Easy Dog Treats Without Flour: 3 Delicious Dog Treat Recipes

If you’re looking for healthy, simple, and flour-free dog treats that are packed with flavor and nutrition, you’ve come to the right place!

Even If your dog has a gluten sensitivity, you want to avoid the processed ingredients often found in store-bought treats, or you’re just looking to treat your furry friend to something special, making dog treats at home can be both rewarding and fun.

In this article, I’ll share 3 easy, delicious, and nutritious dog treat recipes that don’t require any flour. These treats are made with wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home, and they’re perfect for spoiling your pup in a healthy way.

Benefits of Flourless Dog Treats

There are several great reasons to make flourless dog treats at home.

1. Gluten-Free: If your dog has a gluten intolerance or allergy, flourless treats are a great option. Many dogs, like humans, can suffer from gluten sensitivity, which can cause digestive issues or skin irritations. By using alternatives like pumpkin or sweet potatoes, you avoid any gluten exposure.
2. All-Natural Ingredients: Homemade treats allow you to use fresh, healthy ingredients. You know exactly what goes into the treats, avoiding harmful additives, preservatives, or artificial flavorings that are often found in store-bought treats.
3. Customization: You can adjust the ingredients based on your dog’s specific dietary needs or preferences. For instance, if your dog is sensitive to certain proteins or ingredients, you can swap them out for others that are more suitable.
4. Affordable: Homemade treats are often much cheaper than store-bought alternatives, especially when you’re using simple ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, or sweet potato.
5. Control Portion Sizes: With homemade treats, you can decide how large or small each treat should be, which is helpful if you’re counting calories or watching your dog’s weight.

Now, let’s get into the tasty, flourless dog treat recipes!

Recipe 1: Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
• 1/4 cup oats (optional, if your dog isn’t sensitive to oats)

How to Make Step by Step

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, mash the ripe banana in a mixing bowl until smooth. The riper the banana, the easier it will be to mash, and the sweeter the treat will be for your dog.

Step 2: Add the peanut butter to the mashed banana and stir until well combined. If you’re using oats, you can add them into the mixture to create more texture, but this is entirely optional.

Step 3: Spoon out small dollops of the dough and roll them into little balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or a fork to help them bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake the treats in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they become golden brown and firm to the touch. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 5: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. This helps them firm up and ensures they’re safe for your dog to eat.

Feeding Size

• These treats are small and can be given as an occasional snack. Depending on your dog’s size, one or two treats a day should be sufficient.

Storage Tips

• Store these peanut butter and banana bites in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Chews

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 2 hours

Ingredients Needed

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• Coconut oil spray (optional, for extra shine and flavor)

How to Make Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Sweet potatoes make a fantastic chew treat on their own, so we’ll keep this recipe simple. Start by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt.

Step 2: Slice the sweet potatoes into long, thin strips or rounds. The thinner you slice them, the quicker they’ll cook, but if you want them to last longer as chews, slice them thicker.

Step 3: Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, you can spray them lightly with coconut oil to add flavor and help with browning.

Step 4: Bake the sweet potato slices for about 2 hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure even drying. The goal is for the sweet potatoes to become firm and chewy.

Step 5: Let the chews cool completely before offering them to your dog. If stored properly, these chews can last for up to a week.

Feeding Size

• Serve one or two chews depending on your dog’s size and chewing habits.

Storage Tips

• Store these sweet potato chews in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also freeze them for longer-lasting treats.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Recipe 3: Apple & Carrot Delight

Prep time & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 apple (peeled and grated)
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (optional for added flavor)
• 1 egg

How to Make Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated apple and carrot. These ingredients provide a great crunch and natural sweetness for your dog.

Step 2: Add the peanut butter (if using) and egg to the mixture. Stir it all together until fully combined. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together.

Step 3: Spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet in small dollops, flattening them slightly. You can shape the treats with your hands if you want them to be more uniform.

Step 4: Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Allow the treats to cool before serving.

Feeding Size

• This recipe makes small-sized treats perfect for small to medium dogs. One treat is usually enough for an average dog.

Storage Tips

• Store these apple and carrot delights in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Values Calculated

Are Homemade Dog Treats Safe for My Dog?

Yes, homemade dog treats can be very safe for your dog, as long as you use ingredients that are safe for canine consumption. Avoid using ingredients like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Always research any ingredient you’re unsure about and ensure you’re following a trusted recipe.

How Long Can Homemade Dog Treats Be Stored?

Homemade dog treats typically last between 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re making a large batch, freezing the treats can extend their shelf life for up to 3 months.

Can I Make These Treats in Large Batches?

Absolutely! If your dog loves these treats, making a larger batch can save you time. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container or freeze them for later use.

Can I Substitute Peanut Butter in the Recipes?

Yes! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower butter, but ensure that the butter you use doesn’t contain xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs.

My Dog Has a Sensitive Stomach. Are These Treats Safe?

These recipes are made with simple, whole ingredients, which are often gentler on a dog’s stomach. However, if your dog has specific food sensitivities, consult your vet before introducing new ingredients.

Can I Use Coconut Oil in These Recipes?

Yes! Coconut oil is a great addition for many recipes. It can help with digestion and coat health. Just make sure to use it in moderation as it is high in fat.

Final Thoughts

Making your own dog treats without flour is not only a fun activity but also a healthy and cost-effective way to pamper your furry friend. With these easy recipes, you can provide your dog with delicious and nutritious treats that are free from harmful ingredients.

Remember to store your treats properly and always check for any ingredient sensitivities your dog may have. Happy baking, and your dog will thank you with wagging tails and happy barks