Picker Upper for Your Pupper : Homemade Dog Desserts

We think that we can all agree that food makes people (and pets, most especially dogs) extremely happy. There’s also a satisfaction that comes with it when it’s homemade. Since it’s day I-don’t’-even-know-anymore and you’ve probably started to run out of things to do at home. Why not try a new dog snack recipe?

Every single day you’re usually busy with work or chores, it can be quite repetitive. There’s nothing wrong with that, but for sure, there are times when you want to pick up a new hobby or skill. It’s still nice to keep yourself busy by learning something new or trying out a new hobby. In this case, it could be how to create homemade dog snacks for your pal, just to switch things up a bit in the routine. It hits two birds with one stone!

We know that due to the limitations you can’t always go out and buy treats, so here are a few simple homemade alternatives to try out. From frozen treats to baked goodies, there’s one for everyone! We also made sure that these recipes are simple enough for those who don’t have the time or those who aren’t as experienced with baking just yet.

Before we proceed, an important thing to remember in choosing the peanut butter you use is that it is sugar-free or that it does not contain Xylitol which is toxic to dogs.

Fruity Pup-sicle

Recipe from Tiktok’s Bruno and Luki

What you need :

• 5 to 10 pieces of Strawberries
• 1 piece of banana
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• Popsicle mold

Instructions :

1. Cut up the strawberries and banana in a bowl.
2. Lightly mash them, but make sure that there are still fruit chunks left.
3. Add in a cup of plain yogurt.
4. Pour into a popsicle mold. Freeze for 3-4 hours.

Peanut Butter and Jam Freezies

Recipe idea from Pawsh Magazine

What you need:

• 1/2 cup of Strawberries or Blueberries
• 1/2 cup of Peanut Butter (Jif, Teddie Super Chunky, or Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter are recommended )
• 1 cup of water
• Ice Tray

Instructions:

1. Put the berries and water in a blender or a food processor. Make sure to puree it.
2. Add the 1/2 cup of Peanut Butter to the mixture.
3. Pour the mixture into the ice tray and freeze for 2 hours.
4. Spread extra peanut butter on top of each piece before serving to your pet pal.

Now onto warm baked goodies as a midday or evening doggo snack!

SWEET POTATO FRIES

Recipe from Beagles and Bargains

What you need:

• 1 sweet potato
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• Spices – turmeric, cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
2. Wash and peel the sweet potato
3. Cut the sweet potato into evenly sized long skinny (fry shaped) pieces
4. Coat with oil and spices – mix in a large bowl or Ziploc bag
5. Place fries on a baking sheet in one layer
6. Bake for 15 minutes
7. Flip over fries for even baking
8. Bake for another 10-15 minutes

Let cool before giving to your dog!

If you are looking for more possibilities for spice combinations, here are some dog safe spices: basil, cinnamon, coriander, dill, garlic (in small amounts), ginger, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, or turmeric

APPLE CUPCAKE

Recipe from A Saucy Kitchen

What you need:

• 1/2 small or medium apple, diced into small pieces
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter + more if desired for frosting
• 1 whole egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
• bacon bits for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. In a small bowl mix all of your ingredients until combined.
3. Line or lightly grease two holes in a cupcake tin or a small ramekin. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pans.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cupcake to cool completely. You can leave it as is, or frost with peanut butter and sprinkle with bacon bits.

HAM & CHEESE QUICHE

Recipe from Rachel Ray Mag

What you need:

• 2 tbsp chopped ham steak
• 2 tbsp swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp thawed, drained frozen spinach
• 4 eggs
• ¼ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°
2. Spray 12 mini muffin cups with cooking spray
3. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp. each chopped ham steak, grated Swiss cheese and thawed, drained frozen spinach; divide among muffin cups.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk 4 eggs with 1/4 cup milk. Divide the egg mixture evenly among the cups.
5. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

[Note: This quiche recipe has been reviewed by the ASPCA. Every pet is different, so check with your vet to see if this recipe is suitable for your dog.]

FROZEN CHEESEBURGER

Recipe from Top Dog Tips

What you need:

• 3/4 cup ground beef
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheese
• 3/4 cup beef bone broth
• 3/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a small frying pan over medium heat. As it cooks, break the meat into small pieces, like you would if you were making tacos. Once browned, drain the grease and allow the meat to cool.
2. You can use an ice cream tray or a mini muffin pan to make these treats. No matter which type of tray you use, the instructions are the same.
3. Combine the bone broth and water in a measuring cup and set aside. Put about 1 tsp of shredded cheese into the bottom of each opening. Fill the rest of the opening with ground beef. Pour the water and broth mixture over the beef and cheese to fill the opening.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treat

Recipe from AllRecipes.com

What you need:

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2.
2. Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Bake in a preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Now that you know how to make homemade dog desserts, you’re probably excited to test these recipes out! We’re sure that your pet pal will be thrilled to be gobbling up these treats.

Not only did you make treats for your dog, but you also learned something new! If you liked these dog snack recipes, please make sure to share them with your fellow pawrents.