Why DIY Dog Treats?
It’s our responsibility to provide our dogs with nutritious and wholesome food, supporting their well-being and enabling them to thrive. By being more intentional with our dogs’ dietary needs, we can better improve their quality of life! A nourishing diet leads to healthier coats, increased activity, and stronger immune systems.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats
Healthier & more quality ingredients
By making treats at home, you have control over the ingredients used. Homemade dog treats don’t contain preservatives, artificial additives and chemicals as regular store-bought treats. This is simply because homemade dog treats don’t have to sit in bags on store shelves for weeks at a time, so homemade treats can contain the freshest and most natural ingredients available.
Tailor to your dog’s needs
Homemade treats can be customized to suit your
dog’s specific dietary requirements and preferences.
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, you can avoid problematic ingredients and replace them with alternatives that are safe for them. If your dog is a picky eater, you can customize the treats to suit their taste!
Homemade dog treats can be safer
The Food and Drug Administration has recalled thousands of pounds of pet food and treats over the years for various contaminations such as Salmonella and Listeria.
Homemade dog treats ensure that you know exactly what you are feeding your dog. You should still take care to find out exactly what foods should be avoided and remember to consult your veterinarian to ensure that the homemade treats align with your dog’s nutritional needs.
Can Eat:
Carrots
Raw and cooked carrots are healthy options for dogs and make a nutritious add-on to meals. While carrots are generally safe, it is recommended to cut whole carrots into bite-size chunks before feeding them to your dog.
Peanut Butter
Dogs can eat peanut butter as a treat but make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free products. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and even eating small amounts can be fatal.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein and are also a great source of linoleic acid, vitamin B2 and B12 and water-soluble vitamin A. Most dogs should not be given more than one full egg per day and the eggs should be cooked.
Salmon
Salmon is rich in protein and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system and can keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy. The fish should be well-cooked and preferably boneless.
Can Not Eat:
Chocolate
While rarely fatal, eating chocolate can make your dog very ill. Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Unlike people, dogs can’t metabolize these two chemicals.
Grapes/Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Although research has yet to pinpoint exactly which substance in the fruit causes this reaction, keep your dog away!
Macadamia Nuts
Like grapes and raisins, we don’t know yet what specific toxin in macadamia nuts cause poisoning in dogs. Dogs who eat macadamia nuts most commonly experience weakness in the back legs, vomiting and diarrhea.
Onions/Garlic/Chives
Onions, garlic, chives and other foods that are part of the Allium family are toxic to your dog in any form– fresh, cooked, or powdered. In most cases, gas, irritation of
the mouth, drooling, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. Eating a large amount can cause red blood cell damage resulting in kidney failure.
Can Eat In Small Amounts
Cashews
Unlike macadamia nuts, cashews aren’t toxic to dogs and are safe to eat. However, they contain high levels of fat and too much fat in the diet can cause the pancreas to become inflamed.
Salt
Excessive salt intake may lead to salt poisoning or water deprivation in dogs, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Avoid giving your dog high sodium foods, like chips and pretzels.
Cheese
Dogs may love cheese, but it’s best to feed them in small amounts. Due to the fat and lactose content of cheese, some dogs may have digestive symptoms, such as stomach pain and diarrhea after consumption.
Tomatoes
It’s okay to feed your dog tomatoes as an occasional treat, as long as they are ripe. Dogs should never eat tomato leaves or stems. Tomatoes when ripe are full of fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
FULL LIST
Can Eat:
Carrots
Peanut butter
Eggs (cooked)
Blueberries
Pineapple
Watermelon
Bread
Corn
Green peas
Oatmeal
Mango
Rice
Apples (no seeds!) Potatoes, sweet potatoes Chicken (cooked, boneless) Salmon (cooked, boneless) Pork
Turkey
Beef
Bananas
Strawberries
Oranges
Mushrooms
Celery
Can’t Eat:
Grapes and Raisins Chocolate Macadamia nuts Onions
Avocado
Caffeine (coffee, tea etc.) Garlic
Alcohol
Lemons, limes
Artificial Sweetener (Xylitol) Cooked bones
BAKED RECIPES
Cream Cheese Tuna
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (250g) cream cheese
• 1 can of tuna (with water)
• 2 eggs
• 1-2 tablespoons buckwheat flour
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)
2. Combine together canned tuna with cream cheese and the 2 eggs. Then stir in 1-2 tbsp of buckwheat flour for a runny batter.
