Celebrate love with your four-legged friend this Valentine’s Day by baking some homemade, heart-shaped dog treats. We’ve made some recommendations on how you can adapt this for your individual pup, but do take into account what you know your dog can tolerate, to ensure they can enjoy a tasty treat made with love.
See below for a list of the ingredients you will need and how to prepare your dog’s treats.
Ingredients:
- 200g whole wheat flour (substitute with chickpea flour for a grain-free option)
- 50g rolled oats (omit for dogs sensitive to grains)
- 100g unsweetened pureed pumpkin (can substitute with sweet potato)
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce (as a safe alternative to dog safe peanut butter – always check the label and avoid artificial sweeteners such as xylitol)
- 1 large egg
- A splash of water, if needed to form dough
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of dried parsley or mint for fresh breath (ensure it’s safe for dogs on restricted diets)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with baking paper.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour (or chickpea flour) and rolled oats.
- Add in your wet ingredients: Add the pureed pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, and egg to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it forms a cohesive dough. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a little water to help it bind together.
- Roll and cut: Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the dough to about 6mm (1/4 inch) thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats.
- Baking time: Arrange the treats on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and become firm to the touch.
- Allow time to cool off: Let the treats cool down completely on a wire rack before offering them to your dog.
Notes for Restricted Diets:
- For grain-free diets: Opt for chickpea flour instead of whole wheat and skip the oats.
- Low-calorie treats: Pumpkin is naturally low in calories. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially for dogs on a calorie-restricted diet.
- Avoiding allergens: Always confirm your dog isn’t allergic to any ingredients. The unsweetened applesauce is a safe and healthy alternative to peanut butter for dogs.
Cooking Information:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Estimated Calories:
Each treat has roughly 30-50 calories, depending on the size of the treats. And, you should be able to make around 20 treats from the recipe. Remember, treats should complement your dog’s regular diet in moderation. If you’re introducing new foods into your dog’s diet, especially for those with specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, always consult with your vet, first.
Have fun baking these delightful treats and send in your photos of your dogs tucking into their biscuits.
Happy Valentine’s!
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