Treats are a wonderful way to reward our pets, but commercial treats tend to come with extra salt, sugar, and preservatives. By cooking your own healthy pet snacks, you can let your dog enjoy healthy yet delicious treats free from common store-bought fillers. Here’s a guide to making simple, healthful and delicious treats for your furriest friends.
Benefits of Homemade Pet Treats
Homemade treats allow you to control ingredients, cater to dietary needs, and avoid additives. They can strengthen the bond between you and your pet through training or special rewards. Additionally, preparing treats at home is often more cost-effective than buying premium commercial options.
Ingredients to Use
Fill with pet friendly ingredients that are both delicious and nutritious. Common fare include cooked chicken, turkey or beef (without seasoning or bones), sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, apples and oats with some whole wheat flour. Keep toxic foods out of reach, such as chocolate, grapes, onions and garlic, and artificial sweetners (xylitol).
Simple Dog Treat Ideas
- Peanut Butter Biscuits –
Combine whole wheat flour, oats and unsweetened peanut butter. Roll out in little balls and bake until hard.
- Pumpkin Bites –
Mix canned pumpkin with oats and an egg. Form into small balls, bake, soft and healthy snack!
- Chicken Jerky –
Slice up chicken breast meat and bake until dried at low temperature. High in protein and manageable to store.
Simple Cat Treat Ideas
- Tuna Bites –
Combine canned tuna with egg and a bit of whole wheat flour. Bake into little, crunchy bites that cats will adore.
- Salmon Crunchies –
Mix together some cooked salmon, oats and a little cat-safe cheese. Mould into small pieces bake lightly.
- Freeze-Dried Treats –
Freeze chunks of cooked chicken, fish or pureed pumpkin for a cool treat in hot weather.
Tips for Treat Preparation
Be sure to bake or cook your treats thoroughly. Slice treats into small bite-sized pieces in proportion to your pet’s size. homemade Treat’sKeep homemade treats sealed tight in an airtight closure when stored in the fridge or freezer to keep fresh. Add new treats slowly to check for allergic sensitivity or digestion problems.
Final Thoughts
Tasty Treats Healthy homemade treats provide a fun, safe, and nutritious way to reward your pets. Simple ingredients that are pet-friendly, make them yourself and avoid any bad additives while keeping your pets happy and full of energy. Homemade treats also allow you to bond with fido, train good bahvairo, and show love to your pets in a positive manner.
