And there’s no doubt that we (our dogs included) love the fall season. The weather is cool and makes for the perfect time to make fall-inspired treats!

So, to celebrate the season and make it even better for our furry friends, why not whip up some homemade fall dog treats? Continue reading to find some safe and delicious dog treat recipes for the season!

Homemade Fall Dog Treats Ingredients

Indulging in tasty, fall-inspired treats is one way to celebrate the season! From pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato, there are just so many delicious ingredients to take your fall-inspired treats one step further.

And while we love sharing our food with our dogs, there are just some tasty foods and/or ingredients that can’t be shared with them.

The good news is, we can definitely make some delicious fall treats for them using pet-safe ingredients!

Safe Fall-Inspired Food For Dogs

Let your dog have a taste of the fall season with the following pet-safe food you can add to homemade dog fall treats:

• Pumpkin: This fall season staple is safe for your dogs, so they can definitely enjoy it, too. As a matter of fact, pumpkin can be a part of a pooch’s diet because it’s a great source of fiber! However, make sure to use or feed your dog unsweetened pumpkin, as pumpkin pie fillings may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Sweet potato: Another fall season staple that is safe and offers a lot of health benefits for your pup. Make sure to give your dog cooked, and skinless sweet potato, though!
• Apple: A fruit that can be a good fall dog treats on its own. An apple helps freshen dogs’ breath and is a high-fiber snack.
• Cranberry: While your pooch may not like this fruit’s tart flavor on its own, they may enjoy cranberries if added as an ingredient to dog biscuits.
• Turkey: Thanksgiving’s perfect celebratory centerpiece is safe for your pooch, too. It is both appetizing and nutritionally beneficial so, you can feed your pooch sliced or chopped turkey pieces or add it as ingredient to dog treats.
• Peanut Butter: Last but definitely not the least. Honestly, peanut butter is a great dog treat ingredient any time of the year, and dogs love it! Like pumpkin, make sure to choose a peanut butter without artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

Dangerous Fall-Inspired Food For Dogs

One good thing about making your dog’s own treats instead of buying them is that you can choose what ingredients to put. So, when making fall dog treats, make sure to avoid these fall-inspired food that are toxic to our furry friends for a fun and healthy fall season:

• Grape and raisin: These are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. As a matter of fact, they can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Chocolate: When making homemade dog treats, these fall/Halloween treats are a major no-no. They’re toxic and can pose serious problems to dogs.
• Avocado: While hoomans love avocados for their health benefits, these fruits are toxic to dogs and can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
• Onion and garlic: These are among the most dangerous foods for dogs. They are toxic to our furry friends and can damage red blood cells that can lead to anemia.
• Cooked bones: Ham, turkey, chicken, and steak bones are a no-no for our furry friends. This is because cooked bones can be extremely dangerous when ingested because they can damage a dog’s digestive system.

5 Homemade Fall Dog Treat Recipes

Your dog deserves the best treats! And we understand that finding the perfect homemade fall dog treat recipes for your furry friend can be tricky.

So, without further ado, here are five recipes you can try at home to make the fall season a lot better and tastier for your pooch!

1. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Nibblers

Of course, our furry friends should get a taste of one of the most popular fall season staple — pumpkin. Furthermore, this fall dog treat has peanut butter, which makes it even better!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 ¼ cups of canned pumpkin (only use the pure pumpkin purée)
• ¼ cup of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup of water
• Additional flour for rolling

Reminder(s): Make sure to buy peanut butter that has no artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Furthermore, do not use pumpkin pie filling.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Add water as necessary to combine all the ingredients.
4. Roll out dough to about ¼ inch of thickness and then cut them using your favorite cookie cutters.
5. Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes.
6. For a crisper, harder biscuit, you may bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, tops. Cool the pumpkin cookies completely before serving.

If you want to try out other pumpkin dog treat recipes, you can check out more of them here!

2. Oatmeal-Turkey Biscuits

If you’re not sure what to do with your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, this recipe is perfect for you and your pooch!

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup turkey (or chicken) broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded turkey (or chicken)

Reminder(s): You can make your own broth, but if you choose to buy, make sure to choose a low sodium broth.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease the cookie sheets.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set that aside.
3. Add the broth and the leftover turkey in your blender and then blend them together until it’s the consistency of baby food.
4. Add the meat mixture and the dry ingredients together and mix them well.
5. Turn out the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. 
6. Roll out the dough and cut into your desired shapes.
7. Put the biscuits on the pre-greased cookie sheets with little room between each.
8. Bake the biscuits in the oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Completely cool the cookies before giving them to your pooch.

3. Sweet Potato Dog Treat Chews

If you’re looking for fall dog treats that only need one ingredient to make, then you’re in it for a treat! This sweet potato dog treat chews recipe is just what you’re looking for.

