Homemade dog treats are a healthy and affordable way to show your best friend love. Try my easy, one-ingredient recipe today!
Food Allergies in Dogs
This is my BFF Gus, 70 lbs of love and tail wagging on call anytime I need some adoration and companionship. Seriously, he is my constant shadow! I know I am totally biased, but I think he is the world’s best pet.
We adopted Gus in 2011 from the West Side German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles, CA. He was around two years old and had been relinquished by his former family due to skincare issues.
He was constantly itching, but he was a sweet goober of a dog.
Corn Filler = Itchy Skin
Dogs can get itchy skin if they’re dealing with food allergies, which is pretty common. When certain ingredients don’t agree with them, it can lead to redness and a whole lot of scratching. Sorting out their diet by figuring out what’s causing the trouble is key to helping them feel better and keeping their fur in top shape.
Corn is a common filler in dog food and treats. It’s also an ingredient that many dogs are allergic or sensitive to in their diet.
We resolved our dog’s itchiness issues by removing corn from his diet.
Allergin Free Dog Treats
It’s hard to find dog treats that do not cause our dog to itch or are full of questionable ingredients. A few good choices are on the market, but the best ones cost about $2 a treat. Yikes!
We keep Gus’s allergies at bay by making simple homemade dog treats from sweet potatoes, yams, or apples. They are safe for dogs to consume and can be dehydrated fun treats.
Follow this recipe to make these easy homemade dog treats in the oven; no dehydrator is necessary.
I store my dog treats in these Upcycled Pet Treat Containers. Try making some for your best friend!
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Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Pet
- Cuisine: Pet
Description
Commercial dog treats can be full of corn or other questionable ingredients. Make your own easy homemade dog treats with this one ingredient tutorial and feed your pet healthy homemade dog treats.
Ingredients
- Fresh Sweet Potatoes
- Yams
- Apples
Instructions
- Pick your ingredient: sweet potato, yams, or apples.
- Wash and remove any bad spots. Slice ¼-3/8 inch thick.
- Place slices on a parchment line baking sheet and place in a 200-degree oven.
- Bake for one hour, then turn the slices over and bake for another hour.
- Check to see if the slices are no longer damp but still pliable. If the slices need more time, turn the slices over again and bake for 30 minutes.
- Continue tuning and baking for until the slices bend without breaking but do not feel damp.
- Store in an air-tight container for a week or in the refrigerator for several weeks. You can also freeze the slices to make them last longer and defrost them before feeding them to your pet.
Notes
Use organic produce to make organic treats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 7
Your pet will love these treats!
Check out this easy Upcycled Dog Treat Jar Tutorial! They are a fun way to store pet treats.
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Darrin Richards
Hi, is the temperature you mention Fahrenheit or Celsius. sorry to ask. I’m in Australia. Cheers Darrin
Bren
Sorry, Darrin. The temp is Fahrenheit. I’m in the U.S.
Stephanie
My dog has skin issues and I can’t wait to try these for her. I’m sure she will love them!
Bren
I hope she loves them as much as our dog does!
Samantha
What temp would you use if you only had a toaster oven?
Bren
It depends on your toaster oven… is it a traditional oven or convection oven? I would check your owners manual for a temperature conversion chart. If you do not have one I would start on a very low setting and see what works. I’ve never made them in a toaster oven (and don’t own one) so you’ll have to test it out.
Cheryl Sommerville
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
3 cups oatmeal
2 ripe bananas
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine oats, bananas, peanut butter and coconut oil. Add an additional 2 tablespoons oats at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.*
Let cool completely.
(I have Chihuahuas so I end up using shot glasses as my cookie cutter)
Bren
Thanks for the recipe, Cheryl!
Debbie
Have any treat recipes that don’t include potatoes or corporate? My dog is allergic to just about everything! I mix 32 Oz. Of vanilla yogurt and 1 cup of smooth peanut butter. Drop into cupcake liners and freeze. My dogs live them!
Bren
That sounds like a great treat… and less calories than pure peanut butter!
jenfliesaway
Hi Gus!