A paw-fect gift! Tasty and entertaining DIY treats for your dogs

Christmas is a time for giving and if your kids and grandkids are getting presents, then there’s no reason why your pets should miss out either.

These delicious treats will do just the trick, especially if you’re out and about over the holiday period and need something to keep the pooch entertained.

They are much healthier than the store bought treats that are usually packed full of salt so there’s no chance your beloved furry friend will be stacking on the kilos over the festive season.

Dog doughnuts

You have probably enjoyed cream-filled doughnuts, glazed doughnuts, cinnamon doughnuts and sprinkled doughnuts – but what about dog doughnuts? While they’re not something humans would want to eat, your favourite pooch would absolutely love them. They are super easy to make and can be a lot of fun for grandchildren to help cook for their favourite pet. 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup flour 
• 1 cup oats
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs

Topping:

• Greek yoghurt
• Bacon bits

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190°C. Spray doughnut pan with cooking spray. 
2. Mix flour, oats, coconut oil, peanut butter and eggs in a large bowl until a dough forms. 
3. Place mixture into doughnut pan, using hands to press dough in firmly. 
4. Cook for 15 minutes. Allow to cool before removing doughnuts from the pan. 
5. Top with yoghurt and bacon bits. 

Peanut butter, banana, and yoghurt ‘pupsicles’

Ice creams or ice blocks are a normal treat for people to enjoy on a hot summer day, but it can be hard to watch your animals suffering in the heat and not being able to cool them down. These yummy ‘pupsicles’ are the perfect option for those occasions and they will be ready to go in just a few hours. 

Ingredients

• 4 cups plain yoghurt
• 1 large banana
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• Coconut or olive oil cooking spray 
• Small dog treats for the popsicle ‘sticks’

Method

1. Place yoghurt, banana and peanut butter in a blender and mix until smooth. 
2. Spray small muffin tray with cooking spray. Fill half way with yoghurt mixture and then place one treat in each as an edible popsicle stick. Transfer to the freezer and leave for two to three hours. 
3. Once set, remove from tray and give to your dog for a delicious and refreshing treat. 

Frozen watermelon treats

The Australian summer can be brutal, and while humans can easily grab a nice cool drink or ice cream, the same can’t be said for pets. It’s only fair to create a tasty treat for them to enjoy in the heat of the day and what could be better than a fruity ice block? These tasty frozen snacks will keep your pets happy on those scorching days and they will love you for it.

Ingredients

• 1/4 of a watermelon (seedless is best)
• 1 can of coconut milk 

Method

1. Scoop out watermelon and cut into pieces. 
2. Blend together with coconut milk.
3. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. 

Chewy cheddar treats

Cheese is certainly a food that all dogs absolutely drool over and these tasty treats are no different. Filled with cheddar and parmesan, there’s nothing not to like about the simple dog snacks. So the next time you’re enjoying a delicious cheese plate, make sure to whip these up for your pet so they don’t feel so left out. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup evaporated low fat milk
• 1 large egg

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
3. Place teaspoon sized amount of mixture onto a greased baking tray. 
4. Cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before serving to your lucky pet. 

Doggie breath mints 

Dogs are an important part of the family but there’s one thing most people can’t stand – their bad breath. That’s where these super easy doggie breath mints come in handy. They are very quick to make, are a delicious treat for pets and will keep them smelling fresh.

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 cups oats 
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped 
• 1 large egg 
• 1/4 cup of water, plus 1 teaspoon
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil 

1. Preheat oven to 160°C.
2. Place oats in a blender and mix into a flour consistency. Transfer to a large bowl and mix together with parsley, mint, egg, water and oil. 
3. Move dough onto a lightly floured surface and flatten with a rolling pin to around 1cm thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out 40 mints and place onto a lined baking tray.
4. Cook for 35-40 minutes or until golden and crispy. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Frozen Kong 

Kongs are great for keeping your dogs busy and there are plenty of fantastic recipes out there for them to enjoy. This sweet option is so easy to make and your pooch will absolutely love it. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup natural peanut butter 
• 1 teaspoon honey

1. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together.
2. Spoon mixture in to kong toy and place in the the freezer until solid.
3. Serve to your pooch on a hot summer’s day.

Frozen toy-filled cake

• 3 chicken stock cubes
• 1 1/2 litres of water
• Toys 
• Treats 

1. Dissolve stock cubes in water in a large bowl. Pour mixture into a cake tin.
2. Add your dog’s favourite toys and a few treats such as dog biscuits.
3. Place in the freezer and serve on a hot day for a fun and tasty treat. 

Do you have any pets? What are some of your favourite DIY treats?