Ingredients:

As mentioned above, you only need one ingredient for this healthy and delicious dog treat: sweet potatoes.

Instructions:

1. Slice the sweet potatoes into lengthwise slices about 1/3-inch thick to make sure they are chewy enough.
2. Put the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Set your oven to the lowest heat setting and let them cook away for about 6 hours.
4. Make sure to flip the slices at about the 3-hour mark.
5. Once they’re cooked, let the slices cool down in the oven. This will help dehydrate the treats even further.

4. Brie’s Turkey and Cranberry Dog Bones

If you want to spice the fall dog treats up a bit, this turkey and cranberry dog bone recipe will surely do it for you.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth, or as needed

Reminder(s): You can make your own broth, but if you choose to buy, make sure to choose a low sodium broth.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease the cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour and baking powder together until thoroughly combined, and stir in the cooked turkey meat and dried cranberries.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and drop the egg into the center; pour in the olive oil and about 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Mix into a soft dough. If the mixture is too dry, continue to gradually add more chicken broth until the dough has the right consistency.
4. Turn out the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it for about one to two minutes.
5. Roll the dough out 1/4 inch thick, and cut out with your favorite cookie cutters.
6. Bake the biscuits in the oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Turn the oven off, but let the biscuits cool in the oven for an additional 30 minutes to let them dehydrate.

5. Autumn Frozen Dog Treat

We understand that frozen treats are perfect for summer — but if you can order cold pumpkin spice latte in autumn, then don’t you think your pooch deserves a cold treat, too?

If you’re looking for frozen fall dog treats, then this is the recipe you need!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup organic pumpkin purée
• 1 1/2 cups of bone broth

Reminder(s): Do not use pumpkin pie filling because it may contain xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs.

Instructions:

1. In a blender, add the blueberries, pumpkin puree, and bone broth and then blend them properly all together.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone mold(s).
3. Pop into the freezer for about four to five hours, or overnight.
4. Once frozen properly, give it to your pup!

Conclusion

Hopefully, these homemade fall dog treats can spice things up for you and your pooch this autumn. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you ever try any of these recipes!

What we like about making our dogs treats at home is we can tailor the recipes to suit our dogs’ preferences. And we also know the ingredients and nutritional values of the treats.

However, some of the recipes available online include certain content we never want to feed our dog. So, before following a recipe you discover online, do a bit of research to ensure that the ingredients are safe for your furry friend.

Want to make safe and delicious goodies for your pooch? Continue reading below to find ingredients you should avoid at all costs when making homemade dog treats.

5 Ingredients To Avoid When Making Homemade Dog Treats

Without further ado, here are five ingredients you must not include in your pooch’s homemade treats.

1. Onion

For those who are not aware of the fact that onions are a terrible food for canines, this is your heads up. Never feed any dog raw or cooked onions, and never include them in any of the homemade dog treats you make.

Onions contains N-propyl disulfide, a toxic substance that can cause anemia in dogs. It also contains thiosulphate, a substance that dogs cannot properly digest. And if ingested in large amounts, can even result in death, especially to small dogs.

And while fresh onions are toxic to dogs, onion powder is more dangerous. So always check, not only homemade dog treat ingredients, but also human food you feed your dog.

2. Garlic

Garlic is another ingredient to avoid. It is considered a gastrointestinal irritant and when consumed by dogs, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Much like onions, this herb has the potential to cause serious digestive issues, and will also result in the death of a dog that consumes garlic in large amounts. And in powder form, is much more dangerous than its fresh counterpart.

According to Pet MD, garlic found in small doses on manufactured dog food and treats, but tested by pet food manufacturers, is okay.

However, if you are making the treats at home, this is not recommended. As store bought dog food/treats with small doses of garlic are, again, tested by professionals.

3. Chocolate

Here is a big one: chocolate, in any form, is NEVER to be fed to a dog. This is because it contains theobromine and caffeine, chemicals that our furry friends can not metabolize as well as humans do.

While chocolate is rarely fatal, it can result in serious health problems. I know a lady who has fed her dogs Oreo cookies for many years and every one of these dogs has died at an early age, and had many health problems before passing away.

Furthermore, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs who have ingested chocolate can experience vomiting, diarrhea, panting, restlessness, increased thirst and a racing heart rate. And in rare and severe cases, chocolate can cause muscle tremors, seizures and worse, heart failure.

4. Raisins & Grapes

Raisins and grapes must also be avoided when making homemade dog treats. While many of the homemade goodies fur parents make are in cookie form, raisins and/or grapes should not be added as dog cookie ingredients.

