Now Is the Time to Make Your Own Pet Treats
Most dogs aren’t particularly picky when it comes to treats (it’s another story for many cats), but that doesn’t mean that all treats are created equal. Many commercial products have fillers, preservatives, and lackluster flavors.
The good news is that you can make your own pet treats – and with all the extra time we have on our hands nowadays, you can stock up and even give them away to fellow pet owners!
A New Hobby
Some folks have established new pastimes during quarantine. For pet owners, what could be better than creating, from scratch, yummy, delicious snacks customized just for their little pup or kitty? Not only is this a fantastic way to get through a day at home, but it’s incredibly gratifying to know the exact ingredients in your pet’s crunchy or chewy snack.
The World’s Your Oyster – Almost
When it comes to making your own pet treats, you are only limited by your imagination – not to mention your pet’s preferences. That being said, there are certain ingredients that should never be incorporated into your DIY recipes:
- Grapes or raisins
- Chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Onion
- Garlic
- Xylitol
- Nutmeg
Luckily, you have no shortage of other ingredients that will have your pet licking their chops.
A Simple Start
You can ease into more complicated recipes over time, but to start making your own pet treats we recommend starting with just a couple ingredients. See what your pet responds to and adjust from there.
Incorporate a little plain yogurt into wholemeal flour and mix into a pliable dough. Adjust if the dough is either too runny or too dry. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get Crazy!
If your pet shows enthusiasm for these plain treats, great. If you think they might be open to a little tasty experimentation, try to add small quantities of any of the following ingredients to make a better impression:
- Egg
- Sweet potato
- Canned, unsweetened pumpkin
- Banana
- Salmon or tuna
- Rolled oats
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Peanut butter (be sure it is Xylitol-free!)
- Unsweetened apple sauce
You can also experiment with various flours, like chickpea, oat, rye, or barley flour if your pet has a gluten sensitivity, or just for fun.
Make Your Own Pet Treats Forever
You can make and freeze your own pet treats, defrosting them as needed. Store in an airtight container. If your pet likes super crunchy treats, turn off the oven but leave them to sit in it for a few extra minutes.
True Love
If you decide to make your own pet treats, we can all but guarantee your pet will be interested in your efforts and will make a very willing taste-tester.
If you have any questions about your pet’s diet or weight, please let us know. Our staff is always here for you at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates.