11 Recipes for Quick and Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

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Homemade Dog Treats

Potentially Toxic "Mystery" Ingredients Found In Dog Foods & Treats Preservatives: Natural or Artificial? Other Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats Homemade Dog Treats - Recipes Your Dog Will Love 1. PB & Mashed Banana Homemade Dog Treats 2. Homemade Diabetic Dog Treats 3. Turkey & Cranberry Homemade Dog Treats 4. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Homemade Dog Treats 5. Doggie Treats II Homemade Dog Treats 6. Heavenly Health Homemade Dog Treats 7. Very Vanilla Homemade Dog Treats 8. Cosmos Reindeer Homemade Dog Treats 9. Carrot & Oat Gluten-Free Homemade Dog Treats 10. Blueberry, Oats and Flaxseed Homemade Dog Treats 11. Super Simple Sweet Potato Homemade Dog Treats Other Healthy Ingredients Oats/Oat Flour Homemade Dog Treats Are Super Easy & Super Healthy

You're not alone!

Cindy Grant

I've taken the guesswork and research out of the process and have found 11 of the best homemade dog treat recipes on NolongerWild.com. Plus, I'll break down why the featured ingredients in these recipes are beneficial to your pooch.

As an added bonus, I've also consulted with the Dog Food Advisor on those "mystery" ingredients in dog foods and treats that can be potentially toxic to your pets. Read on…

References: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/dog-food-preservatives/

Potentially Toxic "Mystery" Ingredients Found In Dog Foods & Treats

Some dog food manufacturers (usually those of a lesser quality brand) use inferior ingredients to keep the price of making their food and treats low, which only increases their profit margins.

Don't let your dog ingest potentially lethal ingredients to pad a company's "bottom line." Check the kibble and treats your canine companion is eating for these potentially dangerous ingredients.

Preservatives: Natural or Artificial?

Animal fats are crucial to your dog's daily diet; however, they have a very short "shelf-life" and are prone to turning rancid. For this reason, dog food manufacturers must preserve those fats. However, not all preservatives are created equally.

Natural preservatives

These are safe for your dog and are usually in the form of Vitamins C and E. They may be listed on your kibble or treat package as their scientific names of ascorbic and tocopherol.

Artificial Preservatives

Anything "unnatural" may pose a higher risk of trouble. In the case of dog kibble and treats, these artificial preservatives are hidden under different words: Ethoxyquin. This ingredient is also used as a pesticide and a hardening agent to process rubber.

References: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/ethoxyquin-dangerous-dog-food-additive/

In fact, the FDA suspects this dangerous ingredient may be the cause of certain liver and blood problems being found in the canine species.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA): This is considered an antioxidant - but not in a good way - and is used as another preservative in dog foods and treats. The cumulative effect of ingesting BHA is now being linked to certain cancers in our dogs.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). This is another artificial preservative that has been linked to cancer in dogs. This may be because BHT is also used in jet fuel, the oil used for electrical transformers, petroleum products, rubber, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and even embalming fluid.

Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE): The addition of artificial colors to the dog kibble and treats is for our benefit only. Dogs do not care what color their food is, as long as it tastes good. These common dye-additives have been linked to hyperactivity, tumors, cancers and allergies in dogs.

Food Dyes (Via gazpo)

Propylene Glycol: This ingredient is used to reduce the moisture in dry kibble, which in turn will prevent the growth of bacteria. However, Propylene Glycol is also found in antifreeze! The very stuff they warn pet parents about!

In addition, the job this ingredient is being used for is actually having the reverse effect on our dogs. Our pets need moisture to help regulate all the systems in their bodies and inhibiting bacteria, is also not allowing the good gut bacteria to grow that our pooches need. The cumulative effects of this ingredient are now being linked to intestinal blockages and some intestinal cancers.

References:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/bha-in-dog-food/
http://truthaboutpetfood.com/food-dyes-called-rainbow-of-risks/

Other Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats

Corn Syrup & Corn: Albeit, not toxic to our dog's, too much corn syrup (used as a sweetener) can cause pets to become overweight and even obese. In addition, too much of the sweet stuff can also lead to diabetes, hyperactivity and even changes in your dog's mental state.

