healthy homemade dog treats uk

10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes (Vet-Approved)

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Want to learn how to make homemade dog treats from the comfort of your home? Youll be able to choose each ingredient, save money, and cook specifically for your pups preferences. The best news is that dog treat recipes are typically simple and easy to follow.

Keep reading to find 10 amazing dog treat recipes for dogs of all ages. Spoil your dog with healthy and delicious homemade dog treats! Whether you want to make a healthy dog treat, replace your pups favorite brand of dog biscuits, or cook up a soft dog treat, weve got you covered.

Keeping your dog healthy is important, so youll want to choose a healthy dog treat recipe. That means avoiding ingredients that arent good for dogs! Scroll down to find our favorite healthy treat recipes:

The Top 10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes:

Healthy Dog Treat Recipes

1. Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treat Recipe

What could be cuter than a doggie pretzel? This easy recipe just needs four ingredients: oat flour, rolled oats, applesauce, and an egg. So healthy and simple, you might want to try one!

2. Cranberry & Oat Treats

Whether or not its a special Day, your pup will appreciate these delicious and healthy cranberry dog treats. Made with gluten-free oats, flaxseed, and antioxidant-rich cranberries, these dog-friendly cookies come together in minutes.

3. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Help your pup celebrate fall with these tasty treats! While you sip on a PSL, your dog can enjoy treats made with pumpkin and peanut butter. The best news? These treats are a lot like cookies, so youll have no trouble throwing them together quickly.

4. Breath-Freshening Dog Treats

Does your dog have bad breath? This recipe from Health Starts in the Kitchen has some unusual ingredients (like parsley and activated charcoal), but it will approximate Greenies and save you quite a bit of money!

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipes:

If youre looking for traditional dog biscuitrecipes, youre in the right place! These easy recipes will help you make crunchy biscuits with all kinds of shapes and flavors!

5. Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipe

With the help of a fun cookie cutter, you can whip up peanut butter biscuits pretty enough to give as a gift! Throw these simple biscuits in the oven and youll have crispy treats in about 20 minutes.

6. Bacon Glazed Biscuits

These biscuits are pretty, full of great ingredients, and easy to make. But what puts them over the top is the glaze, a mixture of peanut butter and bacon fat. What dog could resist that?

7. Spinach, Carrot, & Zucchini Dog Biscuits

If youre looking for something a little more veggie-heavy, you might want to try this recipe. It incorporates carrots, spinach, and zucchini, plus pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats, into a classic-looking dog biscuit!

Soft Dog Treat Recipes:

Does your dog prefer soft treats? Here are some of the best soft dog treat recipes, including donuts and cupcakes!

8. No-Bake Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Looking for a soft dog treat recipe thats quick and easy? Try this one from Live Laugh Rowe, which uses coconut oil and peanut butter. Your dog will thank you!

9. Carrot Peanut Butter Pupcakes

If you and your dog are celebrating, why not roll out the pupcakes? These soft, dog-friendly cupcakes have a tasty peanut butter yogurt frosting and you can top them with homemade dog biscuits for extra flair!

10. Peanut Butter Bacon Donuts

These doggie donuts look sweet and good enough to eat but dont be fooled! Theyre savory treats made with oats, peanut butter, and a sprinkling of bacon bits. Guaranteed to be a hit!

Homemade Dog Treats: Conclusion

Now you know how to make homemade dog treats with these 10 delicious recipes! Whether youre looking for soft dog treats or homemade dog biscuits, these recipes will turn you into a doggie chef before you know it. What you feed your dog is important, and this way you can control every ingredient. Just remember these are still treats and as such, they should only be fed in moderation since they are not a complete and balanced diet and they do add up the calories. Gone are the days of having to buy expensive dog treats!

Prefer to skip the cooking? Choose from our favorite dog treat brands!

Featured Image Credit: The team at Hepper

Healthy treats for dogs

Whether your dog is on a diet and youre helping them lose weight, or you just want to keep them in good shape, these cheap homemade snacks are nutritious, low calorie and can help your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Tips for healthy eating

Just because youre trying to keep your dog healthy doesnt mean that you need to stop giving them treats. However, it does mean that you should watch what you give them and how often.

• If you do want to give treats, make sure that they are not high in fat, salt or sugar
• When giving treats, make sure you include them in your dogs total daily calorie intake to balance things out
• Always ensure that any homemade snacks that you give your dog are cut up into small chunks. This can make them last longer and stop them from getting stuck in your dogs throat
• Try putting your dogs snacks in a food puzzle. These toys slowly release food when they are moved around or played with and are a great form of mental stimulation

Find out more about creating and maintaining healthy feeding habits.

