DIY Healthy Dog Treats

Less preservatives and additives to our diet is a good thing and we as a county need to realize that. I believe we are what we eat. This also applies to my pets. Our family dog growing up was a littleover weight. At the time it didn't seem like a big deal, but now I am more aware of the issues it causes.

Just a few pounds overweight have more effect on their body than it does on us. The same goes with additives and preservatives; they just aren't good for us.

Some people believe dogs are just dogs (or cats, horses, etc.) but if you have a pet it should mean more. My dog is my kid. I want her to be around and hiking with me as long as possible, and that means she needs to remain healthy. Yes other health problems can occur (from their genes), but if I can prevent other problems that a healthy diet can aid in, such as diabetes, bad joints, etc., then I will do that.

Making your own dog treats allows for you to know exactly what is going into it. You aren't adding preservatives to the treats which is awesome! Apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, eggs, salmon, yogurt, carrots, oatmeal, peanut butter is some examples of ingredients that are good for your dog, and to make dog treats out of. I personally like using apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

Here is an easy recipe to make healthy dog treats at home

2 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour

1 sweet potato

2 eggs

1⁄4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 medium carrots

1 apple

Directions: Cook the sweet potato until you can mash it. Baking the sweet potato would be better but boiling is faster. I have done it both ways, just depends on how much time I have. While the potato is cooking, finely chop the carrots and apple. Preheat oven (if you haven't already) to 350 degrees F. When your potato is mashed, add whole wheat, applesauce, eggs, chopped carrots and apples and mix well. On a well-floured surface roll out your dough about 1⁄2 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out all the dog biscuits and lay on an ungreased baking sheet. Cook about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the desired crispiness. Once they are cooled I give one to the pup and put the rest in a glass sealed jar.

Making your own dog treats is a great thing to start doing. You can use food items that you need to use up which is a great way to save money and not waste food. Or you can go out and buy the ingredients you need. I have yet to make my own dog food, which would be even better for your dog. I do believe a raw diet is a better diet for your dog, but that does cost more money because you want to use organic and high quality food (at least I would).