Homemade Dog Biscuit Recipes and Ideas
Why buy commercial dog treats when you can make healthy and affordable substitutes at home? With the opportunity to personalize each recipe according to your dog’s particular tastes and health needs, making dog treats is the way to go. And, not only is it healthy for your dog but it can be really fun to put some treats together yourself. My son was excited to with a Bake A Bone set at a local charity auction and we had so much fun searching for recipes and making treats. At one point, he even sold some in a bake sale for his Cub Scout troop.
One thing that you might fun (if you don't have a Bake A Bone) is to get some dog bone cookie cutters. We did that after using the Bake A Bone a few times so we could have some additional size options.
This one by Ann Clark Cookie Cutters comes with 5 different sizes. We like this one because it has different designts: Mini Paw, Mini Dog, Mini Fire Hydrant, Mini Dog Bone, and Mini Dog House, all approximately 1.5" to 1.75" in size and cute as can be.
Try some of these ideas and please your dog with some new treats.
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats
This tasty treat includes ingredients that will help give your dog energy and health. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, then mix together 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2/3 cup pumpkin puree, and 2 eggs. When they are well-combined, slowly add a minimum of 3 cups whole wheat flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create shapes, and then bake for 20-25 minutes.
Parsley Sweet Breath Biscuits
Does your furry friend have less than pleasant breath? He (she) will enjoy these treats while they naturally freshen his breath, thanks to the parsley in the recipe. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F, then stir together 1 cup rolled oats, 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1/2 cup dry milk and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix together 1 cup peanut butter and 2 eggs, then stir into the dry mixture. Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick, use cookie cutters to create shapes, then bake for 40 minutes.
Carrot Apple Treats
Carrots and apples are both healthy choices to help keep your dog in good shape. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and mix together 1 cup of grated carrots, 1/2 cup apple sauce, 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 egg. Roll into bite-sized pieces for your dog, and press to 1/4 inch thick. Bake until the dough appears golden brown.
Cheese Corn Biscuits
This treat is a good option, with protein from both cheese and corn for your furry friend. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and mix together 3/4 cup cornmeal, 1&2/3 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup dry milk, and 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast. Mix in 2/3 cup cheddar cheese. Mix 1 egg, 3/4 cup low sodium beef broth, and 2 tbsp canola oil together, then mix all wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Knead the dough, and roll until 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and bake approximately 30 minutes, until the treats are lightly browned and on the hard side.
If you like those recipes, you might consider getting a recipe book or two and try a few more. Or, if you aren't feeling that brave yet, you can even buy some pre-measured mixes to try out.
Special Considerations
Just like humans, we should keep our furry friends away from as many chemicals as possible. When possible, choose organic ingredients for your homemade dog biscuits. Keep in mind that some ingredients that are beneficial for humans can be deadly to dogs, or at least make them very ill, so always do your research before modifying recipes or adding extra ingredients. And, if ever in doubt, it's a good idea to check the recipe with your vet.
Making dog biscuits can be a fun and rewarding experience for pet owners. Use these ideas to give you a start in this culinary adventure. The greatest reward will be seeing your pet enjoy the tasty delicacies made by you, his loving owner.
Have you made home made dog treats before? If so, feel free to share the recipe in the comments.
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