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Our animals are part of our family. So much so that they often get more space in bed than I do! And sometimes it’s nice to head into the kitchen and whip up a little special treat for the fur-children in my life, just like I do for the human members of my family. Enter homemade dog treats!
Creating this recipe was a fun little project that our puppies were very happy to help test! The resulting treat is quick and easy to make, has some nice nutritional boosts for your dog, and wraps up beautifully to gift to your dog (or your dog-loving friends).
A caveat here: there are tons of (many times conflicting) reports about what and what not to feed your dog. Some people say milk is okay. Others say it’s a no-no. Some swear that garlic is a death sentence. Others say they’ve been feeding their dog garlic for years. Some feed their dogs only raw meat, others swear that’ll ruin your dog’s digestion. As with all decisions regarding the health of your loved ones, it’s probably best to check with a trained health care professional when introducing any kinds of new foods. A vet can give you a definitive “yes” or “no” on what should end up in your pup’s bowl.
That being said, the ingredients below avoid any products that are well-known doggie no-nos (like, say, chocolate!) and focus on ingredients that are generally accepted as good for doggie-dom. Just like with human food, it depends on the individual. Your dog might be allergic to wheat or eggs or pumpkin or something else. So keep a close eye on your puppy any time you give them a new food or treat. Even though these dog treats are formulated to be as gentle on their systems and give them as many added nutritional benefits as possible, they still might not agree with some pooches.
That being said, one of our dogs has a historically weak tummy, and these treats didn’t cause a hint of an issue with her. She’s happy as a furry clam.
And as far as taste goes, I didn’t try ’em out (although I could, because it’s all human food), but our puppers love them. Rory in particular will literally stand in front of the cabinet that holds these treats and whine at the door, hoping that it’ll magically open and the whole bag of treats will spill onto the floor. She’s a big fan. And I’m a big fan of knowing all the ingredients and of saving a pretty penny by making these over the high-quality, all-natural treats I have been buying her.
I snuck in a few ingredients that are nutritional superstars for our canine friends. I want the furry members of our family to stick around as long as possible, and if I can give some treats that help with that? I’m all over it.
- The ground flax seed in these is a great source of Omega-3s, which help keep your puppy’s coat and skin healthy.
- Eggs are an amazing simple source of protein, especially for pups who may have adverse reactions to other proteins.
- Pumpkin is full of fiber, which helps keep your dog’s gut balanced, and beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant.
- The applesauce is full of phytonutrients, which are thought to help protect against cancer.
- The olive oil helps get much-needed healthy fats to your puppy, and contains compounds that may help prevent cancer.
- The wheat germ is packed with Vitamin E that helps make your puppy’s coat soft and silky.
Yeah, these little bones are big winners.
If you check the comments below, you’ll probably see lots of folks having trouble with the recipe. We heard you! We headed back to the kitchen and reformulated this recipe to be much easier to make. The new recipe is below, and I hope you (and your puppy) love it!
Yield: 2-3 dozen treats, depending on cookie cutter size
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Your four-legged friends will love these Healthy Homemade Dog Treats, which are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin, applesauce, and eggs.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (372 grams) whole wheat flour
- 1 cup (75 grams) wheat germ
- 1/2 cup (43 grams) ground flax seed
- 3 large eggs (153 grams, weighed out of shell)
- 1/2 cup (106 grams) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (122 grams) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (122 grams) pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon (20 grams) honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment (or grease with cooking spray).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and flax seed. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, applesauce, pumpkin, and honey until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Form the dough into a disc.
- On floured parchment paper, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thick. Cut shapes with a cookie cutter and place them an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are deep golden brown and very hard. Cool completely on a rack before letting your pup enjoy.
Notes
If the dough is sticky or hard to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes and/or knead in an extra tablespoon or two of flour.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36Serving Size: 1 treat
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 44Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
FAQs
Homemade dog treats are not just a delightful snack for your dog; they also offer a wealth of benefits, including ensuring that they are not ingesting harmful ingredients. So go ahead and skip what is at your chain pet store, and give them a healthy homemade treat instead!
How to make natural treats for dogs? ›
Dogs love the combination of peanut butter and bananas, and these treats are a perfect blend of both. Mash up a ripe banana, mix it with a spoonful of peanut butter, and add some oats for texture. Shape the mixture into small balls and bake until golden brown. Your pup won't be able to resist these drool-worthy treats!
What are healthy dog treats? ›
Top 10 Healthy and Delicious Human Treats for Dogs
- Carrots. These are great low-calorie snacks to give to Fido. ...
