Making your own dog treats has never been more rewarding, as you have complete control over the ingredients that go into each delightful bite. No need to worry about artificial additives or questionable fillers—just pure goodness made with love. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, blueberries offer a range of health benefits for dogs. The vitamins and minerals found in blueberries contribute to healthy eyesight, cognitive function, and a shiny coat. Plus, the fiber content aids in digestion, keeping your pup’s tummy happy and satisfied. Let’s cook!
Blueberry Dog Treats Ingredients
You just need four basic ingredients to make these blueberry treats.
Blueberries: Bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse for dogs. Fresh or frozen blueberries work well here (if using frozen, just thaw and drain them first). Rolled or Instant Oats: Oats provide a healthy dose of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a happy tummy for your furry friend. They also add a pleasant texture to the treats. Rolled or instant oats work well here, but avoid steel-cut oats, which won’t blend up well. Whole Wheat Flour (or All-Purpose Flour): Whole wheat flour serves as a nutritious base for our treats. It provides necessary carbohydrates and adds structure to the dough. If you prefer, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour for a slightly lighter texture. Peanut Butter: Dogs adore the rich and nutty flavor of peanut butter, making it a perfect ingredient for these treats. Ensure that the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol, as it can be harmful to dogs. Natural peanut butter, without added sugars or artificial sweeteners, works best.
How To Make Blueberry Dog Treats
To make blueberry dog treats, you’ll just mix everything together, shape, bake, and cut! These are a great dog treat for keeping on hand as a healthy, high-value reward. Step 1: Turn On The OvenA very important first step. Get it preheating while you make the dough. Step 2: Blitz DoughCombine the blueberries, oats, whole wheat flour, and peanut butter in a food processor until you achieve a delightful dough. It should be thick but able to hold together. Add more peanut butter if the dough is brittle or doesn’t come together. Step 3: ShapeTake the prepared dough and shape it into a rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Step 4: BakeAfter around 30 minutes, the treats will turn crispy and dry, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite. Step 5: CutWhile the treats are still warm, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut them into small, bite-sized squares. The warmth of the treats makes this step easier and ensures clean cuts. As the treats cool, they will firm up and develop a chewy texture that dogs love.
Tips & Tricks
Adjust consistency if needed: Depending on the moisture content of your blueberries, you may need to make slight adjustments to achieve the right dough consistency. If the dough feels too dry, add a small amount of water or peanut butter. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour. Explore flavor variations: Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Consider adding a dash of cinnamon or a tablespoon of fish oil for some extra flavor. Just ensure that any additional ingredients are safe for dogs. Double-check peanut butter ingredients: Peanut butter is a favorite ingredient, but it’s crucial to double-check that it does not contain xylitol, a sweetener that can be toxic to dogs. Stick to natural peanut butter without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Customize treat shapes: While the recipe suggests shaping the dough into a rectangle, you can get creative with cookie cutters to make fun shapes that will delight your pup. Hearts, bones, or paw prints are popular choices that add a special touch. Store properly: Store the cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. They can also be frozen for future use.
Variations
These homemade dog treats are incredibly customizable! You can throw in:
a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil for healthy fats mashed bananas, sweet potato, or pumpkin for fiber a spoonful of chia seeds or flax seeds for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and egg for protein
For more easy dog treat recipes, try our viral frozen carrot dog chews or these banana dog treats!
