DIY Dog Treats - Two Ingredient Recipes

My Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipe

As a busy mom, I'm always looking for ways to simplify my routine while still providing the best for my furry family member, Buddy. That's why I love this simple, two-ingredient dog treat recipe. It’s quick, easy, and best of all, Buddy absolutely loves them! No more searching for healthy, affordable dog treats in the store; I can whip up a batch in minutes using ingredients I likely already have on hand. The best part? I know exactly what’s going into these treats – no mystery ingredients or hidden nasties.

This recipe came about from a combination of necessity and a little bit of inspiration. I was running low on Buddy's usual store-bought treats and was feeling the pinch in my budget. Plus, I'd been trying to cut down on processed foods in our home, both for myself and my dog. So I rummaged through the pantry and stumbled upon a jar of leftover baby food and a bag of whole wheat flour. A little bit of experimentation later, and voila! Buddy’s new favorite snack was born. This simple recipe is easily adaptable too, depending on what you have available in your pantry or what flavours your canine companion prefers. I usually use sweet potato or carrot baby food, but you can easily experiment with other flavours like peas or applesauce.

Why this recipe works:

• Simplicity: Only two main ingredients are needed - flour and pureed veggies or baby food. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy schedules.
• Health Benefits: Whole wheat flour provides fiber, while the pureed veggies offer essential vitamins and nutrients for your dog's health. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dog’s dietary needs and preferences.
• Cost-Effective: This is a significantly cheaper alternative to store-bought dog treats, especially if you already have some ingredients at home.
• Customizable: Experiment with different flavors of baby food and perhaps even add some spices (always check that they are safe for dogs first!) to create your own unique recipes.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

• Dough Consistency: The key is achieving the right dough consistency. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a small amount of water, a teaspoon at a time.
• Cookie Cutter Fun: Get creative with your cookie cutters! Bones, stars, or even simple circles - it’s a fun activity for you and your dog.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on your treats while they’re baking. Baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your cookies.
• Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. I sometimes find that storing them in a dog cookie canister makes them softer; if you prefer crunchy treats, store them in a paper bag.

Making these homemade dog treats isn't just about saving money or time; it's about showing your dog how much you care. It's a small gesture that speaks volumes about your love and commitment to their well-being. Knowing exactly what's in their treats offers peace of mind, and seeing the joy on Buddy’s face when he gets a freshly baked treat is simply priceless. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how your furry friend enjoys their homemade goodness!

And remember, always supervise your dog when giving them treats and ensure they are appropriate for their size and breed. If you have any concerns about your dog's diet, always consult with your veterinarian.

Step-by-step

• Preheat your oven to 350°.
• In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour with the pureed veggies (or baby food) to form a stiff dough.
• If it's too sticky add flour. If it's too stiff, add some water.
• Lightly flour your work space and roll out the dough until it's about ½" thick.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
• Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
• Place the treats about ½ inch apart on the cookie sheet.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes.
• We store ours in a dog cookie canister and it sometimes makes the cookies softer but the dogs like them that way.
• If you want them to stay hard, you might want to store them in a paper bag.
• They keep for up to two weeks.