3 Healthy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Let’s face it, our furry friends deserve a treat every now and then (or all the time!) for the continuous attention and love they show us. Let us inspire you with the following 3 healthy and super easy-to-prepare recipes!

1. Blueberry Oatmeal Treats

Satisfy your pooch’s sweet tooth cravings with these delicious dog biscuits oozing with flavour. If you truly want to show your pets how much you love them, go for heart-shaped cookie cutters!

Ingredients

• 100g container of apple blueberry puree baby food (or simply apple)
• 1/4 cup mashed blueberries
• 1 cup gluten-free flour, or whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon ground freeze-dried blueberries (optional- provides additional flavour and a slight violet colour)
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 beaten egg

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 177 degrees C (350F). Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2.  In a medium bowl, combine the apple blueberry baby food, the mashed blueberries, the flour, the rolled oats, the ground freeze-dried blueberries, and the honey. Use a strong spatula to combine everything.
3. Place the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough together.
4. Roll out into a thickness of about 0.5-1 cm.
5.  Use desired cookie cutters to punch out shapes.
6.  Place cut-outs on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops of cut-outs with the beaten egg wash.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits are crisp and golden in colour. Rotate pan midway through baking.
8.  Let treats cool before giving to your dog.

Source: https://bit.ly/2YORv1Z

2. Oat and Apple Pretzel Treats

For this one, you’ll be needing only four ingredients. But we guarantee your canine companion would be wanting more than four bites off these apple-ing and delicious treats!

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten-free oat flour
• 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Method

1.  Preheat the oven to 177 degrees C (350F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2.  Beat the egg and set aside.
3. Combine the applesauce, the oat flour, and the rolled oats in a large bowl. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of the egg over the mixture and set aside the remaining 1 tablespoon of egg.
4. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until the dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not very much. Add a bit more flour if necessary.
5. Take approximately a two-tablespoon-sized piece of dough and roll into a tube. It should be about 25cm long and about the width of a pencil.
6. Take each tube and make it into a U shape, then twist the ends together and fold back to the top. This creates a pretzel shape. Pinch the ends in to make sure they’re secure.
7. Place the pretzels onto the baking tray. Brush the top of each pretzel with the remaining egg.
8. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until they’re slightly browned and become crispy.
9.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Source: https://bit.ly/2Z2bVzO

3. Frozen Peanut Butter Yoghurt Treats

Even simpler than the pretzels’ recipe, this next recipe only consists of two ingredients!  And perhaps this is the one you’ll want to try out first as it’ll help keep your pooch refreshed on these hot summer days!

Ingredients

•  4 cups of vanilla yoghurt
• 1 cup peanut butter

Method

1. Melt the peanut butter in a microwave-safe container.
2.  Combine the yoghurt and melted peanut butter.
3. Pour the mixture into cupcake containers.
4. Place in the freezer.

Source: https://bit.ly/2MhJ098

So, the next time you decide to reward your pooch with a treat, be sure to try the above at home instead of heading to the pet shop. After all, homemade is always better as you’ll know exactly what ingredients you’ll be feeding them, ensuring they’re following a healthy diet throughout.

Please avoid any of these recipes if you’re aware your dog is allergic or intolerant to any of the ingredients mentioned. If unsure, always consult your vet.

Reward your pet with lifetime access to health check-ups with Pet Insurance from Laferla. Get a free online quote today!

Laferla Insurance Agency Ltd. is enrolled under the Insurance Distribution Act, Cap 487 to act as an Insurance Agent for MAPFRE Middlesea p.l.c. (MMS). MMS is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) under the Insurance Business Act, Cap 403 of the Laws of Malta. Both entities are regulated by the MFSA.