If you’re anything like me, you want the best for your dog and that means skipping out on store-bought treats that are packed with unknown additives and preservatives. You want something healthier, tastier, and made with love. Well, you’re in the right place!
This recipe for Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats is the perfect way to spoil your pup with homemade goodness, using only wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.
I’ll walk you through each step so that you can easily make these treats from scratch. Trust me, it’s easier than you think! So, let’s get started and make your dog’s new favorite snack!
Why This Specific Recipe is Worth Making
So why should you make these Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats instead of grabbing the nearest pre-made pack? Well, it’s simple. These treats are packed with real, wholesome ingredients that are beneficial to your dog’s health.
Unlike many store-bought options that may be full of preservatives, additives, and empty calories, these treats are made with protein-rich bacon, healthy fats from peanut butter, and a bunch of other ingredients that pack a nutritional punch.
Plus, you get to control exactly what goes into them.
Let’s break down the health benefits of the main ingredients, so you can see why this recipe is so awesome!
Bacon:
Bacon is more than just a tasty treat for us humans it’s packed with protein that your dog needs to stay strong and healthy. Protein is the building block of your dog’s muscles, skin, and coat.
Not only does it support healthy growth and tissue repair, but it also contributes to a strong immune system. Just be sure to use it in moderation because, while bacon can be healthy, it’s also high in fat and salt.
Peanut Butter:
Peanut butter isn’t just delicious, it’s also a great source of healthy fats, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include vitamin E, magnesium, niacin, and folate, all of which are important for your dog’s overall health.
Omega-3 fatty acids in peanut butter help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin, and they’re also known for supporting brain health.
When choosing peanut butter for your dog treats, make sure it’s unsweetened and free from harmful additives like xylitol (which is toxic to dogs).
Oat Flour:
Oat flour is a fantastic alternative to regular wheat flour. It’s gentle on your dog’s stomach, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion, and is packed with fiber.
Fiber helps with digestion and can keep your pup feeling fuller for longer, which is great for controlling their weight.
Oat flour also provides a good amount of essential minerals like manganese, iron, and magnesium all contributing to your dog’s health.
Carrots:
Carrots are not only tasty, but they also bring some serious health benefits to the table. Packed with antioxidants and beta-carotene (which gets converted to vitamin A), carrots promote good eyesight, a healthy immune system, and strong skin.
They also provide dietary fiber, helping to support healthy digestion. Your dog will love the sweet crunch, and you’ll love the added health perks!
Recipe: Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats
These Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats are the perfect way to show your dog how much you love them. They’re a great combination of flavors that your dog will go crazy for, and they’re loaded with nutrients to help keep them happy and healthy.
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Tools Needed
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have all the tools you need to create these delicious treats.
- Mixing bowl: A large enough bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
- Baking sheet: To place your treats as they bake.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: To prevent the treats from sticking.
- Rolling pin (optional): If you want to roll out the dough.
- Cookie cutters (optional): For fun shapes, though you can also use your hands to form shapes.
Ingredients Needed
Now for the fun part: gathering all the wholesome ingredients for these treats. You’ll need the following:
- 1 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, no xylitol)
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or substitute with chickpea or almond flour)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots (fresh or lightly steamed)
- 1/4 cup water (or more if needed)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or substitute with olive oil)
Optional: If your dog has specific allergies or dietary restrictions, feel free to swap out the ingredients. You can use chickpea flour for gluten-free pups or almond flour if you’re looking for something with a nutty flavor. For those avoiding fats, olive oil can be used as a substitute for coconut oil.
How to Make This Recipe Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it enough time to warm up while you’re mixing everything together.
