Homemade Dog Treats

We all know that there’s no better feeling then spoiling our fur-babies, but it can be difficult to find good alternatives to store-bought goodies.

Therefore, in honour of National Dog Biscuit Day on February 23rd, I thought I’d share some tasty treat recipes you can make at home for your furry friends. But don’t forget, everything in moderation! Any new addition to your pet’s diet could give them an upset tummy, so start slow, and if it isn’t meant to be, stick to what they’re used to. Don’t forget that some ingredients can be toxic to dogs; here are a few that should always be avoided.

•  Onions, garlic
•  Nuts
•  Mushrooms
•  Avocado
•  Grapes or Raisins
• Chocolate or caffeine

Now, onto the tasty treats!

Pumpkin Apple Doggie Bones

• 4 – 4.5 cups oatmeal, plus additional.
• 1 medium apple.
• 1 egg.
• 1 Cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Grind the oatmeal down in a food processor or blender.
3. Core the apple, being sure to remove all of the seeds. Grate apple, and add to a bowl of oatmeal.
4. Add in the egg and canned pumpkin and mix well to combine.
5. On a surface dusted with oatmeal roll out the dough to about half an inch in thickness. Use your favourite cookie cutter to cut the dough into shapes, and transfer to a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Allow to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Peanut Butter Jelly Thumbprints

Note: This recipe can make approximately 250 treats – But a half-sized batch will taste just as sweet!

• 6 cups rolled oats, regular or quick.
• 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen.
• 2 large eggs.
• ½ cup applesauce.
• 6 heaping tablespoons peanut butter (with NO xylitol).
• A pinch of salt.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
2. Add rolled oats into a food processor and pulse for 10 – 20 seconds.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly blended.
4. Roll out the dough into thin log shapes. Then break off small pieces of dough and roll between your hands. And place on parchment lined cookie sheets. Then using your thumb, press the dough ball to create thumbprint treats.
5. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the treats start to brown on the edges. Cook and store in an airtight container for several months.

Sweet Potato Chews

• Sweet Potatoes only! Although you could try this recipe with other fruits and veggies such as zucchini, apples, bananas or carrots!

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees f.
2. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes.
3. Thinly slice lengthwise. ¼ to 1/3 inch wide max.
4. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake them for 3 hours, turning them over halfway through. You want them to be pretty chewy and dry.

Green Bean Crunchies

• Frozen Cut Green Beans, unsalted – thawed and drained
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees f.
2. Toss green beans in a small amount of oil and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Dehydrate in the oven for 8 hours or until crunchy!

Frozen Treats

These frosty snacks are all really up to your imagination. Fill half of an ice-cube tray or other moulds with your filler and then top it off with a liquid or mix some ingredients together into a smoothie consistency. Freeze it for a few hours until solid, and you’re ready for snack time with the pooch. These treats are best enjoyed on hot days, so keep it in mind for our next summer.

Suitable fillers: Chopped, grated, pureed, it’s up to you!

• Grated Carrots
• Apples
• Bananas
• Sweet potato
• Peanut Butter (No xylitol)
• Blueberries
• Cooked chicken
• Watermelon
• Strawberries

Suitable Liquids:

• Water
• Low-sodium Chicken broth (No garlic, onion or chives)
• Plain Yogurt

Written by McKnight Veterinary Hospital