I love my dogs and try to give them the best and healthiest 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 but easy to make. Below you’ll find a basic and simple recipe, plus my two favorite dogs: Bacon Balls and Peanut Butter Sticks.
I think the toaster oven provides an ideal baking environment for dog treats. The proximity of the cooking elements helps them to dry perfectly without burning themselves. However, you can make them in a regular oven if you need to. Simply increase the temperature by 25 degrees F and keep a close eye on them.
Basic treats for dogs
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
1 large chicken egg
Addresses
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Beat in the egg and broth. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cut into desired shape with a pizza cutter (but do not split).
Bake until lightly golden, about 25 to 35 minutes. After cooling, separate and store in an airtight container.
bacon balls
Ingredients
3 strips of bacon, preferably nitrate-free
3/4 cup whole milk
1 large chicken egg
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Addresses
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Dice raw bacon and cook on stovetop over medium heat until cooked through. Set aside to cool.
Beat the egg and milk in a large mixing bowl. Add bacon (including any juices). Mix well. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour. Use your hands to form 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 leftover bacon balls will need to be stored in the refrigerator.
peanut butter bars
Ingredients
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup of whole milk
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Addresses
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Place the peanut butter and milk in a large bowl and stir well. In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour and baking powder. Mix well. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix well.
Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to cut into a rectangular bar shape. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes.
Advice and suggestions
All these masses are thick and dry; if you’re having trouble spreading them out, add a little water or low-sodium broth.
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