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Homemade, Two Ingredient
Dog Treats
Throughout the years, we have built partnerships that need our help outside of our Centre walls. We also have a group of individuals who really want to volunteer but aren’t necessarily comfortable doing that at a location somewhere. A few years ago, we had a group that regularly visited Stray Rescue here in St Louis and helped give food and water to the dogs, clean and fill the kongs with cheese or peanut butter, and washed dishes and blankets and such. If zyou have ever been into a dog shelter, you know that it is loud in there. Not just loud…LOUD. We mean L. O. U. D. Not everyone can handle this type of noise. So we sat back and tried to figure out what else was needed that we could prepare at our Centres.
That’s when one of our most popular groups was formed. Dog Treats. We debated everything from soliciting dog treats from local businesses to begging friends and family and then it hit us! We can make them! After searching Pinterest, we found a variety of dog treat recipes that were nothing short of convoluted and difficult. We also were limited by our equipment within the building.
We had a blender/tiny food processor thing, a microwave, a toaster oven, a bowl, and some utensils….and a whole lot of determination. After three recipes that were not unsuccessful, we finally found the one that we use today…with modifications.
It started out as “Homemade Organic Dog Treats,” and we made them with organic baby foods and organic wheat flour. We ultimately lost the organic and gained a ton of freshness. We changed out the wheat flour for oat flour…which we make ourselves in the blender/food processor. We switched from baby food to fresh fruits or vegetables, steamed in the microwave or baked in the toaster oven, then pureed in the blender/food processor, as well. (Always avoid foods like avocados, chocolate, citrus, grapes and raisins, onions, and garlic, as these can be harmful or toxic to dogs.)
The recipe is the most simple ever. One jar (or ½ cup) of baby food/pureed fruits or vegetables to about 1 cup of whole wheat or oat flour. You can add additional spices like cinnamon, as well. Mix it together until firm. Roll and cut into desired shape. Bake on 350 for about 10 minutes, or until set. If you cook them longer, they will be crispier. That’s it.
So now the dogs at Stray Rescue, Stray Paws Rescue, the Humane Society of Missouri, and Florissant Animal Control are getting delicious homemade treats regularly…and we have it on good authority that those crazy canines LOVE them!
Easiest Homemade Dog Treats
1 jar or ½ cup of baby food or pureed fruits or vegetables
1 cup of whole wheat or oatmeal flour
Additional spices (like cinnamon) ONLY if non-toxic to dogs, if desired
Mix together until firm. Roll and cut to desired shape. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 10 minutes or until they reach the desired firmness.
As you can see, they aren't always pretty, especially if the oats aren't as finely ground but they always get an A+ with the dogs!
If you would like to donate to the local rescues and shelter with whom we partner, check out their wish lists at the links below!
Stray Paws Rescue's Amazon Wishlist