Step 2: Mix Bacon and Peanut Butter
Now you must combine the crumbled bacon and peanut butter. Stir them together until well blended. The peanut butter helps bind everything together and provides a smooth, rich texture for the dough.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now, add the oat flour, shredded carrots, and coconut oil. Stir until the mixture begins to come together. You may need to add a little water if the dough is too dry. The goal is to have a dough that’s easy to roll out but not too sticky.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
If you want uniform treats, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface (you can use oat flour for this). Then use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes like bones or paw prints. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can simply roll the dough into small balls or press it into a flat sheet and cut it into squares.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place the cut-out treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size: How to Serve the Treats
When it comes to serving these Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats, size matters! For small dogs, you can break the treats into smaller pieces, while larger dogs may enjoy a whole treat. Generally, 1 to 2 small treats per day is a good amount, but make sure to adjust based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.
Storage Tips
To keep your Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you make a large batch, you can freeze the treats for longer storage. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Nutritional Values Estimated
- Calories per treat: ~50–70 (depending on size)
- Protein: From bacon and peanut butter
- Fats: Healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut oil
- Carbohydrates: Oat flour and carrots
- Vitamins & Minerals: Carrots provide vitamins A and K, while peanut butter offers magnesium and vitamin E.
Tips for Perfect Treats
- If the dough is too sticky, add more oat flour until it’s easier to work with.
- Be careful not to overbake the treats; they should be golden and firm, not hard and crunchy.
- If you prefer a softer texture, consider using more peanut butter or adding a small amount of mashed banana.
Safety Notes
While bacon and peanut butter are generally safe for dogs, make sure you use them in moderation. Never use peanut butter containing xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs. Also, always check for any allergies before introducing new treats to your dog’s diet.
Why These Ingredients Work for Dogs
Each ingredient in these Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats is carefully chosen for its health benefits. Bacon provides protein, peanut butter offers healthy fats and Omega-3s, and carrots give your dog vitamins and fiber. These ingredients work together to support your dog’s muscles, coat, digestion, and overall well-being.
Troubleshooting: Recipe Didn’t Work After Following Guide Above
Sometimes, no matter how carefully you follow the recipe, things don’t go as planned. If the Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats didn’t turn out quite right, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are a few things you might want to check:
Dough Too Sticky? If your dough is too sticky to roll out or shape, simply add more oat flour until it reaches a consistency that you can work with. A little extra flour can go a long way.
Too Dry to Mix? If the dough is dry and crumbly, add a splash more water or peanut butter to bring it all together. It should feel like dough, not powdery.
Baking Trouble? If your treats are overcooked or too hard, make sure to check your oven’s temperature. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the treats around 15 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Lopsided Treats? If the shapes are uneven or the treats aren’t cooking evenly, it could be that they’re too thick or not spread out evenly on the baking sheet. Try to make sure the dough is uniform in thickness for even cooking.
Fixing these small issues will lead to better treats the next time you bake them. And remember, cooking is a learning process, so don’t be discouraged by any bumps in the road!
Health Concerns: Avoiding Harmful Ingredients in This Recipe
When you’re making homemade dog treats, it’s super important to keep your pup’s health in mind. That’s why I’ve made sure to choose ingredients that are not only delicious but also safe for your dog. However, here are a few things to be cautious about:
- Xylitol in Peanut Butter: Always double-check that the peanut butter you use doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. If you see it listed as an ingredient, do not use that peanut butter.
- Salt in Bacon: Bacon, while delicious, is often high in salt. Too much salt can be harmful to dogs, leading to dehydration and kidney issues. Make sure you use bacon sparingly and opt for a low-sodium variety if possible.
- Onions or Garlic: These ingredients are sometimes used in recipes for humans, but they are toxic to dogs. Always make sure the ingredients you use are dog-friendly and free from any hidden dangers like onions or garlic.
- Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can have food allergies. If you know your dog is allergic to peanuts, you can always substitute with almond butter or other dog-safe nut butters. Additionally, for dogs with gluten sensitivities, using chickpea flour or almond flour is an excellent option.
By keeping an eye on these potential issues, you’re already a step ahead in ensuring your dog’s safety.
Cost: How Affordable is This Recipe?
Let’s be real: cost is always a factor when deciding whether to make treats for your dog or buy them pre-made. So, how does this recipe stack up in terms of affordability?
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is usually inexpensive, and you can buy a big jar that will last for multiple batches. Make sure to get unsweetened, no xylitol varieties, which are typically easy to find.
