Dog treats are great for training or for simply rewarding your dog for being the best friend a human can have. However, buying treats at the store can get expensive in this economy, so I've found a few homemade treats that won't break the bank (some even help beat the heat). Bella sure loved them, giving all three recipes four paws up...though she's not difficult to please in the food department.
I came up with one of the below recipes based on some things I had lying around. The other two are recipes I found online; rather than list the ingredients and steps, I'll link to the post where I found them.
Remember, with any treat, homemade or store-bought, you must be aware of ingredients your dog can't have. This includes things dogs in general can't have, as well as ingredients your specific dog may be allergic to. Also, make sure you give treats under supervision, especially if your dog tends to scarf without chewing.
Frozen Peanut Butter Oat Balls
Peanut Butter (I used Smucker's Natural Creamy, but you can use anything that doesn't contain Xylitol)
Oats (I used Quaker Oats Old Fashioned Oats, but, again, feel free to use whatever brand you like so long as they aren't flavored)
Mixing bowl, fork, and scoop (or your hands)
Step 1: The Southern Measurement
As I tend to be a bit of a rebel, I didn't keep up with ingredient quantities. As I said, I made this up from things I had in the pantry, so I used the rest of the peanut butter and added oats until it "looked right" (the Southern Measurement).
Step 2: Mix 'em Together
Add your two ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir. I found using a fork was easiest because the natural peanut butter was pretty thick. The fork allowed me to really get in there!
Step 3: Scoop It Out and Freeze
I used a portion scoop to scoop my portions out because I'm OCD like that. However, you can scoop some out with your fingers if you don't care about size portions. Roll the portions into balls, set them on some parchment paper (or a plate; whatever you have that they won't freeze to), and stick 'em in the freezer. I left mine in the freezer all night, though an hour should do the trick, depending on how big you made your treats.
That's All, Folks!
That's all there is to it! I like freezing them because it helps prevent a peanut buttery mess while also providing some enrichment for your dog: while the ball thaws, your dog can roll it around, licking at it. Be careful to watch them so they don't try to chew it while it's still frozen solid or swallow it whole. It also provides a little bit of relief in this Texas heat! Bella sure enjoyed them...
Peanut Butter Banana DIY Dog Treats
I found this recipe over on Love Mischka. It's a little more involved, as it requires you to bake the treats. However, I popped them in my little toaster oven and didn't have any trouble. Writing this, I'm thinking about trying them in the air fryer; I wonder if they'd turn out any different. Again, Bella really liked them!
Orange Creamsicle Frosty Paws
This recipe is from Droolicious Dog Treats. It does require a blender/food processor and a silicone mold. Nevertheless, I like that it's another frozen treat that will help your pup beat the heat. However, it can also be altered to fit your dog's taste. Instead of an orange, you could use strawberries or blueberries. When buying your yogurt for this recipe, make sure you get something healthy
for your dog (i.e., one ingredient; nothing with added flavors). Be aware these must remain in the freezer with your Peanut Butter Oat Balls; in the fridge, you'll end up with a soupy mess. Bella didn't seem to mind either way, though, considering she ate this treat so fast I couldn't even get a picture. Oh, well; I'll show you the soup instead.
That's All, Folks...For Real This Time
Whether you go with my lazy-girl-just-what-I-found-in-the-pantry recipe or the more involved, had-to-go-buy-a-mold-but-I-needed-one-anyway recipe, all of these treats are great DIY treats you can make for your dog. As always, remember to supervise your dog when giving them a new treat.
Have a DIY dog treat recipe of your own? Please share it in the comments! Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with Let's Talk About...