Making your own vegetarian dog treats allows you to control the ingredients and avoid additives. Here are five simple recipes your furry friend will love!
1. Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C)
- Wash and dry sweet potatoes
- Slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake for 2.5-3 hours, flipping halfway through
- Let cool completely before serving
These chewy treats are packed with vitamins and fiber!
2. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms
- Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness
- Cut with cookie cutters
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden
- Cool completely before serving
These biscuits combine protein from peanut butter with fiber and vitamins from pumpkin.
3. Carrot and Oat Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl
- Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon
- Bake for 15-20 minutes
- Cool completely before serving
These soft cookies are perfect for senior dogs or those with dental issues.
4. Chickpea Flour Treats
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chickpea flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Mix all ingredients to form a dough
- Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness
- Cut into small shapes
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp
- Cool completely before serving
These protein-rich treats use chickpea flour for a complete amino acid profile.
5. Frozen Blueberry Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth
- Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds
- Freeze for at least 4 hours
- Store in freezer and serve as a cool treat
Perfect for hot summer days, these treats are packed with antioxidants from blueberries.
Storage Tips
Store baked treats in an airtight container:
- At room temperature for 5-7 days
- In the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks
- In the freezer for up to 6 months
Always monitor your dog when introducing new treats, and adjust recipes as needed for any specific dietary requirements.