- Bacon: While bacon can be a bit pricier than other proteins, you only need a small amount. You could also look for sales or buy pre-cooked bacon, which may save you some time and money.
- Oat Flour: Oat flour is affordable and goes a long way. Plus, it’s a healthy option that can be used in other dog recipes or even human baking.
- Carrots and Coconut Oil: These ingredients are also budget-friendly and offer great nutritional value.
In terms of total cost, this recipe is quite affordable, especially compared to buying premium dog treats at the store. Plus, you get the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s snack!
Convenience of this Recipe: How Simple is it to Make?
Making these Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats is a breeze! The prep time is short, and you don’t need any fancy equipment – just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet. If you’re worried about the mess, don’t! These treats don’t require any complicated techniques, and there’s very little cleanup.
- Easy to Mix: The dough comes together in a few simple steps – just stir and combine.
- No Special Equipment: You don’t need a mixer or anything fancy. A spoon and your hands will do just fine.
- Quick to Bake: The treats bake in about 20 minutes. You can even prepare them ahead of time and store them for later, making them a convenient option for dog lovers on the go.
Overall, this recipe is straightforward and hassle-free, making it a win for anyone looking to pamper their pup without breaking a sweat.
Shelf Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad?
These homemade dog treats are much fresher than store-bought ones, but they do have a shelf life. If you store them properly, they should stay fresh for about one week at room temperature in an airtight container.
- Freezing: If you’ve made a big batch and want to store them for longer, pop them in the freezer! They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Refrigerating: Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks for extra freshness.
Just make sure to always check for signs of mold or a change in odor. If they smell funky or you notice any discoloration, it’s best to toss them and make a fresh batch.
Will All Dogs Like This Recipe?
As much as we wish every dog would love these treats, the truth is that not all dogs have the same taste preferences. Some dogs might not enjoy the flavor of bacon or peanut butter. If your dog is picky, you could always try offering them a smaller piece first to see how they react.
Also, consider their dietary needs – some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients like peanuts or oats. If that’s the case, there are always ingredient alternatives, like almond butter or chickpea flour.
Safe Alternatives for Ingredients Use in This Recipe
If you’re worried about allergies or certain ingredients, there are safe substitutions you can make without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Here are some alternatives:
- Peanut Butter: Use almond butter or cashew butter if your dog is allergic to peanuts.
- Oat Flour: Try almond flour, chickpea flour, or rice flour for gluten-free options.
- Bacon: You could use cooked chicken or turkey breast if you want to avoid pork.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s adaptable to your dog’s needs!
Cooking Techniques That Will Work For This Recipe
Since this recipe uses flour, baking and dehydrating are the best methods to use. Baking gives these treats a crispy texture, while dehydrating can give them a longer shelf life and a chewy consistency. Both methods are safe for dogs and won’t compromise the treats’ quality.
- Baking: The treats bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
- Dehydrating: If you have a dehydrator, you can dry these treats at a low temperature for a longer shelf life and a chewy texture.
Avoid freezing or microwaving, as these methods may alter the consistency of the treats.
Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much?
It’s tempting to give your dog lots of treats, but portion control is important for keeping them healthy. For most dogs, 1 to 2 treats per day is a good amount.
Larger dogs may be able to have more, but remember to consider their overall calorie intake and adjust their meals accordingly.
If your dog is on a special diet or has health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet before giving them too many treats.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, you can use regular whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it might be harder for some dogs to digest. Oat flour is often gentler on your dog’s stomach and is a better choice if your dog has digestive sensitivities.
Can I make these treats without bacon?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with cooked chicken or turkey for a leaner protein source. You could also leave out the meat altogether and use a vegetable like sweet potato to provide some natural flavor and nutrients.
How long do these treats last once baked?
If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, that’s how you make these Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats – a simple and healthy snack your dog will love! It doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow the steps I shared.
Now I’d love to hear from you.
Have you made homemade dog treats before?
If so, how did it go?
Let me know in the comments below!
