Like us, you probably pay close attention to the ingredients in your food as well as the items you put on your body. From more mindful granola to snack on during the day to skincare routines, what you put in and on your body matters, but have you ever stopped and wondered what you are feeding your favorite furry friend? That is right, we are talking about man’s (or woman’s) best friend. Just as you and your family enjoy more mindful, nutritious, plant-based food options, pets do too! After all, pets are a part of the family. (Sometimes we like them even more than our actual family members).
Instead of stocking up on pet snacks and treats that may be filled with questionable ingredients or ordering up a batch of extra expensive organic pet food that rivals your own grocery bill, consider making your own plant-based, pet-friendly treats that you can make right at home in the friendly confines of your very own kitchen. Grab your apron and chef’s hat, and let’s get our DIY on in honor of our furry family members.
Homemade Plant-Based Pet Treats
First of all, the do’s and don’ts of homemade plant-based pet treats. When baking up a batch of homemade dog treats that contain handcrafted nut butter that you are making yourself from scratch, stick to nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts. Never use macadamia nuts, pistachios, or walnuts, as these can be harmful to dogs.
Also, always make sure there are no additional ingredients in the nuts themselves. Just plain, raw, and roasted. If using a store-bought jar of nut butter, avoid the nut butters made with additives such as the popular sweetener xylitol, as this ingredient is highly dangerous to dogs, writes Riverstone Vet Group. “You’ll usually find it in sugar-free or reduced sugar products, so be sure to read the label before you feed anything inside to your dog.”
Finally, be sure to share any nut butters with your dog in moderation. “All nuts are high in fat, which can upset your pup’s tummy, so if you want to share roasted nuts or nut butter, limit your dog’s intake,” says Riverstone Vet Group. Photo credit
Daniel de Andres Jimenez
Almond Butter Dog Treats
If you are all about almonds and love almond butter, then maybe your furry friend will too. Almond butter is a safe nut butter for dogs to enjoy in small quantities, so if you have a bag of almonds in your kitchen cabinet or pantry, whip them up into a homemade batch of freshly ground almond butter to make some Almond Butter Dog Biscuits. Photo credit
adogslifephoto
Cashew Butter Dog Treats
If you and your pet are crazy about cashew butter, in small quantities, of course, try these No-Bake Pumpkin Cashew Butter Dog Treats. Not only are they a no-bake recipe, which means no ovens are required to whip this up in no time, but they are super delicious. Plus, these bite-sized treats are loaded with nutrients. All you need is cashew butter, chia seeds, plant-based milk, pumpkin, and rolled oats. Photo credit
rojoimages
A note on cashew butter: Raw cashews can contain toxins that are dangerous to dogs, so it is important to only use cashew butter that has been made with cooked or roasted cashews.
Bottom line: Avoid raw cashews and opt for cooked or roasted ones instead.
A spoonful of plain unsweetened pumpkin puree also makes for a delicious dog treat all on its own. According to The Farmer's Dog, “Plain pureed pumpkin can be a natural way to ease your dog’s upset stomach.” Plus, it is loaded with health benefits. “Like many fresh orange veggies, pumpkin is also rich in beta-carotene and other antioxidants, which may reduce your dog’s risk for cancer and promote healthy vision,” shares the Farmer’s Dog. “Pumpkin contains lots of vitamin A, which also helps with dogs’ eyesight, but is an equally important nutrient for healthy skin, teeth, and bones.”
Dog Donuts and Desserts
Celebrating a special occasion like a big birthday or a pet adoption anniversary? (Remember, adopt, don’t shop). Skip buying your dog a birthday cake, and instead, whip up a plate of these Homemade Dog Donuts or spoil them with this Spoiled Dog Cake made with layers of fresh ingredients your dog will love. You could even make them the perfect pup cake with these Pupcake Dog Cupcakes, which are perfect for a birthday bash complete with all of their favorite friends from the dog park. Better start creating those invitations! Photo credit
Lam3r
Fruit and Veggie Dog Treats
If you are trying to get your pets to eat better, find some simple yet sneaky ways to feed them more fruits and vegetables. Try these homemade Carrot and Almond Butter Dog Treats, Pumpkin Bites, or Sweet Potato Almond Butter Dog Biscuits. Is it just us, or do some of these recipes sound so good you want to try them too?
Whether you have a bumper crop from your backyard garden, extras from the farmers market, or leftovers from the fridge, fruit and veggie-inspired dog treats are the perfect way to repurpose any extra produce that is just lying around the kitchen.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Who does not love to lick the spoon after they have dipped it into a jar of peanut butter? Unless you have a peanut allergy, you probably love it, and so does your pet, so why not give them a homemade treat they will love using one of their favorite ingredients - peanut butter!
Check out some super cute and fun peanut butter-inspired dog treats you and the kiddos can make at home, like these Peanut Butter Dog Treats. Still, trying to decide? Here are six more peanut butter recipes from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona that your pet will be sure to enjoy.
Go ahead and skip the store-bought pet food, snacks, and treats, and instead, whip up one or all of these homemade pet treat recipes. It is a creative, inexpensive, and fun way to show your favorite furry friend some love. Grab the kids and bake up the best handcrafted plant-based pet treats your pets will ever enjoy.
Need more recipe ideas? Check out @mostlyplantbasedfoods as Margaret shares recipes via video each month on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not Vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes. Until next time!
- Stay Healthy and Happy
