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They make an excellent reward for good behavior, training, or showing your furry friend some love. Still, most store-bought treats are filled with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and unhealthy fillers. Homemade dog treats are a healthier and more cost-efficient alternative to store-bought varieties. In this guide, we will go through some of the simple and nutritious recipes you can make at home for making homemade dog treats.

Why Should You Make Your Own Dog Treats?

1. It gives one Control over ingredients

When you bake dog treats yourself, you will know the exact ingredients. This is particularly important for dogs with allergies or special dietary needs.

2. Healthier Options

Most commercial dog treats are chock-full of fillers, artificial flavorings, and preservatives that have no real nutritional value for your dog and continue accumulating in the system over time. Homemade treats allow for a choice of healthy and natural ingredients.

3. Cheaper

Homemade dog treats can save you a lot compared to top-shelf store varieties, especially if you've already got most or all of the ingredients in your pantry at home.

4. Bonding Experience

Making treats for your dog can be fun and rewarding; you can spend quality time with a man's best friend.

Ingredients Needed for Home Made Dog Biscuits

Here are some staples that you may consider when making homemade dog treats using safe and worth.

1. Whole Wheat Flour: Good basic flour for many treat recipes.
2. Oatmeal: Rich in fiber content, oats are the best for digestion.
3. Pumpkin Purée : Good source of fiber and vitamins.
4. Peanut Butter: All-time favorite for dogs, but make sure it doesn't contain xylitol, as this ingredient—an artificial sweetener—is toxic to dogs.
5. Carrots: Again, low on calories, high on vitamins.
6. Sweet Potatoes: Nutrient dense, fiber rich foods.
7. Chicken or Beef Broth: to add taste, which may enhance the palatability of treats.
8. Eggs: Add protein and hold ingredients together.

Recipe 01: Peanut Butter and Banana Cookie

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup peanut butter – be sure it does not have xylitol
• 1 banana, rouging ripe mashed
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C.
2. In a large bowl, rub in the fat to the mixed flour and oats.
3. Add the peanut butter, mashed banana, and the egg. Beat until the mixture forms a dough.
4. On a lightly-floured surface, roll to about 1/4 inch thick,.
5. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a lined cookie sheet.
6. Bake at 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Let the biscuits cool completely before giving them to your dog.

Recipe 02: Pumpkin and Carrot treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup carrots, grated
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C. 
2. Mix pumpkin puree, carrots that have been grated, and an egg in a large bowl. 
3. Gradually beat in the rolled oats and whole wheat flour; combine until a dough forms. 
4. Roll to a thickness of about 1/4 inch on a floured surface. 
5. Utilize the cookie cutter as a shape, and drop them onto a prepared lined baking sheet. 
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until firm and golden.
7. Cool the treats entirely before giving them to Fido.

Recipe 03: Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thicknesses.
3. Lay the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning them halfway through, until they are dried and slightly crispy.
5. Always serve the chews cool to your dog.

Recipe 04: Chicken and Rice Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix well the shredded chicken, cooked brown rice, grated carrots, parsley, and egg.
3. Mix until combined.
4. Do small balls of the mixture and place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until firm and golden brown.
6. Let the balls cool off entirely before giving the balls to your dog.

Recipe 05: Apple and Yogurt Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 apple, cored and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey, if desired

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with chopped apple and honey.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze at least 2 hours or until firm. 
4. Remove the treats from the molds and wrap them in freezer bags. 
5. Take these bites and enjoy them as your refreshing cool treat on an extremely hot day.

What are the Helpful Tips to Make Homemade Dog Treats?

• Storage: Put homemade treats in an airtight container and then refrigerate or freeze to preserve the treats' freshness.

• Portion Size: Remember the size and intake volume your dog requires when portioning out his treats. Small dogs don't need big treats because there will be too many calories. 

• Introduce new food ingredients one at a time: When using new ingredients in food, introduce them individually, to watch for any adverse reaction or allergy. 

• Consult Your Vet: Always consult with your veterinarian before you undergo any drastic change in your dog's diet, especially when your dog has some health issues.

Conclusion

Making homemade dog treats is a great way to ensure that your furry friend gets to enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks without any additives or preservatives. It's fun for both of you and added enjoyment throws in extra bonding. With simple, natural ingredients, you can whip up various tasty treats to keep your pup happy and healthy. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get baking! Your furry friend will thank you in tails wagging and lots of love.

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