Who doesn’t love spoiling their pets with treats? But sometimes, store-bought goodies can be full of questionable ingredients. Why not whip up some homemade treats that are both delicious and nutritious? We’ve compiled a list of simple DIY pet treat recipes that are sure to please your furry friends. Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

1 organic banana

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mash the banana in a large bowl.

Add the flour, oats, and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cool completely before serving.

Why Dogs Love It:

The combination of peanut butter and banana is irresistible, and the crunchy texture helps clean their teeth.

2. Tuna Cat Treats

Ingredients:

1 can of tuna in water, drained

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tablespoon dried catnip

1 egg

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, mash the tuna with a fork.

Add the flour, catnip, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.

Roll out the dough and cut into small pieces or shapes.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm.

Allow to cool completely before serving.

Why Cats Love It:

The smell of tuna drives cats wild, and the added catnip makes these treats extra special.

3. Sweet Potato Chews for Dogs

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.

Cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices.

Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the slices are dried and chewy.

Let cool completely before serving.

Why Dogs Love It:

Sweet potato chews are a healthy, low-fat treat that's great for dogs to gnaw on.

4. Catnip and Cheddar Cat Crackers

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon dried catnip

1/3 cup water

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the flour, cheese, and catnip in a bowl.

Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.

Roll out the dough and cut into small squares.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Allow to cool completely before serving.

Why Cats Love It:

These crackers combine the delicious taste of cheddar cheese with the enticing scent of catnip.

5. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

2 eggs

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.

Gradually add the flour, stirring until a dough forms.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Let cool completely before serving.

Why Dogs Love It:

Pumpkin is great for digestion, and combined with peanut butter, it makes a tasty treat dogs adore.

6. Salmon and Oat Cat Treats

Ingredients:

1 can of salmon, drained

1 egg

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the salmon, egg, oats, and flour in a bowl until well combined.

Drop small spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Flatten each spoonful with a fork.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm.

Let cool completely before serving.

Why Cats Love It:

Salmon provides a rich, flavorful treat that’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat.

Conclusion

Making your own pet treats is a fun and rewarding way to ensure your furry friends get the best. Not only can you control the quality of the ingredients, but you also get to enjoy the satisfaction of making something special for your pet. Try out these recipes and watch as tails wag and purrs abound!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for these recipes? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or oat flour.

How should I store homemade pet treats? Store in an airtight container. For longer shelf life, you can keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them.

Are these treats suitable for pets with allergies? Always consult your vet before introducing new ingredients, especially if your pet has known allergies.