Protein helping your dog meat their weight loss goals

Treating your dog to lean meat is a guaranteed way to grab their attention and keep them feeling fuller for longer. Plain boiled chicken breast with no added seasoning or oils is a great healthy snack. It helps build muscle, is gentle on the stomach and the omega-6 fatty acids it contains help to keep their skin and coat healthy too.You could also try giving your dog salmon as this is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but its much higher in fat and ideally should be given occasionally and in small amounts.

Always avoid giving your dog processed meats that are high in fat and salt.

Kibble - for when they just want a nibble

If your dog is on a prescription diet, or a special low-fat diet, then giving them a small amount of their normal dry food can be a great way to give them a treat without risking their health. Even if theyre not on a special diet this is a good way to give them a snack thats low in calories. Always ensure that the amount you give them is included in their daily allowance.

Peanut butter your dog will go nuts for it

Peanut butter is a great source of protein. Dogs love it, but you have to be careful which type you use. Always avoid feeding them peanut butter that is high in salt and sugar and should not contain artificial sweeteners. An artificial sweetener called xylitol is particularly dangerous and can be fatal to dogs and may be listed as birch sugar or E967. If youre not sure its safe then its best to avoid it.

Pumpkin helping you carve out a healthy diet

Pumpkin and squash are packed full of fibre and vitamins that help keep your dog regular whilst also giving them a healthy-looking coat. You can cook the flesh of these fruits, but make sure you remove the seeds and rind too. You can also give your dog unsweetened tinned pumpkin.

Apple a very a-peel-ing snack

Apple slices are a tasty crunchy treat for your dog. They're full of fibre and nutrients and may even help to freshen your dogs breath. Apples are higher in sugar, so should be fed in moderation. Always give apple slices, because a whole apple could be a choking hazard. The pips should always be removed as these could be poisonous in large amounts or if eaten regularly.

Vegetable snacks for dogs keeping your dog full of beans

There are several vegetables that you can give to your dog either cooked or raw, including:

• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Green beans

Remember any fruits or vegetables should be cut into very small pieces, especially if your dog tends to swallow food whole rather than chew it. As with all foods, remember to give these snacks in moderation. Certain foods, particularly broccoli, can cause stomach problems if too much is eaten.

Where can I find healthy, homemade recipes for my dog?

We've put together a number of healthy recipes that you can give to your dog as an occasional treat:

Foods not to give your dog

Dogs are affected by certain foods in a different way to us and there are a number of human foods that can be very dangerous to them, including but not limited to:

Find out more about foods that are poisonous to dogs.

Whats the healthiest way to help my dog lose weight?

Although obesity is very serious and both diet and exercise are vital in helping your dog to lose weight, it is important to remember that weight loss should always be done in a gradual and gentle way. Always speak to your vet about the best ways to help your dog lose weight.

Find out more about how to manage your dogs weight.

Important things to remember

• The snacks weve listed above should only be given as treats and shouldnt be used to completely replace your dogs usual balanced diet
• Even though these snacks are healthy always remember to give them in moderation
• If possible try to give organic fruits and vegetables
• If your dog is overweight, or requires special food, always speak to your vet about which snacks to give and any lifestyle changes that you may be considering

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

So quick and easy to make in one bowl with just four ingredients, these homemade peanut butter banana dog treats are biscuits your dog will love!

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Ive been wanting to try a dog biscuit recipe since our little Buddy the labradoodle joined us back in December! He is a great taste tester, although he will pretty much eat anything (including stones )

Still, he goes crazy for these biscuits so I think these peanut butter banana dog treats are a winner!

Quick and easy homemade peanut butter banana dog treats

This simple dog biscuit recipe can be made in no time at all in just one bowl with a wooden spoon! You can cut them into any shapes that you like, though I used dog bone cookie cutters as theyre so cute! Ive added a link to the particular cookie cutters I used further down this post

Homemade peanut butter banana dog treats ingredients

These peanut butter and banana dog treats are made using only four ingredients! Full amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but in summary youll need:

• Whole wheat plain flour which contains more nutrients and can be easier for your dog to digest than white plain flour
• Peanut butter which doesnt contain xylitol as this is harmful to dogs. I use Meridian brand peanut butter I used smooth but you can use crunchy if you prefer!
• Banana adds a little sweetness and helps bind the ingredients
• Water also binds the ingredients together into a smooth dough

How to make easy homemade peanut butter banana dog treats

These banana and peanut butter dog treats are honestly so quick and easy to make in just one bowl! Full instructions with step-by-step photos are available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but heres a little summary:

1. Preheat your oven to 170C/150C fan
2. Add wholewheat plain flour, peanut butter and mashed banana to a large mixing bowl and mix together with a wooden spoon
3. Add water a tablespoon at a time, mixing in between until it forms a smooth dough
4. Flour a work surface and roll out the dough about 1/2 cm thick
5. Cut out your biscuits using your chosen cookie cutters (I used a dog bone cutter which was 6cm long)
6. Place your biscuits onto a baking tray. They dont really spread in the oven so they dont need much space between them!
7. Bake for 10-11 minutes (based on a 6cm bone-shaped cutter if you use smaller cutters they will bake in less time, or will need a little longer if you used a larger cutter)
8. Place the baking tray on your countertop to allow the biscuits to cool for 5 minutes before removing them and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely. Done!

