dog will too! Make some today and you'll feel good about giving your pal a healthy snack.

Nutritional Information (per treat) Value
Calories 50
Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 1g
Potassium 105mg

Give your dog these oatmeal banana dog treats. They're not just homemade oatmeal dog treats, but also a tasty and nutritious snack. Your pup is sure to know you made them with love!

Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe

Sweet potatoes are great for homemade sweet potato dog treats. They're full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These treats are not only tasty but also good for your dog's health.

To make these sweet potato dog treats, you'll need a few simple ingredients. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet Then, get the following:

  • 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or substitute with oat flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free)

In a big mixing bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, flour, egg, and peanut butter. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour. Roll it out to 1/4-inch thickness and use cookie cutters for fun shapes.

Put the homemade sweet potato dog treats on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they're firm and lightly browned. Let them cool before giving them to your dog.

These sweet potato dog treats are not just tasty. They're also full of nutrients that help your dog stay healthy. Enjoy making this easy and healthy recipe for your pet!

Meat-Based Dog Treat Recipes

For dogs who love savory, protein-rich treats, homemade meat-based dog treats are perfect. These snacks are tasty and nutritious. They're a great, natural choice instead of commercial treats. Here are some delicious meat dog treat recipes that your furry friend will love.

Meat Dog Treat Ingredients Preparation
Homemade Beef Jerky Treats
  • Lean beef
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
  • Spices (e.g., paprika, black pepper)
  1. Slice beef into thin strips.
  2. Marinate in soy sauce, and your choice of spices.
  3. Dehydrate in oven or food dehydrator until chewy.
Baked Chicken Bites
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Herbs and spices (e.g., rosemary, thyme)
  1. Cube chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toss with herbs and spices.
  3. Bake in oven until cooked through and crispy.

These meat-based dog treat recipes are tasty and protein-rich. They're a natural, wholesome choice instead of store-bought treats. Making your own meat dog treats will satisfy your pup's carnivorous needs in a delicious snack.

Storing Homemade Dog Treats

Keeping your homemade dog treats fresh is key. Whether you're making peanut butter treats or sweet potato chews, how you store them matters. It affects their shelf life and taste.

Here are some tips for how to store homemade dog treats:

  • Use an airtight container like a Ziplock bag or a sealed glass jar to keep moisture and air out.
  • Keep treats in the fridge or freezer to make them last longer. Fridge treats can last a week, while freezer treats can last months.
  • Write the date you made the treats on the container so you know how fresh they are.
  • Don't store treats in sunlight or near heat, as this can make them spoil faster.

The shelf life of homemade dog treats depends on the recipe and ingredients. Generally, treats can last:

Treat Type Refrigerated Shelf Life Frozen Shelf Life
Peanut Butter Treats Up to 1 week Up to 3 months
Oatmeal and Banana Treats Up to 5 days Up to 2 months
Sweet Potato Treats Up to 1 week Up to 3 months
Meat-Based Treats Up to 3 days Up to 2 months

By following these storage tips and watching the shelf life of your treats, your dog will enjoy the best snacks.

glass jars on a table containing dog treats

Dog Treat Safety Tips

When making homemade dog treats, think about your dog's safety first. Some ingredients can be very harmful. Knowing what to avoid helps make treats that are safe and healthy for your pet.

Ingredients to Avoid

Some things safe for humans can be bad for dogs. Here are some ingredients to avoid for safe dog treat ingredients:

  • Chocolate: It's toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
  • Xylitol: This sugar substitute can lower blood sugar and harm the liver.
  • Onions and garlic: They can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
  • Raisins and grapes: They can lead to kidney failure.
  • Macadamia nuts: They can affect the nervous system and cause vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.

By avoiding these ingredients, you can make treats that are safe and delicious for your pet.

Ingredient Potential Harm to Dogs
Chocolate Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures
Xylitol Drop in blood sugar, liver damage
Onions and Garlic Damage to red blood cells, anemia
Raisins and Grapes Kidney failure
Macadamia nuts Nervous system issues, vomiting, tremors

By not using these harmful ingredients, you can make treats that are safe and tasty for your dog.

Conclusion

Making your own dog treats at home has many benefits. You can make sure your pet gets a tasty and healthy snack. It's made just right for their tastes and health needs.

We've shown you simple recipes and key ingredients for tasty dog treats. These treats are not only yummy but also good for your dog's health. You can try recipes like peanut butter treats or oatmeal and banana bites.

Try out these recipes and let your creativity run wild. Making treats at home saves money and lets you pick the ingredients your dog needs. Watch how happy your dog will be with each treat they get.

FAQ

What are the benefits of making homemade dog treats?

Making homemade dog treats has many benefits. You can control what goes into them. This lets you tailor treats to your dog's needs. Plus, it's cheaper than buying them.

What are the essential ingredients for making healthy dog treats?

Healthy dog treats need whole grains, lean proteins, and safe fruits and veggies. Make sure to avoid harmful ingredients

How do I store homemade dog treats?

Keeping treats fresh is key. Store them at room temperature, in the fridge, or freezer. It depends on the recipe and how long they last.

What safety tips should I keep in mind when making dog treats?

Be careful with ingredients when making treats. Avoid chocolate, onions, and xylitol. They're toxic to dogs.



How do I make peanut butter dog treats?

Peanut butter treats are easy and popular. They use peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and oats. It's a simple recipe.



Can I make dog treats with oatmeal and banana?

Yes, oatmeal and banana make great treats. They're nutritious and tasty. Your dog will love them.


How do I make sweet potato dog treats?

Sweet potatoes are great for treats. They're full of vitamins and fiber. This recipe shows how to make yummy sweet potato treats.


Can I make meat-based dog treats at home?

Definitely! Meat-based treats are perfect for dogs who like savory flavors. This section has recipes for tasty, protein-rich treats like jerky and meat bites.

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