Healthy Home Made Dog Treats

Dogs have a knack for appearing permanently hungry. They’re also experts at looking sad when food within smelling-range isn’t for them.

The begging routine can be a daily battle. Because any good owner will know that giving in to those puppy-dog eyes can lead to an unhealthy diet.

But what if you could occasionally treat your pup without the guilt? There’s only one way to achieve this and it doesn’t involve a dog on a treadmill.

All it takes is time and the right ingredients. You can produce healthy snacks that won’t implicate your bowwow’s well-being when given in moderation. Here are six regret-free homemade treats that’ll induce furious tail-wagging and contentment for your favourite pooch.

Frozen Peanut Butter and Yoghurt Bites

The ideal snack for hot summer days, these frozen sweet treats are a scrumptious way to reward your dog after a lively play session in the sun. Choose a peanut butter like Whole Earth that’s high in good fat and sugar-free to keep these treats nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 32 oz vanilla yoghurt
• 128 g peanut butter

Directions:

2. Melt the peanut butter in a pan or microwave
3. Combine the melted peanut butter and yoghurt
4. Pour the mixture into cupcake papers
5. Store in the freezer

Healthy Pumpkin Balls

Looking to fit in extra nutrients between meals for your pup? These pumpkin balls are packed with fibre, vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron. Treat your dog to this delicious snack sparingly and provide benefits such as increased immune function and efficient functioning of muscles, nerves and enzymes.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz canned pumpkin
• 4 tbsp molasses
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 250 g whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
4. Mix pumpkin, molasses, vegetable oil and water together in a bowl
5. Add the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon to the mixture and stir until dough softens
6. Scoop out small spoonfuls of dough and roll into balls
7. Set the balls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and flatten with a fork
8. Bake approximately 25 minutes until dough is hardens

    

Chicken Dog Treats

Fair warning, your dog might go barking mad for these delicious chicken treats. The good news is that they’re completely free from additives and preservatives. Offer these tidbits a few times per week to avoid spoiling your four-legged friend.

Ingredients:

• 125 g chicken
• 160 g cooked rice
• 3 tbsp rice flour
• 1 tbsp of parsley
• 1 egg

Directions:

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
5. Mix the chicken, rice, flour, parsley and egg together in a medium-sized bowl
6. Spoon the mixture into silicone moulds
7. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes until golden brown
8. Allow to cool and remove chicken bites from the moulds
9. Store in fridge

    

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes not only taste incredible, they’re full of vitamins to keep your dog in tip-top shape. This vegetable contains large quantities of Vitamin A and is also an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. And the best part is that they’re easy as pie to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet potato
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp turmeric

Directions:

5. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
6. Cut the washed and peeled sweet potato into evenly sized long fries
7. Coat the fries with oil and spices
8. Place fries on baking sheet
9. Set the timer for 15 minutes
10. Flip over fries for even baking
11. Bake for another 10-15 minutes
12. Allow to cool before feeding them to your dog

     

Ginger Apple Dog Bites

Are you dog-tired of looking for grain-free treats? Then these fruity bites are a perfect alternative to pet biscuits. Test out the theory of an apple a day keeps the vet away by serving these delicious delights when your pup gives you a paw.

Ingredients:

• 128 g brown rice flour
• 120 g diced apple
• 3 oz plain yoghurt
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees

6. Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl
7. Once the mixture has come together, turn it out on to a floured surface
8. Roll the mixture out with a rolling pin to around ¼ inches
9. Cut the mixture into shapes
10. Place the bites on a greased baking sheet
11. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown
12. Cool before serving 

     

Cinnamon Bun Biscuits

When you want to show your dog exactly how much you love them, give them a cinnamon bun biscuit. It’ll be like Christmas every day with these mouthwatering sweet and nutty flavours (minus the junk food!).

Ingredients:

• 270 g of whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ½ cup water or milk
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

 Directions

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl
2. In a small bowl stir the wet ingredients together
3. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until you have a soft dough
4. On a floured surface, roll the dough into an 8×14 inch rectangle
5. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts
6. Starting from a long edge, roll up the dough
7. Pinch the edges to seal the mixture
8. Slice ½ inch thick rectangles
9. Place on a baking tray greased with non-stick spray
10. Bake for 15 minutes until springy to the touch
11. Allow them to cool

 And They Call It Puppy Love

Put some time aside this weekend to give back all the love your dog gives you unconditionally. These healthy treats made wholly from fresh ingredients are bursting with health benefits and seriously-good flavours and will have your pooch wiggling with happiness.

Before you leave, here’s a dog-friendly takeaway: always make sure you consult your vet before drastically changing your dog’s diet. And if you’re in doubt about which vitamins to introduce check out this helpful guide by Cesar's Way.