And you might think, “what harm will a few grapes/raisins do?” More than you think! Consuming even one grape and/or raisin can be fatal to dogs. This is because raisins and grapes contains tartaric acid, which attacks the kidney, causing renal failure in dogs, regardless of size.

5. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute used by humans because unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause tooth decay and has lower calories.

Furthermore, it is found in other human foods that we usually feed our dogs such as baked goods, “sugar-free” desserts, skinny ice cream, and more.

However, xylitol is toxic to dogs. FDA even issued a warning back in 2021 and talked about its dangers to our furry friends.

So, if you’re planning to make homemade dog treats using a sugar alternative, Xylitol should be off the table, literally and figuratively.

Ingredients To Add To Homemade Dog Treats

If you’re wondering what you can add to your homemade dog treats so your pooch will love them, here’s a few safe and delicious ingredients:

• Pumpkin
• Strawberry
• Blueberry
• Banana
• Peach
• Apple
• Pear
• Cucumber
• Peanut Butter (xylitol-free, of course)
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Kale

Conclusion

Making homemade dog treats can be a fun and fulfilling experience. But it is always important to do your due diligence when grabbing homemade dog treats recipes off the Internet.

Most of these recipes will be fine, but doing your own research and educating yourself about safe ingredients is a must.

Do you make homemade treats for your doggy? Comment any tips and advice for other fur parents below!

Valentine’s Day Dog Treats by Gone to the Snow Dogs

YouTube channel, Gone to the Snow Dogs, is a dog lover’s dream! They create tons of awesome videos of their three huskies doing well, just about everything! This year they’ve shared several delicious Valentine’s Day recipes for dogs on their YouTube channel. The following Valentine’s Day treats are ones that have been created by them and are perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Homemade Strawberry Carob Cupcakes For Dogs

Homemade Valentine’s Day Strawberry Gummy Dog Treats

Homemade Valentine’s Day Chocolates For Dogs

Homemade Valentine’s Day Dog Cookies

Homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes For Dogs

Homemade Chocolate Cookies For Dogs

Homemade Valentine Conversation Hearts for Dogs

Homemade Marble Hearts Valentine’s Dog Treats

Other Valentine’s Day Ideas For Your Dog

Looking for more ideas? Try our articles on Ways to spend Quality Time with Your Dog on Valentine’s Day or Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Pooch.

Happy Valentine’s Day

By now you have some great Valentine’s Day treats ready to go for your furry Valentine. While these Valentine’s Day dog treats are all homemade, they can be given in a variety of ways. You can serve them as Valentine’s Day party snacks at a Valentine’s Day dog event, Valentine’s Day dinner with your Valentine or you can make these Valentine’s Day treats for dogs to enjoy over the holiday.

Whatever way you choose to celebrate Valentine’s this year, we hope that it is filled with love, joy and happiness.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Luckily, although these recipes contain just a few simple, safe, and healthy ingredients (most of which you’ll already have in the pantry), they’re really big on taste!

First, You’ll Need These Basic Supplies:
Though these easy-peasy recipes only contain 4 ingredients each, you’ll still need a few basic supplies. They are:

Measuring Cup
Mixer or Spoon & Mixing Bowl
Parchment Paper
Rolling Pin
Cookie Cutters (Think of fun shapes your dog will enjoy!)
Cookie Sheet

Pumpkin Crunch Cookies

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber for dogs! In fact, many dog owners include pumpkin as a part of their dog’s daily diet to keep the digestive system healthy. These drool-worthy Pumpkin Crunch Cookies bake up crisp and crunchy, just how dogs love them. To top it off, they’re a breeze to make!

You’ll need:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat or all-purpose flour
1 cup 100% pure pumpkin, canned
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg

Important: When buying canned pumpkin, check the label carefully to make sure ONLY 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which could contain nutmeg, a toxin for dogs.

If you prefer a grain-free treat, this recipe can be made using an alternative flour, like coconut flour. However, grain-free flour alternatives will typically change the outcome of the cookie. Coconut flour, for example, will require additional moisture while chia flour will result in a cookie that may not crisp up, but will remain softer after baking. Have fun playing with alternative flours and please, share your favorite grain-free baking tips in a comment below!

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Combine pumpkin, cinnamon and egg in a bowl. Mix until well blended.
3. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time into the mixture until a stiff dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shape and size treats. Line treats 1/2 inch apart on a non-greased cookie sheet. Because these treats don’t expand during cooking, they’ll hold their shape well and can be baked fairly close together.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until treats are golden brown.
6. Turn the oven off, but leave the cookie sheet of treats inside for about 1-2 hours to allow them to become crunchy.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

These crunchy cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to a month, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Biscuits

Have you ever met a dog that didn’t simply beg for peanut butter? These easy-peasy peanut butter and oatmeal biscuits bake up to a perfect crunch and, since you’re selecting the ingredients yourself, you’ll know they’re healthy and safe.

