4 Great Home-made Tasty Doggy Treats
Buying doggy treats can be an expensive business, especially if you use many during training sessions. Plus, it can be worrying to not know all the ingredients in store-bought treats, particularly cheaper options. However, making your own treats is affordable and lets you discover your dog's favourites!
1. Make Up Some Beefy Treats – Ideal for Agility Training
For agility training or motivating your dog with soft beefy nibbles, these easy-to-make treats use simple ingredients without costly additions:
- ½ lb of minced beef
- ½ lb of beef liver
- 2 ¼ cups of rolled oats
- 1 ¾ cups of wholegrain flour
- 3 to 4 free-range eggs
Cut the liver into small pieces and mix with the beef in a food processor. Add eggs, oats, and flour, blending on high for at least 3 minutes. Pour into a greased baking tray and bake at 180° C (350° F) for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool completely, then cut into ½-inch squares and store in the fridge. These treats are protein-rich and perfect for training rewards.
2. Delicious Salmon Cookies – The Perfect Reward!
Salmon cookies are excellent for rewarding your dog during challenging training, keeping them motivated. Ingredients include:
- 2 ½ cups wheat flour
- Two thirds cup soft oatmeal
- ½ lb salmon (or tuna)
- 1 free-range egg
- 3 ½ tbsp sunflower oil
- About ½ cup water
Preheat the oven to 150° C (300° F) and line a tray with greaseproof paper. Cook fish for 15 minutes then cool. Purée the fish with water, mix with flour and oatmeal, then add egg and oil. Blend to form dough, roll out ¼ inch thick, and cut into fun fish shapes. Bake for 20 minutes, watching closely to prevent overcooking. These treats offer Omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for your dog's coat and health.
3. Tuna Fudge – A Dog's Delight!
This nutritious treat is full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids, perfect as a reward after a new trick. Ingredients:
- 2 tins tuna (6oz), undrained (or tinned salmon)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh crushed clove (use sparingly)
- 2 lightly beaten free-range eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Mix all ingredients with a hand blender, spread on a greased 9"x9" tray, and bake at 180° C (350° F) for 20 minutes. Cool, cut into small pieces and refrigerate for up to three days. Garlic should be used cautiously as it can be harmful in large amounts; consult your vet if unsure.
4. A Great Light Snack/Treat
If your dog tends to put on weight, this healthy, low-calorie treat is gentle to keep them trim without missing out on rewards. Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 cups oat bran
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 fresh pear (or carrot as alternative)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- About ½ cup water
Preheat oven to 160° C (320° F) and line a tray with greaseproof paper. Mix flour, oat bran, and cottage cheese using a hand mixer. Purée a quarter of the pear with water, then add with cinnamon to the flour mix. Combine to smooth dough, roll out ¼ inch thick, and cut into fun dog shapes. Bake 20 minutes until lightly golden. This treat provides fibre and gentle flavour without adding extra weight.
Conclusion
Using tasty homemade treats during training helps your dog focus and enhances their behaviour with positive reinforcement. Making treats at home means you know exactly what goes in and saves money compared to buying commercial options. Plus, tailoring treats to your dog's preferences makes training sessions that little bit more special.
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