3 ingredient dog food recipes

3 Ingredient Dog Treats Recipe

These 3-Ingredient Dog Treats are easy to make with items you most likely have in your kitchen. The ingredients are easily substituted, and suggestions for substitutions are included.

I havent purchased store-bought dog treats since, wellsince wellseveral months!

At first, I was attempting to avoid going to the grocery store. Now, I am trying to use what I have in my kitchen in an attempt to reduce kitchen waste.

When I realized that I could use up the assortment of flours that I had accumulated, I jumped right in with both paws feet. Additionally, this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Treats recipe readily accepts other soft fruit substitutions like bananas or cooked apples, pears, carrots, or sweet potatoes. I can put to good use any of these ingredients before they go bad, thereby really cutting back on food waste.

I cant believe its that easy! Just 3 ingredients! My dogs loves them. so much healthier than store bought! Thanks for the recipe

Mary

About Peanut Butter

I swear my sweet, sugar-faced girl does prefer these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Treats over the store-bought variety. Its not a coincidence that dogs readily take their medicine if tucked into a spoonful of peanuts; dogs love peanut butter.

Flora saysJust ensure that you avoid peanut butter with added sugar, xylitol, or salt; look for natural peanut butter. Pups dont need any of those additives!

3 Simple Ingredients

Youll notice that this recipe calls for 3 simple ingredients: oats, peanut butter, and soft fruit or vegetables. I used some apples that were a little wrinkly and quickly cooked them in the microwave to make a quick applesauce. I didnt peel the apples but did remove the cores and seeds.

But as I noted above, you could easily substitute any soft fruit or vegetable except avocado, onions, wild mushrooms, garlic, grapes, and raisins, which are harmful to dogs. Flora loves the peanut butter banana version of these dog treats.

And feel free to substitute another grain for the oats. Check out this Pumpkin Dog Treats posts list of acceptable grains for dog treats.

Foods That Are Unsafe for Dogs and Should Not Be Included in Homemade Dog Treats

These foods can be toxic and unsafe for dogs. Avoid them if you decide to substitute ingredients in these dog treats.

• Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can be toxic to dogs and can lead to symptoms like increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures or death.
• Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, leading to symptoms like vomiting, increased thirst, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
• Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain compounds that can damage a dogs red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
• Avocado contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potential pancreatitis.
• Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, some peanut butter, and baked goods. It can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Xylitol ingestion may result in symptoms such as vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and liver failure.
• Macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and may cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, increased body temperature, and difficulty walking.
• Raw meat and eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, leading to food poisoning in dogs, just as it can in humans. Its generally recommended to cook meat and eggs thoroughly before feeding them to your dog.
• Too much salt is dangerous for dogs and can lead to salt toxicosis. Excess spices can upset your dogs digestive system.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other foods that are unsafe for dogs. When in doubt, its always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dogs diet.

Dehydrate Dog Treats to Store Them at Room Temperature

Like those Pumpkin Dog Treats, these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Dogs Treats are best if you completely dehydrate the dog treats to pull all the moisture out. The dehydration will allow you to store these tummy yummies at room temperature without the risk of mold. You will know that your dog treats are fully dehydrated if they break with a snap!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Dog Treats

Are homemade dog treats safe for my dog?

Homemade dog treats are safe for your dog if you use dog-friendly ingredients and follow appropriate recipes. Avoid using ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

How do I store homemade dog treats?

Homemade dog treats should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but if you want them to last longer, dehydrate them, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Can I substitute ingredients in homemade dog treat recipes?

Yes, you can often make substitutions in homemade dog treat recipes. However, be cautious when substituting ingredients that might be toxic or harmful to dogs. I have included a list of common foods that can be toxic to dogs. Consult a veterinarian or do thorough research before making substitutions.

How long do homemade dog treats last?

