We often read labels for our food but have you ever read the labels on your pet’s food and treat packages? It wasn’t until I started to learn about reading labels and ingredients that I discovered a lot of junk in my dog’s treats. That’s when I decided to clean up their plate too!
Not only could I not pronounce or identify many of the ingredients but I was shocked to see so many chemicals and dyes. These are commonly found in artificial and processed foods to make them look more appealing. Friends, just because it looks like bacon does not mean it’s bacon.
I started researching the types of human food that are healthy for dogs. I was pleased to see so many ingredients that are safe for our pups. That’s when I decided to experiment with homemade treats. Not only did the pups LOVE them, but they were cheaper to make. It’s been a WIN-WIN in our home. It makes me feel better to know my babes are eating good quality treats with REAL ingredients.
Here is the most recent recipe that I made. They were such a hit!
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Yield: Approximately 40 treats (depending on the size of your cutter)
Ingredients
2 ½ cups wheat flour
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ tsp raw honey
¼ cup organic (or clean) peanut butter
2 eggs
½ tsp cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients with your hands or an electric mixer.
The dough will look crumbly after combining the ingredients.
With your hands, work the dough into a tight ball.
With a rolling pin, flatten the dough on a flat surface.
The dough should be around ½ inch thick.
With the cookie cutter of your choice, cut out your treats and place them (spaced) on an un-greased cookie sheet.
Bake your treats for about 30 minutes or until they are lightly brown.
Remove your cookies and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
NOTE: Treats can be stored in an air tight container. The treats will last for several days in the fridge but can also be frozen. My dogs don’t mind the freezer. Especially on warm summer days. 🙂
Enjoy!
PS….I would love to hear your feedback if you try this treat recipe. Are you making treats for your furry babies now? What main ingredients do they like? These have quickly become a hit in our home.
Much love from my pups to yours!
XOXO,
Kim