What could be healthier for your beloved pet than making dog treats at home? Homemade dog treats give you the ability to provide healthy snacks without those pesky preservatives or ingredients you can't even pronounce! Making dog treats is easier than you might think. Put on an apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to whip up some of the tastiest dog treats ever!

Before you get started, let me recommend you talk to your vet before changing or adding anything to your dog's diet. Any dog treats, even homemade ones, can cause digestive issues when used in excess, so remember they are not to be used as the primary source of food. The lists of dog treat recipes you can find online is endless. Make sure the ingredients are safe for animals. Ingredients such as chocolate, garlic and onions (which can cause anemia), raisins, and caffeine are very unhealthy and possibly toxic to your pet. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, is especially dangerous. Even a small dose, as little as three grams, can kill a sixty-five pound dog. Do the legwork on what is safe by checking with your vet first before you try any recipe!

The following recipe was created by Charlotte McDonald of Greyhound Pets of America, located in Orlando. She uses these treats with rescued retired racing Greyhounds. The recipe is as follows:

Homemade Dog Treats:

1/2 cup pumpkin

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup oatmeal

2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine pumpkin, water, oil and cinnamon. Add flour and oatmeal slowly, mixing after each addition. Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes and sizes. Bake 40 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet.

For an extra special presentation, use a dog bone cookie cutter. It makes for a cute and scrumptious treat! Your dog will love these! You can also adapt this recipe for any special needs your dog may have. For example, if your animal has problems with digesting wheat, use soy or garbanzo flour instead of all-purpose. These flours can be located in most grocery stores or at natural food stores. You can also use organic ingredients if you wish for a healthy, environmentally responsible homemade treat!

Making homemade dog treats can fill you with a sense of accomplishment, knowing you are providing the best for man's best friend. Enjoy making these treats and watching them be gobbled up in no time flat! Your dog will certainly thank you!

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Music.
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