Many store-bought dog treats contain wheat flour, which some dogs may have allergies to or struggle to digest. The good news is that you can easily make homemade dog treats without wheat flour.
Not only will these recipes help avoid allergens, but they also allow you to have full control over the ingredients that go into your dog’s snacks.
In this article, we will explore five delicious dog treats without wheat flour that your furry friend will love.
Benefits of Wheat-Free Dog Treats
Before diving into the recipes, let’s briefly discuss why wheat-free treats can be beneficial for your dog:
- Allergy-Friendly: Many dogs suffer from wheat allergies or sensitivities. Wheat flour can lead to digestive problems, skin irritation, or other allergic reactions. Choosing wheat-free treats helps prevent these issues.
- Digestive Health: Wheat can be difficult for some dogs to digest, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. Opting for wheat-free recipes ensures that your dog’s digestive system remains in tip-top shape.
- Weight Management: Wheat flour is often used in dog treats as a filler, which can lead to unnecessary weight gain. Many wheat-free alternatives, like sweet potatoes or pumpkin, are lower in calories and more nutrient-dense.
- Higher Nutritional Value: Wheat-free treats often feature better-quality ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and meats, which provide your dog with a more balanced diet. These treats can be rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Now, let’s get into the fun part: the recipes!
Recipe 1: Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Biscuits
Prep time & Cook time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
How to make Step by Step
- Cook the Sweet Potato: Start by cooking the sweet potato. You can either boil or bake it until it is soft. If you’re boiling, it should take about 10-15 minutes. If baking, wrap the sweet potato in foil and bake it at 400°F for about 45 minutes, or until soft.
- Mash the Sweet Potato: Once the sweet potato is cooked and cool enough to handle, mash it thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until it forms a smooth, lump-free puree.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, coconut oil, and applesauce. Stir until the mixture is well-blended.
- Add the Oat Flour: Gradually add the oat flour to the sweet potato mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Shape the Biscuits: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface (using oat flour) to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or simply slice the dough into squares or strips.
- Bake the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the shaped biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Feeding size
These treats are perfect for dogs of all sizes. However, smaller dogs may require smaller portions. A small biscuit per day is suitable for smaller breeds, while larger dogs can have a couple of treats a day.
Storage tips
Store these treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per treat)
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 2.0g
- Carbohydrates: 5.5g
- Fiber: 1.0g
Recipe 2: Chicken & Carrot Bites
Prep time & Cook time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon parsley (optional)
How to make Step by Step
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook your chicken breast by boiling or baking it, and then shred it into small, manageable pieces. Make sure to remove any skin or bones before shredding.
- Grate the Carrots: Grate the carrots finely. This will make it easier for your dog to digest the carrots and will help the treats stick together.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated carrots, egg, and coconut flour. Stir until the ingredients are well combined into a thick dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Bites: Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, or shape them into bite-sized nuggets. You can make them as big or small as you like, but remember that smaller treats are easier for your dog to consume.
- Bake the Bites: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the shaped chicken and carrot bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they become firm and golden.
Feeding size
One or two of these bites per day is appropriate for most dogs, depending on their size and activity level.
Storage tips
Store the chicken and carrot bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per bite)
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 6.0g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Recipe 3: Pumpkin & Apple Chews
Prep time & Cook time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and egg. Stir until well-blended.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the tapioca flour and ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until you form a smooth dough.
- Shape the Chews: Once the dough is ready, roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a knife, cut the dough into strips to form chew-sized treats. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes if you prefer.
- Bake the Chews: Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and they become firm to the touch.
Feeding size
For smaller dogs, break the chews into smaller pieces. Larger dogs can enjoy them as is, but always monitor their intake.
Storage tips
These pumpkin and apple chews can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week. Freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per chew)
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 1.0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5g
- Fiber: 1.0g
Recipe 4: Peanut Butter & Banana Delights
Prep time & Cook time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for spraying)
How to make Step by Step
- Mash the Banana: Peel the ripe banana and mash it in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the peanut butter to the mashed banana and stir until well-combined. Then, mix in the coconut flour, a little at a time, until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the Delights: Roll the dough into small balls or flatten them into discs with your hands. If you want to make them extra special, you can also roll them in a bit of shredded coconut.
- Bake the Delights: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the shaped treats on the sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden.
Feeding size
These treats are small and nutrient-dense, so offer one or two per day depending on your dog’s size and diet.
Storage tips
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per treat)
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 2.0g
- Fat: 3.0g
- Carbohydrates: 5.0g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Recipe 5: Blueberry & Oat Dog Biscuits
Prep time & Cook time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
How to make Step by Step
- Prepare the Oats: In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they reach a flour-like consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use oat flour directly.
- Mash the Blueberries: If using fresh blueberries, mash them with a fork until you get a puree. If using frozen blueberries, thaw them first and then mash.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the oat flour, coconut flour, and egg. Add the mashed blueberries and honey (if using) and stir to form a dough.
- Shape the Biscuits: Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and use a cookie cutter to create shapes, or slice into small squares.
- Bake the Biscuits: Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
Feeding size
One small biscuit per day is appropriate for smaller dogs, while larger dogs may enjoy two biscuits a day.
Storage tips
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. You can freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per biscuit)
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 1.0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.0g
- Fiber: 1.0g
Why Homemade Dog Treats Are Better
Homemade dog treats are a great way to control what your pet is consuming. You can avoid harmful additives and preservatives often found in store-bought treats. Additionally, homemade treats allow you to cater to your dog’s specific dietary needs, whether they have allergies or prefer certain flavors.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats
When making dog treats, it’s important to avoid harmful ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, raisins, grapes, onions, and garlic. These can be toxic to dogs and should never be included in any recipe.
How to Make Dog Treats Without Wheat Flour
As seen in the recipes above, there are many alternatives to wheat flour, such as coconut flour, oat flour, and tapioca flour. These options provide the structure your dog’s treats need without the potential allergens found in wheat.
Can I use any type of flour in these recipes?
You can substitute various types of flour like oat flour, coconut flour, or tapioca flour. Always make sure that the flour is safe for dogs and appropriate for their dietary needs.
How long will homemade dog treats last?
Homemade treats can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter is a good alternative, as long as it’s unsweetened and free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Are these treats safe for puppies?
Yes, these recipes are safe for puppies, as long as they don’t have any specific food allergies. Just ensure the size of the treat is appropriate for your puppy’s age and size.
Final Thoughts
Wheat-free dog treats are a fantastic way to keep your pup happy, healthy, and safe from potential allergens. These five recipes are not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients.
So why wait? Try making these treats today and watch your dog’s tail wag with excitement! Happy baking!
