5 Doggone Easy Treats for Your Perfect Pup

We love crafting scrumptious creations in the kitchen for our loved ones, but it seems like man’s best friend often gets left out of the homemade fun. Making DIY treats for your dog is the perfect way to show them how much you appreciate their unending loyalty and love, so we pulled together some simple and doggone delicious recipes for you to get started. We’re sure you won’t have any trouble finding an enthusiastic taste tester!

Please note: Before getting creative in the kitchen, consult with your pet’s veterinarian about adding any new ingredients to your pet’s diet. Serving size varies based on your pet’s size and diet. According to the American Kennel Club, pet treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Learn more here.

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

Parchment paper
1 1/2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats
1 large, ripe banana
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or flavors)

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place oats in blender and blend into a fine powder.
3. Mash banana in large bowl; add peanut butter and mix until combined.
4. Add oat flour to bowl; stir until dough is thick and well combined. Place dough on work surface and roll out to 1/4 inch thick, then cut out using desired cookie cutter.
5. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until golden. Let stand until cool; serve. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate; can be stored up to 2 weeks.

Sweet Potato Fries for Dogs 

Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 medium sweet potato

 Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F; melt coconut oil. Peel sweet potato and cut into fry-size strips.
2. Place fries in large bowl; add oil and spices and stir to coat.
3. Place fries on baking sheet in single layer. Bake in oven for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through bake time, or until cooked through.
4. Remove from oven and let stand until cool; serve.

Oat and Apple Dog Treats

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat baking sheet with non-stick spray.
2. Place oats in large bowl. Add unsweetened applesauce and egg; stir until combined.
3. Divide into 6 even portions and shape into spheres on baking sheet.
4. Bake 22 minutes or until golden and 160°F. Remove treats from baking sheet and place on wire rack. Let stand until cool; serve.

Beefy Dog Treats

Ingredients:

Parchment paper
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 large eggs
1 1/2 lb beef liver

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Place beef liver in food processor bowl; pulse until finely chopped. Add flour and eggs; process until smooth.
3. Spread mixture evenly on prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes or until center is firm and 160°F.
4. Let stand to cool, then use pizza cutter to cut into squares. Place in airtight container and chill.

Frozen Carrot Pup-sicles 

Ingredients: 

2 medium carrots
1/2 cup chicken (or beef) bone broth
Popsicle molds (or ice cube trays)

Directions:

1. Peel carrots and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 cup).
2. Place carrots and broth in blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into molds; freeze 6 hours (or overnight).

Now that you have some paw-some inspiration, which treat will you be making for your furry friend first? Be sure to share your snaps of them enjoying their new favorite snack with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the #Publix.

*BEFORE GETTING CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN, CONSULT WITH YOUR VET ABOUT ADDING ANY NEW INGREDIENTS TO YOUR PET’S DIET.

Learn more about food safety for pets here.