Flour-based treats are a popular choice, but they may not be ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. The good news is that you can still create tasty, nutritious treats for your dog without using any flour.
In this article, I will show you seven creative and simple dog treat recipes that are completely flour-free. These treats are packed with nutrients and are perfect for your pup’s health and happiness. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Flour-Free Dog Treats
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a moment to discuss the benefits of flour-free dog treats. Many commercially available dog treats are made with flour, which can be a problem for certain dogs. Some of the key benefits of flour-free dog treats include:
- Suitable for Sensitive Dogs: Dogs with allergies or intolerances to wheat or grains can benefit from flour-free treats. These treats often contain natural ingredients like vegetables, fruits, and proteins, which are gentle on sensitive stomachs.
- Healthier Ingredients: Flour-free treats often use whole food ingredients such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and meat. These ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support your dog’s overall health.
- Better Digestion: Flour-based treats can be harder for some dogs to digest, leading to upset stomachs or allergies. Flour-free treats often use easily digestible ingredients that are gentler on your dog’s system.
- Weight Management: Some flour-free treats are lower in calories, making them a great option for overweight dogs or dogs prone to weight gain.
Now that you know why flour-free treats are great for your dog, let’s dive into 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-sized sweet potato
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into small chunks. Boil the sweet potato pieces in water for about 10 minutes until they’re soft. Drain and mash them into a smooth puree.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until well mixed.
- Gradually add the rolled oats and cinnamon (if using), and mix until everything is fully combined into a dough.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball with your hands or a fork to form a biscuit shape.
- Place the shaped biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and firm up.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before serving to your dog.
Feeding size
- Serve 1-2 biscuits per day, depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs.
Storage tips
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
- Calories per treat: 50
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 2g
Recipe 2: Carrot & Apple Bites
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped (remove seeds)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oat flour (you can substitute with ground oats)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrot and chopped apple.
- Add the egg, oat flour, and coconut oil to the bowl. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined into a dough-like consistency.
- Use your hands or a small spoon to form bite-sized balls from the dough. Place them onto the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake the treats for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let the treats cool before serving them to your dog.
Feeding size
- Offer 1-2 bites per day based on your dog’s size.
Storage tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Values Calculated
- Calories per treat: 40
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 2g
Recipe 3: Chicken & Zucchini Nuggets
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup zucchini, finely grated
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated zucchini, egg, and olive oil. Mix everything well.
- If using, add the shredded cheese and mix again until combined.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and form them into small nugget shapes with your hands.
- Place the nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
- Let them cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding size
- Serve 1-2 nuggets per day depending on your dog’s size.
Storage tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
- Calories per nugget: 55
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 3g
Recipe 4: Pumpkin & Banana Chews
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed banana, honey, and cinnamon.
- Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. You should have a slightly thick consistency.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet and flatten them slightly with a spoon to form cookie-like shapes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving to your dog.
Feeding size
- Serve 1-2 chews per day based on your dog’s size.
Storage tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated
- Calories per chew: 40
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 1g
Recipe 5: Turkey & Sweet Potato Jerky
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 1 medium-sized sweet potato, grated
- 1 tablespoon parsley (optional)
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated sweet potato, and parsley.
- Mix everything thoroughly to create a dough-like consistency.
- Roll out the mixture between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a knife to cut the dough into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, turning them halfway through. The jerky should be dry and firm.
- Let the jerky cool before serving it to your dog.
Feeding size
- Offer small strips, adjusting based on your dog’s size.
Storage tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
- Calories per strip: 35
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 2g
Recipe 6: Beef & Carrot Puffs
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 cup cooked beef, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped beef, grated carrot, ground flaxseed, egg, and chicken broth.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a thick dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, forming little puffs.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and firm.
- Let them cool before serving.
Feeding size
- Give 1-2 puffs per day depending on your dog’s size.
Storage tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
- Calories per puff: 45
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 2g
Recipe 7: Salmon & Parsley Treats
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 cup cooked salmon (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
How to make Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked salmon, parsley, egg, and pumpkin puree.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and shape them into small treats on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the treats are firm and golden.
- Cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding size
- Serve 1-2 treats per day depending on your dog’s size.
Storage tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Values Calculated
- Calories per treat: 50
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 2g
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog treats can be a fun and rewarding way to pamper your pup. With these 7 flour-free dog treat recipes, you can make healthy, delicious snacks that are free from common allergens like wheat and gluten.
Remember to always adjust serving sizes based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. Treat your furry friend to these homemade goodies and watch them wag their tail with joy! Ready to get baking? Your dog will thank you for it!