3. Spoon the mixture into the mold and then bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they are fully dry.
4. After removing from the oven, let the treats completely cool before popping them out of the mold. Store in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 weeks, or in the fridge for up to a month. Extra treats can also be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Chopped Chicken
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Ingredients:
• 1 cup cooked, finely chopped chicken
• 1/2 cup plain rice, cooked & mashed
• 3 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 egg
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
2. Mix together all ingredients and stir well.
3. Spoon the mixture into the mold and then bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until tops are golden brown.
4. After removing from the oven, let the treats completely cool before popping them out of the mold. Store in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 weeks, or in the fridge for up to a month. Extra treats can also be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Cheddar
Grain-free
Ingredients:
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1⁄2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1⁄4 cup carrot finely grated
• 1 egg
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C)
2. Grind oats in a food processor or blender until it becomes the consistency of a coarse flour.
3. Mix oats with the remaining ingredients to turn into a wet dough.
4. Press the dough into the mold and bake for 20-30 minutes based on how crispy you’d like them.
5. After removing from the oven, let the treats completely cool before popping them out of the mold. Store in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 weeks, or in the fridge for up to a month. Extra treats can also be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
FROZEN RECIPES
Peanut Butter & Banana
Grain-free, egg-free
Ingredients:
• 1⁄2 cup peanut butter *Use only Xylitol-free peanut
butter!
• 1 banana, ripe
• 3⁄4 cup Greek yogurt (non/low fat preferably)
1. Heat the peanut butter in a microwave-safe dish for 10- 15 seconds, or until soft and a little runny. Spoon an even layer of peanut butter into each silicone mold.
2. Mash ripe banana in a bowl with a fork until fairly smooth and creamy. Add the Greek yogurt and mix until well combined.
3. Spoon layer of the banana/yogurt mixture until the mold is filled up, then place them into the freezer for at least 4 hours.
4. Remove treats from the silicone mold and they’re ready to eat! Store these frozen treats in an air-tight sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Pumpkin & Banana
Grain-free, egg-free
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (non/low fat preferably)
• 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree **Do not use
pumpkin pie mix
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 banana, ripe
1. Add the banana and pumpkin puree to your blender and mix until it’s nice and smooth. You might need
to scrape the edges of the blender to ensure all of the ingredients are well incorporated. If you don’t have a blender, you can mix by hand using a fork.
2. Combine the yogurt and mashed banana/pumpkin mix in a large bowl. Add the honey. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Spoon the mixture into the mold. Place them into the freezer for at least 4 hours.
4. Remove treats from the silicone mold and they’re ready to eat! Store these frozen treats in an air-tight sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Apple & Carrot
Grain-free, egg-free, dairy-free
Ingredients:
• 3 carrots, peeled & chopped
• 1 large apple, peeled & chopped **Throw away the
seeds & core, dogs can’t eat them!
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup water, to taste
1. Blend the chopped carrots, apple slices, and water together in a blender until smooth.
2. Spoon the mixture into the mold. Place them into the freezer for at least 4 hours.
3. Remove treats from the silicone mold and they’re ready to eat! Store these frozen treats in an air-tight sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Before preparing any of these treats, if you have concerns about your pet’s health, we recommend that you consult with a qualified veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure they are appropriate for your specific dog’s dietary needs, allergies, and health condition.
The information presented here should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary guidance.
It’s important to be aware of any food allergies or dietary restrictions your dog may have and to select recipes that align with their specific requirements.
Enjoy creating delicious treats for your furry friend!
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