DIY Dog Treats

Dogs love their treats and their humans love handing them out. As delicious as they are, packaged treats are not always healthy. Sometimes dogs are allergic to the ingredients. Some ingredients aren’t high quality. Others just expand pups’ waistlines. What’s a loving dog parent to do? Do-it-yourself dog treats.

Making dog treats at home is a much healthier option for your dog because you control the quality of the ingredients. They are as easy to make as baking cookies. Here are some tips for making delicious treats your dog will begging for:

Check Your Ingredients

It’s tempting to add all sorts of goodies to homemade treats, but before you start, familiarize yourself with foods dogs should and should not have. You can find a list of human foods that do not agree with your pooch here. 

What Ingredients Should You Use?

What ingredients you use depends on how much work you want to put into them. Many dogs love lightly steamed vegetables such as carrots, green beans and broccoli. Steam a bunch of veggies and freeze them. Only defrost what you need for the day for tasty low-cal treats. For bakers, you will want to gather flour, fruits and vegetables, some sort of oil (coconut is good) and a liquid.

Any Kind of Flour?

Dogs, like humans, can have gluten allergies, but you can use other flours. Oat flour is a great alternative. Here’s a primer on flour for dog treats and some gluten-free dog treat recipes.

What About Baking Gear?

Do you need cute bone-shaped cookie cutters or expensive silicon freezer sheets? Not at all. Dog treats can be baked up in cake pans or on cookie sheets. If want to be fancy, here are some adorable baking pans.

Start Simple

Dog treats aren’t hard to make, but it’s always best to start simple before adding a lot of ingredients. Try these easy three-ingredient recipes. Once you are comfortable search out more complicated recipes like these.

Storing Dog Treats

Homemade dog treats have no preservatives which is good for your dog, but they don’t keep very well. Once your treats are baked and cooled, put them in an airtight container. Dry treats can be kept on the counter for a few weeks. Moist treats should be kept in the refrigerator. Freeze some for days when you are too busy to bake. Of course, your pup might like a few fresh out of the oven (once they cool down, of course).

You can’t always make fresh treats, however. If you’re looking for something that will make your pup yip with happiness, come by The Palm information center, 251 Central Pine Street, any day during June to pick up a free dog leash, goodies and treats. Hope to see you soon!