Corn in its natural and processed state is also a no-no. This ingredient is used in kibble and treats as a cheap filler and can cause weight gain, plus it can easily become spoiled and even moldy.

By-products: This is another cheap filler that dog food manufacturers like to sneak in their kibbles and treats to bulk it up. However, these by-products are just that - anything that cannot be consumed by humans. This can include sick livestock (including those with cancer) dead zoo animals, road kill, beaks, feathers, feet...you name it.

Homemade Dog Treats - Recipes Your Dog Will Love

Thanks to some talented Bakers on the web, I've discovered these amazing recipes for DIY homemade dog treats. There's lots of different recipes to choose from so your dog will have plenty of yummy options. Plus, you'll know exactly what went into them and you can even learn more about the health benefits of each recipe's featured ingredient.

1. PB & Mashed Banana Homemade Dog Treats

Do you have leftover bananas the kids won't eat? Use them in this recipe.

PB & Mashed Banana Homemade Dog Treats (Via foodfashionparty )

Preheat Oven: 300 degrees F - Prep Time: 25 m - Cook Time: 35 m

What You Need
● 1 egg
● ⅓ cup peanut butter
● ½ cup mashed bananas
● 1 tbsp of honey
● 1 cup whole wheat flour
● ½ cup wheat germ
● 1 egg white lightly beaten for brushing the biscuit tops
● Greased baking pan
● Cookie cutter
● Rolling pin

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven and lightly grease a baking pan

Step 2 - In a medium bowl, stir together the egg, peanut butter, banana, and honey until well blended. Add the flour and wheat germ, blending well. Turn the dough out onto a floured board. Roll until it is ¼ inch in thickness.

Step 3 - Using the cookie cut, cut into desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with lightly beaten egg white.

Step 4 - Bake the biscuits until they are dried out and are a golden brown in color (about 30 minutes, depending on their size). Remove from oven and cool on wire baking rack.

Featured Ingredient - Bananas
This tropical fruit is loaded with potassium, manganese, biotin, vitamins B6 and C, fiber and copper. Bananas are also low in sodium and cholesterol. However, they do tend to be high in sugar, so keep these treats as just treats.

2. Homemade Diabetic Dog Treats

If your dog has developed diabetes, it may be difficult to find a treat that isn't too high in sugar. These homemade diabetic dog treats are loaded with protein and flavor, with no added sugar. Any dog would be happy to munch on one of these homemade dog treats.

Homemade Diabetic Dog Treats (Via allrecipes)

Preheat Oven: 350 degrees F - Prep Time: 5 m - Cook Time: 15 m

What You Need
● ½ cup whole wheat flour
● 2 egg
● 1 ½ cooked beef liver cut into small pieces
● Parchment paper
● 10 x 15 in jelly roll pan
● Food processor

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Step 2 - Place the cooked liver in the food processor and pulse until it's finely chopped. If you have room, add the eggs and flour and mix well. If you don't have room, place the liver in a bowl and add the eggs and flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon.

Step 3 - Spread this mixture evenly in the lined jelly roll pan

Step 4 - Bake for 15 mins, or until the center is firm. Cool, then cut into squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Note: These cookies will have a sponge-like consistency.

Featured Ingredient - Beef
Liver According to VetInfo, this organ meat is nutrient rich. It has a long list of healthy qualities including vitamins A and B, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, phosphorous and essential amino acids your dog needs for good muscle development and overall health.

3. Turkey & Cranberry Homemade Dog Treats

These cookies are a great way to use up all that leftover turkey and cranberries; however, you don't have to wait for a holiday, substitute the turkey for chicken and let your dog have a "holiday" favorite every day.

Turkey & Cranberry Homemade Dog Treats (Via allrecipes)

Preheat Oven: 350 degrees F - Prep Time: 20 m - Cook Time: 55 m

What You Need
● 3 ½ cups whole wheat flour
● 1 tsp baking powder
● 1 cup of shredded cook turkey
● 1 cup dried cranberries
● 1 egg
● 1 tbsp olive oil
● 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or as much needed)
● Baking sheets
● Parchment paper (optional)
● Rolling pin
● Cookie cutters

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease or line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2 - In a large bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together until well mixed. Add the turkey and cranberries. Mix well.

