DIY dog treats: Golden Retriever Approved Recipes for Tasty Homemade Snacks
As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to give your furry friend healthy treats. Store-bought treats may have bad stuff in them, like chemicals or too much sugar. That’s why it’s a good idea to make your own treats for your Golden Retriever! When you make treats at home, you can pick what goes into them and make sure they’re just right for your dog. In this article, we’ll share some easy recipes that Golden Retrievers love.
Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Biscuits
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s unsalted and doesn’t have xylitol, because that’s bad for dogs)
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a big bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and rolled oats together.
3. Add the peanut butter, mashed bananas, and water to the dry mixture, and mix it all up until it becomes dough.
4. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it’s 1/4 inch thick.
5. Use a cookie cutter to make biscuit shapes.
6. Put the biscuits onto a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Bake for around 20 minutes, until the biscuits are golden and crispy.
8. Let the treats cool down before giving them to your Golden Retriever.
Sweet Potato Chewies
Ingredients:
– 2 big sweet potatoes
– Olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Warm up your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3. If you want, you can put a little bit of olive oil on the slices to make them taste even better.
4. Put the slices on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the slices are dried and crispy.
6. Take the sweet potato chewies out of the oven and let them cool down.
7. Keep them in a container with a lid.
Chicken and Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a big bowl, mix the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, whole wheat flour, and chicken broth.
3. Mix everything together until it becomes a thick dough.
4. Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a quarter, and put them on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the balls are lightly browned and firm.
6. Let the chicken and cheese balls cool down before giving them to your Golden Retriever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are these treats good for all dogs?
These recipes are generally safe and healthy for Golden Retrievers, but it’s always important to think about your dog’s diet and any allergies they might have. Ask your vet before giving them new treats.
How should I store homemade dog treats?
To keep the treats fresh, put them in a container that closes tightly and keep it in a cool, dry place. You can also put them in the fridge or freezer to make them last longer. Remember to label the container with the treat name and when you made them.
Can I use different ingredients in the recipes?
Yes, you can try different ingredients that are safe for dogs. Just make sure they’re not toxic and that the treats still have good nutrition.
How many treats can I give my dog each day?
How many treats your Golden Retriever can have depends on their size, age, activity level, and health. It’s best to only give them a few treats a day and not more than 10% of their daily food. Ask your vet for advice on the right amount for your dog.
Can I use these treats for training my dog?
Yes, these treats are great for training! You can break them into smaller pieces to use as rewards during training sessions.
Making homemade treats for your Golden Retriever shows you love and care about them. Have fun baking these yummy and healthy snacks for your special friend!
