Homemade dog treats give you complete control over the ingredients and can ensure the utmost quality for your beloved pet. In this guide, we’ll explore vet-approved homemade dog treats recipes that are not only delicious but also wholesome for your furry friend.
Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Treats Recipes
Here are our top 4 vet-approved homemade dog treats recipes and how you can easily make them from the comfort of your home.
#1: Homemade Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Biscuits
Homemade peanut butter bacon dog biscuits are not only safe but also delicious for your four-legged companion. If your dog is a fan of peanut butter and bacon, they’re sure to adore this treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of oat flour (you can make it by pulsing rolled oats in a food processor)
- 1/4 cup of smooth, all-natural peanut butter (make sure it has no artificial sweeteners)
- 1/4 cup of finely crumbled crisp bacon with excess fat trimmed
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
If you don’t have a banana, you can substitute it with 3/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed pumpkin.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to thoroughly blend the oat flour, mashed banana, peanut butter, egg, and crumbled bacon.
- Roll out the dough on a clean, flat surface to about 1/3 inch thickness (you can make them thicker if you prefer).
- Use a cookie cutter to shape the biscuits or form them by hand, then place them on a parchment-lined or non-stick cookie sheet. If necessary, lightly grease the sheet with a small amount of olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the biscuits turn a lovely golden color and become dry.
The ingredients in this recipe are safe for humans and dogs. Feel free to customize the ingredients, just make sure everything you add is dog-friendly and doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners.
#2: Chicken and Biscuits Homemade Dog Treats
These homemade dog treats are like the canine version of the classic comfort treat. Who doesn’t love chicken and biscuits? This treat is also a fantastic way to put any leftover chicken to good use, so it doesn’t go to waste.
As a quick tip, when you’re preparing leftover chicken for these treats, ensure there are no bones in it. Also, be mindful of the fat content, especially if there’s fatty skin.
If you only have chicken from a recipe with strong spices, it’s better to skip it. To keep your pup’s stomach happy, simplicity is key.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, chopped (be sure to remove any bones)
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 container (5.3 ounces) of non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup of water
- 1 lightly beaten egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until you have a thick and sticky batter.
- Spoon small portions of the batter onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. The batter doesn’t spread much while baking, so you can place them close together on the sheets.
- Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each treat.
- Bake for approximately 12-14 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown.
- Allow the treats to cool completely on wire racks. You can store them in the refrigerator or for longer preservation, place them in zippered freezer bags in the freezer (just remember to thaw them before serving).
#3: Homemade Carrot Banana Doggie Cake
This cake is a delightful combination of dense carrot goodness with banana cream cheese icing. Plus, it’s super easy to make with common ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup of white or whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1 egg
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 container of baby food bananas
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking soda.
- Add the peanut butter, vegetable oil, shredded carrots, vanilla extract, honey, and egg. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour this delightful mixture into a small round pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
For the Frosting:
While your cake is baking, whip up the cream cheese, baby food bananas, and a pinch of cinnamon. Beat them together until you have a velvety frosting.
Feel free to create a full cake or turn these into pup-approved cupcakes. Your four-legged friend will adore this homemade treat, and your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes.
#4: Cornmeal and Bacon Dog Biscuit
Homemade dog biscuits come with flavors that dogs absolutely love. And bacon cornmeal dog treats are simple to make and will have your pet begging for more. They are also healthy, so you have nothing to worry about.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- Approximately 1/2 cup bacon grease
- 5 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup water (you may need up to 1 cup)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
- Mix 2 cups of whole wheat flour with 1/2 cup of cornmeal in a bowl.
- Ensure the bacon grease is in liquid form. If it’s solidified, gently microwave it until it becomes a liquid.
- Add the liquefied bacon grease to the flour mixture and mix.
- Incorporate 5 tablespoons of olive oil and start with 1/4 cup of water. You may need to add more water, up to 1 cup total, until the dough forms a ball.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface using cornmeal or whole wheat flour for dusting. Cut out dog bone shapes with a cookie cutter or use a knife to create sticks or squares.
- Place your shaped treats onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake them in your preheated oven until they’re crispy and golden (usually 25-35 minutes at 350˚F).
- Allow the treats to cool completely before sharing them with your furry friend.
Before giving your dog these treats, ensure they are not allergic to ingredients like whole wheat flour or cornmeal. If you’re uncertain about your dog’s allergies, consult your vet.
Healthier Treats, Healthier Dogs
Just as humans benefit from eating cleaner and healthier foods, so do our pets. Providing your dog with homemade treats made from wholesome ingredients can contribute to their overall health and well-being. Healthier dog treats means fewer additives and preservatives, which can lead to better digestion, improved energy levels, and fewer trips to the vet.
Making treats from scratch is better for your dog as it ensures that there are no added preservatives or harmful ingredients. You have complete control over what goes into your pups snacks, allowing you to choose only the best and safest ingredients. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also helps in avoiding potential allergens and artificial additives that could negatively impact your dog’s health.
Truffle Paws is always here to support you in making the best choices for your furry friend. Our main goal is to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy, leading to fewer vet visits and more joyful moments together.
Comprehensive Coverage with Truffle Paws
At Truffle Paws, we understand that a healthy diet is just one aspect of pet care. Our comprehensive insurance plans cover a wide range of services to keep your pet healthy:
- Accident & Illness Coverage: Covers sudden or unexpected incidents and illnesses.
- Routine Check-Ups: Regular veterinary visits for preventative care.
- Vaccinations: Essential vaccines to protect against common diseases.
- Surgery and Hospitalization: Coverage for necessary surgeries and hospital stays.
- Emergency Care: Immediate care for urgent health issues.
- Specialist Care: Access to specialist treatments when needed.
Give Your Dog a Healthy Future with the Right Pet Insurance
Caring for your dog is more than just treats and cuddles. It also means being ready for unexpected vet expenses. The healthier the snacks and treats you provide to your pups—the less time spent at the vet! Start today and give your dog the protection they deserve with a pet insurance plan from Truffle Paws.
Visit Truffle Paws to learn more and get started on securing your pet’s health and happiness!