Valentine Dog Treats
A "Berry" Good Recipe

Valentine dog treats, with a tasty strawberry twist, are a great way to celebrate this special day with your furry friend! These homemade dog treats are not only delicious but also healthy, featuring strawberries as the star ingredient to add a natural red hue. Perfect for showing your dog some extra love!

So let's get some tails wagging.

But first, let me tell you why you'll want to make these treats by listing some of the foodie facts below.

Valentine Dog Treats Nutrition

• Strawberries: A great source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. They help support healthy digestion, boost immunity, and are low in calories.
• Peanut Butter: Provides protein, healthy fats, B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium.
• Oats: A good source of carbohydrates and fiber in the form of beta glucan, high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

These treats offer a tasty balanced snack your dog will adore. You might even want to try one yourself.😉

And, while your dog may be oblivious to all the good, healthy stuff they contain, you can bask in the glow of being the best dog mom!

Recipe Substitutions

Flour Substitutions
If oat flour is unavailable or doesn’t suit your dog’s dietary needs, here are some alternatives:

• Whole Wheat Flour: A common option, but ensure your dog isn’t sensitive to wheat.
• Coconut Flour: Ideal for a grain-free option, though you’ll need less as it absorbs more liquid.
• Brown Rice Flour: A good gluten-free choice, providing a mild flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions
Tailor the recipe to your dog’s preferences or dietary restrictions with these substitutions:

• Strawberries: Substitute with unsweetened cranberry juice or pureed raspberries for the red color.
  

• Strawberry powder is another option that can be used in the recipe, or to use for a decorative dusting after the treats are baked.

• Peanut Butter: Use almond butter or unsweetened pumpkin puree if peanut butter is unavailable.

• Apple sauce can be substituted for peanut butter if desired.

• Egg: Replace with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for a vegan option.

Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder for Baking

Recipe Variation Ideas

• Heart-Shaped Treats: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for festive fun.

• Add Carrots: Grated carrots add extra nutrition and sweetness.

• Glazed Treats: Drizzle with dog-safe yogurt for a decorative touch. You can thicken it with a little bit of arrowroot or cornstarch.

• Cheesy Bites: Add a sprinkle of shredded low-fat cheese for a savory twist.

RECIPE TIPS

• Always use unsweetened and natural ingredients without additives like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Organic is ideal.
  

• Test the dough consistency; it should be easy to roll out but not sticky. Adjust with more flour or water as needed.

• Bake a small batch first to ensure your dog enjoys the flavor.

• Instead of using cookie cutters, roll the dough into a log and cut into 1/2" slices. Or, for very small training treats, cut the slices into six pieces.
  

• Roll out dough and cut with a pizza cutter into squares or triangles.

• Be sure to adjust baking time if smaller or larger treats are made.

• For crunchier biscuits, leave in "turned off" oven for a couple of hours.
  

Serving Size for Dogs
Offer treats in moderation based on your dog’s size and the size you make the treats:

• Small dogs: 1-2 treats per day
• Medium dogs: 2-3 treats per day
• Large dogs: 3-4 treats per day

Always consult your vet if you’re introducing new ingredients to your dog’s diet.

Best Way to Store
Store the treats in an airtight container:
Room Temperature: Up to 1 week.
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw before serving).

Actually, dogs don't mind frozen treats plus they can be soothing for a teething puppy, or on a hot day.

Main Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Parchment paper

Nesting Plastic Mixing Bowl
Set with Pour Spouts and Handles
Ombre Mint, 4 Piece Non-Slip

18 PCS Cookie Cutters Set in
Round, Heart, Star, Flower, Dog Bone

Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum
Commercial Half Sheet - USA Made
Cookie Sheet Pan, 2-Pack

Want more treat recipes? Check out my recipe book in the side column and your dog will enjoy a variety of healthy pup treats all year long.

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• Always consult your veterinarian when you have health-related questions. Information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. The information above is designed to help inform you about canine diabetes and nothing more. Using this information is at your own discretion and we will not be liable for any actions taken by any person or any consequences that may result.