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Getting Started With Homemade Dog Treats
Creating homemade dog treats for your Frenchie is a thoughtful and rewarding way to show your love. Moderation is key when it comes to dog treats, so it’s important to choose healthy and nutritious options for your furry friend.
Making your own homemade dog treats is a great way to ensure the quality of ingredients and cater to any dietary restrictions or allergies your Frenchie may have.
When making homemade dog treats, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet. This is especially important if your Frenchie has any underlying health conditions.
Next, make sure you use high-quality ingredients when creating your homemade dog treats. Stick to natural and whole food ingredients like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid using processed or high-fat foods that could potentially be harmful to your pup’s health.
Measure out all ingredients carefully and follow the recipe instructions closely. This will ensure that your treats come out just the right texture and flavor for your Frenchie to enjoy.
It’s also important to note that homemade dog treats should never replace a balanced and nutritious diet for your Frenchie. They should be given as occasional treats or rewards, rather than as a main source of nutrition.
When it comes to storing your homemade dog treats, make sure to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator if they contain any perishable ingredients. Otherwise, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or freezer for longer shelf life.
Lastly, have fun with experimenting and creating different flavors and shapes for your homemade dog treats!
Opt for Low-Calorie Choices
Carrots, cucumbers, and green beans are excellent options, offering a perfect balance of low calories and high fiber content.
Ensure Proper Cooking
Ensure meat is fully cooked before serving it to your dog, and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces for easy consumption.
Steer Clear of Harmful Ingredients
Avoid feeding your French Bulldog grapes, onions, garlic, chocolate, or avocado, as these foods can be highly toxic to them.
Is it cheaper to make dog treats or buy them?
Making your own dog treats can be a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought options, but it comes at a cost: time and effort. While store-bought treats are undeniably convenient, their expenses can quickly add up.
Homemade dog treats offer significant savings in the long run. With simple ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and pumpkin purée, you can prepare a large batch at a fraction of the cost of commercial treats.
Beyond affordability, making your own snacks gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to skip unnecessary additives or preservatives that may not be the healthiest choice for your dog.
However, homemade treats require a bit of dedication. From researching recipes and shopping for ingredients to baking and preparing, the process takes time and effort—challenges for those with busy schedules or limited kitchen skills.
But if you enjoy cooking and want to ensure your furry companion gets high-quality, hand-crafted snacks, the experience can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
Ultimately, the decision between homemade and store-bought dog treats depends on your priorities. Are you looking to save time, reduce costs, or prioritize ingredient quality?
Whatever you choose, the best treats are the ones that keep your pup happy and healthy.
Can French Bulldogs Eat Fruits and Vegetables?
If you’re looking to treat your Frenchie to something special, why not try some healthy options? Some of the best fruit and veggie treats for French Bulldogs include:
- Carrot sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Chunks of sweet potato
- Frozen blueberries
- Dehydrated apple slices
Always ensure the treats are cut into small, manageable pieces to account for their flat faces and reduce the risk of choking.
Easy 3 Ingredient Dog Treat Recipes
Sweet Potato Cheesy Chews
These root vegetables are low in fat and calories, making them a great alternative to store-bought treats that may be filled with unhealthy ingredients. Sweet potatoes are also naturally sweet, providing a satisfying taste without any added sugars or artificial flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, unsalted ideally
- 1 tablespoon high-quality, extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line a baking sheet with unbleached non-toxic parchment paper.
- Place sliced sweet potato in a bowl and drizzle with approximately one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, stirring to ensure that the sweet potato strips are entirely coated.
- Transfer the sliced sweet potato from the bowl to the baking sheet and arrange the sliced sweet potato into rows.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sliced sweet potato is tender with slightly crispy edges.
- Remove from the baking sheet from the oven and allow the sweet potato strips to cool to room temperature. Don’t turn the oven off yet!
- Once cooled, sprinkle the slices with shredded low-fat cheddar cheese and place them back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and set.
- Let the chews cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Storage
Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For extended storage, freeze and defrost as needed.
Health Benefits
What are the health benefits of sweet potato for dogs? Sweet potatoes are a great source of nutrition for dogs, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy digestive system. Sweet potatoes also contain high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can help boost your dog’s immune system and fight against diseases.
