How to Make Easy Homemade Dog Treats: A Comprehensive Guide

Making homemade dog treats is a rewarding way to show your furry friend some love. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, ensuring they are healthy and safe, but you also get the satisfaction of seeing your dog enjoy something you made with your own hands. This guide will walk you through the process of making delicious and nutritious dog treats using simple ingredients. We'll include two popular recipes for variety.

Recipe 1: Banana, Peanut Butter, and Oat Dog Treats

This easy recipe from It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken uses just three ingredients and is a hit with dogs.

Ingredients

• 2 cups oats: You can use old fashioned, 1-minute oats, or instant oats.
• 2 medium ripe bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium.
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter: Ensure the peanut butter you use is natural, with the only ingredient being peanuts. Avoid peanut butter that contains added oils, sugars, or salt.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Oats: Add the oats to a food processor and grind until they reach a fine powder. If you do not have a food processor, you can use a blender or coffee grinder. Alternatively, you can purchase oat flour and use that instead.

3. Mix Ingredients: In the food processor, add the bananas and peanut butter to the ground oats. Blend until a sticky dough is formed. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little water or an extra banana to achieve the right consistency.

4. Roll Out the Dough: Remove the dough from the food processor and place it on a lightly floured surface. Use whole wheat flour, more ground oats, or another dog-safe flour that you have on hand. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

5. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. You can use any shape you like, but bone shapes are popular for dog treats. If you don't have cookie cutters, you can simply cut the dough into squares using a knife or pizza cutter.

6. Bake the Treats: Place the cut-out dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the treats are puffed up a bit and dark brown on the bottoms. The treats will still feel soft when first removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog. Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for longer storage.

Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Dog Treats

This recipe from The Cookie Rookie uses five main ingredients and includes an optional frosting.

Ingredients

For the Dog Treats:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (300 grams)
• 1 large egg (50 grams)
• 1 cup peanut butter (270 grams)
• 1 cup water (227 grams)
• 2 tablespoons honey (43 grams)

For the Frosting (optional):

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (34 grams)
• 1 tablespoon honey (21 grams)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (37 grams)
• 3-4 tablespoons hot water (43-57 grams)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and the egg. Add the peanut butter, water, and honey, and stir until you have a stiff dough. The dough becomes very firm and sticky. You may need to use your hands, or the paddle attachment on your mixer.

3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/2-inch thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. The treats barely spread and rise, so get creative with your shapes.

4. Bake the Treats: Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden. Once done, set aside to cool. If you have smaller cookies, use less time to avoid burning the bottom.

5. Optional Frosting: To make the frosting, combine the peanut butter and honey in a microwavable bowl, and heat in the microwave in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until melted. Add the melted peanut butter mixture to the cornstarch and stir until just combined. Slowly add in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you have reached the desired consistency.

6. Frost the Treats: Add the frosting to a piping bag and pipe designs on top of each dog treat. Allow the frosting to set before serving.

7. Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool completely before storing. Store homemade peanut butter dog treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months or in the freezer for up to eight months.

Tips for Success

1. Ingredient Check: Always check the ingredients you use to ensure they are safe for dogs. Avoid any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
2. Allergy Awareness: Be aware of any food allergies your dog may have and adjust recipes accordingly. For example, if your dog is allergic to wheat, you can use rice flour or coconut flour.
3. Moderation: Even healthy treats should be given in moderation to avoid weight gain or digestive issues.
4. Storage: Proper storage is key to keeping treats fresh. Use airtight containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer as recommended.

Conclusion

Making homemade dog treats is a wonderful way to ensure your pet gets healthy and delicious snacks. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create treats that your dog will love. Plus, the customization options allow you to cater to your dog's specific tastes and dietary needs. Happy baking!

For more detailed recipes and tips on pet care, visit It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken's guide and The Cookie Rookie's guide. Enjoy treating your furry friend with these homemade goodies!