Homemade Pet Treats: A Scientific Approach to Healthy Rewards

Pet treats have become a booming business, with a wide array of store-bought options available for pet owners to choose from. However, many mass-produced treats contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, sugars and other unhealthy additives that have bad effects on your four legged friend's health. Homemade treats allow pet owners to control exactly what goes into their pets’ food, creating nutritious snacks made with real, whole ingredients and love. 

When making homemade treats for your furry friend, it’s important to understand the nutritional needs of dogs and cats to ensure the treats are providing benefits. By taking a scientific approach and choosing ingredients wisely, homemade treats can be a healthy part of any pet’s diet.

The Benefits of Homemade Treats

There are many advantages to opting for homemade pet treats:

• Control over ingredients. Store-bought treats often contain preservatives, artificial flavors and chemical additives. Making treats at home allows you to avoid these unhealthy ingredients.
• Use of natural, whole foods. Real foods like meat, vegetables, fruits and whole grains provide optimal nutrition.
• Cater to individual dietary needs. Customize treats for pets with allergies, sensitivities or health conditions.
• Monitor quality. You can control the quality of ingredients going into homemade treats.
• Provide variety. Rotating different homemade treats keeps pets interested and exposes them to new flavors/textures.
• Save money. Homemade treats are often cheaper per serving compared to store-bought, which is quite important these days.

For these reasons, pet owners are wise to consider preparing their own treats to provide pets with the best nutrition possible.

 

 

                   

 

 

Nutritional Fundamentals for Dogs and Cats

To make balanced, nutritious homemade treats, pet owners should understand the basic nutritional needs of dogs and cats. While they have many similarities, some key differences impact dietary requirements.

Macronutrients

• Protein: Dogs and cats both require ample protein, but cats have a higher requirement as obligate carnivores. High-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, fish and eggs are ideal.
• Fats: Animal-based fats provide energy and essential fatty acids. Look for sources like salmon oil, flaxseed and fish oils. 
• Carbohydrates: Dogs utilize carbs better than cats. Stick to unprocessed, whole food sources like sweet potatoes, peas and oats. Limit simple carbs.

Micronutrients

• Vitamins & minerals: Important for regulating bodily processes. Choose ingredients with ample A, B, C, D, E, calcium, iron, zinc.
• Fiber: aids digestion. Get fiber from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Water: Critical for hydration and bodily functions. Add moisture to treats or feed wet foods.

By keeping these nutritional needs in mind, pet owners can craft homemade treats that perfectly meet their dog or cat’s dietary requirements.

Choosing Quality Ingredients 

When formulating your homemade pet treats, ingredient quality is very important. Be selective and aim for natural whole foods whenever possible.

Here are some tips for choosing appropriate ingredients:

• Lean proteins: Choose digestible proteins like chicken breast, turkey, fish, egg whites and Greek yogurt for protein. Avoid fatty cuts of meat.
• Whole grains: Use minimally processed grains like oats, barley, rice and quinoa over refined flour. Whole wheat flour can be used sparingly.
• Fruits/veggies: Fresh or frozen is ideal. Blueberries, apples, sweet potato, carrot and spinach are excellent options.
• Natural sweeteners: Limit the use os added sugars; use honey, maple syrup or banana in moderation.
• Healthy fats: Salmon oil, coconut oil, flaxseed and omega-3 rich eggs provide beneficial fats.
• Herbs/spices: Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, basil, oregano add flavor and nutrients without salt.

Avoid artificial preservatives, additives, salt, refined grains and processed ingredients. Reading labels is key for quality control. With wholesome ingredients as the base, homemade treats offer the optimal nutrition for your furry loved one.

Recipes for Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

Here are some examples of our nutritious, vet-approved recipes for homemade dog treats:

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 
• 1 egg

Mash banana and combine with peanut butter. Stir in flour, then egg until a dough forms. Roll dough into 1/2 inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. Cool before serving. Provides protein, potassium and fiber.

2. Pumpkin & Carrot Biscuits

• 1 cup canned pumpkin 
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix pumpkin, carrot, flour, eggs and cinnamon. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Nutritious snacks with vitamin A, fiber and beta-carotene. 

3. Sweet Potato Chews

• 1 sweet potato
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1 tbsp coconut oil 
• 1/2 tsp turmeric

Puree sweet potato, chickpeas, coconut oil and turmeric in a food processor until smooth. Spread into 1/4 inch thick strips on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until dried. Slice into chew treats. Provides vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese.