Step 3 - Make a well in the center of your mixture and drop in the egg, the cooking oil and about ½ cup of the chicken broth. Mix into a soft dough adding 1 tbsp of chicken broth at a time if it is too dry.

Step 4 - Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 1 to 2 minutes. Roll the dough out ¼ inch thickness and use cookie cutters to form desired shapes.

Step 5 - Bake cookies for 25 mins, until golden brown. Turn oven off and continue to bake for another 35 mins., to allow them to further dry out. Store in refrigerator when cooled.

Featured Ingredient - Cranberries
According to PawCulture, this little wonder-berry is packed full of good stuff for your canine companion. It's full of antioxidants, vitamins C and E and is high in fiber. It will also help your pet's overall bladder health.

4. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Homemade Dog Treats

There was a time not too long ago, that we didn't realize how good pumpkin was for our dogs. Today this awesome veggie has made its way into homemade dog treats for a tasty boost of nutrients. With the addition of peanut butter, these homemade dog treats are super delicious AND super healthy.

Preheat Oven: 350 degrees F - Prep Time: 15 m - Cook Time: 40 m

What You Need
● 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
● 2 eggs
● ½ cup of pumpkin
● 2 tbsp peanut butter
● ½ tsp salt
● ½ tsp ground cinnamon
● Cookie cutters (optional)

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350 F

Step 2 - Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl. Add small amounts of water to the dough to make it workable. However, not too much as the dough should be dry and stiff.

Step 3 - Roll the dough out until it is a ½ inch in thickness. Use cookie cutters or simply cut into squares.

Step 4 - Bake until hard; about 40 mins.

Featured Ingredient - Pumpkin
According to PetMD, pumpkin is good for you dog's digestive system and for both diarrhea and constipation. It is loaded with beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, zinc, potassium, iron and vitamin A.

5. Doggie Treats II Homemade Dog Treats

With the wholesome goodness of rolled oats, these cheesy treats are sure to please your pup. Wrap some up with the recipe and a doggy-inspired cookie cutter for a wonderful, new puppy gift or birthday present for that special pooch.

Preheat Oven: 325 degrees F - Prep Time: 15 m - Cook Time: 35 m

What You Need
● 1 cup rolled oats
● ⅓ cup of margarine
● 1 cup of boiling water
● ¾ cup of cornmeal
● 1 tbsp white sugar
● 2 tsp dried chicken bouillon
● ½ cup milk
● 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
● 1 cup
● 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
● Cookie cutters (optional)

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 325 F. and grease the cookie sheets.

Step 2 - In a large bowl mix together the rolled oats, margarine, and boiling water. Let sit for 10 mins.

Step 3 - Combine the cornmeal, sugar, and bouillon, then stir into the rolled oat mixture along. Add the egg and milk, mixing until it's smooth. Fold in the cheese.

Step 4 - Slowly add in the flour, working it into a stiff but still workable dough. Knead the dough for a few turns, the put it onto a floured surface and roll out until it is about ½ inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters or into squares. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Step 5 - Bake 35 to 40 mins until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Featured Ingredient - Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is high in calcium and does offer a boost of protein; however although cheesy dog cookies are okay, cheese in its natural form should only be given in small amounts as it is fattening and can stomach upset in some canines.

6. Heavenly Health Homemade Dog Treats

With the yummy taste of Cheddar cheese and the wholesome goodness of flaxseed, these healthy homemade dog treats may just make your dog think they were sent from above.

Heavenly Health Homemade Dog Treats (Via allrecipes)

Preheat Oven: 325 degrees F - Prep Time: 30 m - Cook Time: 45 m

What You Need
● 1 ¾ cup rolled oats
● ¾ cup golden flax seeds
● ⅔ cup brewer's yeast
● 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
● 1 cup brown rice flour
● 2 cups of oat flour
● 2 tbsp organic raw sugar
● 3 tbsp of vegetable oil
● 1 ¾ low sodium chicken broth
● 2 eggs

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 325 F and grease two baking sheets.

Step 2 - Combine all the dry ingredients and the cheese. Mix together well. Whisk together eggs, chicken broth, and vegetable oil. Add to the dry ingredients and mix into a fairly stiff dough.

Step 3 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out until it is about ¼ to ⅜ inch thick. Cut into 1 by 1.5-inch rectangular pieces and place ¾ an inch apart on cookie sheet.

