Why make your own dog snacks?
Homemade dog treats have several advantages:
- No unnecessary additives: No artificial colors, preservatives, or sugars.
- Tailored to your dog's needs: You can take dietary restrictions, allergies and preferences into account.
- Preserve nutritional value: By choosing the ingredients yourself, you can make snacks that contribute to your dog's health, such as snacks with a lot of protein, healthy fats or vitamins.
Let's start with some simple and healthy recipes that you can make at home!
1. Puppy cookies with pumpkin and oatmeal
Puppies need extra nutrients to grow well. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and good for digestion, while oatmeal is a mild source of carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (no added sugar or spices)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and egg until smooth.
3. Add the oats and whole wheat flour and stir until a firm dough ball is formed.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about half a centimeter and cut out small cookies.
5. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool completely and store in an airtight container.
2. Energy boost chicken green bean cubes (adult dogs)
Adult dogs benefit from energy-rich snacks, especially if they exercise a lot. Chicken is a lean protein source and green beans are full of vitamins that are good for the immune system.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and finely chopped chicken breast
- 1/2 cup cooked and finely chopped green beans
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 egg
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Mix the chicken, green beans, oats and egg in a bowl until smooth.
3. Make small balls or press the mixture into a silicone mold.
4. Bake the snacks for 15-20 minutes until firm.
5. Let cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge and give your dog 1-2 as a treat.
3. Salmon-honey biscuits for a healthy coat (adult dogs)
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that help keep your dog's coat shiny and healthy. These biscuits are a great snack for adult dogs.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of salmon (drained)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Mix the salmon, egg, whole wheat flour and honey in a bowl.
3. Roll out the dough and cut out shapes or make small balls.
4. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until firm and golden brown.
5. Let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. Sweet potato and carrot sticks (for seniors)
Senior dogs can benefit from easily digestible treats that are gentle on their teeth and high in fiber for healthy digestion. Sweet potatoes and carrots are ideal for senior dogs.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1 egg
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C.
2. Mix the sweet potato, grated carrot, oatmeal and egg into a smooth dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into small rectangles or sticks.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly crispy on the outside.
5. Let cool and store the snacks in the refrigerator.
5. Peanut butter banana cookies for in between meals
Peanut butter (unsweetened and salt-free) is a favorite flavor for many dogs and contains healthy fats and proteins. This recipe is perfect for dogs of all ages as a tasty treat in between meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (without salt or sugar)
- 1 cup oatmeal
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C.
2. Mix the mashed banana, peanut butter and oatmeal into a firm mixture.
3. Make small balls or press the dough into a silicone mold.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until the cookies are firm.
5. Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container.
Nutritional advice and tips
- Portion control: While these snacks are healthy, they are not meant to replace a full meal. Stick to small portions to avoid overeating.
- Allergies: Check if your dog is allergic to certain ingredients, such as peanut butter or grain. You can vary with other healthy ingredients, such as applesauce (unsweetened) instead of banana, or buckwheat flour instead of wheat flour.
- Offer Water: Make sure your dog has plenty of water, especially after eating treats, as high-fiber ingredients require extra fluids to be properly digested.
Homemade dog treats are a great way to keep your dog healthy and happy. Whether it’s treats for puppies, adult dogs, or senior dogs, these recipes are easy to make and packed with nutrients that are good for your dog. Plus, making treats is a great way to show your dog how much you care!
Have fun baking and enjoy your dog's enthusiasm when he gets a fresh, healthy snack!
