Crafting DIY Soft Dog Treats: Adventures in the Kitchen with Copper
Hello, fellow dog lovers! Angela Williams here, sharing another snippet from my life with Copper, my spirited Beagle, who not only shares my hiking trips around Salt Lake City but also my kitchen experiments. Today, I’m excited to walk you through making DIY soft dog treats that are perfect for dogs who prefer a gentler texture or for those senior pups with sensitive teeth.
Why DIY Soft Dog Treats?
Copper, like many dogs, goes through phases with his food and treat preferences. Recently, he’s shown a penchant for softer treats, which sparked my adventure into making homemade soft dog treats. The beauty of DIY is knowing exactly what goes into the treats—no hidden ingredients, just wholesome goodness.
Ingredients and Recipe: Simple and Healthy
Here’s a simple recipe that I’ve perfected after a few trials, much to Copper’s delight:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or any other dog-safe flour)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Combine the wet ingredients in another bowl, ensuring the sweet potato is thoroughly mashed.
- Gradually add the wet mix to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more broth or water.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or just slice it into squares.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
- Cool completely before treating your furry friend.
Keeping Your Dog Engaged with Variety
Variety isn't just the spice of life for humans—dogs love it too! Changing up the flavors of treats not only keeps Copper interested but also allows me to tailor his snacks to his nutritional needs, adding ingredients like pumpkin for digestion or swapping chicken broth for beef for a different flavor.
Tips for Storing Homemade Treats
- Cool completely before storage to prevent mold.
- Keep in an airtight container; I prefer glass jars, which help keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate or freeze for longer-lasting freshness. If frozen, thaw them out for a few minutes before giving them to your dog.
Wrapping Up
Making your own dog treats like these DIY soft dog treats isn’t just economical and healthier, it’s also a fun way to bond with your pet. Copper always seems to know when I’m baking for him, and his excitement is palpable—not to mention, it makes those kitchen efforts so worthwhile!
Remember, while treats are fantastic, they’re just that—treats. Keep them to less than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Happy baking, and give your pups an extra cuddle from Copper and me!
This post was last updated at November 23, 2024 13:35
