Nothing gets a tail wagging like a little nibble between servings of kibble. If you want to save money ‒ and give your pooch something healthier than a biscuit that’s been sitting on a shelf for months thanks to preservatives – these make-at-home dog treats can be a delicious, inexpensive and surprisingly easy option.
Chefs such as Ina Garten and Mindy Segal have included homemade dog biscuit recipes in their cookbooks, Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Garten and Cookie Love by Segal with Kate Leahy, but it’s not even necessary to turn on the oven to join the DIY dog treat club. These no-bake ideas take practically no time to prepare. Just stash in the freezer and thank yourself later.
Frozen Pumpkin and Yogurt Bites
The American Kennel Club® shared this recipe with us:
Mix 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt with 1 cup pumpkin puree. Divide the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. Pop out the frozen cubes, and place in a freezer-safe bag for more compact storage, if desired.
Frozen Greens
Dr. Carol Osborne, a veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, says sliced cucumber and green beans work as quick-frozen treats.
Place on a baking sheet, and put in the freezer; once fully frozen, you can transfer to a freezer-safe bag. These chilly veggies are a great option for teething puppies, Osborne says. “Every time I tell that to one of my puppy people, they look at me like I’m crazy. And the next time they come in, they’re like, ‘Hey doc, you were right!’” she says.
Frozen Chicken Broth Cubes
Drive managing editor, Marissa Conrad, likes to make these savory snacks for her pups, Winston and Selena.
Start with a dog-friendly chicken broth. (Look for an unsalted broth with no additives – particularly no onion powder – or you can even find brands made just for dogs at many pet stores.) Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Once frozen, plop a cube in your dog’s bowl. Perfect for very good boys and very good girls.
Avoid giving your dog more than five treats per day, recommends Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinary consultant with DogLab. And, of course, always check with your vet prior to experimenting with DIY treats.
