Make a Homemade Dog Food Treat

You may wonder, why use your dogs everyday food for a dog food treat, especially when there are so many recipes for making your own homemade dog cookies?

Well, three reasons include:

• Prescription Diet - Your vet may prescribe a certain diet due to your dogs health, age or recent surgery. You are probably limited to what treats, if any, can be given.
  
  
• Picky Eater - Other times it is a self imposed limitation because your dog is a picky eater. If that is the case, using their own preferred food should go over very well.
  
  
• Easy Recipes - Making treats from your dog's food is quick and simple. You are also guaranteed to have the ingredients on hand.

Will You Make Me a
Dog Food Treat, Please?

You don't have to fall into one of the above categories to make these easy dog food treats. If you are looking for easy dog treat recipes,try one or two of these and see how happy you can make your dog.

Recipes & Ideas:

1. Toy Stuffing - You can use dry and canned food for this option. Fill a dog treat dispenser 1/2 to 3/4 full with dry food. Then top with wet food. Freeze until solid. Give to your dog in a safe area to play with and eat as the treat thaws and becomes more edible.
   
   
2. Microwave - Open a can of wet dog food. It's best to use a kind that is not overly moist or chunky, more loaf like in texture. Cut the roll into 1/4" slices. Then cut those slices into bite sized pieces for your dog. Microwave them on a microwave safe plate for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes (keeping in mind that microwave wattage differs, so you may need more or less time). The texture should be chewy and crispy. Cool completely before serving to your dog. Store the treats in the refrigerator for one week.
   
   
3. Oven - You can use the above directions, but instead of microwaving, place the bite sized pieces on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes. Cool completely before serving to your dog. Store in the refrigerator for one week.
   
   
4. Freezer - Roll small balls of canned wet food and place on a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer until solid. This alternative, as well as other recipes for frozen dog treats, are appreciated during warm weather.
   
   
5. Dry Food - Place 2 cups of dry food into a blender or food processor. Grind to a powder consistency. Pour the dry powder into a medium mixing bowl and add 1 1/4 cup of water. Stir until a dough forms. Using a table spoon or small cookie dropper, drop dog cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes. Cool completely before serving to your dog. Store in the refrigerator for one week.

For more information on how to store homemade dog treats be sure to see our tips and techniques.

All dogs deserve treats. So if your dog is on a restricted diet or a picky eater, dog food treats are a fabulous way to make her feel special.