Two Tasty Treat Recipes for Sensitive Dogs

Liver Treats: A Nutritious Gluten-Free Option

What you will need:

These treats rely on fresh liver as the main ingredient. We recommend using lamb’s liver or chicken liver as they are milder in smell and often better tolerated by dogs sensitive to stronger meats.

• Packet of liver (lamb or chicken recommended)
• Gluten free flour
• One large egg
• Dollop of oil (can substitute with fat-free cottage cheese and extra egg white for fat-restricted diets)
• Herbs for flavour (avoid chives as they are related to onion, which is toxic to dogs)
• One small garlic clove (in small quantities, garlic can be safe for dogs and may also act as a flea deterrent—discuss with your vet before use)

What to do:

Preparation is straightforward and quick.

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2. Trim any sinew from the liver and chop it into small pieces.

3. In a blender, combine the liver pieces, egg, oil, herbs, and garlic. Blend until the mixture is relatively smooth.

4. Transfer the blend to a mixing bowl. Gradually add gluten-free flour until the mixture has a flapjack-like consistency suitable for shaping.

5. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it well or lining it with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking.

6. Pour the mixture onto the tray and spread evenly.

7. Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on the cooking time as it varies with tray size and mixture depth.

8. Allow the treats to cool completely and then cut into small, bite-size pieces.

Storage advice: These treats keep in the fridge for up to two days and can be frozen if you make a larger batch. Always moderate treat quantity as liver is rich in vitamin A. Excessive treats may unbalance your dog's diet or encourage fussiness. Use them primarily as rewards for good behaviour.

Fish Cakes: Tasty Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

What you will need:

• Generous quantity of white fish such as haddock, cod, or coley
• Gluten-free or potato flour (mashed potato can be used for softer treats)
• One large egg (omit if your dog has an egg allergy)
• Dollop of oil or substitute with fat-free cottage cheese for fat-restricted diets
• Fresh dill or parsley for flavour
• One small garlic clove (use sparingly as with the liver treats)

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2. Carefully prepare the fish by removing all bones to prevent choking hazards.

3. Blend the boneless fish, egg, oil, herbs, and garlic until you get a reasonably smooth mixture.

4. Transfer this to a mixing bowl, then fold in the flour until incorporated well.

5. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and spread the mixture evenly on it.

6. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, adjusting time depending on batch size.

7. Allow to cool fully before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Storage: Keep in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze larger batches. Remember to reduce the amount of your dog’s main food to balance calorie intake when giving treats.

Important Tips for Treats and Sensitive Dogs

These recipes are gluten-free and created with gentle ingredients, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Always introduce new treats gradually and watch for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions.

Regarding garlic safety for dogs: current veterinary consensus advises that small, controlled amounts may be safe and potentially beneficial as a flea deterrent for most dogs. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is important to consult your vet, especially for dogs with certain medical conditions or those pregnant or nursing.

Always prioritise a balanced diet for your dog and use treats sparingly as rewards rather than main food components. Moderation helps prevent nutritional imbalance and food fussiness.

Summary

Making homemade treats allows you to control ingredients and provide your sensitive dog with nutritious, wholesome snacks. The liver treats offer a vitamin-rich option while the fish cakes provide a tasty, gentle alternative. Both are simple to prepare, freezer-friendly, and free from common allergens like gluten, supporting your dog's health and happiness.

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