Affordable DIY Dog Training Treat Recipes - Easy Homemade Treats for Your Pup

Treat Your Pup Without Breaking The Bank - Affordable DIY Dog Training Treats

Dog training treats are an essential part of reinforcing good behavior for your pup. However, buying pre-made treats in bulk can get expensive, especially if you have a big dog or are working on intensive training. An affordable alternative is to make your own dog training treats at home using simple, wholesome ingredients.

The beauty of DIY dog treats is that you control exactly what goes into them. You can avoid artificial ingredients, preservatives and fillers that are commonly found in store-bought treats. Making them yourself allows you to customize the shape, size and flavor to suit your pup's preferences.

Benefits of Homemade Dog Training Treats

Here are some of the reasons why making your own DIY dog training treats is a smart choice:

• Cost savings - Homemade treats are significantly cheaper than high-end branded training treats.
• Natural ingredients - You can use all-natural whole food ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, bananas, peanut butter, etc.
• Avoid allergens - Omit problematic ingredients if your dog has food sensitivities.
• Customize nutrition - Cater to your dog's dietary needs by adjusting protein, fat and carb ratios.
• Satisfying chewing - Create chewy or crunchy textures to please your pup.
• Fun shapes - Mold or cut treats into fun shapes and sizes your dog will love.
• Creative flavors - Mix and match flavors to create treats your pup goes crazy for.

Choosing Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats

When selecting ingredients for DIY dog training treats, aim for simple wholefoods that provide nutritional value. Here are some healthy options to choose from:

• Protein: Chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, Greek yogurt
• Fruits and veggies: Bananas, apples, blueberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots
• Grains: Oats, whole wheat flour, rice flour, barley
• Binders: Peanut butter, honey, pure maple syrup
• Herbs and spices: Cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, parsley

When baking treats, ensure any fresh produce is thoroughly cooked through to kill harmful bacteria. Avoid ingredients like garlic, onions, grapes or chocolate which can be toxic for dogs.

5 Simple DIY Training Treat Recipes

Here are 5 easy DIY dog training treat recipes to make in bulk on a budget:

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Mash banana and mix with peanut butter. Stir in flour until a dough forms. Roll dough and cut into bite-sized pieces. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

2. Pumpkin Oat Cookies

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 cups oats
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Whisk together pumpkin, egg and honey. Stir in oats and cinnamon until combined. Scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

3. Sweet Potato Wraps

• 1 medium sweet potato, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp peanut butter
• Pinch of cinnamon

Spread a thin layer of yogurt on each sweet potato slice. Top with a teaspoon of peanut butter and sprinkle of cinnamon. Wrap up and secure with a toothpick.

4. Beef & Carrot Coins

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Mix all ingredients together. Roll into coin shapes and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Frozen Yogurt Bark

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1 tbsp honey

Stir mashed banana and honey into yogurt. Pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet and top with blueberries. Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid, then break into chunks.

Tips for DIY Dog Training Treats

Follow these tips for homemade training treats your dog is sure to love:

• Use cookie cutters for fun shapes like stars or hearts.
• Adjust ingredient ratios to alter taste and texture.
• Make big batches and freeze extras for later.
• Substitute ingredients if your dog has allergies.
• Add supplements like fish oil capsules for extra nutrients.
• Try mixing training treats with your dog's regular kibble.
• Consider your dog's size - mini treats for small breeds.

Storing Homemade Dog Training Treats

Proper storage is key to preserve freshness and shelf life. Follow these storage tips:

• Allow treats to fully cool before storing.
• Keep treats in an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze treats for 3-6 months.
• Label containers with recipe name and date.
• Avoid moisture and humidity.
• Monitor for mold before feeding.

Reward Your Dog With Delicious Homemade Training Treats

DIY dog training treats are easy to make and provide a cost effective way to reward your pup during training sessions. With wholesome ingredients and customizable recipes, your dog will start looking forward to each new trick just to earn these tasty snacks!

The homemade route ensures you know exactly what's in your dog's treats. By controlling the ingredients, you can cater to your dog's nutritional needs while avoiding additives found in store-bought options. Investing time into making DIY treats will pay off with a happy, healthy and well-behaved furry friend.

FAQs

What are some good proteins to use in homemade dog treats?

Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese make excellent additions to DIY dog treats.

Can I make dog treats in big batches and freeze them?

Yes, baking big batches and freezing homemade treats helps save time and money. Just store the frozen treats in air-tight containers or bags.

How long do homemade dog treats last?

Properly stored in the fridge, homemade treats can last up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, freeze treats for 3-6 months.

Should homemade treats be hard or soft?

It depends on your dog's preferences and the training purpose. Both crunchy, hard treats and soft, chewy treats can work well.

Can I use peanut butter in treats for dogs with allergies?

Look for allergen-free peanut butter. Or you can substitute with sunflower seed butter or pumpkin puree instead.