With all the distressing news lately about pet food and treat recalls, you may be frightened of giving your beloved pup unknown substances. Even aside from recalls, it’s always good to know exactly what your precious pooch is consuming.
Making homemade treats doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. In fact, it may be cheaper to make treats for your treasured pet!
However, a little more thought is necessary when creating treats for larger dogs such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or Dobermans. A tiny treat designed for a Chihuahua or a Pomeranian just won’t hit the spot for bigger canines, nor will a medium-sized treat more fit for a Cocker Spaniel or Pug do the trick.
Keep in mind that when stored in an airtight container, homemade treats can last up to three weeks. They also can be frozen for up to six months. However, most dogs will probably consume them more quickly.
Intrepid searchers will find dozens of variations on homemade dog treats, but to save you some time, here are two of our favorite recipes for large dog treats.
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup canned or fresh pumpkin
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
Equipment
- Bowl
- Cookie sheet (sometimes called a baking sheet)
Steps
- Place all ingredients into your bowl.
- Using your hands, create a fairly solid and round ball of dough from all of the ingredients.
- Add a little water if the dough is too dry.
- Break off pieces that are about the size of the treats your dog is used to eating; alternatively, use a cookie cutter to make medium-sized pieces. Make sure each piece is ½ inch or less in thickness.
- Put the balls or pieces onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cool the treats completely before giving to your dog.
Wheat-Free Coconut Carrot Dog Treats
Ingredients
- ¼ bag coconut chips
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ½ pound carrots, cut into 1-inch circles
- 2 eggs
Equipment
- Blender
- Medium bowl
- Tablespoon or melon baller
- Fork
- Cookie sheet (also called a baking sheet)
- Parchment paper
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend the carrots and coconuts chips to “fine.”
- Place the carrot-coconut chip mixture and other ingredients into your bowl. Stir completely.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon’s worth of mixture; drop each mound onto the baking sheet. If it’s more than about ½-inch thick, flatten slightly with your fork.
- Bake the cookies until golden brown; this could take about 40 minutes.
- Cool the cookies completely before serving to your dog.