Simple and Healthy Dog Treats with Recipes

Finding the right treats

As you know by now, we are ruled by Princess Bea vom Blümeltal. We are her loyal subjects, who are on occasion allowed to cuddle with HCM (Her Canine Majesty). What starts with physical closeness cannot end with her royal feasting. So of course, we are going to great lengths to please the regal appetite and palate alike. But all jokes aside, Bea loves treats, of course. And despite all her airs and graces she is can be a very down-to-earth dog. Especially when it comes to snacks. She loves carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, corn, potatoes, rice, bananas, blueberries, and sometimes strawberries.

Bea's snacky face.

Humanizing our dogs

But you know it. For better or worse most of us tend to humanize our dogs. That is a thing and it's complicated as well. Let's just dwell on it pertaining to treats for now. I enjoy treating Bea. It makes me feel special as well. And when it comes to snacks, I always keep it simple and healthy. I've made a handy list for you and your furry friends, so you can pick your favorite treat and prepare it instantly.

Whenever I don't have time to cook up stuff or when me and Bea had a falling out, I use one of Bugbell's terrines (aff) for a meal or Hunderunde's snacks (aff) for smaller treats. Check out my post on Bugbell or Hunderunde to learn more about their unique way of making food and treats for dogs.

The list

Here is the list of simple and healthy dog treats with recipes:

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits

Ingredients:

- 1 banana, mashed

- 1 cup peanut butter (we use just peanut paste with no additives at all; just make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)

- 2 cups whole wheat flour

- 1/4 cup water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed banana and peanut butter.

3. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and mix until a dough forms. Add water as needed.

4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.

5. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Let cool completely before serving.

2. Chicken and Vegetable Jerky

Ingredients:

- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced

- 1 cup sweet potatoes, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).

2. Arrange the chicken slices and vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken and vegetables are completely dried out.

4. Let cool completely and store in an airtight container.

3. Pumpkin and Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

- 1 cup canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)

- 2 cups whole wheat flour

- 1/2 cup oats

- 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, whole wheat flour, oats, and eggs until well mixed.

3. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball with a fork.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cookies are firm.

5. Let cool completely before serving.

4. Frozen Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:

- 1 cup plain yogurt (make sure it does not contain artificial sweeteners)

- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)

- 1 ripe banana, mashed

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the yogurt, peanut butter, and mashed banana until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.

3. Freeze for at least 3 hours, or until solid.

4. Pop out of the molds and serve as a cool treat on a hot day.

5. Apple and Carrot Biscuits

Ingredients:

- 1 cup grated carrots

- 1 cup grated apple

- 2 cups whole wheat flour

- 1/4 cup oats

- 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, grated apple, whole wheat flour, oats, and egg until a dough forms.

3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.

4. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

6. Let cool completely before serving.

Simple enough, right?

What recipe will you try first? Also...I'm curious about your dog. Did your dog like it? Did you taste it too? Tell me in the comments below!