In my house we make most things from scratch, and treating our pups is no different. I mean look at those faces. Who wouldn’t spoil them rotten? Here are two tried-and-true recipes for homemade dog treats that our pets love.
Simple Pumpkin-Oat Dog Treats
Plain canned pumpkin adds moisture and helps bring the dough together. Choose 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which may contain added sweeteners or seasonings. Oats provide the structure for these treats. Grinding rolled oats into a coarse flour helps them mix into the pumpkin and egg and makes the dough easier to shape. Just toss the oats into a blender and pulse until finely ground.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 15-20 biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 3 cups rolled oats
Directions
- Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Mix the pumpkin and egg.
- Grind the oats in a blender or food processor. Stir the ground oats into the pumpkin-egg mixture until a workable dough forms.
- Roll the dough out and cut into small shapes, or form small balls and flatten them.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm. Cool completely before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
Fresh Mint Dog Treats
Brown rice flour forms the base of the biscuits, while the egg binds the dough. Coconut oil adds fat and helps the dough hold together. Fresh mint adds color and herbal flavor. For the broth, it’s important to choose an unsalted variety with no onion or garlic in the ingredients. Alternately, you can just use water.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 25-30 biscuits
Ingredients
- 3½ cups brown rice flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 ½ cup water or chicken broth
Directions
- Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Mix the flour and mint. Stir in the egg and oil.
- Gradually add water or broth until the dough holds together and can be rolled out.
- Roll to about ¼ inch thick and cut into small shapes.
- Bake for about 20–25 minutes until firm. Cool completely.
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Note
Offer small portions as an occasional treat. Treats should make up only a small part of a dog’s daily food, and a veterinarian can advise on ingredients or portions for dogs with health conditions or special diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make ground oats for dog treats?
Pulse rolled oats in a blender or food processor until finely ground.
Can I make these treats smaller or larger?
Yes. Adjust the shape and size, keeping in mind that larger treats may need more baking time. Check that they’re firm and baked through before cooling.
