Saturday, February 23rd is National Dog Biscuit Day. In observance of this national day, celebrate by making homemade dog treats for your fur baby.
There are so many types of homemade dog treats you can whip up for your pup. One advantage of baking at home is to make sure there are no known allergens (for your dog) in the ingredient list. You can also cater to your dog’s preferences and make them as healthy as you want (organic anyone?) Be sure to check with your dog’s vet if you have any specific concerns.
History of Dog Treats
As far as anyone knows, dog treats similar to what we know today were first made in England in the 1800’s. They were made of vegetables, grain and bran baked together. They were sold as a treat that would improve a dog’s coat and skin.
The “Meat Fibrine Dog Cake” was the first mass-produced dog biscuit. Marketed to English country gentlemen beginning around 1860 for their sporting dogs, they were considered a luxury item. The Meat Fibrine Dog Cake was made out of blended wheat meal, vegetables, beetroot and meat. The factory could produce 50,000 biscuits per hour. These biscuits were supplied to hundreds of millions of army dogs during WWI.
The main competitor of Spratt’s Meat Fibrine Dog Cake was the Milk Bone, invented by F.H. Bennett in 1907. Eventually, the Milk Bone was purchased by Nabisco in 1931 and Spratt’s Meat Cake was bought by General Mills in the 1950’s.
Today, there are hundreds commercial dog biscuits on the market, in all kinds of flavors, shapes and sizes.
Here are a few of my favorite homemade dog treat recipes. Check out our Dog Treats Pinterest Board for lots more homemade dog treat recipes.
Apple Carrot Dog Biscuits
Apple Carrot Dog Biscuits is an easy recipe, and a perfect gift for your dog-loving friends during the holidays (I know the holidays are over – but there’s always next year)! Make these tasty treats as you would any other cookie, using your favorite-shaped cookie cutter.
Get the recipe from Reluctant Entertainer >>
Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Dog Treats
These dog treats only have three ingredients in them, making them super easy to make. They’re also healthy for your dog. Dogs love the flavor of these treats. Coconut oil can be applied topically (especially good for dry skin) or ingested.
In addition to treating dry skin, here are a few benefits of coconut oil for dogs:
- Promotes a shiny coat
- Conditions dry paws
- Disinfects cuts and scraps
- Prevents and treats infection
- Helps control yeast overgrowth
- Reduces or eliminates bad breath
- Improves digestion
- Aids in arthritis and ligament issues
- Assists in weight loss and control
Get the recipe from Golden Barrel >>
Banana Carrot Dog Treats
These banana carrot dog treats are super healthy for dogs. Ingredients include:
- Oatmeal – a good source of soluble fiber
- Bananas – a great source of potassium
- Carrots – contain beta carotene and antioxidant properties
- Coconut oil – health skin and coat
- Parsley – promote fresh breath and a digestion aid
You can make these treats gluten free by using oat powder in place of the whole wheat flour. The recipe shows you how to bake them hard – great for dental health – or soft (which my dog prefers).
Get the recipe from Homemade Dog Treats >>
Peanut Butter and Bacon Dog Treats
These treats are so yummy you might be tempted to try one yourself (but I wouldn’t recommend it). What dog doesn’t love peanut better and bacon? They are the perfect way to show your furry friend how much you love him or her. The ingredients are ones you might already have in the house. These treats are simple to make – and affordable. But best of all, your dog will absolutely LOVE them!
Get the recipe from Leggings ‘N’ Lattes >>
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
With only five ingredients, these pumpkin and peanut butter dog treats are easy and inexpensive! Use leftover canned pumpkin if you have it. My dog gobbles them down like she’s afraid she’ll never get treats again! Dogs with urinary incontinence may benefit from pumpkin in their diet. Canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber and helps with digestion. Pumpkin is low in calories so it will help your dog with weight management. Most dogs LOVE pumpkin and peanut butter – so what could be better than pumpkin peanut butter treats with a little cinnamon for healthful flavor?
Get the recipe from A Sparkle of Genius >>
Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Chews
These sweet potato dog chews are especially good for puppies or older dogs that love to chew. I used a mandolin slicer to slice the yams into thin slices. The thinner slices turn out crispy – thicker slices tend to turn out soft and chewy.
Sweet potatoes (or yams) contain powerful antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They are safe for dogs and have a sweet flavor most dogs adore.
Get the recipe from Happy Money Saver >>
We hope you enjoy celebrating National Dog Biscuit Day making – and sharing – these homemade treats with your furry family member. Just remember treats should be given sparingly in addition to a balanced, vet-approved diet, and not in replacement of regular meals.
What is your dog’s favorite treat recipe? Did you try any of these recipes? Please comment below…
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