Healthy DIY Pet Treats

We are all too familiar with the pleading look that many pets give their owner that says “feed me, feed me, feed me!” Pets will beg, whine, meow, howl, roll over, scratch or find other creative ways to get you to give in. 

While it may be fun to reward your pet with a tasty treat, there are delicious DIY pet treat alternatives to mainstream treats that can contribute to unhealthy habits and obesity.

Tasty Morsels

Certainly, a part of proper pet nutrition can include treats, provided they round out meals instead of adding calories your pet may not need. When you make your own treats you can assure that they will be natural and possibly organic, well-balanced, fresh and individualized to your pet’s tastes and needs.

Doggone Delicious DIY Pet Treats

If you are a dog owner you probably know very well that pups love peanut butter. Try making a batch of peanut butter treats using this recipe:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup smooth natural or organic peanut butter
• 1 cup hot water or 1 cup skim milk
• Optional: 1 egg 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Mix together the flour and baking powder in a big bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter and hot water or skim milk  until smooth. Slowly add the dry mixture and mix well. Add a little more water or milk if the dough is too dry, or flour if it’s too wet.

4. Place onto your counter and roll to 1/4″ thickness.

5. Cut with a cookie cutter and place on a cookie sheet.

6. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Let cool and serve to your delighted dog.

Also popular for dogs are recipes using pumpkin. If your pup needs additional fiber in her diet try this recipe for pumpkin balls:  

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 4 tbsp molasses
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix pumpkin, molasses, vegetable oil, and water together in a bowl
3. Add the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon to the mixture and stir until dough softens
4. Scoop out small spoonfuls of dough and roll into balls on your hands (wet hands work best)
5. Set the balls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and flatten with a fork
6. Bake approximately 25 minutes until dough is hardened

Fabulous Feline Fare

If you are a cat owner any DIY treats involving fish, chicken, liver or cheese will probably go over well. Of course you may end up going through a few recipes to find the purrr-fect one but a good start may include these sardine treats:

• 2 flat cans of sardines in oil (Do not drain)
• 2/3 cup cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon pureed liver
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Shape into balls of desired size or simply spoon into cat’s dish and serve. These treats may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and may also be frozen. 

Healthy Treats, Healthy Pets

A well-balanced treat will have exactly what your pet needs to stay healthy, trim and happy and providing your own is a great opportunity to show your love and admiration to your cat or dog. 

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