Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits
Although your dog is probably happy eating just about anything, it still feels good to create a treat that you know is good for them. If you focus on creating healthy food for the rest of your family, why should your dog be any different?
When you own a dog that has allergies, needs to meet specific dietary requirements, or you just want to know exactly what you’re feeding your pet, you can’t go wrong with homemade. Sure, making your own treats isn’t as convenient as a stop to the pet store, but these treats are still incredibly easy to make and give your dog a nice nutritional boost. Keep in mind, every dog’s nutritional needs are different. So while these treats have ingredients that are generally accepted as good for dogs, it’s still a good idea to ask your vet what should end up in your pooch’s bowl. These treats are specifically formulated to be gentle on your dog’s system and add some great nutrients, but just like when you try out any new treat, you’ll want to keep an eye out to make sure it agrees with your own dog’s digestion! The most important thing to watch for with this recipe is that you don’t get a peanut butter with sweetener. Generally peanut butter is a fine treat for a dog, but some “sugar free” peanut butters contain xylitol, which can be toxic to them.
Ingredients:
›› 2 cups whole wheat flour or brown rice flour
›› 1 egg
›› 3/4 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
›› 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (no sweetener)
Directions:
›› Preheat oven to 350°
›› Whisk together egg, pumpkin, and peanut butter until smooth.
›› Mix in flour – if dough is too dry, you can add a bit more pumpkin
›› Dust your work area, and knead your dough into a ball before rolling our on your surface, around 1/2 inch thick
›› Cut out your treats with any cookie cutter you’d like, and lay out flat on a cookie sheet
›› Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the tray and flip each treat over. Bake another 15 minutes.
›› Make sure they’re cool before feeding your dog!
Dog Treats Pupsicles
Summer is is (finally) almost here! If you and your dog are planning on soaking up some sun together, why not bring along a refreshing treat to keep things cool? The best thing about these “pupsicles” is that they also freshen your dog’s breath when they eat them (and everybody knows the struggle with doggy breath is REAL).
Not only will they help with stinky breath, but they can also be beneficial in other ways! Yogurt is high in calcium and protein, and some can act as a probiotic (make sure you are getting unsweetened/sugar free). Watermelon and blueberries also have a lot of health benefits, just make sure your dog doesn’t eat watermelon seeds or rind to avoid an upset tummy. Both of these fruits are hydrating and packed with vitamins and a great taste that will keep your dog happy. The fresh mint can even aid in digestion! The only species of mint that a dog shouldn’t ingest is the European Pennyroyal (which is not your “typical” mint plant in America).
Give these pupsicles a try during the dog days of summer. They’re easy to make and your dogs will love them! Just make sure to consult with your veterinarian about any changes to your dog’s diet.
Ingredients:
›› 2 cups watermelon and/or blueberries, pureed
›› 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain (unsweetened)
›› 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
›› Small silicone molds
Directions:
›› Puree your fruit in a blender. I chose to do two different kinds—make sure the fruit you use is healthy for your dog!
›› Chop up fresh mint leaves and place them in your molds
›› Evenly spoon yogurt into each mold
›› Pour the pureed fruit into the remaining space in each mold
›› Freeze at least four hours (or overnight)