Homemade dog treat cookie cutters

You can use any shaped cutters you like, but I couldnt resist buying these dog bone cutters! This is the set I use:

The larger pink bone cutter is the size I used, which measures around 6cm long. The biscuits take around 10-11 minutes to bake using this size cutter if you use a smaller cutter, reduce the bake time by a few minutes, and increase the bake time when using larger cutters!

Just keep a watch on the colour of the biscuits; once they look like they are browning slightly on the tops and edges as shown below, they should be done!

Homemade dog treat biscuits FAQs

Can you use regular white plain flour to make dog treat biscuits?

Yes, you can, although I prefer to use whole wheat plain flour as it contains more nutrients and goodies, and should be a little easier for dogs to digest.

I havent tested these with alternative flours like coconut or almond flour, although they should work fine you might just need to use a little more or less water to help bind the dough, so add the water a tablespoon at a time until the dough is the right consistency

You could also use oats but you may need to blend them in a food processor first to make them as fine and as close to flour consistency as possible!

How long will homemade dog treats last?

These biscuits will keep well for up to 2 weeks when stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can you freeze homemade dog treats?

Yes, this is how I store mine! Store in an airtight container and they will keep well for around 4-5 months. As Buddy has been teething Ive actually been giving him biscuits straight from the freezer to soothe his gums!

However, these will thaw quite quickly when left on your countertop, or you could place them in the microwave briefly for around 20 seconds to speed it up a little

To conclude, these peanut butter banana dog treats are:

• Incredibly quick and easy to make in one bowl
• Contain only four ingredients
• fun to make using different shaped cookie cutters
• Great for freezing, keeping well for 4-5 months
• a great homemade treat that your dog will love!

If you try this recipe Id love to see! You can show me by tagging me @bakerjoblog or using#bakerjoblog!

Other biscuit and cookie recipes to try:

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

So quick and easy to make in one bowl with just four ingredients, these homemade peanut butter banana dog treats are biscuits your dog will love!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 11 mins

Total Time 26 mins

Servings 20 treats (using 6cm dog bone cutter)

• 140 g whole wheat plain flour * see notes below re: alternative flours
• 100 g peanut butter that doesn't contain Xylitol smooth or crunchy
• 1 small banana, mashed 70g peeled weight
• 3 tbsp cold water

• Preheat your oven to 170C/150C fan.

• Add the whole wheat plain flour, peanut butter and mashed banana to a large mixing bowl.

• Mix all the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir and mash together until well combined and crumbly.

• Add water a tablespoon at a time, mixing with your hand between each addition until you have a smooth dough. If it's crumbly and not holding together well, add a tablespoon more water. If it feels too sticky and wet, add a tablespoon more flour. You may need more or less water than stated depending on the temperature and conditions of your kitchen, so add it slowly until you reach the right consistency!

• Flour a rolling pin and a work surface and place your ball of dough on top.

• Roll out the dough until it is around 1/2 cm thick.

• Cut out shapes with your chosen cookie cutters! Using this 6cm long bone cutter, I manage to get around 20 dog treats from this dough.

• Place your biscuit shapes onto your baking tray. They don't really spread in the oven so you don't need to leave a lot of space between them.Bake for 10-11 minutes until lightly golden. If you've used a cookie cutter that is larger than 6cm long, the biscuits will take a few minutes longer to bake. If you used a smaller cutter, they will need slightly less time to bake. Watch them closely until they appear golden brown on the tops and sides to know they are baked.

• Leave the baking tray on your countertop for 5 minutes as they will continue to bake on the hot tray.

• After 5 minutes, remove the biscuits and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

• These dog treats will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and keep well in the freezer for 4-5 months.

• You can substitute whole wheat plain flour with white plain flour, I just prefer to use whole wheat flour as it contains more nutrients than white plain flour. They should also be easier for your dog to digest using whole wheat flour.
• You can also use alternative flours such as coconut flour or almond flour, though you may need more or less water than stated. Add water a tablespoon at a time until your dough is the right consistency; soft and smooth, not crumbly or sticky!

If youve tried this recipe, tag @bakerjoblog on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter and/or use #bakerjoblog!

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