Traditional blueberry cobbler recipes combine fresh fruits with a sweet crumble or crust on the top. Those blueberries are a healthy treat for your dog, but he doesn’t need the sugar in the crumble or the crust. With a few simple modifications, you can create homemade blueberry cobblers and cobbler treats just for your special pooch.
Blueberry Health Benefits
Blueberries are nutritious for you and your dog. They provide a good source of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, as well as dietary fiber. Antioxidants work similar in dogs as they do humans, helping to break down free radicals and support the immune system. Antioxidants show promise in dogs suffering from cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a canine condition similar to Alzheimer's. For a dog that has a sweet tooth, blueberries provide natural sweetness to a variety of traditional treat recipes.
Blueberry Apple Cobbler Treats
Blueberry apple cobbler dog treats pack the flavor of blueberry cobbler with apples into a crunchy snack you can form into dog treat shapes with cookie cutters. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour with 1 cup oatmeal. Stir in 3/4 cups milk. Add in 1/2 cup finely chopped apples and 1/2 cup chopped blueberries. Roll the dough onto a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Blueberries stain, so consider lining your surface with waxed paper. Cut the dough into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place the pieces on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until brown.
Blueberry Pancakes
Traditional pancakes, minus sugar, make a good occasional treat if your dog doesn’t have wheat allergies. Add in blueberries and substitute some oats for half of the flour, and they'll taste similar to a blueberry cobbler. If your dog is sensitive to wheat, you don’t have leave him out. Potato pancakes offer an alternative. Boil three medium potatoes in water until tender. Mash the potatoes with two eggs and 1/2 cup milk. Stir in 1/2 cup blueberries. Form the mixture into pancake shapes and cook on a buttered skillet until brown on both sides.
Considerations
Making homemade dog treats allows you to control the ingredients your dog is eating. Consider your dog when you're gathering ingredients. If your dog has wheat allergies, substitute flour with oats or rice flour. Before adding new treats, talk with a veterinarian regarding your dog’s diet. Remember these are treats; they should be served in moderation.
References
Writer Bio
Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.