Anyone with a functioning digestive system knows what it means to be hungry. And if you’re between meals, nothing hits the spot like a snack out of the pantry.
Our canines feel the same way. But if you have a peckish puppy, you might be hesitant to give them store-bought treats loaded with chemicals and fats. That’s why we’ve compiled our favorite homemade dog treat ideas your dog will love.
Bacon for breakfast
Dogs love bacon, and that makes it the perfect ingredient for a dog treat.
If you’re making bacon for breakfast, set aside two slices and the bacon grease. Then, take the grease and combine it with an egg, some oats, and something soft to give it body, like pumpkin puree or peanut butter. If you want to really bring home the breakfast idea, combine half a cup of cornmeal, two cups of flour, and some water with your bacon grease. Add the bacon, then bake until golden brown.
Sweet potato chips
Potato chips are the king of snack foods because they’re so accessible. And when you swap your regular russets with sweet potatoes, you have a treat rich in vitamins and fiber too!
Simply slice your sweet potatoes or yams into small slices and place them on a lined cookie sheet. Bake them in the oven at 200 degrees. You want them to be fully cooked so they don’t upset your dog’s stomach, but you don’t want them too crisp or your eager pooch might choke on them. They should be dry but still bendable.
Pup-sicle
There’s a reason our canine companions pant in the heat. It’s the only way they can regulate their body temperature. So, when you’re in the throes of the dog days of summer, keep them cool with a little frozen treat. Slice up a dog-friendly fruit. Consider the following ingredients:
- Apples
- Pears
- Cranberries
- Bananas
- Pineapples
- Mangoes
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Cantaloupe
Once you have your fruit, pop it in the freezer for a few hours. You’ll have a homemade treat your dog will love, and you will too!
Pro Tip: CBD Snacks
Many people are surprised to learn that CBD is safe for pets. CBD may help manage separation anxiety in dogs, so consider handing Fido a snack infused with it when you’re about to leave for work. You can also add it to one of the treats already mentioned. Just make sure you’re using CBD without any additives. If you’re not sure, you can always invest in an extraction device and make it yourself.
