Tasty treats for your furry friend

Merritt Milam | July 13, 2017

At Wags, we know a good treat can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your furry friend happy and feeling great! We love baking yummy treats for our dogs that are healthy, pet friendly and delicious. Below are a few of our favorite paw-some treat recipes that are sure to please any pet’s palate!

 

Peanut butter dog biscuits

These tasty treats are made from every dog’s favorite table food – peanut butter! Use this quick and easy recipe from Food52 next time your pup deserves a little something extra for his good behavior.

What you need:

  • ½ cup natural, unsalted peanut butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use the oil that has separated from the natural peanut butter inside the jar)
  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

What to do:

  • Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the peanut butter, water, and oil.
  • Add the flours gradually, mixing until the mixture comes together to form a smooth dough, two to three minutes. (This can also be done by hand)
  • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut out biscuits using a floured cookie cutter, and transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Leave at least 1/4 inch between each biscuit to ensure even baking.
  • Bake until golden brown on the bottom and edges, about 12 to 18 minutes. Allow the biscuits to cool completely before serving to your pooch.

 

Doggie ice cream

Our next recipe is for the pets who get a little too excited when you pull out your favorite tub of ice cream. While the real sweet snack is harmful for your furry friend due to the dairy and sugar, this dog-friendly “ice cream” from The Spruce is a perfect way to help your dog cool down after a hot summer day!

What you need:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 8 ounces of plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter

What to do:

  • Mix ingredients together in a blender or food processor.
  • Pour mixture into three or four different small plastic containers and freeze overnight. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to get the taste and texture your dog likes best.
  • Leave the treats in the container and serve one to your dog, but be sure to supervise (so he doesn’t eat the container). These treats will last longer if you don’t pop them out of their containers.
  • Experiment with mix-ins like finely diced carrots, apples, or lean meat!

 

Frozen coconut oil and blueberry treats 

For a healthier option, try out these frozen treats made with coconut oil and blueberries from HelloNature. These easy-to-make treats are great for active dogs who need a quick cool down from a busy day.

What you need:

  • Small silicone heart mold or a mold of your choice
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil in solid form
  • Frozen blueberries

What to do:

  • Place a frozen blueberry into each heart in the silicone mold. Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, heat coconut oil until it liquefies.
  • Allow coconut oil to cool for a few minutes, then carefully pour oil into the heart mold.
  • Carefully place mold into the fridge to solidify.
  • When coconut oil treats are solid, pop them out of the mold.
  • Store coconut oil treats in a baggie in the freezer.

 

Pupsicles

While our next and last recipe may not be considered the sweetest treat in the book, it’s sure to be a hit with all meat-loving pups! These “Pupsicles” from Lucky Pups are a simple and cost-effective way to keep your dog’s tail wagging at the next family holiday.

What you need:

  • 2 cups low salt beef or chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2 or 3 ice cube trays
  • Small rawhide sticks

What to do:

  • Mix water with beef or chicken broth and pour into popsicle trays.
  • Place in freezer and serve cold.
  • Add a rawhide stick halfway through the freezing.
  • Wait and enjoy!

 

Whether your dog is looking to beat the heat, or just enjoy some new sweet treats, these recipes are a great way to please your favorite furry friend this summer! If you need more information about what to feed your dog, or are unsure about an ingredient, feel free to give us a call at 205-902-WAGS (9247)!