Deliciously Simple: Must-try Dog Treat Recipe

Dog treats by design 

Have you ever thought about making your own dog treats at home? It’s easier than you might think, and the benefits are countless. This is a simple, healthy, and easy dog treat recipe that your furry friend will love. Read on to discover how you can whip up these delightful homemade dog treats with just a few ingredients.

Homemade dog treats

Making homemade dog treats offers numerous benefits. Crafting these biscuits lets you control the ingredients, ensuring your dog enjoys wholesome, nutritious dog treats without preservatives or artificial additives. So much better than store-bought treats.

The baking process can be a rewarding experience, providing satisfaction as you contribute to your dog’s well-being. Sharing this with family and fellow pet lovers turns baking dog treats into a fun social activity.

There’s a joy in watching your dog’s excitement when they enjoy dog treats made with love. Plus, creating these moments strengthens your bond with your pet and connects you with others who share your passion for furry friends.

Four ingredient easy dog treat recipe

We’re excited to share a great recipe that’s quickly becoming a favourite in our household. 

I was telling a friend about my vet’s recommendation to add pumpkin to my dog’s diet. She mentioned that she makes homemade dog biscuits using a simple, nutritious recipe – dog treats designed for dogs of all sizes. And here it is!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cooked pumpkin
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons of sugar-free natural peanut butter
• Sprig of rosemary (optional)

Method

1. Prep the pumpkin – boil and roast the pumpkin until soft. If roasting, drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra flavour.
2. Blend the ingredients – in a blender, combine pumpkin, oats, peanut butter, and optional rosemary until a smooth paste is formed.
3. Shape the treats – spread the mixture over baking paper on a prepared baking sheet or tray, or use a cookie cutter.
4. Bake – preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and cook for around 20 minutes, until firm.
5. Cool and store – allow the treats to cool before placing them in a dog only airtight container or freezer safe bag.

Easy Dog Treats Recipe – Nutritional Benefits

Pumpkin

Can dogs eat pumpkin? Yes, they can. According to my vet, pumpkin is a powerhouse ingredient for dogs. It’s high in fibre, which aids digestion and can alleviate both diarrhea and constipation. Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it a great option for weight management. Plus, it’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals that promote overall health.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is not only delicious but also nutritious for dogs, so it makes sense to make peanut butter dog treats. It provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, fibre, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. These nutrients help with everything from maintaining a shiny coat to boosting the immune system. Just make sure to use sugar-free peanut butter without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Rolled Oats

Oats are an excellent alternative carbohydrate for dogs that might be sensitive to wheat or other grains. They’re high in fibre, which supports digestive health, and contain important vitamins and minerals that benefit the skin, coat, immune system, and overall energy levels.

Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t just a flavourful herb; it has several health benefits for dogs. It’s a natural antimicrobial, which can help with digestive issues and preserve food. Rosemary is also rich in antioxidants that support heart health and the immune system.

Substitutions

Don’t have pumpkin? Use sweet potato instead! Sweet potatoes are a great substitute, offering health benefits for your furry friend. They’re rich in dietary fibre for healthy digestion and packed with vitamins A, B6, and C. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain minerals like iron, calcium, and selenium, which help support strong bones and a healthy immune system. Commonly found in high-quality dog foods, sweet potato is nutritious and tasty alternative, keeping your pet’s treats wholesome and delicious.

While peanut butter is a favourite among dogs, some dogs may have allergies to peanuts. In such cases, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute. Just make sure that the nut butter you choose is sugar-free and does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Things to Avoid

When making homemade dog treats, it’s essential to remember that some ingredients that are safe for humans can be harmful to dogs. 

Avoid using wheat flour, including whole wheat flour, as some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities; alternatives like rolled oats are better. 

Avoid adding oil, including coconut oil, sugar, dried fruits, artificial sweetener and products with xylitol, as they are toxic to dogs and can lead to serious health issues. If using canned pumpkin, opt for pure pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices. By excluding these ingredients, you can ensure your treats are safe and healthy for your furry friend.

If you have leftover pumpkin puree, use it to spread on a lick mat or stuff inside a suitable dog toy. Add it to dinner or breakfast!

Whip up your own homemade dog-safe natural peanut butter – blend a cup of natural, unsalted peanuts until smooth. Use some of your peanut butter in your recipes for dog treats, use some on the lick mat – endless opportunities for peanut butter dog treats. Mine is labelled “Homemade peanut butter – DOG” so no one else eats it.

Try homemade dog treats

I am not sure whether this homemade dog treats recipe should be called “perfect pumpkin dog treat” or “peanut butter dog biscuits” – I just know that as dog treat recipes go this one is easy for dog lovers to make and my dog loves it.

Ready to give it a go? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and see the joy on your children’s faces as they make dog bone shapes or other novelties for their pet, and your dog’s face when they taste these homemade treats.