Long-lasting homemade dog treats are durable, edible snacks crafted at home to keep dogs happily chewing for extended periods. These treats offer a healthier, customizable alternative to store-bought options, allowing owners to control ingredients and cater to their dog’s dietary needs. The main benefits of homemade durable treats include knowing exactly what your dog is consuming, avoiding harmful additives, and saving money.
They are primarily used for entertainment, dental health, and rewarding good behavior. The main components involve selecting dog-safe ingredients, mixing and shaping the treats, and then baking or dehydrating them to achieve a long-lasting texture.
This article provides five recipes for five recipes long-lasting homemade dog treats, including peanut butter pumpkin chews, sweet potato biscuits, crispy beef liver, dehydrated chicken jerky, and minty fresh breath treats.
Long-Lasting Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade dog treats are a great way to show your furry friend some love while ensuring they’re getting healthy and safe snacks. Store-bought treats often contain additives and preservatives that can be harmful to dogs, making homemade options a superior choice.
By making your own treats, you can tailor the ingredients to your dog’s dietary needs and preferences, ensuring they get a tasty and nutritious snack. Here are five recipes for five recipes long-lasting homemade dog treats that will keep your dog happy and entertained.
1. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Chews
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Chews are a delicious and healthy option for dogs who enjoy a good chew. The combination of peanut butter and pumpkin provides a balance of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness pumpkin, making them a satisfying treat. These chews have a chewy texture makes them last longer than regular biscuits, providing extended entertainment for your dog.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or dog-friendly flour alternative)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the whole wheat flour and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Add the natural peanut butter and pumpkin puree, then pour in the chicken broth gradually while mixing.
- Knead the dough until it’s firm.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an extended baking time of an additional 1-2 hours to remove moisture and harden the treats. The lower temperature you use, the longer they will last.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container keep them at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for frozen extended shelf life of up to 3 months.
2. Sweet Potato and Oatmeal Biscuits
Sweet Potato and Oatmeal Biscuits are a nutritious and fiber-rich treat that promotes dental health and provides essential vitamins. The combination of sweet potato and oatmeal creates a firm biscuit that’s perfect for chewing, helping to clean your dog’s teeth. These biscuits are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs due to their easily digestible ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups rolled oats (blended into a coarse flour)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend rolled oats to a coarse flour consistency.
- Mix the mashed sweet potato, oat flour, applesauce, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Gradually add water until you form a dough.
- Roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. To make the biscuits harder, lower the temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Cool thoroughly before storing.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or freeze for several months.
3. Crispy Beef Liver Treats
Crispy Beef Liver Treats are a protein-packed snack that dogs find irresistible. Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals. Dehydrating the liver creates a crispy texture that dogs love, while also extending the shelf life of the treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef liver
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) or use a dehydrator.
- Slice the beef liver into 1/4 inch thick strips.
- Lay strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway, until dried and crispy.
- Cool completely before storing.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
4. Dehydrated Chicken Jerky
Dehydrated chicken jerky is a protein-packed single-ingredient treat that’s simple to make and highly palatable for dogs. Using chicken breasts ensures a lean source of protein, and the dehydration process creates a chewy texture makes these jerky strips perfect for longer-lasting enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) or use a dehydrator.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Lay the strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, or until fully dried and firm.
- Cool completely before storing.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Minty Fresh Breath Dog Treats
Minty Fresh Breath Dog Treats are a great way to freshen your dog’s breath while providing a healthy and crunchy snack. The combination of parsley and mint helps combat bad breath, while the oats provide fiber and essential nutrients. These treats promote dental health by helping to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup water (more as needed)
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grind oats into a coarse flour.
- Add parsley, mint, and coconut oil, and pulse until combined.
- Slowly add water until a thick dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until crisp. For a harder texture, bake for an additional 30 minutes at 200°F (93°C).
- Cool thoroughly before storing.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or freeze for several months.
Additional Tips for Making Homemade Dog Treats
Making homemade dog treats is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure your dog’s safety and health:
- Always check with your vet before introducing new ingredients into your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has allergies or sensitivities.
- Avoid toxic ingredients: Never include xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, or garlic in your homemade dog treats, as these are harmful to dogs.
- Store treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer. They can also be frozen for extended shelf life.
- Experiment with flavors your dog loves, like adding bits of bacon or cheese, as long as they are safe for dogs. Be mindful of your dog’s dietary needs when adding extra ingredients.
- Consider your dog’s age and size when determining the size and hardness of the treats. Smaller dogs and senior dogs may need softer treats.
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