Five DIY Dog Treats You Should Make for Your Pet

Let’s admit it: many of our dogs are deserving of treats on a daily basis. When your canine is behaving itself more than usual and has been good, it’s only fair and gives a nice little surprise when you gift your dog with a treat or two. Many of us hesitate to give our dogs treats, not only because we disapprove of what they’re made out of, but also because of the pricing – some items are just too expensive. Luckily, there’s a remedy for that: making your own DIY dog treats! Here are five DIY dog treats you should make:

1. “Frosty Paws”

Ingredients:

• 1 large container of low-fat plain yogurt
• 3 handfuls of fresh blueberries
• 1 whole banana
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• Other desired fruit (i.e. slices of oranges, pineapples, apples)

Directions:

Chop the banana in tiny pieces or even mash and mix all the ingredients together. Place that mixture in ice cube trays; freeze for 3 hours or so. When frozen, run hot water on the bottom side for easy removal. Pop out those “Frosty Paws,” hand it to your deserving pup to serve.

2. Protein Vegan Dog Snacks

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpea flour
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
• 1 cup warm water

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and then slowly add the water. Roll dough out on a sheet of baking paper and cut into desired shape with a cookie cutter (10 points if you could find bone-shape cookie cutters). Place on a baking sheet and then bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the dog treats sit for 6-8 hours to allow them to cool completely. Once cool, serve to your pups immediately.

3. Peanut Butter Dog Treat

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup natural unsalted peanut butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:

Preheat the over to 350, as well as line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, water and oil. Add both flours gradually and mix until it forms a smooth dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/4 thick. Cut into biscuits and transfer to the baking sheets. Bake until brown on the bottom and the edges. Make sure to cool completely before serving to your dog!

4. Peanut Butter and Bacon Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup oats
• 2-3 strips of bacon, finely chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Take two baking sheets and line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, milk and egg together. Use a whisk to take out the lumps. Add the flour and the baking powder. Turn dough out on the counter and mix in oats and bacon. The dough should be very thick and very heavy. Using a rolling pin, roll and cut into shapes by using a cookie cutter or knife. Place on baking sheets and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Take them out of the oven, flip and bake another 10 minutes on the other side. Be sure to have it cool completely before feeding it to your pups.

5. Frozen Meat Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked meat (poultry and fish also work well)
• 3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• Handful of chopped parsley
• 1 carrot (mashed and cooked)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Stir all the ingredients together and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays – you might want to use separate ones than the one(s) you use to make ice cubes for you and your family.

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