3 Homemade Dog Treats Without Whole Wheat Flour

Store-bought dog treats are convenient, but they can often be filled with unnecessary additives, preservatives, and ingredients that aren’t ideal for our dogs. What’s the best solution? Homemade dog treats!

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of homemade dog treats without whole wheat flour. Whether your dog has a gluten sensitivity or you simply prefer more natural ingredients, these recipes will provide delicious, healthy, and nutritious treats that your dog will love.

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

Making homemade treats offers a few clear benefits for both you and your dog.

• Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own dog treats, you know exactly what goes into them. No hidden preservatives, artificial flavors, or mystery ingredients.
• Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs: If your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, you can choose the best ingredients suited to their dietary needs.
• Freshness and Quality: Homemade treats are always fresh and made from high-quality ingredients, offering a healthier alternative to processed commercial treats.

Now, let’s dive straight into some mouth-watering recipes your dog will adore.

Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Biscuits

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups oat flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup flaxseed meal (optional, but great for omega-3)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (for greasing the pan or spraying on the treats)

How to Make Step by Step:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, coconut flour, and flaxseed meal (if using).
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring constantly until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
5. Roll and Shape: Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun shapes, or simply slice into small squares.
6. Bake the Biscuits: Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the biscuits are firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog.

Feeding Size:

• These treats are best served as occasional snacks or training rewards. Adjust the serving size based on the size of your dog (smaller dogs should have smaller portions).

Storage Tips:

• Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Nutrition Values Calculated:

Recipe 2: Apple and Sweet Potato Chews

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours (slow bake)

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1 large apple (core removed and thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (for greasing)

How to Make Step by Step:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling the sweet potato and slicing it into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Remove the core and seeds from the apple and slice it into thin rings or wedges.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C). This low temperature will help dehydrate the treats and create a chewy texture.
3. Grease the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with coconut oil to prevent the sweet potato and apple from sticking.
4. Arrange the Ingredients: Lay the sweet potato slices and apple rings on the baking sheet in a single layer. If you want, you can lightly coat the slices with a little extra coconut oil.
5. Bake Slowly: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. The treats should be firm, chewy, and slightly crispy on the edges once done.
6. Cool Down: Let the chews cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Feeding Size:

• These chews are a great alternative to store-bought dental chews. Offer them as an occasional treat or dental aid. Adjust portion sizes based on the size of your dog.

Storage Tips:

• Store these chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Values Calculated:

Recipe 3: Carrot and Parsley Bites

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make Step by Step:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil. Add the grated carrots and chopped parsley, mixing well.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the oat flour and coconut flour, stirring until a dough forms. You might need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Shape the Dough: Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them with a fork or your hands.
5. Bake the Bites: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and firm.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool on a wire rack before serving.

Feeding Size:

• These treats are perfect for small dogs or as training rewards. Adjust the portion size accordingly.

Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. Freezing for long-term storage is also an option.

Nutrition Values Calculated:

Important Things You Should Know About Homemade Dog Treats

1. Ingredients Matter

It’s essential to use high-quality, dog-safe ingredients. Always check that your ingredients are free from harmful additives or chemicals. Avoid using any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, or certain nuts (e.g., macadamia nuts).

2. Portion Control is Key

While homemade treats are healthier, they still contain calories. Always factor these treats into your dog’s daily caloric intake, especially if you are using them as training rewards.

3. Dogs with Allergies or Sensitivities

If your dog has specific allergies or dietary restrictions, always ensure that the treats you make are tailored to their needs. Substitute ingredients as necessary, like replacing oat flour with rice flour or coconut flour for gluten-sensitive dogs.

4. Freshness

Homemade treats don’t contain preservatives, so they have a shorter shelf life. Store them in airtight containers to preserve freshness and always check the treats for signs of spoilage before giving them to your dog.

Can I use different types of flour for these recipes?

Yes! If your dog is sensitive to certain types of flour, you can substitute oat flour with rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and consistency may change.

Can I add extra ingredients like cheese or meat?

Absolutely! Many dogs love meat or cheese. You can add small amounts of cooked chicken, beef, or cheese to enhance the flavor of the treats. Just be sure not to add too much, as these ingredients can increase the calorie count.

Are these treats suitable for puppies?

Most of the treats in these recipes are suitable for adult dogs, but puppies have specific dietary needs. It’s always best to consult with your vet before giving homemade treats to puppies, especially if they have special dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

Homemade dog treats are a wonderful way to show your pet how much you care. They’re healthier, customizable, and made with love.

With these simple recipes, you can provide your dog with delicious snacks that support their health and well-being.

Give them a try and see how much your dog loves these homemade delights! If you try any of these recipes, let us know how your furry friend enjoyed them in the comments below!