We, humans, love to preach about healthy foods, healthy immune systems and general wellness. why would we want to fuel our bodies with ingredients that won’t give us anything healthy in return? If we take good care of our bodies and treat our food as a healthy source of fuel, then why wouldn’t we do the same for our dogs who depend on us exclusively? Our four-legged friends depend on us to provide them with good food that is full of nutrients that will help them live their healthiest lives. Good food makes their coats healthier, gives them more energy and boosts their immune systems, helping them to fight off potential diseases. Many dogs require specific ingredients in their food and treats due to allergies or preferences.
One way that you can make an impact on your dog’s nutritional system is through the use of treats. Homemade treats are cost-efficient and you can be sure of every ingredient used. To learn how to make a few simple and healthy recipes keep reading!
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats
Ingredients
2/3 cup of pumpkin puree
1/4 cup of Peanut Butter
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs together until well combined. Gradually add the 2 1/2 cups of flour until it is well incorporated, lastly, add an additional 1/4 cups to the mix until it is not sticky.
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough 3-4 times, using a rolling pin roll the dough until it is 1/4 thickness. Using your preferred cookie cutter, create shapes and place them onto the prepared baking tray.
Place them into the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool completely before giving one to your dog.
Apple Carrot Treats
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of gluten-free flour
1/2 cup of shredded carrots
1/2 cup of shredded red apples
1 cup of chicken/vegetable broth
cookie cutters
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, carrots, apples and broth by folding them together.
Lightly flour your surface and begin rolling the mixture to around 1/2" using a rolling pin, you can now use a cookie cutter of your choice for all the mixture.
Bake treats for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
*These treats must be refrigerated immediately*
Zucchini Spinach Carrot Treats
Ingredients
1 cup of pumpkin puree
1/4 cup of peanut butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup of oats
3 cups of whole wheat flour
1 shredded carrot
1 shredded zucchini
1 cup of chopped spinach
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a large bowl mix the pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour and oats to the mix until it is no longer sticky, fold in the zucchini, carrots and spinach.
Lightly flour the surface and knead the dough, roll it out with a rolling pin until it is 1/4" in thickness.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Frozen Watermelon Treats
Ingredients
A quarter of a seedless watermelon
One can of coconut milk
Directions
Scoop out 1/4 of the watermelon.
Blend together with coconut milk.
Place the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Treats
Ingredients
1 cup of pumpkin puree
1/4 cup of peanut butter
2 1/2 of rolled oats
1/4 cup of water
Directions
Add pumpkin, oats, peanut butter and water into a large bowl and combine well.
Form the mixture into 1 inch balls and roll in additional oats.
Place the mix onto a large baking tray lined with parchment paper and place in the refrigerator until solid (approx an hour).
For more simple ideas check this video out:
Get To Know The Author...
Tara O'Doherty is the Co-Founder and CEO of voxie. Tara is a global award-winning strategist, marketer, designer, author, speaker and educator who lives in Toronto, Canada with her two fat dogs. She is best known for her SickKids VS digital work which resulted in numerous global awards and helped secure over 700 million dollars in donations for the hospital. She is also the former co-Founder and CPO of JADEO and ex-VP of Experience Strategy at Cossette Communications.
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