Judd Lee has never met a dog cookie he did not like, but his choosy mom wants something with quality ingredients that can be made at home. Judd Lee especially loves it when these peanut butter cookies are fresh out of the oven. This recipe came from a former veterinary hospital client, and it never fails to be a hit with our neighborhood canine pals.
After much trial and error I've found that most homemade dog biscuits are successful with one part liquid to three parts dry ingredients. You can customize this recipe by adding and subtracting ingredients your dog loves. Judd Lee prefers to mix it up a little. His two paws up favorite combinations include pumpkin and cinnamon, bacon crumbles and uncooked oatmeal, or barley with a little bit of bacon fat.
Certain foods can lead to gastrointestinal upset and toxicity, so it is important to note any that are potentially harmful before making additions to the recipe. The ASPCA has a list of people foods that should be avoided. Items to certainly avoid are garlic, grapes, onion, salt, chocolate, macadamia nuts and artificial sweeteners.
Directions
Step 1
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the egg, milk and peanut butter. Add in the baking powder and flour gradually to make a very stiff dough. Note that the mixture may require working the last of the flour in by hand.
Flour a work surface and roll out dough until it reaches a quarter-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and size according to the size of your dog. Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for approximately 20 minutes. Turn biscuits over and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate treats for immediate use or freeze for up to three months.
Step 2
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Making your own homemade dog treats can be a fun reward for the whole family. Benefits to making your own include controlling what goes into the recipe, avoiding preservatives and byproducts, and being involved as a pet owner. Knowing that Judd Lee is getting a nutritious snack that is tailored to his dietary restrictions is an exceptional feeling.
Step 3
Store your extra homemade dog treats in an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months. Allow the treat to thaw for 10 to 20 minutes prior to serving to your dog.
These treats make great gifts packaged in a pet bowl, wrapped in newspaper or plain brown paper and tied up with a bow.
Warnings
When preparing homemade dog treats, make sure you take into account any allergies Spot has to specific ingredients. Avoid adding anything to which he has reacted poorly in the past. If you are making something new, introduce it in small amounts to make sure Spot tolerates the ingredients. Check with your veterinarian for any specific dietary requirements.
Items You Will Need
- 1 Egg
- 3/4 cup nonfat milk
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Mixer and bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
- Spatula
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Airtight storage container
References
Resources
Warnings
- When preparing homemade dog treats, make sure you take into account any allergies Spot has to specific ingredients. Avoid adding anything to which he has reacted poorly in the past. If you are making something new, introduce it in small amounts to make sure Spot tolerates the ingredients. Check with your veterinarian for any specific dietary requirements.
Writer Bio
Breanne Byer-Darnley has been a writer and editor for online publications since 2009. She has contributed to the Jake's Journal blog and "USSSA Today" magazine.