Homemade dog treats: How to make delicious cookies for your dog

The advantages of homemade dog biscuits

Homemade dog biscuits have many advantages. You know exactly what's in them and can ensure that only high-quality ingredients are used. You can also adapt the recipes to your dog's needs and preferences.

Health benefits

Homemade cookies can be healthier than many commercially available treats, which often contain additives, sugar and preservatives. With natural ingredients like oatmeal, carrots and peanut butter, you can ensure your dog is getting a nutritious treat.

Customization

Whether your dog has allergies or needs a special diet, you can choose the ingredients according to their needs. This gives you control over your dog's diet and you can avoid harmful ingredients.

The basic ingredients for dog cookies

Before we start with the recipes, let's look at the basic ingredients you need for most dog biscuits. These ingredients are not only healthy, but also readily available.

• Oatmeal: A great source of fiber and easy to digest.
• Wholemeal flour: Better than white flour as it contains more nutrients.
• Eggs: For binding and as a source of protein.
• Carrots: Rich in vitamins and good for the eyes.
• Peanut butter: Popular with dogs, but make sure it doesn't contain sugar or xylitol.
• Pumpkin: Good for digestion and rich in fiber.

Basic recipe for easy dog cookies

Here's a simple basic recipe that you can customize to your liking. These cookies are quick to make and only require a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats and wholemeal flour. Then add the grated carrots, egg, peanut butter and pumpkin puree. Mix well until you have an even mixture.
3. Shape the dough: Roll out the dough on a floured work surface and cut out small cookies using cookie cutters.
4. Bake: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Leave to cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely before giving them to your dog.

Creative variations for more variety

Homemade dog biscuits are easy to vary. Here are some ideas on how you can adapt the basic recipe to give your dog even more variety.

Apple and banana cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, grated
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup wholemeal flour
• 1 egg

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Prepare the dough: Mix the rolled oats and wholemeal flour. Add the grated apple, mashed banana and egg. Mix well.
3. Shape the dough: Roll out the dough and cut out the cookies.
4. Bake: Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes.
5. Leave to cool: Leave to cool before serving.

Tuna cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 tin of tuna in its own juice, drained
• 1 egg
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup wholemeal flour

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Prepare the batter: Mix the tuna, egg, rolled oats and wholemeal flour.
3. Shape the dough: Roll out the dough and cut out the cookies.
4. Bake: Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes.
5. Leave to cool: Leave to cool before feeding.

Storage and shelf life

Homemade dog cookies will keep for about a week in an airtight tin. You can also freeze them and defrost them when needed. This way, you always have a fresh treat ready for your dog.

Storage tip

Store the cookies in a cool, dry place. Make sure they have cooled completely before you put them in a tin to prevent mold growth.

Homemade dog cookies are a wonderful way to give your dog a treat while making sure he gets only the best ingredients. With the basic recipes and variations, you can get creative and offer your dog new treats time and time again. Have fun baking and trying them out!