Ask A Boston Expert: Your Best Homemade Dog Treat Recipe
Dog treats can be made at home and they usually don't take too much time to make. Gathering a few healthy, safe ingredients to bake your own goodies can be a great way to save money and make sure that your four-legged friend is getting the absolute best.
Lori Dunbar
Pawsmopolitan
18 School St.
Foxborough, MA 02035
(508) 543-7297
www.pawsmodog.com
Pawsmopolitan is a local business south of Boston that is dedicated to bringing dogs some of the finest in food, treats, and toys. Owner Lori Dunbar has love for dogs big and small and offers her expertise to local dog owners who return to her shop repeatedly to enjoy some unique products.
"We are a unique doggy boutique focused on providing the highest quality products for your furry friend," Dunbar said. "We carry a carefully chosen selection of premium dog food, treats, and supplements. We are passionate about your dog's health and well-being. We research all the products we sell and chose only those that are all natural and organic. We also have a great selection of fun toys, designer collars and leashes, comfortable harnesses, and essential clothing."
Lori has shared some of her favorite homemade dog treat recipes which your dog is sure to enjoy.
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 ½ tbsp. Chia seeds
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 cup almond butter
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla
- ¼ cup carob chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper
- Combine all ingredients except carob chips
- After ingredients are well incorporated, add carob chips
- Form small balls of dough with hands, place on cookie sheet and lightly flatted each ball with the back of the fork
- Bake for 10 minutes in preheated oven
- Cool completely before serving
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or bag
"These are super easy to make and are great for dogs with allergies. Grain free and packed with healthy ingredients," Dunbar said.
Related: Boston's Best Resources For Finding Pet Play Groups
- 1 cup flour (or oat flour, you will need 1 ½ cups if you do)
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Mix flour and baking soda
- Add remaining ingredients
- Pour into a greased 8 inch round cake pan and bake for 30 minutes
- Cake is done when top springs back when it is lightly pressed on
"This is my go to for parties. I also will do pup cakes with this recipe. You will need to shorten the baking time. You can use light or non fat cream cheese with some peanut butter whipped in for a yummy frosting. This is always a crowd pleaser," Dunbar said.
- 1 lb shredded or ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 cup Quick Cook Oats
- 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tsp. honey
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley
Directions:
1. Preheat over to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Poke 4 or 5 holes in sweet potato, place sweet potato in oven, and bake for 35-40 minutes until soft. Set aside and allow to cool.
3. Pull skin from sweet potato and scoop inside into a large bowl.
4. In a blender, chopper, or food processor combine parsley and egg, run until parsley is well chopped. Add to sweet potato in bowl.
5. Add turkey, oats, cinnamon, honey and parsley.
6. Mix with your hands until well combined.
7. Spray a large cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Roll turkey mixture into balls, slightly smaller than a golf ball.
9. Lower over temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
10. Cook for 15-20 minutes
11. Allow to cool, store in an airtight container in refrigerator
"This is a great alternative to a cookie treat. They are easy to make and the pups go crazy for them. My dogs sit and wait for them to come out of the oven," Dunbar said.
Related: Boston Area's Best Dog Runs
Boston-based writer Effie Orfanides keeps up with all of the latest happenings in her city. She loves eating at Boston's hotspots, having drinks at the trendiest bars, and enjoying all that Boston has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
