When Robbie Little’s dog developed allergies, his family started paying very close attention to the ingredients in dog food and treats.
Trixie, a three-year-old shih tzu, had begun reacting to food, and her vet suggested it was likely an allergy. Eventually, through elimination, they discovered cinnamon – a common ingredient in many dog treats – was the culprit.
Robbie, age 12, started baking up his own treats for his beloved dog.
“I wanted to give her something I knew would be safe for her,” he said.
Although he had never baked before, he began making homemade treats for Trixie.
“It’s really easy and both my dogs love them,” he said.
Want to make your own? Here's how:
Peanut Butter Bones
4 cups flour
3 cups oatmeal
2 cups peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t have xylitol in the ingredients, which is toxic to dogs)
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375F
Mix all items except olive oil in a bowl.
Slowly add oil, a little at a time, mixing until it creates a dough that can keep its shape.
Separate your dough into four pieces. Flour a surface, or use a silicone mat, and roll your dough out so it’s about a quarter-inch thick. Using a cookie cutter – dog bone-shaped ones are cute if you have them, but any shape will do – cut your dough into shapes and put them on a non-stick cookie sheet.
Bake each batch of cookies for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Cookies should be fairly dry and crisp.
Cookies can be stored, once cooled, in an airtight container or frozen and brought out as needed.
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Treats
4 cups flour
2 cups canned, pureed pumpkin (note – not pumpkin pie filling, should be pure pumpkin)
1 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t have xylitol in the ingredients)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375F
Mix all ingredients together – your dough will form a smooth ball.
Flour a surface or use a silicone mat and roll out your dough to approximately ¼ inch thick. Cut out your treats using a cookie cutter and place on a nonstick baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies should be crisp.
Allow to cool, then store for one week in an airtight container or for several months if frozen.