If you know how important it is to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. One great way to do that is by making homemade dog treats. Not only are they more nutritious, but they’re also a great way to ensure your pup is getting the best ingredients, especially when you can control exactly what goes into them.
While flour is a common ingredient in many dog treat recipes, it’s not the only option. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities to gluten, or you simply want to mix things up, you’ll love these 6 homemade dog treats that don’t require flour.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of flour-free dog treats and jump right into 6 delicious recipes your dog will love.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats Without Flour
Making your own dog treats offers several advantages. Here’s why opting for flour-free treats might be the best choice for your dog:
- Allergy-Friendly: Some dogs have food sensitivities or allergies, particularly to grains like wheat. Flour-free treats reduce the risk of causing irritation or digestive upset.
- More Natural Ingredients: Homemade treats are made with fresh, wholesome ingredients that are often better for your dog’s overall health. You can use real meat, vegetables, and fruits, ensuring your dog gets a nutritious snack every time.
- No Artificial Additives: Unlike store-bought dog treats, which may contain preservatives, artificial colors, or flavorings, homemade dog treats are free from these harmful additives.
- Portion Control: Homemade treats allow you to control the portion size, ensuring that your dog isn’t overindulging in unhealthy snacks.
- Customizable to Your Dog’s Preferences: Homemade dog treats can be tailored to your dog’s individual tastes and dietary needs. Whether your dog loves peanut butter or can’t get enough of pumpkin, you can make treats your dog will enjoy.
Now, let’s get right to the recipes!
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Biscuits
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by mashing the banana in a large mixing bowl. Once mashed, add in the peanut butter and egg. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You should have a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, add the rolled oats and applesauce to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should start to firm up.
Step 3: Form the Biscuits
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, scoop out small amounts of the dough and roll them into balls. Flatten them slightly to form a biscuit shape. If you want fun shapes, you can use dog-shaped cookie cutters to make the biscuits more appealing.
Step 4: Bake
Place the tray in the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown.
Feeding Size: Offer these as an occasional treat, with one or two biscuits at a time, depending on the size of your dog.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per biscuit):
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Chews
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Slice them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. You can make them thicker for chewier treats or thinner if you prefer a crispier texture.
Step 2: Bake the Slices
Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 2 hours, or until the sweet potato strips are dried out and slightly crispy.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Let the sweet potato chews cool completely before serving them to your dog. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Feeding Size: These chews are great for medium to large dogs. Start with one or two pieces per day, depending on your dog’s size.
Storage Tips: Keep the chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per chew):
- Calories: 25
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 3: Apple & Carrot Dog Treats
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 apple (peeled and finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and applesauce. Once mixed, add the chopped apple and grated carrot. Stir everything together.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, add the rolled oats to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. The dough should have a slightly sticky texture.
Step 3: Shape the Treats
Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and gently press them down to form a disk shape.
Step 4: Bake the Treats
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool before serving.
Feeding Size: One treat per serving should suffice for small to medium dogs. Larger dogs can have two.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for long-term storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per treat):
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 4: Chicken & Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, canned pumpkin, and egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, add the rolled oats and turmeric. Stir until everything is fully mixed. You should have a dough that holds together well.
Step 3: Shape the Biscuits
Scoop spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and flatten each ball with a fork.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and firm. Let them cool before serving.
Feeding Size: Serve one or two biscuits, depending on your dog’s size and treat frequency.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per biscuit):
- Calories: 55
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 5: Coconut & Bacon Bites
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Once smooth, add the chopped bacon and shredded coconut.
Step 2: Form the Bites
Scoop small amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, then press down slightly to flatten them.
Step 3: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool completely before serving.
Feeding Size: These treats are rich in flavor, so give small pieces, especially for smaller dogs.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per bite):
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 6: Salmon & Spinach Dog Treats
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/2 cup canned salmon (drained)
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Drain the canned salmon and remove any bones or skin. In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon, chopped spinach, and egg. Stir well.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats and olive oil to the mixture, stirring until fully combined. The dough should hold together without being too sticky.
Step 3: Form the Treats
Scoop out small portions of dough and form them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and gently press them flat.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool before serving.
Feeding Size: One or two treats depending on your dog’s size.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Values Calculated (per treat):
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
How to Ensure Your Dog Enjoys Homemade Treats
To keep your dog excited about treats, vary the flavors and textures. Dogs enjoy variety just like humans do. For example, try mixing different proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish. You can also experiment with different vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas.
How Often Should You Feed Your Dog Homemade Treats?
While homemade treats are healthier than store-bought options, they should still be fed in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to offer treats no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Can I use any type of flour in dog treats?
While some types of flour, like oat flour or coconut flour, are dog-friendly, this article focuses on treats that do not require any flour.
Are these treats safe for all dogs?
These treats are generally safe, but always check for allergies to specific ingredients like peanut butter or pumpkin. If in doubt, consult your vet before introducing a new treat.
Can I store homemade dog treats for a long time?
Most homemade treats last up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipes?
Yes! You can substitute most ingredients. For example, if your dog has a peanut butter allergy, you could use sunflower seed butter instead.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog treats without flour is not only possible, but it’s also an excellent way to spoil your dog with healthy, tasty snacks.
With these six recipes, you can offer your dog variety, flavor, and nutrition—all while avoiding the ingredients that might cause sensitivities or allergies.
Try these out, and feel free to experiment with your dog’s favorite flavors! Your furry friend will thank you.