Additionally, the natural sugars found in sweet potatoes can provide a slow release of energy for your pup throughout the day. This makes them an ideal choice for active dogs or Frenchies who need some extra pep in their step.
Is cheese okay for French Bulldogs? Cheese provides a savory flavor and protein (in moderation) for Frenchies. It also contains calcium, which helps support strong bones and teeth. Just make sure to offer cheese in small amounts as a treat, rather than a regular part of their diet.
Is olive oil good for dogs? Olive oil adds healthy fats, supporting a shiny coat. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Olive oil is a great alternative to butter or other oils that may be harmful to dogs.
Elvis Dog Treats (Banana and Peanut Butter)
These tasty banana and peanut butter dog treats are sure to be a hit with your Frenchie! With just three ingredients, you can easily make batch after batch.
Ingredients:
- 1 overripe banana
- 1/2 cup of Bark Bistro Company Buddy Budder Ruff Ruff Raw Peanut Butter (or dog-safe peanut butter)
- 1 cup of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (or similar old-fashioned rolled oats)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) .
- Line a baking sheet with unbleached non-toxic parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the banana using a fork.
- Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of oats to mixing bowl. Stir, stir, stir!
- Empty the mixing bowl mixture onto the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture out.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut the mixture into shapes. Keep cutting shapes until all of the mixture is utilized. Whatever little scraps remain can be rolled into a treat and baked at the same time.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden.
- Let cool completely before sharing with your Frenchie.
Storage
Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For extended storage, freeze and defrost as needed.
Health Benefits
What are the health benefits of banana for dogs? Bananas are a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs. They are high in potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure and kidney function. Bananas also contain vitamin C, which supports the immune system and aids in collagen production. Additionally, bananas provide a good amount of fiber, which can aid in digestion and regulate bowel movements.
What are the health benefits of peanut butter for dogs? Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. It also contains vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E, which all contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin. Peanut butter also provides important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Easy No-Bake Dog Treat Recipe
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bites
These easy no-bake dog treats are perfect for your pup! Gather your ingredients and whip up these tasty treats today.
Ingredients:
- 1 /4 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (or similar old-fashioned rolled oats)
- 1/4 cup of Bark Bistro Company Buddy Budder Ruff Ruff Raw Peanut Butter (or dog-safe peanut butter)
Directions:
- Grab a mixing bowl and mix together 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, and 1/4 cup of Bark Bistro Company Buddy Budder Ruff Ruff Raw Peanut Butter.
- Cover mixing bowl and place in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to roll out treats.
- Roll mixture into balls, about 1 teaspoon each and place on prepared baking sheet. You should have about 20+ little treats!
- Freeze the treats for about 30 minutes until hardened.
Storage
Keep stored in an airtight container or zip bag in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For extended storage, freeze and defrost as needed.
Health Benefits
What are the health benefits of pumpkin for dogs? Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and can help with digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. It also contains vitamins A, C, and E which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Peanut butter is also a good source of protein and healthy fats for dogs.
What are the health benefits of oats for dogs? Oats are a great source of fiber and can help regulate digestion. They also contain important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Additionally, oats provide energy for active dogs and can aid in weight management due to their low glycemic index.
Easy Frozen Dog Treat Recipe
Berry Good Frozen Dog Treat
When the weather warms up and you have a hot potato on your hands, treat your Frenchie to a frozen treat!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
Directions:
- Mix 3/4 cup blueberries and 6 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl. If you are working with frozen blueberries, thaw the blueberries first before mixing.
- Scoop mixture into a clean ice cube tray or a silicone mold and freeze until frozen solid.
Storage
Store in the freezer for up to 2 months, then prepare a new batch.
Health Benefits
What are the health benefits of blueberry for dogs? Blueberries are a superfood for dogs, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that can promote better health. They are rich in antioxidants, which help to fight off free radicals and prevent cell damage. Blueberries also contain high levels of fiber, which can aid in digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels.
Additionally, blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit dogs with joint pain or other inflammatory conditions. They also contain phytochemicals that may help to prevent urinary tract infections and improve overall immune function.
Incorporating blueberries into your dog’s diet through homemade treats as a frozen snack can provide them with a tasty and nutritious treat. Just be sure to feed in moderation, as too many blueberries can lead to stomach upset.