Step 4 - Bake until dry and the edges are golden brown in color. About 40 to 45 mins.

Featured Ingredient - Flax Seeds
According to the nest, these "wonder" seeds are hitting the market as one of nature's superfoods. In our canine companions, flax seeds offer up a good dose of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (great for the skin and coat) as well as alpha-linoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties. They can even boost the immune system.

7. Very Vanilla Homemade Dog Treats

This recipe uses the goodness of applesauce and vanilla to bake into bite-sized treats that any canine is sure to love. Store them away in an airtight container for up to two weeks, so you'll always have some on hand.

Preheat Oven: 400 degrees F - Prep Time: 20 m - Cook Time: 45 m

What You Need
● 2 ¼ cup of whole wheat flour
● ½ cup of cornmeal
● ½ cup rolled oats
● 1 tsp baking powder
● ½ cup of water
● ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
● 2 tsp vanilla extract
● 2 eggs beaten
● 3 tbsp low-sodium peanut butter

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 400 F and grease two cookie sheets

Step 2 - Mix the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, rolled oats and baking powder in a bowl. Lightly mix the applesauce, water, and vanilla into the dry ingredients. Stir in the eggs and peanut butter next.

Step 3 - Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until it is no longer sticky (about 1 min). Roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 75 small squares and arrange on a baking sheet so they are not touching.

Step 4 - Bake for 15 mins. Turn off oven and continue to bake for another 30 mins as the oven cools.

Step 5 - Remove the treats from the oven and allow them to rest for 10 mins before transferring them to wire rack.

Featured Ingredient - Applesauce
Apples and applesauce are a great source of vitamins A and C. They also contain fiber to help your pup stay regular. So these homemade dog treats are not only tasty, they're healthy, too.

8. Cosmos Reindeer Homemade Dog Treats

These may be titled "reindeer" dog treats, but your pup would love to bite into one (or two) of these cookies any time of the year. This recipe uses honey, not only for its flavor, but for some health benefits, too. Plus, the addition of apple juice and pumpkin, only enhances it's health benefits and yummy goodness.

Cosmos Reindeer Homemade Dog Treats (Via allrecipes)

Preheat Oven: 300 degrees F - Prep Time: 30 m - Cook Time: 45 m

What You Need
● 1 cup of natural apple juice
● 1 cup of canned pumpkin
● ¼ cup of honey
● 2 tbsp canola oil
● 1 ¼ cups of rolled oats
● ⅓ cup of wheat germ
● 1 cup of whole wheat flour
● 1 tsp ground cinnamon
● 1 ½ cup of all-purpose flour
● Parchment paper

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper

Step 2 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the pumpkin, apple juice, honey, and oil. Bring to simmer and remove from heat. Stir in the oats and wheat germ. Allow to cool slightly, then add the whole wheat flour and cinnamon. Now stir in the all-purpose flour.

Step 3 - Divide the dough in half and roll each one into a 10x10 inch square. Cut dough into 2-inch squares and place close together on prepared baking sheets.

Step 4 - Bake for 45 mins turning halfway through the process. Turn off oven and let dry overnight.

Step 5 - Transfer to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator.

Featured Ingredient - Honey
According to Your Old Dog, honey is full of natural enzymes, flavonoids, and antioxidants. It is great for dogs with allergies, infections, kennel cough, burns, hot spots, wounds, digestive issues and it can even kill anti-resistant bacterias like MRSA (staphylococcus).

9. Carrot & Oat Gluten-Free Homemade Dog Treats

These gluten-free homemade dog treats are made with shredded carrots, flaxseed, and applesauce. These may be canine cookies, but they sound good enough to eat!

Carrot & Oat Gluten-Free Homemade Dog Treats (Via Whole Foods Markets)

Preheat Oven: 350 degrees F - Prep Time: 20 m - Cook Time: 60 m

What You Need
● 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
● 1 cup shredded carrots
● 2 cups of gluten-free oat flour (plus, some for dusting)
● 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
● 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
● 1 tbsp of honey

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2 - In a small bowl combine the flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water. Set aside for 5 mins.

Step 3 - In a medium bowl combine the flaxseed, carrots, flour, parsley and applesauce. Mix into a wet dough.

