Treat your furry friend to these delicious and healthy homemade meat treats! Making your own dog treats is a great way to ensure your pup is getting high-quality ingredients without any of the fillers or preservatives found in many store-bought options. These six recipes are easy to make and packed with meaty flavor that dogs love.
1. Classic Beef Jerky Strips
A simple, high-protein snack that’s perfect for chewing.
Ingredients:
•1 lb lean beef (such as top round or flank steak), trimmed of all fat
Instructions:
1.Freeze the beef for 30-60 minutes to make it easier to slice.
2.Slice the beef against the grain into very thin strips (about 1/8-inch thick).
3.Place the strips on a dehydrator tray or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4.Dehydrate at 160°F (70°C) for 4-6 hours, or bake in an oven at the lowest temperature setting with the door slightly ajar until the jerky is dry and tough.
5.Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
2. Chicken & Sweet Potato Bites
These treats combine lean protein with the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
•1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
•1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
•1 egg
•2 cups whole wheat flour (or an alternative like oat or brown rice flour)
Instructions:
1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, and egg.
3.Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4.Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5.Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
6.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
3. Savory Liver Cake
A nutrient-dense treat that’s often used for training due to its high-value taste.
Ingredients:
•1 lb beef or chicken liver
•1 cup whole wheat flour
•2 eggs
•1/4 cup water or low-sodium broth
Instructions:
1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.In a blender or food processor, blend the liver until smooth.
3.Add the flour, eggs, and water/broth and blend until well combined.
4.Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.
5.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
6.Let it cool completely, then cut into small, bite-sized squares.
4. Turkey & Cranberry Meatballs
A festive and flavorful treat that’s great for any time of year.
Ingredients:
•1 lb ground turkey
•1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries, finely chopped
•1/2 cup rolled oats
•1 egg
Instructions:
1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, oats, and egg. Mix well.
3.Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Salmon & Spinach Patties
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these patties are great for a dog’s skin and coat.
Ingredients:
•1 (15 oz) can of salmon, drained
•1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
•1 egg
•1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed oats
Instructions:
1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.In a bowl, flake the salmon and remove any bones. Mix in the spinach, egg, and breadcrumbs.
3.Form the mixture into small, flat patties and place them on a baking sheet.
4.Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until firm and lightly browned.
6. Pork & Apple Pupsicles
A refreshing frozen treat for warmer days.
Ingredients:
•1 cup cooked, unseasoned ground pork, cooled
•1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
•1/2 cup plain yogurt or water
Instructions:
1.In a blender, combine the cooked pork, applesauce, and yogurt/water.
2.Blend until smooth.
3.Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone molds.
4.Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.