Who doesn't love spoiling their four-pawed pal and finding new ways to lift their spirits? And what better way to help our dogs feel a million bucks than by making and baking them delicious treats!
But which ingredients will keep your dog’s tail wagging? Check the labels of every product you use before baking to avoid any incidents. For example, some brands of peanut butter contain xylitol (an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs), so it’s important to double-check!
Here are five drool-worthy recipes we found for your dog to taste test...
1) Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 24 treats
Peanut butter is the perfect base for treats – it’s tasty, a great binder, and easy to get your hands on. These sweet treats from The Cookie Rookie can be any shape you like, but why not throw your dog a bone?
What you’ll need:
• For treat:
o 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
o 1 egg
o 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free, of course)
o 1 cup water
o 2 tablespoons natural honey
• For frosting:
o ⅓ cup corn starch
o 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
o 1 tablespoon honey
o 3-4 tablespoons hot water
• Baking sheet
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl combine flour and the egg. Add peanut butter, water and honey, then stir until you have stiff, sticky dough.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about ½ inch thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden (if you have smaller cookies, bake for less time, otherwise the underneath might burn). Once done, set aside to cool.
5. To make frosting, combine the peanut butter and honey in a microwavable bowl and heat in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until melted.
6. Add melted peanut butter mixture to corn starch and stir until combined.
7. Add in water 1 tablespoon at a time until you have reached the consistency you want. For a thinner frosting, add more water.
8. Frost treats with the peanut butter mixture using a piping bag or knife. You can add designs on top if you’re feeling extra.
9. Store in an airtight container!
2) Doggy Donuts
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 14 mins | Servings: 6 donuts
We all love a donut – a great sweet treat for all the family. Now that can include your dog, too! These peanut butter and bacon bit donuts from Sunny Day Family will have your pup’s mouth watering and are super easy to make.
What you’ll need:
• For the donut:
o 1 cup flour
o 1 cup oats
o ⅓ cup coconut oil
o ½ cup peanut butter
o 2 eggs
• For the frosting:
o Greek yogurt
o Bacon bits
• Donut tray or baking sheet
Step-by-step method:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spray your pan with cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine all the donut ingredients and mix until it forms a dough.
4. If using a donut pan: use your hands to press the dough into the shape of the tray. Press firmly to ensure everything sticks together.
5. If using a baking sheet: take a handful of dough (not too big as it may not bake evenly) and poke a hole through the middle. Then use your hands to form the donut shape (around 2½ inches thick) and place on the baking tray.
6. Bake for approx. 14 minutes at 375°F until cooked completely (check with the toothpick test). Take out and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
7. For the frosting, set out two bowls: one for the Greek yogurt and the other for bacon bits.
8. Dip the top of each donut in the yogurt and then in the bacon bits. Then place your decorated donuts in the freezer for 5 mins to harden the yoghurt and then store in the fridge.
9. Depending on the size of your dog, you can give them half a donut or a whole one as a treat!
3) Strawberry and Banana Pupsicles
Prep time: 5 mins | Freeze time: approx. 6 hours (depends on freezer) | Servings: 4 pupsicles
It’s tough for our dogs in this summer heat! Regulating their body temperature and making sure they’re hydrated is key. A great way to keep them cool is by giving them a popsicle! This recipe is from Cook It Real Good, but you can pop in whatever foods your dog loves (if they’re dog safe) and freeze them for this chilled treat.
What you’ll need:
• 1 cup frozen banana slices
• 1 cup frozen strawberry slices
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or water
• 4 dog biscuits (for the popsicle stick)
• Popsicle molds or an ice tray for smaller dogs
• Blender
1. Put the bananas, strawberries, and Greek yogurt/water in a blender and blend on high until it forms a smooth liquid.
2. Spoon mixture into popsicle molds/ice tray. Once filled gently wiggle or tap the molds against a table to release any air bubbles.
3. Freeze for 30 minutes, then push the dog biscuits halfway into the mold and put back into the freezer until solid (at least 6 hours).
4. Ready for your pup to enjoy whenever (best enjoyed outside to avoid mess) – store in a zip-lock bag in the freezer.
4) Cheddar Bacon Dog Treats
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 10 biscuits
Cheese is a high reward treat for your pup and is extra tasty when paired with bacon! This recipe from Good Housekeeping is a dog’s dream and could be a great way to make your dog feel extra special.
What you’ll need:
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 strips of bacon (cooked)
• 2 eggs
• Baking sheet and cookie cutters
• Blender/food processor
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lay out and cut parchment paper to fit tray.
3. Add oats, cheese, and bacon to the blender/food processor and mix until ingredients reach a crumb-like consistency.
4. Add eggs to mixture in food processor and mix until it forms a sticky dough.
5. Sprinkle flour onto surface and roll out dough to around ¼ inch thick.
6. Using a cookie cutter, cut out dough into desired shape.
7. Transfer dog treats to the baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes.
8. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container.
5) Pumpkin No-Bake Treats
Prep time: 10 mins | Freeze time: till solid (approx. 1 hour) | Servings: 10 treats
Pumpkin is a healthy and tasty food for your dog while still being a great sweet treat. These No-Bake Treats from Sunny Day Family are easy and quick to make with only three ingredients!
What you’ll need:
• ¾ cup coconut oil
• ⅓ cup 100% pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons ginger
• Saucepan
• Silicone mold or ice tray
Step-by-step method:
1. Put coconut oil and pumpkin puree in a saucepan and heat on low until the oil is fully melted.
2. Stir pumpkin mixture until it turns an orangey colour.
3. Place your mold or tray on a flat surface and put a small amount of ginger in each section.
4. Spoon in your pumpkin mixture to just below the brim of the cavity.
5. Put in the freezer for around an hour or until the treats are solid.
6. Once solid they are ready to serve! Store in an airtight container in the freezer.
