Looking for a new way to show your dog or cat that you love them? Sure, your pooch might go crazy for a walk in the park and new catnip can keep kitty busy for hours – but the best way to show your affection is with a freshly baked batch of homemade treats.
Not only will your pet be saying thank you, but you also get to enjoy baking without having to worry about eating all the treats yourself! And while it may seem labor intensive, your pet will be healthier in the long run. So start off-furing your dog and cat these homemade treats.
The Benefits of Homemade Pet Treats
You’re the chef. Making your own treats gives you the autonomy to choose what your pet eats, rather than taking a chance on store-bought treats. Companies chock their treats full of preservatives and additives to keep them fresh, which creates a decrease in nutritional value. By making your own, you can make sure your pet’s snacking on all natural protein and produce.
Manage your pet’s weight. Treats can come filled with fat, sugar and other elements that your pet doesn’t need to stay healthy. If your pet is overweight, you can give him or her a treat with less fat and more protein and vegetables. You can also tailor your treats to your pet’s specific health issues to keep them feeling happier and healthier.
Save money. Food and treats can be a fairly large expense for most owners. Next time you head to the grocery store, make a list for both you and your pet. Homemade treats will save you money and that cash can go towards veterinarian visits and toys, too!
Click the titles below to expand the full recipe.
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
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| 12Treats |
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| 12Treats |
- 2 1/2 cups Brown Rice Flour
- 1/4 cup Pumpkin pureed
- 1/4 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 1 Egg
- Parsley for garnish
- Non-stick Cooking Spray as needed
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- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray two baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon. Lightly flour a flat work surface and roll dough until it’s a 1/2-inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to press out shapes. Collect dough scraps and re-roll them, continuing the process until all dough is used.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the biscuits from the oven. Let them sit for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely before serving or storing.
Fruity Oatmeal Dog Treats
- 1 Banana mashed
- 1 cup Carrots shredded and mashed
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
- 1/8 cup Water
- 1 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 cup Oats
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- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mash carrots and banana together. Combine with applesauce and water.
- Fold in the oats and gradually add the flour until dough is formed.
- Lightly sprinkle counter top with whole-wheat flour and roll out the dough until it’s a 1/2-inch thick.
- Use a small biscuit cutter to cut flour into 1-inch pieces. Place treats on a sprayed cookie sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Keep treats in the oven for an additional 2 to 3 hours. Dehydrate them further to create a chewy (or crunchy, depending on how long they dehydrate) treat with a longer shelf life!
Tuna Tidbit Cat Treats
| Servings |
| 12Treats |
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| 12Treats |
- 6 oz Canned Tuna
- 1/4 cup Drained Tuna Water
- 3 tbsp Cooked Egg Whites chopped
- 1/4 cup Cornmeal
- 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
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- Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit.
- Combine tuna, egg white and water.
- Add cornmeal and flour and blend to form dough.
- Knead into a ball and roll to 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut into one-inch sized pieces. Place on cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
Savory Cat Treats
| Servings |
| 24Treats |
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| 24Treats |
- 3/4 cup White Flour
- 3/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 5 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Cornmeal
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- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine cheeses and yogurt.
- Add flour and cornmeal. If needed, add water to make dough thicker.
- Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch.
- Cut into one-inch pieces and place on greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool and serve.