Dehydrated dog treats can last quite a while when stored correctly, usually around 6 months to a year. The key is to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Using an airtight container helps a lot in preserving their freshness and preventing spoilage due to moisture or pests. Remember, the shelf life can vary depending on the ingredients used and the method of dehydration. For example, treats made with lean meats and without any added preservatives tend to have a shorter shelf life. Always check the treats for signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell, before giving them to your dog. Without dehydrating, homemade dog treats typically last for about 1-2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container. Refrigerating or freezing them can extend their shelf life to a few months.

Can I freeze homemade dog treats?

Yes, homemade dog treats can be frozen to prolong their freshness. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and label them with the date. Thaw frozen treats in the refrigerator before serving.

How many treats should I give my dog per day?

The number of treats to give your dog daily depends on size, age, and overall diet. Generally, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dogs daily caloric intake. Its important to balance treats with regular meals to avoid overfeeding.

Are homemade dog treats more nutritious than store-bought ones?

Like anything, the ingredients you use determine how nutritious a food is. Homemade dog treats can be more nutritious than store-bought options, as you can control the ingredients used.

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for your pups treats

• Stainless Steel
• 5 different sizes
• Sturdy and hold their shape

Looking for more dog treat recipes?

3 Ingredient Dog Treats

Lynn

3 simple ingredients come together to make these yummy dog treats.

Active Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 7 minutes mins

• 2 cups rolled oats oat flour or oatmeal (or a substitute grain)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup soft fruit or vegetables cooked apple, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin or a banana

• Preheat oven to 250F

• If using oatmeal, place it in a food processor and blend until most of the oats are ground. I left some oats whole, but you can process it as much as you want. The cookies are easier to cut if most of the oats are processed.

• Add peanut butter and fruit and process until the dough comes together.

• If using another grain, combine the grain, peanut butter, and fruit or vegetable in a food processor and process until the dough comes together.

• Roll dough 1/4" thick, using flour if the dough is sticky.

• Cut out using a cookie cutter or cut into squares.

• Place cookies on cookie sheets and bake at 250 for 2 hours until the dog treats are completely dry and crispy.

• Once dog treats are fully dehydrated, they can be stored at room temperature. Mine sit out at room temperature for at least a month without getting moldy, but you do need to make sure to fully dehydrate them.

Avoid peanut butter with xylitol.

Calories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.2mg

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3-Ingredient Dog Cake

This 3-Ingredient Dog Cake is the perfect homemade birthday cake for your furry friend. Everyone deserves a cake, even your dog. This easy dog cake recipe is a single-serve cake ready in less than 30 minutes.

When the kids returned home asking for a dog cake recipe for the neighbors dogs birthday, we gathered information about what dogs can and cant eat and whipped up this easy 3-ingredient dog cake recipe. If your dog loves treat, you can also make for them my Pumpkin Dog Cake, Carrot Cake for Dogs, or my Soft Dog Treats Recipe.

Dogs love peanut butter, and vegetables are good for them. So heres a healthy dog cake packed with natural peanut butter and three vegetables.

Ingredients and Substitutions

It only takes 3 ingredients to make this cake! All you need to make this easy dog cake recipe are:

• Natural Peanut Butter You need to use natural peanut butter without added salt, sugar, or oil. All these additives are useless for dogs and might be unhealthy. Dogs dont need extra salt in their food. However, natural peanut butter is 100% safe for dogs.
• Egg Dogs can eat food containing cooked eggs (source).
• Grated Carrots Carrots are also safe for our furry friends (source).

You can also add baking powder to make the cake airier. It is safe for dogs, but they dont care about how much the cake rises, so its optional.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Dog Cake

Dog Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C)

To make the cake batter, whisk the eggs with fresh drippy peanut butter, and shredded carrots in a small mixing bowl.

Grease a small round springform cake with avocado oil. I found this size ideal for a single-serving dog cake, so theres no waste of cake.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake in the center rack of the oven for 15 to 22 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Let the dog cake cool down completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Dog Birthday Cake Frosting

For the dog frosting, we learned that dogs should not eat sugar, not much butter, and stay away from cream cheese and chocolate. So our healthy cream cheese frosting wont be a good fit for the dog cake.

