With 75 million pet dogs in the United States, it's clear that dogs hold a special place in our hearts. Dogs are intelligent creatures that can learn up to 250 words and gestures and even interpret human emotions. As Phil Pastoret says, "Dogs may not be able to count, but they can certainly count on you to bake them the best dog treats!"

Making homemade dog treats can be a fun and rewarding activity for both you and your furry friend. Not only do you get to choose the ingredients and ensure that they are healthy and nutritious, but it can also be a great way to bond with your pet. Here are some reasons why you should consider making homemade dog treats:

You control the ingredients When you make homemade dog treats, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into them. This means that you can choose high-quality, healthy ingredients that you know your dog will love. You can also avoid any ingredients that your dog may be allergic to or that may be harmful to their health.

Homemade treats are healthier Most store-bought dog treats are loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and other unhealthy additives. When you make homemade treats, you can be sure that they are free from these harmful ingredients. This means that you are providing your dog with a healthier snack that will keep them energized and satisfied.

It's a fun activity Making homemade dog treats can be a fun activity for you and your dog to enjoy together. You can get creative with the ingredients and experiment with different flavors and textures. It's a great way to bond with your pet and show them how much you care.

Cost-effective Making your own dog treats can be much more cost-effective than buying them from the store. You can buy ingredients in bulk and make a large batch of treats that will last for weeks. This means that you can provide your dog with healthy, delicious treats without breaking the bank.

You can tailor treats to your dog's needs If your dog has specific dietary requirements or preferences, making homemade treats is a great way to tailor their snacks to their needs. For example, if your dog needs to lose weight, you can make low-calorie treats that will help them shed pounds. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can make treats that are easy to digest.

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits


yield: 15 BISCUITS prep time: 15 MINUTES cook time: 35 MINUTES total time: 50 MINUTES

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  • ¾ cup nonfat plain yogurt
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour, oat flour or brown rice flour (more, as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the peanut butter, yogurt, applesauce and honey. Mix until well-blended.
  3. Stir the flour into the wet ingredients until well-combined. You need a stiff dough, so if you need to sprinkle in a little more flour, then do it!
  4. Flour a work surface and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into dog-bone shapes, and bake for 20 minutes. Turn the biscuits over and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Notes

  • Xylitol can be poisonous to your dog. Jif, Smuckers, Skippy and Peter Pan are all Xylitol-free. But the ideal peanut butter for dogs has just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. Look for the creamy natural style peanut butters. Those will be best for your dog.