Step 4 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out until it is ¼ inch in thickness. Cut into 12 squares or use cookie cutters. Place on prepared baking sheets.

Step 5 - Bake treats until they are completely hard (about 1 hour). Remove from oven and brush with honey. Return to oven to cook for another 5 mins. Let cool and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Featured Ingredient - Carrots
This crunchy veggie is loaded with vitamins. In fact, they include A, C, D, E, K, B1, and B6. Carrots also have fiber and beta-carotene, are low in calories and are great for your dog's teeth.

10. Blueberry, Oats and Flaxseed Homemade Dog Treats

With all the goodness of oats, flaxseed, a touch of honey, and, of course, the real star, blueberries, this natural dog treat is great for older dogs and those with skin issues.

Blueberry, Oats and Flaxseed Homemade Dog Treats (Via homemadedogtreatsnow)

Preheat Oven: 360 degrees F - Prep Time: 20 m - Cook Time: 20 to 25 m

What You Need
● 1 ½ cups of oat flour
● 1/3 cup of ground flaxseed
● ¼ freeze-dried blueberries
● ½ cup plain non-fat yogurt
● 1-2 tbsp of honey
● Parchment paper
● Cookie cutters

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 360 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2 - In a large bowl, mix flour and flaxseed, well. Then add in the yogurt and the honey. Mix well and add the blueberries. Mix well.

Step 3 - Knead the dough into a ball. Place ball in between two pieces of plastic wrap and roll to ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to form treats.

Step 4 - Bake for 20 - 25 mins. Turn off oven and allow the treats to completely cool in the oven. Store in an airtight container.

Note: Fresh or thawed frozen blueberries can also be used, just cut the yogurt down to ⅓ of a cup.

Featured Ingredient - Blueberries
Blueberries are considered a "superfruit." They are packed full of antioxidants and phytochemicals like anthocyanins. Blueberries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect against heart problems, cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes.

11. Super Simple Sweet Potato Homemade Dog Treats

With only four ingredients, these sweet potato homemade dog treats really are "super simple." Plus, dogs go nuts for sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potato Homemade Dog Treats (Via allrecipes)

Preheat Oven: 350 degrees F - Prep Time: 15 m - Cook Time: 45 m

What You Need
● 1 sweet potato
● 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
● ¼ cup of unsweetened apple sauce
● 2 eggs

Directions

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350 F. Poke sweet potato several times with a fork.

Step 2 - Cook sweet potato in the microwave until soft (about 6 mins). Cut potato in half and scoop out the flesh. Discard the skin. Mash with a fork or potato masher. Add 1 cup to a large bowl.

Step 3 - Mix the remaining three ingredients to the mashed sweet potato and mix well until a dough forms.

Step 4 - Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll dough until it is ½ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to form treats or cut into squares using a pizza cutter. Arrange on ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 5 - Bake until treats are crisp; about 35 - 45 mins. Cool in pans for 10 mins before removing to wire cooling racks.

Featured Ingredient - Sweet
Potato Sweet potatoes are great for our canine companions. They are rich in antioxidants in the form of beta-carotene and are also high in vitamins B6 and C and manganese. In addition, they are also high in fiber to help keep your dog regular.

References:
http://allrecipes.com/
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/carrot-oat-dog-treats
http://www.fidobakery.com/healthy-dog-biscuit.html

Other Healthy Ingredients

Even though we didn't feature the following ingredient, it is still good for your canine companion.

Oats/Oat Flour

Oats are high in vitamin B and other trace minerals like potassium and phosphorous. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial to those dogs suffering from itchy skin and other skin issues.

Homemade Dog Treats Are Super Easy & Super Healthy

These recipes use ingredients that most of us already have on hand and are simple to make. But the best thing is you'll know exactly what goes into each one. Your dog will be healthier and happy for the time you took to make these homemade dog treats and you'll have peace-of-mind knowing exactly what has gone into each and every morsel.

About the Author Cindy Grant

A pet lover from Boston, USA who is extremely passionate about all cute little pets, especially puppies, kittens and birds. I created NolongerWild as a community where all pet lovers around the world can meet and share their passion with each other.

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11 Recipes for Quick and Healthy Homemade Dog Treats