Homemade Dog Bones Dog Treats: A Healthy Treat for Your Pup

If you’re like most pet parents I know, you’ll always want the best for your dog, but buying store-bought treats can be overwhelming, so many options, so many ingredients you can’t even pronounce! Maybe you’ve thought about making your own treats, but didn’t know where to start.

I get it, making this homemade dog bones treats from scratch can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Not only will you be able to control exactly what goes into your pup’s treats, but you’ll also save money while giving them something much healthier and more flavorful than anything you’ll find at the store.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious homemade dog bones it’s easier than you think! I’m here to make it fun, simple, and totally doable for you. Let’s get started and make something your dog will love!

Why This Specific Recipe Is Worth Making

Did you know you can offer your dog’s delicious and healthy snacks that won’t break the bank? That’s exactly why this homemade dog bone recipe is a game changer.

Health Benefits of the Main Ingredients

This recipe is all about using wholesome, healthy ingredients that are not just tasty but also offer benefits for your dog’s health. I’ll break it down for you ingredient by ingredient:

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is like a superhero ingredient for dogs! It’s packed with fiber, which helps keep their digestion on track. Plus, pumpkin is full of antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, and E. It’s also great for promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. Your dog will love the taste, and their tummy will thank you!

Carrots

These crunchy veggies are packed with beta-carotene, which promotes good vision and a strong immune system. Carrots are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a perfect snack for pups watching their waistlines. Oh, and did I mention that crunch? Your dog will love munching on these!

Oat Flour

Oat flour is gentle on your dog’s tummy and provides a solid source of complex carbohydrates. It’s packed with fiber, which can help regulate their digestive system, and it’s naturally gluten-free. So if your dog has any sensitivities to wheat, oat flour is a wonderful alternative.

Peanut Butter

Let’s be honest peanut butter is the treat that most dogs dream of. Packed with healthy fats and protein, peanut butter is a great way to provide your dog with energy and build strong muscles. Just make sure the peanut butter doesn’t have xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

How It’s a Simple Way to Save Money While Providing Nutritious Treats

Making your own dog treats is a huge money-saver. Store-bought treats can add up quickly, especially if you’re buying the higher-end, natural options.

Plus, with ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and carrots, you’re using simple pantry staples that cost far less than fancy dog treats. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be giving your dog treats that are much healthier, without all the extra additives and preservatives.

Homemade Dog Bones Dog Treats Recipe Guide

These treats are perfect for any time of day as a snack between meals, after a walk, or just because you love your dog (and who doesn’t?).

Plus, they store really well, so you’ll have a steady supply of treats that you made with love. Let’s get baking!

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Tools Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple tools:

1. Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl to bring all your ingredients together.
2. Baking Sheet: To lay out your dog bones for baking.
3. Parchment Paper: A non-stick option to line your baking sheet (this makes clean-up a breeze!).
4. Cookie Cutter: To make those cute dog bone shapes! If you don’t have one, you can also use a knife to cut them into squares or even a fun U-shape twist for a new look.
5. Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough before cutting.
6. Fork or Knife: For poking a few holes in each treat to allow for even baking.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not spiced, pure pumpkin)
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
• 2 1/2 cups oat flour (you can also use whole wheat flour or almond flour)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed for consistency)

Substitutions:

• If your dog has wheat sensitivities, you can opt for chickpea flour instead of oat flour.
• If peanut butter isn’t an option, you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce.
• You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a nice, festive flavor if your dog likes it.

How to Make This Recipe Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, grated carrots, peanut butter, egg, and water. Stir until everything is well mixed. Gradually add in the oat flour, a little at a time, stirring as you go. The dough should start to come together in a slightly sticky, thick texture.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, flour your surface lightly (you can use more oat flour or regular flour). Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness using your rolling pin.

If you want those adorable bone shapes, grab your cookie cutter and start pressing down on the dough to cut them out. If you don’t have a bone cutter, no worries! You can use any shape you like, or simply cut them into small squares or rectangles.

Step 3: Bake Your Treats

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the dog bones on it, making sure they don’t touch each other.

Bake them for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool completely before serving them to your pup.

Feeding Size: How to Serve the Treats

The portion size of each treat depends on the size and breed of your dog. Small dogs can enjoy smaller bone shapes, while larger dogs can handle bigger ones.

As a general rule, one or two treats per day should be plenty, but always monitor your dog’s diet and adjust based on their health needs.

Storage Tips

Once your homemade dog bones are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve made a larger batch, you can freeze the extra treats in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Just take them out and thaw them before serving!

Nutritional Values Estimated

• Calories per treat: Approximately 40-60, depending on size
• Protein: 1-2 grams per treat
• Fiber: 1 gram per treat
• Fat: 2-3 grams per treat

These treats are high in fiber from the pumpkin and carrots, which helps keep your dog’s digestion on track. The peanut butter and egg provide healthy fats and protein for energy and muscle strength.

Tips for Perfect Treats

• If the dough is too sticky, simply add a little more flour to achieve the right consistency.
• Don’t overbake the treats! If they start turning too dark, it means they’re starting to burn.
• If your dog is sensitive to peanut butter or has allergies, make sure you use a safe alternative.

Safety Notes

Always double-check that none of the ingredients are harmful to your dog. For example, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and xylitol (often found in peanut butter) are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided at all costs.

Why These Ingredients Work for Dogs

Pumpkin is great for a healthy digestive system, while carrots support vision and immunity. The oat flour provides a gentle source of carbs, and peanut butter adds healthy fats that dogs crave. Together, these ingredients create a balanced, nutritious treat that your dog will adore!

Troubleshooting: Recipe Didn’t Work After Following Guide

Uh-oh! It’s frustrating when a recipe doesn’t turn out quite like you imagined, especially when you’ve followed all the steps. Don’t worry, though; I’m here to help you troubleshoot!

