While we love to treat ourselves, it’s our furry friends we truly spoil– in particular dogs. There is just something special about petting them, talking with them, taking them for a walk or giving them treat and, in response, having that tail wag uncontrollably. The easiest way to spoil your pups is by giving them treats, but just like any treat, you have to make sure you give them in moderation. Did you know eggs are a great source of nutrients for dogs? Why not give them the best of both worlds by giving them a treat packed with eggs and their benefits? Here are healthy homemade treats that your dogs are sure to love!
Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats (From the website “Two Little Cavaliers”)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Dry Quick Cook Oatmeal
- ½ cup Cinnamon Apple Sauce or Apple Sauce with s dash of Cinnamon Added
- 1 large Egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In large clean but dry mixing bowl pour the cup of oatmeal. Add the applesauce and mix well. Once everything is mixed together add the egg and mix again.
- If you want to get fancy or happen to have either whoopie cake molds or mini bunt pans you can spoon the mixture into the pan. If you just have the basics use a cookie sheet (that’s the thin metal baking sheet). Grease the pan or tray with oil – as long as your pet doesn’t have any allergies the only oil you should stay away from is grapeseed oil.
- Scoop the mix into the molds or create big drop cookies using a tablespoon.
- Once the oven is to temperature place the tray or pan in the oven for 22 minutes.
- The cookies should just pop right out of the pan or slide off of the tray immediately so you can allow to cool. Since your dog is likely begging by this point as soon as the cookies are body temperature you can allow your dog to have a bite or two.
Recipe can be found here: http://twolittlecavaliers.com/2013/11/make-apple-cinnamon-dog-treats.html
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats (From the website “My Baking Addiction”)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain free flour)
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten free flour
- 3 tablespoons of all natural peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
- Pour onto a floured surface and roll dough out to 1/2 thick. Cut out using cookie cutter.
- The dough will be a little sticky, a dusting of flour for your hands and the rolling pin will help! Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.
Notes:
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be added to these treats to help extend the shelf life but, it is optional
- Cinnamon is fine to use in recipes for dogs, however do not use a pumpkin spice blend or anything that could contain nutmeg. It is toxic to dogs and even in small amounts can make them sick.
Recipe can be found here: http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-dog-treats/
Sweet Potato Treats (From the website “My Baking Addiction”)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of canned sweet potato (you can sub fresh if you want)
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten free flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Stir ingredients together in a large bowl until dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press dough down slightly so the biscuits are about about 1/4 inch thick. Bake until golden brown and let cool on a wire rack.
Notes:
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be added to these treats to help extend the shelf life but, it is optional.
Recipe can be found here: http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-dog-treats/
We hope these treats make your dog say: woof!
