DIY: Home Made Dog Treats

Sometimes its hard to find treats that I can give to my dogs. Axle has such a sensitive stomach that he has to be on a special diet, and can't have a lot of off the shelf dog treats. We are often in and out of the vet with him because of his tummy troubles. 

A lot of what causes his ailments are the over processed and chemical filled 'treats' that line the shelves of super markets and pet stores. I always have to be very careful when I'm trying out a new treat so I don't give Axle something that will upset his system. One way that I have found to help with this issue is making my own dog treats at home! This way I know exactly what I'm giving them, and I can easily avoid anything that could make them sick! 

I got this recipe from Bullwrinkle.com. I like this one because it is very simple and takes very little effort to make. And I usually have all the ingredients in my pantry already. The fact that there are so few ingredients makes me very happy to make these on my own. I don't know how many times I've gone to a pet supply store and picked up a bag off the shelf, only to be completely floored by the mile long list of ingredients on the back! Half of which I can't even pronounce. 

Now this may sound like overkill to a lot of dog owners. Most dogs I know can eat just about anything (including a lot of stuff that isn't even food) and it won't phase them. (Clover is this kind of dog) But when you have a dog that has food allergies you will go to great lengths to find them food that their delicate systems will tolerate. (Being so diligent about Axle's diet also saves me from having to clean up lots of ....erm... 'dog mess' .... later on.)

All you will need for this recipe is:

• 2 cups whole-wheat flour 
• 1 tbsp. baking powder 
• 1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth) 
• 1 cup milk

Pre-heat your oven to 375 F and combine all your dry ingredients in one mixing bowl. In another bowl mix the milk and peanut butter. If you like to keep your peanut butter in the refrigerator, you may want to separate out what you need for this recipe and let that sit out at room temperature for a few hours so it will be easier to mix.

 Don't forget to let the dogs lick the bowl!

 And the whisk!

After your wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed you can now combine them in one bowl. Kneed this until it makes a dough. Lightly sprinkle some of your left over flower on some wax paper and roll the dough out to about 1/4 of an inch thick. You can use cookie cutters to make fun shapes or just tear off small clumps of the dough (just like regular cookie dough) and put them onto a greased (or tin foil lined) cookie sheet. 

Bake for about 20 minutes. Check ont them regularly, these cookies can go from done to burnt really quickly. When they are lightly brown take them out of the oven and let them cool completely before you give them to your dog. Store in an air tight container. 

And that's it! Simple huh!? And I'm sure your dogs will love them! Sensitive tummy or not, this is a great, simple little recipe that all dogs will love! And you can be happy knowing exactly what you are feeding your pooch! You could even decorate them for a special occasion using dog safe icing. 

Do you have and doggie friendly recipes that you love? Any you have always wanted to try? Do you have any words of wisdom for caring for a sensitive stomached pup? Please share with us in the comments below! We love learning about all of you and your sweet doggies!