Why Make Treats at Home?
Home-made dog treats offer real advantages: full ingredient control (ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities), lower cost, no preservatives or artificial additives, and you can customise size and texture. A dog on an elimination diet can receive treats with exactly the right protein without risk.
Fruits and Vegetables You Can Give Raw
- Carrot: the ultimate healthy treat. Low calorie, high fibre, good for teeth. Give raw in pieces.
- Cucumber: very hydrating, minimal calories. Perfect in summer.
- Watermelon: no seeds or rind. Refreshing and rich in antioxidants.
- Apple: no seeds or pips (they contain amygdalin). Rich in fibre and vitamin C.
- Blueberries: antioxidants, perfect training-treat size.
- Melon: no seeds, low calorie, very palatable.
Simple No-Bake Recipes
Dehydrated chicken jerky:
- Slice chicken breast into 5-7 mm strips.
- Oven at 80-90 °C (minimum) for 2-3 hours until completely dry.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze.
Sweet potato cubes:
- Peel and dice sweet potato.
- Steam for 15 minutes, cool and cut into small pieces.
- Refrigerate for 4-5 days.
Basic Gluten-Free Dog Biscuit Recipe
- 100 g rice flour
- 50 g carrot or sweet potato purée
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Mix, roll to 5 mm thick, cut into shapes and bake 20 min at 175 °C. Cool completely before storing. Keep 1 week at room temperature or 1 month frozen.
Ingredients You Must NEVER Use
- 🚫 Grapes and raisins: acute kidney failure.
- 🚫 Onion and garlic: haemolytic anaemia.
- 🚫 Xylitol: found in "sugar-free" peanut butter — severe hypoglycaemia. Always read the label.
- 🚫 Chocolate and cocoa: theobromine, neurotoxic.
- 🚫 Excessive salt: sodium toxicity.
- 🚫 Nutmeg: myristicin, neurotoxic.
- 🚫 Macadamia nuts: muscle weakness and tremors.
For a complete guide: toxic foods for dogs.