I love my dogs and try to give them the healthiest and best foods. Dog treats are no exception, so when I have time I make my own in my toaster oven. This way I know exactly what’s in them and I don’t have to worry about dangerous additives and preservatives. They are cheaper than store-bought yet easy to make. Below you’ll find a simple, basic recipe plus my two dogs favorites: bacon balls and peanut butter bars.
I find the toaster oven provides an ideal baking environment for the dog treats. The close proximity of the baking elements help them to dry out perfectly without burning. However, you could make these in a regular oven if needed. Just raise the temperature by 25 degrees F and keep a close eye on them.
Basic Dog Treats
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken or beef stock
1 large chicken egg
Directions
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the egg and stock. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cut into desired shape with a pizza cutter (but don’t separate.)
Bake until lightly golden, about 25 to 35 minutes. After cooling, break apart and store in an airtight container.
Bacon Balls
Ingredients
3 strips of bacon, preferably nitrate free
3/4 cup of whole milk
1 large chicken egg
2 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
Directions
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Dice the raw bacon and cook on your stove top over medium heat until fully cooked. Set aside to cool.
Beat the egg and milk in a large mixing bowl. Add the bacon (including the drippings.) Mix well. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour. Use your hands to roll into a dozen round balls, each about 2 inches. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 45 minutes.
Any bacon balls leftover will need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup of whole milk
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Directions
Heat you toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Put the peanut butter and milk into a large mixing bowl and stir well. In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Mix well. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix well.
Place the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet and roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to cut into a rectangular bar shape. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes.
Tips and Suggestions
All of these doughs are on the thick and dry side; if you have trouble rolling them out add a little bit of water or low-sodium stock.
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