The benefits of homemade dog treats
We’re all familiar with the phrase it’s better to give than to receive. And it’s a phrase which is particularly relevant to rewarding a dog with homemade dog treats. Because it’s not simply the fact that homemade dog treats are infinitely healthier than mass-produced commercial dog treats. And it’s not just the fact that dogs enjoy dog treats. But the very act of giving also makes us feel good. And I can say from years of experience, the act of giving something that you personally have made is even more rewarding still!
It’s easy to open a bag of commercial dog treats and feed one to your dog. It’s not healthy, it’s not particularly satisfying, but it’s easy. But what is truly satisfying is giving your dog a treat that you have made yourself. A treat that you’ve made specifically for your best friend. There’s a huge amount of satisfaction to be gained from knowing that the dog treat you’ve made with love is about to be enjoyed by the animal who in turn gives you his or her unconditional love every single day.
The benefits of homemade dog treats don’t end there of course.
Healthier ingredients
Homemade dog treats, especially when made with my Bake & Treat dog treat baking mixes, are infinitely healthier than commercial dog treats. They contain only 100% natural ingredients. They don’t have an extended shelf-life so they don’t contain unhealthy preservatives. And because they’re 100% natural, they contain no additives or chemicals of any kind. Just perfectly natural goodness that enhances your dog’s immune system and improves his or her health.
Safer dog treats
When you make homemade dog treats, you know exactly what’s gone into them. Every year, there are dozens of pet food recalls because of contaminated ingredients. Over time, thousands of dogs have died and many more made unwell through unhealthy commercial dog treats.
Every one of my dog treat mixes on the other hand is made with 100% natural ingredients. So your dog’s treats are guaranteed to be perfectly safe for your best friend. And every one of them has been approved by my in-house dog nutritionist. So you know they’re 100% dog safe.
Dopamine-rich dog treats
You won’t find dopamine listed as an ingredient in my dog treat baking mixes, but it’s right there in every packet. Dopamine is a brain chemical that makes us feel good about ourselves. Making homemade dog treats makes our dogs happy. This in turn releases dopamine in our brain which then makes us happy. Now that is definitely not something you’ll find in a bag of commercial dog treats!
So there you have it. Just some of the benefits of homemade dog treats. Which just goes to prove that, where our dogs are concerned, it is definitely better to give than receive!
FAQs
They contain only 100% natural ingredients. They don't have an extended shelf-life so they don't contain unhealthy preservatives. And because they're 100% natural, they contain no additives or chemicals of any kind. Just perfectly natural goodness that enhances your dog's immune system and improves his or her health.
Are homemade dog treats healthy for dogs? ›
Homemade dog treats can be safer
There are not hidden chemicals, no suspiciously-sourced ingredients and you have total control over what goes into your dog's body. You should still take care to find out exactly what foods should be avoided, and the best place to find that out is by asking your veterinarian!
What ingredients are best for dog treats? ›
Many recipes require things such as oatmeal, eggs, flour, water, or broth. Add some flavor — as well as vitamins, protein, and fiber — with peanut butter (free of artificial sweeteners like xylitol), pureed pumpkin, apples, carrots, sweet potato, and cheese to create delicious cookies any dog would love.
What are the benefits of homemade dog food? ›
Home-cooked dog food can bring numerous benefits when done right - improved digestion, overcoming picky eating, customization to meet specific needs & preferences, bonding experience between pet parent & pet, improved coat & skin health and many more.
What homemade food can dogs eat every day? ›
7 Foods to Cook For Your Dog
- Chicken. Cooked chicken is a good source of protein for dogs. ...
- Lean Ground Turkey. Lean ground turkey is a safe food to cook for your dog. ...
- Eggs. Cooked eggs are a safe, healthy food with lots of minerals and vitamins. ...
- Raw or Steamed Vegetables. ...
- Fresh Fruits. ...
- Boiled Potatoes. ...
- Peanut Butter. ...
- Yogurt.
11 Healthy, Natural Treats for Dogs in Your Kitchen
- Watermelon. ...
- Cooked Sweet Potatoes. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Cooked Squash. ...
- Strawberries. ...
- Blueberries. ...
- You Should Know… When trying out new treats for your dog, it's always best to start with small portions and see how your dog's GI tract responds.
' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products. Xylitol is the only ingredient in peanut butter that's bad for dogs.
Are eggs good for dogs? ›
Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.
Are bananas good for dogs? ›
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.
What is the healthiest flour for dog treats? ›
Oat flour. Oat flour, made from rolled oats, is a good source of both fibre and protein. It's an excellent low-calorie choice for a dog needing to lose weight.
Bobi's owners put the secret of their boy's longevity down to the calm, peaceful environment in which he lives, and the food he eats. Not only does he eat human food, he eats exactly the same food the family eats, soaked in water in order to remove most of the family's food seasoning.
How does ChefPaw work? ›
Just add fresh ingredients, turn ChefPaw on, and relax, you're already done! In 40 minutes, you'll have fresh dog food that's been gently mixed and cooked at lower temperatures for perfection. ChefPaw is for pet parents that want to give their dogs fresh food that tastes great while amplifying their health.
Are there side effects to homemade dog food? ›
If you use raw meat or eggs, there's the risk that your dog could pick up certain parasites or become infected with bacteria such as Salmonella. There's also the risk that these bacterial infections could pass to humans through handling the food or cleaning up after your pet.
Why are homemade dog treats better than store-bought? ›
Cost-effective: Homemade treats can be less expensive than store-bought treats, particularly if you buy ingredients in bulk or use leftovers from your own meals. Freshness: Homemade treats are made fresh and do not contain preservatives, which can be beneficial for your dog's health.
Do homemade dog treats need to be FDA approved? ›
There is no requirement that pet food products have premarket approval by the FDA. However, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that pet foods, like human foods, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled.
Is it OK to give your dog treats everyday? ›
There's no rule about how often you can dole them out, as long as you limit treats to 10% of their daily calories. Some owners choose to give one large biscuit each day. Others give a handful of kibble (perhaps 20 or 30 pieces) over the course of the day, one or two pieces at a time. Giving no treats is fine, too.
