DIY Pet Treats Your Furry Companion Will Love
Just like humans, pets need a balanced and nutritious diet to help maintain their overall health, support their immune system, and prevent diseases. A balanced diet for pets should include a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Feeding pets with the right food in the right amount can also help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, which can lead to a range of health problems.
Making homemade DIY pet treats is a fun and easy way to show your four-legged family members how much you care. These recipes are just a few examples of the many different DIY pet treat recipes that you can make at home. Try making a few batches and see which ones your dog or cat likes best! Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new treats or foods to your pet’s diet.
DIY Treats for Dogs
As a dog parent, it's a good idea to have some homemade treats on hand for your canine loved one. Not only can they make great rewards for good behavior, but you can also help ensure that the ingredients are safe and healthy for your pup. Here are five of the most popular DIY dog treats with fun names and recipes for each one.
1. Peanut Butter Puppers
Peanut butter is a favorite among many dogs, and these treats are sure to be a hit. Plus, they're easy to make and only require a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 ripe banana
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool before serving.
2. Sweet Potato Snacks
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and fiber, and they make a tasty treat for dogs. These chews are easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 250°F.
Slice the sweet potato into thin rounds.
Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 2-3 hours or until the chews are dried and crispy.
Allow the chews to cool before serving.
3. Frosty Paws
These treats are a great way to cool your pup down on a hot day. They're easy to make and can be customized with your dog's favorite flavors.
Ingredients:
1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup peanut butter
Instructions:
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
Freeze for at least two hours or until solid.
Pop the treats out of the mold and serve.
4. Carrot Crunchies
Carrots and apples are both healthy and tasty for dogs, and these treats combine the two for a delicious snack.
Ingredients:
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup grated apple
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool before serving.
5. Chicken Chomps
Chicken jerky is a great alternative to store-bought treats that can be full of preservatives and additives. It's easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 2-3 hours or until dehydrated.
DIY Treats for Cats
As a cat parent, you want to treat your feline companion with something special from time to time. Homemade cat treats are not only a thoughtful gesture, but they can also be a healthier and cost-effective option. Here are five of the most popular DIY cat treats with recipes for each one.
1. Tuna Treats
Tuna is a favorite among many cats, and these treats are simple and easy to make. Plus, they only require a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
1 can of tuna, drained
1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, whole wheat flour, and egg.
Mix the ingredients together until they form a dough.
Using a teaspoon, form small balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the treats for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool before serving.
2. Chicken and Catnip Biscuits
These crunchy biscuits are a great treat for cats and the addition of catnip can make them irresistible.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup of chicken broth
1/4 cup of fresh catnip
1/4 cup of oat flour
1/4 cup of wheat germ
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chicken broth, and catnip.
Add the oat flour and wheat germ to the mixture and mix until combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a fork.
Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the biscuits to cool before serving.
3. Salmon and Sweet Potato Treats
These treats are full of healthy ingredients that cats will love. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients:
1 can of salmon, drained
1 sweet potato, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup of oat flour
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained salmon and mashed sweet potato.
Add the oat flour and egg to the mixture and mix until combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a fork.
Bake the treats for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool before serving.
4. Cheese and Catnip Treats
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium for cats. Adding catnip to these treats will make them even more irresistible.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup of oat flour
1/4 cup of fresh catnip
1/4 cup of chicken broth
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, oat flour, and catnip.
Add the chicken broth to the mixture and mix until combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a fork.
Bake the treats for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool before serving.
5. Pumpkin and Tuna Treats
Pumpkin is a great source of fiber for cats and can help with digestion. Combined with tuna, these treats are sure to be a hit with your feline friend.
Ingredients:
1 can of tuna, drained
1/2 cup of pumpkin puree
1/2 cup of oat flour
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna and pumpkin puree.
Add the oat flour and egg to the mixture and mix until combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a fork.
Bake the treats for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool before serving.
Mostly a tech person, always a pet person. I am dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their humans with technology. Off-duty, I enjoy writing about the misbehaving of computer programs and my two Aussiedoodles, Calvin and Hobbes.
