healthy low fat homemade dog treats uk

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

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

Low Fat Dog Treats

These homemade low fat dog treats are made with oat flour, oats, pumpkin, and applesauce. They are a tasty snack for your furry friend!

So if you are looking for a great recipe for healthy low fat treats for dogs, youve found it! Now you can make your own with simple ingredients.

FYI This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Easy Low Fat Dog Treats Recipe

It doesnt take a lot of time to make these tasty treats. You dont have to roll out the dough and cut it with cookie cutters. Just shape it into balls and bake. The total time to make the treats is about 30 minutes.

Great for obese dogs in a weight loss plan. Not only are these low fat, they are also low calorie dog treats.

Theyre also great treats for dogs with pancreatitis or other health issues that require a low fat diet.

Best Treats For Obese or Overweight Dogs

This homemade dog treat recipe is a great way to give your dog something tasty without worrying about it affecting their calorie intake.

Since youll form them into bite-sized pieces, you dont have to worry about your pup overeating them. Plus, making your own dog treats lets you control all the ingredients. So if you think your dog needs to eat more fiber or protein, you can adjust the recipe.

This is a great option if your dog still asks for treats but you want to restrict their calorie intake and help them shed pounds.

The Best Things About Low Fat Homemade Dog Treats

Your furry friend will gobble up homemade treats and making them is a fantastic way to save money too! These natural dog treats cost less than store-bought and have dog-safe ingredients with no preservatives.

One treat has only 2 grams of fat.

These baked dog treats have a soft texture so they are great for senior dogs or dogs without teeth. They are full of wholesome ingredients that will help your dog maintain a healthy weight too.

Recipe Ingredients

The entire list of ingredients, quantities of each, and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post including nutritional information. First, I want to share a bit more information about the delicious ingredients.

Heres a list of what you need for this low fat dog biscuit recipe. If you want to make organic dog treats, make sure you use organic ingredients.

Oat Flour The base for the baked treats. Has healthy fats which lower the risk of heart disease.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats For texture and added nutrients such as folic acid.
Banana A healthy fruit that helps bind the dough. A great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and essential fatty acids.
Pumpkin Puree A healthy vegetable dogs love.
Unsweetened Applesauce Adds moisture and a little sweetness.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

When you make this easy recipe for low fat dog treats, here are a few notes to keep in mind:

You can substitute pumpkin with plain mashed sweet potatoes or shredded carrots.

Do not use pumpkin pie filling because it may contain spices toxic to dogs.

You can make your own oat flour by placing uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats in a blender and blending until it has the consistency of flour.

For very low fat treats, substitute oat flour with brown rice flour. There are only 2.2 grams of fat in 1 cup of rice flour. They will also be low fat grain free dog treats.

If you use any other type of flour, such as all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, the end results may vary due to the difference in the flour. They will not be gluten-free if using flour made from wheat.

Equipment Needed

You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make these treats. Here are a few of them just in case:

How to Make Low Fat Dog Treats

These are the recipe steps and photos of the process for making low fat dog treats. I hope they help you make this healthy dog treats recipe!

You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.

Slice the banana and place the banana slices, pumpkin puree, and applesauce in a medium bowl.

Stir them until combined and smooth.

Add the flour and oats to the mixing bowl.

Stir until everything is mixed together.

Scoop out the dough and shape it into balls. Coat the balls with oats. Place them on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper (or use a non-stick baking sheet).

Bake in a conventional oven at 350F for about 20 minutes.

Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack to cool.

Serving Size and Information

How many homemade dog treats should you give to your canine companion? That depends on what else they ate that day because you need to consider your pets total daily intake. Being mindful of a dogs food consumption is just as important as it is with a human family member.

It also depends on the size of your dog. Small dogs need fewer calories than larger dogs. Maintaining a dogs healthy weight is important, so keep that in mind when feeding your dog treats in addition to their regular food.

Dogs also shouldnt overeat too many carbs, including healthy homemade dog treats. For this reason, I suggest only giving your pup one treat per day. Or perhaps two on special days.

How to Store Homemade Low Fat Dog Treats

Place the cooled treats in an airtight container or plastic zip-top bag. Store them in the refrigerator.

How long do homemade low fat dog treats last?

These homemade low fat dog treats will last up to 5 days when stored in the fridge in a sealed container.

For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze them. They will last up to 3 months when frozen. You can also use a vacuum sealer if you have one.

Can humans eat these low fat treats for dogs?

They sure can! Everything in these dog treats is safe for human consumption.

More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make more tasty treats for your dog? Check these out:

Not in the mood for making homemade dog treats? Check out my favorite dog treats on my Amazon dog treats list.

Low Fat Dog Treats

Tasty low fat dog treats are a healthy snack for your furry friend.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes Cook Time 20 minutes minutes Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

1 Ripe Banana
cup Unsweetened Applesauce
1 cup Pumpkin Puree or Shredded Carrots
2 cups Oat Flour
cup Old Fashioned Oats divided use

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.
Slice the banana into a medium bowl.
Add applesauce and pumpkin puree. Stir to combine until the mixture is smooth.
Add flour and cup of oats and mix well.
Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. You may need a little flour to coat your hands.
Roll the ball in the remaining oats.
Repeat making the balls with the dough and oats.
Place the balls on a non-stick baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.