Dough Too Sticky: If your dough is more like a gooey mess than something you can roll out, the culprit is likely too much wet ingredient or not enough flour. Simply add more oat flour, a little at a time, until the dough firms up and becomes manageable.

Dough Too Dry: On the other hand, if your dough is too crumbly, add a small splash of water or an extra egg to bring it together. This can often happen if you’re working with a flour like almond flour, which absorbs moisture differently.

Treats Too Hard: If your dog bones come out rock hard, it could be that they were overbaked. Keep an eye on them while baking, and remember they should turn golden, not too dark. Consider reducing the baking time next time to make them crunchier but not overly hard.

Uneven Shape: Did your dog bones come out looking a little lopsided? Don’t worry! Sometimes the dough can stick to the cutter, or it can be hard to get perfect shapes. A little extra flour on your cutter or hands can help prevent this. If you’re not too picky about shapes, you can always use a knife and cut them into squares or fun twists!

Health Concerns: Avoiding Harmful Ingredients

One of the greatest things about making your own dog treats is knowing exactly what’s going into them. That said, it’s always good to be mindful of certain ingredients that could harm your pup. Here’s a list of things to avoid:

Xylitol: A sweetener found in some peanut butters, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Always check that the peanut butter you use is xylitol-free.

Chocolate: While delicious for humans, chocolate is a big no-no for dogs. It can cause serious health problems like seizures, vomiting, and even death.

Onions and Garlic: While these ingredients are often used to enhance flavor in human foods, they can cause serious toxicity in dogs, leading to organ damage. Keep them out of the mix!

Raisins and Grapes: These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities, so be sure to skip them in your dog treats.

Cost: How Affordable Is This Recipe?

Making homemade dog treats is an incredibly affordable way to spoil your pup. Let’s break down the costs:

• Pumpkin: A can of pumpkin puree usually costs around $2 to $3, and you’ll only need about a cup of it. This will make plenty of treats!
• Carrots: A bag of carrots is usually under $2, and you’ll only need half a cup grated. The leftovers make for a great snack for you too!
• Peanut Butter: A jar of natural peanut butter can be found for around $3 to $5, and a small amount goes a long way in this recipe.
• Oat Flour: You can find oat flour for around $3, and this recipe only needs a couple of cups. You’ll have enough for several batches of treats.

Overall, this recipe comes in at under $10, and depending on the size of your treats, you can make anywhere from 30 to 50 dog bones. When you compare that to the price of store-bought treats, this is a steal!

Convenience of this Recipe: How Simple Is It to Make?

This recipe is as easy as 1-2-3, and honestly, even the most novice bakers can manage it. There’s no complicated preparation, and the ingredients are basic pantry staples that you likely already have.

The steps are straightforward, and the baking time is quick so you’ll have fresh, homemade treats in no time. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup, which is always a win!

Shelf Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad?

These homemade dog bones can last for up to a week if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last even longer, you can pop them in the freezer, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

If you’re like me and love baking in bulk, freezing some treats will ensure your dog always has a tasty snack at the ready.

Will All Dogs Like This Recipe?

Most dogs will love these treats, but every dog is different! While pumpkin, peanut butter, and carrots are generally dog favorites, some dogs may not be too keen on the texture or flavor.

If your dog is picky, start with a small batch and see how they react. You can also adjust the flavor profile by adding other ingredients like sweet potato or a dash of cinnamon.

Safe Alternatives for Ingredients in This Recipe

If your dog has specific dietary needs or allergies, there are plenty of substitutions you can make:

• Flours: If your dog can’t tolerate oat flour, try using almond flour or chickpea flour. Just be cautious with whole wheat flour, as it can be harder for some dogs to digest.
• Peanut Butter: If your dog is allergic to peanuts, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or an allergy-friendly nut butter that’s safe for dogs.
• Carrots: If carrots are a no-go for your dog, sweet potatoes are a great alternative. They’re packed with vitamins and are a good source of fiber.

Cooking Techniques: Baking, Freezing, or Dehydrating

For this recipe, baking is the ideal method to ensure the treats turn out crispy and healthy. Baking is the safest option for treats with flour, and it guarantees they will cook evenly.

If you want to make these treats last even longer, you can also try dehydrating them. Simply set your dehydrator to low and let the treats dry out for several hours. This will preserve the treats and make them last longer, perfect if you want to prepare a batch in advance.

Avoid freezing the raw dough itself, it’s toxic to dog’s and it may alter the texture. But once they’re baked and cooled, freezing them is a great way to extend their shelf life.

Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much?

As with any treat, moderation is key. Even though these homemade dog bones are healthier than store-bought options, they should still be given in appropriate portions based on your dog’s size.

• Small Dogs: One or two small bones per day.
• Medium Dogs: One to two medium bones per day.
• Large Dogs: Two to three large bones per day.

Always monitor your dog’s calorie intake and adjust accordingly. If they’re eating other treats or meals throughout the day, be sure not to overdo it with the dog bones.

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes! If your dog isn’t sensitive to wheat, you can use whole wheat flour instead of oat flour. However, be mindful that whole wheat flour can be harder for some dogs to digest, so oat flour is generally a better choice.

Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Dogs love variety, so feel free to add other dog-safe vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. Just be sure to grate them finely to avoid any choking hazards.

Can I make the dog bones in different shapes?

Of course! You can use any cookie cutter you like, or even make them into fun twists, squares, or rectangles. Just make sure the thickness is consistent so they bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

So yeah, that’s how you can make your own homemade dog bones simple, healthy, and budget-friendly. It really doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow the steps I’ve shared.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever made treats for your dog before? If so, how did they like them? Let me know in the comments section below!