Our furry companions are more than just dogs; they are family members. And just like any other member of the family, we want to provide them with the finest, particularly in terms of their diet.
Convenient as they may be, store-bought dog treats frequently contain preservatives, artificial flavoring, and other ingredients that you may not want to feed your canine companion. The good news? You can make dog treats at home by yourself.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making healthy, tasty delights for your dog using ingredients you can feel good about feeding him.
How To Make All Natural Dog Treats?
Making all-natural dog treats at home is the best way to ensure your furry friend gets wholesome, quality ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour (or alternate with a grain-free flour like coconut or chickpea flour)
- ½ cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter (unsalted and without added sugar)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water (more if needed)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). Line a baking tray with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine pumpkin, natural peanut butter, and egg in a large mixing basin. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Stirring continuously, gradually add the whole wheat flour to the liquid mixture.
- If the mix is too dry, gradually add tablespoons of water until it reaches a dough-like state. And if the mixture appears too moist, add more flour.
- Dust a flat surface with flour & knead the dough several times. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Use cookie cutters to carve out different shapes from the dough. If you lack cookie cutters, you can simply use a knife to cut the dough into tiny squares or rectangles.
- Place the shapes on the baking tray that has been prepared. Bake the treats for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are firm and faintly golden.
- Allow the treats to cool entirely on a cooling rack before giving them to your dog. Freeze leftovers for extended storage.
Tips:
- When preparing homemade treats, ensure that all ingredients are safe and nutritious for canines. Toxic for canines are ingredients such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and xylitol.
- Stick to straightforward recipes with few ingredients. This simplifies determining if your dog has any allergies or sensitivities.
- Instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners, consider using natural sweeteners such as applesauce or pureed bananas to add sweetness to your confections.
- Be conscientious of your portion proportions. These homemade treats should only account for a small portion of your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent overfeeding.
Storage:
For short-term use, store homemade natural dog treats in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring that they are entirely cool and dry before sealing. Consider refrigerating delicacies containing perishable ingredients such as meat & dairy to extend their shelf life.
Alternately, freeze them in hermetic containers or resealable bags with excess air removed to prevent freezer burn. For simple monitoring, label containers with the type and date of the treat. Regularly examine treats for signs of deterioration, discarding any with mold, an unusual odor, or altered texture.
Are Homemade Dog Treats Healthy?
Homemade dog treats can be nutritious if they are prepared with nutritious, dog-friendly ingredients. They provide quality control and allow customization for dietary requirements such as allergies or sensitivities. Choose natural, unprocessed ingredients, such as lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid detrimental additives.
Control portion sizes to avoid overfeeding. However, it is essential to consult a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure that treats meet your dog’s dietary needs and do not interfere with their balanced diet. When prepared with care and moderation, homemade treats can be a healthy & tasty addition to your dog’s daily diet.
Bottom Line
This was all about how to make all natural dog treats. Creating natural dog gifts at home is a rewarding endeavor with multiple advantages. Not only do you have control over the ingredients, ensuring that your companion is consuming something healthy and nutritious, but you also have the pleasure of creating something unique for your furry friend.
With a little time and a few simple ingredients, you can make dog delights that are healthier and cheaper than many store-bought alternatives.
Thank you for reading!
Read more: How To Make Vanilla Yogurt From Scratch?