We enjoy giving our dogs treats; it makes us feel good to see them happy. Finding the right treat can be difficult, however, especially if you choose not to feed treats made outside the United States or if your dog is on a restricted diet. Make your dog homemade treats from canned dog food to reduce your concerns about these issues. Making your own treats can be easy and cost-effective and, best of all, you know that the treats you give your dog are fresh and wholesome.
Loaf-Type Dog Food
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 325 degrees if using a dark-colored cookie sheet.
Open the can at both ends. Remove one end of the can.
Push the loaf through the can using the opposite end. Use the lip of the can as a straight-edge to cut the loaf into slices. Cut the slices into quarters if smaller treats are desired.
Coat the cookie sheet with a thin layer of non-stick spray. Place treats on the cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 30 minutes or until crisp.
Stew-Type Canned Food
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 325 degrees if using a dark-colored cookie sheet.
Grind the oatmeal into a powdery flour. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add canned food, including the liquid, until a soft dough is formed. Break apart all large chunks of meat or vegetable.
Coat the cookie sheet with a thin layer of non-stick spray. Drop dough by the spoonful onto the cookie sheet about two inches apart. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls or roll the dough flat and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
Bake treats for about 20 minutes for chewy cookies. Shut off oven and leave treats inside till the oven cools if crisper treats are desired.
Tips
Use prescription dog food for dogs with special diets. Some special diet food cannot be baked. Roll these foods into small balls, place onto waxed paper and freeze these foods to make treats instead.
Dog food treats can also be “baked” in the microwave. Place the dog food slices on a microwave-safe plate and cook them on “high” for about 2 1/2 minutes or until crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside. Microwave wattages do vary, so you may want to do a test cookie before cooking the entire batch.
Substitute a cup of your dog’s corn-free or grain-free kibble, ground to powder, for the corn meal if your dog has a corn allergy. Substitute canned tuna, sardine or salmon for stew-type dog food for a special treat.
Homemade treats will keep for approximately one week in the refrigerator. Place treats in plastic storage bags and freeze to keep them longer.
Tips
Use prescription dog food for dogs with special diets. Some special diet food cannot be baked. Roll these foods into small balls, place onto waxed paper and freeze these foods to make treats instead.
Dog food treats can also be “baked” in the microwave. Place the dog food slices on a microwave-safe plate and cook them on “high” for about 2 1/2 minutes or until crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside. Microwave wattages do vary, so you may want to do a test cookie before cooking the entire batch.
Substitute a cup of your dog’s corn-free or grain-free kibble, ground to powder, for the corn meal if your dog has a corn allergy. Substitute canned tuna, sardine or salmon for stew-type dog food for a special treat.
Homemade treats will keep for approximately one week in the refrigerator. Place treats in plastic storage bags and freeze to keep them longer.
Items You Will Need
- 1 can of loaf-type
- Can opener
- Knife
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Cookie sheet
- or
- 1 can stew-type dog food
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- Blender
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Cookie sheet
References
Tips
- Use prescription dog food for dogs with special diets. Some special diet food cannot be baked. Roll these foods into small balls, place onto waxed paper and freeze these foods to make treats instead.
- Dog food treats can also be “baked” in the microwave. Place the dog food slices on a microwave-safe plate and cook them on “high” for about 2 1/2 minutes or until crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside. Microwave wattages do vary, so you may want to do a test cookie before cooking the entire batch.
- Substitute a cup of your dog’s corn-free or grain-free kibble, ground to powder, for the corn meal if your dog has a corn allergy. Substitute canned tuna, sardine or salmon for stew-type dog food for a special treat.
- Homemade treats will keep for approximately one week in the refrigerator. Place treats in plastic storage bags and freeze to keep them longer.