4. Frozen Yogurt Bark

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup blueberries

Stir together yogurt, banana and blueberries. Spread 1/2 inch thick onto parchment paper. Freeze 2 hours until firm. Break into chunks for a cool treat. Live active cultures aid digestion.

Recipes for Healthy Homemade Cat Treats

Feline friends can also benefit from nutritious homemade treats.

Here are some of our cat-approved recipes:

1. Chickpea Tuna Biscuits

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 

Process chickpeas in a food processor until smooth. Add tuna, egg and flour and pulse to combine. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness; cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Boosts protein intake.

2. Catnip & Salmon Freeze-Dried Treats

• 1 can salmon, drained
• 1/4 cup dried catnip
• 1 egg white

Puree salmon in a food processor until smooth. Mix in catnip and egg white. Spread into a thin layer on parchment paper and freeze for 2 hours. Cut into pieces and freeze dry for 18 hours. Allergy-friendly treats.

3. Chicken & Green Bean Bites

• 1 (5 oz) can chicken breast, drained and flaked  
• 1/2 cup cooked green beans
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour

Puree green beans in a food processor. Mix with chicken, egg and flour. Form into 1 tsp sized balls and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes until firm. Lean protein and fiber.

4. Freeze-Dried Yogurt Drops

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp catnip

Stir catnip into yogurt. Drop teaspoon-sized amounts onto parchment paper lined baking sheets. Freeze for 2 hours. Great probiotics for digestion.

Cats have sensitive digestion, so introduce new treats slowly. Store treats in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips for Baking Healthy Homemade Treats

Follow these tips for preparing homemade treats safely and efficiently:

• Use cooking spray or parchment paper to avoid sticking
• Roll doughs to a uniform thickness for even cooking
• Cut shapes with cookie cutters and molds for fun varieties 
• Use oven thermometer for accuracy
• Allow baked goods to fully cool before handling
•  Refrigerate perishable doughs and batters
• Freeze uncooked dough or baked treats for longer storage 
• Make big batches and refrigerate excess dough for later 
• Keep ingredients natural, minimally processed and additive-free

Storing and Serving Homemade Treats

Properly storing and serving homemade treats maintains safety and freshness: 

• Allow cooked treats to fully cool before packaging
• Place treats in airtight containers or bags
• Refrigerate perishable treats up to 5 days
• Freeze treats up to 2 months for long-term storage
• Thaw frozen treats in the refrigerator
• Avoid feeding treats that have mold or look spoiled
• Wash hands before preparing treats  
• Wash produce before using
• Follow suggested serving sizes to avoid overfeeding
• Give treats during supervised feedings to monitor intake

Homemade treats make excellent training rewards due to their small size and portability. You can also crush or crumble bigger treats to use for training. Avoid giving too many treats to prevent overfeeding.

Potential Concerns with Homemade Treats

While homemade treats allow for control over ingredients, pet owners should be aware of a few potential concerns:

• Risk of food-borne illness if handled improperly. Follow safety guidelines.
• Ingestion of inedible ingredients like xylitol and garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Research all ingredients for safety.
• Nutritional imbalances if the diet lacks variety. Rotate different treat recipes and proteins.
• Choking hazards from ill-sized or poorly monitored treats. Supervise pets and use appropriate treat sizes.
• Weight gain if treats exceed 10% of daily calories. Follow suggested treat portions.

With proper precautions, these risks can be mitigated. Owners should consult their veterinarian with any questions or concerns.

The Benefits Outweigh the Risks

For most pets, the benefits of homemade treats greatly outweigh any potential risks. Homemade treats allow pet owners to take control over their pet’s health and nutrition. Following basic safety precautions and choosing recipes with care makes homemade treat-making a fun, rewarding way to show pets some extra love and attention through healthy, nutritious snacks.

Conclusion

Homemade treats provide pet owners with the ability to monitor the exact nutritional content and quality of ingredients going into their pet’s diet. When formulated properly using scientific guidelines and wholesome foods, homemade treats can be a nutritious component of a dog or cat’s feeding routine.

 

Pet owners should educate themselves on pet nutrition fundamentals, choose recipes carefully, follow safety procedures, and consult a veterinarian with any concerns. The effort put into homemade pet treats pays off in the health and happiness they provide beloved canine and feline companions.