Easy Homemade Dog Treats
The human taste testers in our test kitchen are incredible, but this is one of those times when they’re just not qualified to comment. Never fear! Our canine tasters, Greta and Djuna, joined us for this week’s shoot and they left copious notes. Here are key excerpts:
Greta: “WHAAAATT? They’re letting us ON THE TABLE!! I’ve drEAMED OF This day for so long!!!!”
Djuna: As a highly regarded chef, sommelier, treat connoisseur, PhD candidate in being a good girl and strikingly beautiful dog, I can confidently tell you these are the most delicious treats I’ve ever had. The sensory experience begins when your human takes the lid off the peanut butter and opens a can of pumpkin puree. Your nose will feast on the rich aromas floating through the air. This stage doesn’t last long — prep is only five minutes — so make the most of it. Linger in the kitchen to catch any spills and positively reinforce your human for making you a special treat by being well-mannered, patient and having mesmerizing eyes.
Greta: Eyes! I’ve GOt thoSe!!!
Djuna: When your human puts these treats in the oven, stay in the kitchen to luxuriate in the aroma of baking biscuits. Close your eyes and imagine the treat (literally) waiting for you at the end.
Greta: Treats! TTREats!!!! TREEAATTTSSS!
Djuna: As the treats come out of the oven, stare into your human’s eyes and hypnotize them into giving you a big handful.
Greta: I’m getting very SLeeeeeepY.
Djuna: When your human retires to the patio with a hibiscus daiquiri, surf the counter for crumbs and then fall into a deep, peaceful sleep, knowing you will wake up tomorrow and enjoy more of these unmatchable treats.
Greta: WheeEEEeeee!
The end.
Makes 60 treats
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 18 to 22 minutes
Ingredients
3 cups old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 L&B Large Organic Brown Eggs
¾ cup pumpkin purée
¼ cup sunbutter or peanut butter
Directions
- Heat the oven to 350 F. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the oats and flour and process until the oats are broken down into the texture of coarse cornmeal.
- Add the eggs, pumpkin purée and sunbutter and process until a ball forms.
- Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Turn the dough out and roll it into a ¼-inch thick sheet.
- Using any small cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes and transfer them to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
- Re-roll any excess dough and repeat cutting shapes until all the dough has been used.
- Bake the dog treats on the center rack of the oven, rotating halfway through, for 18 to 22 minutes or until firm to the touch and golden brown on the bottom.
- Transfer the treats to a cooling rack and allow to completely cool before serving. The treats will continue to crisp up as they cool. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 14 days.
Recipe adapted from: Pook’s Pantry
This recipe is brought to you by Nourish, our guide to eating a variety of whole foods that expand your palate, give you more energy and help you live a balanced life. If you love it, check out the entire Nourish collection.
