Homemade Dog Treats

Often times we make trips to Costco or Sam's to stock up on food and snacks and for me this also includes dog food and treats. So this weekend I thought I would try something new...HOMEMADE DOG TREATS! Yep! I mean why not at least try it. Plus maybe it could save me $$$$ considering I buy the all natural and limited ingredient treats for my puppy. Only the best for my little pup! I mean look at this face wouldn't you do the same ??!! :) 

Lucky after an hour long walk! 

How to make homemade dog treats...where to begin? Well for me I googled "homemade healthy dog treats" and looked for recipes that had healthy ingredients and not a whole slew of them either. I came across this recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction and like me with all my cooking I did not follow the recipe exactly but below is the original recipe. I exchanged 1/4 cup of milk for all natural chicken stock and used turkey bacon. Check out this video of Lucky taste testing the homemade treat for the first time! 

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup (255g) natural creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup (180ml) nonfat milk
• 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce)
• 2 cups (244g) whole wheat flour*
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup (30g) oats (either whole-rolled or quick oats are fine)
• 2-3 strips bacon, diced

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, and egg together with a large spoon or spatula. Switch to a whisk to make sure no lumps remain. Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto the counter and use your hands to work in the flour. Mix in the oats and chopped bacon. The dough is extremely thick and heavy.

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into 1/4" thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 10-12 more minutes.

Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Treats freeze well, up to 2 months.

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I tried this out and it was a hit for Lucky. I actually doubled the recipe and put half in the freezer and the other half in the fridge. I did not invest in a cookie cutter but instead rolled the dough into about a 1 inch ball and then pressed flat. I will be trying out a few other recipes I found over the weekend as well so it might be fun to cut them into dog bone shapes. 

I hope your fur baby LOVES these treats as much as mine did. If you have any questions please let me know!