Instead, steam cauliflower and potatoes which are both safe for dogs (source and source). Then, add them to a food processor along with milk and plain unsweetened yogurt. Add a dollop of butter, but you can skip it if you like.

Blend until the ingredients come together into a smooth puree. Its better to start with less milk and add it gradually to prevent the dog cake frosting from becoming too wet or runny.

Assembling The Dog Cake

Cut the cake in half lengthwise with a sharp knife when it has cooled down.

Spread half of the frosting on the first layer, add the second cake layer, and add the remaining frosting on top.

Use a spoon to spread the frosting. The frosting is very smooth and not pipeable, so there is no need for fancy tools like a piping bag for this dog cake recipe.

Decorating The Cake

This is the tricky part because its not safe to add candies, sugar, or sprinkles to dog cakes.

So instead, you can add some extra shredded carrots and dog treats.

Swaps Ideas

Below are some ideas to make this cake if you dont have some of the abovementioned ingredients.

• Peanut Butter Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works, but some dogs cant digest almonds or sunflower seeds, so watch out!
• Cauliflower It can be replaced with more potatoes.
• Carrots They can be replaced with shredded zucchini, peeled or with their skin on which are also dog safe.

Storage Instructions

This cake is not supposed to be eaten entirely by one dog. It should make 3 or 4 servings, depending on the dogs size.

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers about the dog-friendly ingredients used in this dog recipe.

Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Yes, dogs can eat eggs, which are a good source of protein and nutrients. They can eat boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or eggs in cakes.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

Yes, but peanut butter should is a treat for your dog and not regular food (source). Even if this dog cake is safe for them, it should be a birthday treat, not a daily meal.

Can Dogs Eat Baking Powder?

Dogs shouldnt eat baking powder in large amounts. It can create severe digestive issues. For a dog cake, adding 1/2 teaspoon to the cake is usually fine.But if you are unsure, skip it. As a result, the cake will be flat and dense, but your dog wont mind the texture.

Can Dog Eat Potatoes?

Raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic for dogs (source). But you can give dogs well-cooked, boiled potatoes.

How Much Of The Cake Should My Dog Eat?

This dog birthday cake contains about 900 kcal on its own. Even if all the ingredients are dog safe, this is way too many calories for a dog that should eat between 240 kcal for a small dog and 2,000 kcal for a very active large dog. Therefore, offering the whole cake but letting the dog eat about 1/4 of the cake would be a great birthday treat.

More Dog Recipes

Since my kids love gifting dog recipes to friends and teachers, I have a few more dog recipes for your to try:

Did you bake this homemade dog birthday cake recipe? Share your experience below!

3-Ingredient Dog Cake

This 3-Ingredient Dog Cake is the perfect homemade birthday cake for your furry friend. Everyone deserves a cake, even your dog. This easy dog cake recipe is a single-serve cake ready in less than 30 minutes.

Total Time1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 227kcal

Optional for fluffier texture

Dog Cake frosting

• 7 ounces Potatoes peeled, boiled and ultra soft
• 3.5 ounces Cauliflower Florets steamed or boiled and drained
• 1-3 tablespoons Milk
• cup Plain Yogurt unsweetened

Decoration

• 1-2 teaspoons Dog Dry Food
• 1 tablespoon Shredded Carrots

This recipe may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Grease a small round springform pan with olive oil. Set aside.

• In a bowl, whisk the eggs, peanut butter, and shredded carrots. Add baking powder now if used.

• Pour the batter into the pan and bake on the center rack of the oven for 15-22 minutes until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. Bring water to a boil, add the peeled potatoes cut into large cubes and the cauliflower florets, and cook for about 12 minutes until fork tender.

• Drain the vegetables over a sieve and wait until fully cooled down before making the dog frosting.

Assembling The Cake

• Slice the cooled cake in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.

• Spread half the frosting on one layer, add the second cake layer on top, and the remaining frosting on top.

• Decorate the cake with thinly shredded carrots and your dog's favorite treats or dog dry food.

Nutrition Facts

3-Ingredient Dog Cake

Serving Size

1 serving (1/4 cake)

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.