- Pumpkin. This yellow treat is not only a yummy option for your dog, but it also packed with vitamins and fiber! ...
- Apples. ...
- Frozen Sardines. ...
- Frozen Yogurt. ...
- Salmon (cooked) ...
- Sweet Potato. ...
- Peanut Butter.
Whole wheat flour is packed with nutrients for your pup, like fiber, protein, and antioxidants. You can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, but it won't provide as many nutrients. Eggs are great for dogs and add protein, fatty acids, and vitamins to their diet.
What can you not put in homemade dog treats? ›
Aside from artificial sweeteners, please AVOID the following HARMFUL ingredients when making homemade dog treats: Chocolate - toxic to dogs. Grapes - toxic to dogs. Raisins - toxic to dogs.
Is peanut butter ok for dogs? ›
' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products. Xylitol is the only ingredient in peanut butter that's bad for dogs.
Can I use regular flour for dog treats? ›
Bleaching doesn't do anything to improve the quality of the flour for your dog, so if you're going to buy all purpose flour, definitely go for the unbleached kind. In general, we recommend staying away from all purpose flour for your dog.
What is best to put in homemade dog food? ›
Your pet needs protein (animal meat, seafood, dairy, or eggs), fat (from meat or oil) and carbohydrates (grains or vegetables).
Is it cheaper to make your own dog treats? ›
Easy Homemade Dog Treats are made with just 3 ingredients! All it takes is banana, peanut butter, and oats and you can make these cute cookies for your pup, or for a doggy friend of yours. Not only are these easy to make, but they are so much more affordable than store-bought treats and dogs LOVE them!
What ingredient should not be in dog treats? ›
6 Ingredients To Avoid When Buying Dog Treats
- Glycerin. ...
- Sodium Tripolyphosphate (aka STPP or E451) ...
- Vague 'Catch-All' Terms. ...
- Wheat. ...
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (aka BHA or E320) & Butylated Hydroxytoluene (aka BHT or E321) ...
- Potassium Sorbate (aka PSG or E202)
They won't harm your dog, but they don't provide much benefit either. Cheerios are made from mostly whole-grain oats, which provide no essential component of your pet's diet. As a result, mass-produced Cheerio treats function only as filler—they're just empty calories when dogs need a high-energy diet.
Are Milk Bones good for your dog? ›
Milk bones are not unhealthy for dogs, however, like all treats, it's suggested to give them in moderation. A lot of veterinarians stay stocked up on milk bones - and lots of dog-friendly shops offer them to their furry customers, too! That being said, they aren't the healthiest for dogs either.
Is oatmeal good for dogs? ›
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs? Plain, cooked oatmeal can be a great addition to your dog's diet. This heart-healthy breakfast is rich in soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins that help support your dog's coat and skin. The high fiber content helps promote digestion and weight management.
Are oats safe for dogs? ›
The bottom line. When prepared properly, oatmeal can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet. Be sure to only feed dogs cooked oatmeal and opt for plain varieties prepared with water instead of milk. You should also increase their intake gradually to assess your dog's tolerance.
Is honey safe for dogs? ›
Is Honey Safe for Dogs? Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is also used as a sweetener in many foods and beverages.
Why are homemade dog treats better than store-bought? ›
Cost-effective: Homemade treats can be less expensive than store-bought treats, particularly if you buy ingredients in bulk or use leftovers from your own meals. Freshness: Homemade treats are made fresh and do not contain preservatives, which can be beneficial for your dog's health.
Is homemade dog food healthier than store-bought? ›
While there are no scientifically-supported benefits to homemade diets, whole ingredient-based diets are better in the long term. Commercial foods are made to be complete and balanced, adds Dr. Bartges, albeit not the most exciting of meals.
Why should you make homemade dog treats? ›
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
- You Can Give Your Dog What They Want. ...
- You Can Make Your Treats Super Healthy. ...
- You Can Make Leftovers Useful. ...
- You Can Save Money. ...
- Consult Your Vet Before Major Dietary Changes. ...
- Spice Isn't Too Nice. ...
- You Don't Need Much Sugar or Fat, Either. ...
- Don't Confuse Treats with Meals.
Maybe you're tired of limiting your pup to the treats at your local pet store. Maybe you want to feed your dog healthier ingredients. Or maybe you simply want to dote on them with fresh, home-cooked munchies. Here's the good news: It's perfectly fine to feed your dog homemade treats.