You’ll need:
2 cups whole wheat flour (or an alternative as mentioned above)
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup natural peanut butter, chunky or smooth
1 1/4 cups hot water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Mix together flour and rolled oats.
3. Gradually mix in peanut butter and hot water until dough forms. If you find that the dough is too sticky to knead, add flour as needed.
4. Knead the dough well.
5. Roll out dough into ¼ inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
6. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 40 minutes.
7. Turn the oven off, but leave the cookie sheet of treats inside overnight to allow them to completely cool and become crunchy. (Although, if you simply can’t wait to give your dog a taste, pull a couple out of the oven and allow them to cool before serving. They’ll taste great, but won’t have the biscuit texture just yet.)

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week, in the refrigerator for 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Carrot & Apple Cookies

Both carrots and apples are the perfect low-calorie, healthy, fiber-rich snack, but some dogs are bored by fresh produce and would rather nibble on a cookie instead. (Some humans are the same way!) These super easy, super healthy, drool-worthy cookies will definitely quench your dog’s cookie craving.

You’ll need:
1 cup of whole wheat flour (or an alternative flour as mentioned above)
1 cup of grated carrots
1 egg
1/2 cup natural, unsweetened applesauce

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Combine ingredients in bowl and mix together until dough forms.
3. By hand, roll dough into small balls and arrange 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Flatten dough balls so that the cookies are about about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until treats are golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. You may speed up the process by moving the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

These Carrot & Apple Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week, in the refrigerator for 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

And, the most important step in all 3 recipes above…. Enjoy!

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What Benefits Fido Can Get from Canned Pumpkin:

Pumpkins are very rich in fiber and even just 2 teaspoons of a canned version of it can aid in your dog’s digestion process.

Canned pumpkin, which is in puree form, contains lots of dietary fiber which can absorb the excess water in your dog’s stool; thus, making his poop more firm. This makes it perfect for when your dog has diarrhea. Interestingly, the same product can treat constipation. Canned pumpkin can also help in softening Fido’s stool and cure his upset stomach in an instant. No wonder, this common item for consumption is regarded as one of the best natural remedies to our pet’s stomach problems. Aside from that, canned pumpkin can also make a tasty, healthy addition to dog treats.

Canned pumpkins are not just rich in fiber, but in some other nutrients as well such as Vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. It’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, too! So making treats for Fido with this nourishing ingredient is a good health decision. Try out a couple of these recipes!

Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Nibblers

Ingredients:
2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
2 eggs
1 ¼ cups of canned pumpkin (only use the pure pumpkin puree, not the pumpkin chunks or pumpkin pie filling)
¼ cup of peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
¼ cup of water
additional flour for rolling.

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Add water as necessary to combine all the ingredients.
4. Roll out dough to about ¼ inch of thickness and then cut them using your favorite cookie cutters.
5. Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes.
6. For a crisper, harder biscuit, you may bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, tops. Cool the pumpkin cookies completely before serving.

Pumpkin Crunch Cookies

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat or all purpose flour
1 cup 100% pure pumpkin, canned
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Combine pumpkin, cinnamon and egg in a bowl. Mix until well blended.
3. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time into the mixture until a stiff dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shape and size treats. Line treats 1/2 inch apart on a non-greased cookie sheet. Because these treats don’t expand during cooking, they’ll hold their shape well and can be baked fairly close together.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until treats are golden brown.
6. Turn the oven off, but leave the cookie sheet of treats inside for about 1-2 hours to allow them to become crunchy.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

Both of these crunchy cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to a month, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

If you prefer a grain-free treat, the recipes can be made using an alternative flour, like coconut flour. However, grain-free flour alternatives will typically change the outcome of the cookie. Coconut flour, for example, will require additional moisture while chia flour will result in a cookie that may not crisp up, but will remain softer after baking. Have fun playing with alternative flours and please, share your favorite grain-free baking tips in a comment below!

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Many cleaning products are known to be a common source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be dangerous to both humans and animals. That said, you’ll want to think twice before you use a traditional cleaner to rid your house of dog smells. 

To help you deodorize your house safely, below TurboTenant has outlined some effective natural cleaning solutions using dog-safe essential oils.

1. Dog Odor Freshener

When your furry friend fills the house with their unwanted smells, this pet odor freshener can come in handy. All you need to create this recipe is the following:

• 12 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 cups of water
• 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
• 1 spray bottle

Once you’ve gathered these ingredients, all you have to do is mix them in your spray bottle and spritz the necessary smelly surfaces. Don’t be afraid to spray your solution liberally for those tougher-to-get-at smells. 

Furthermore, if your dog’s bed is in need of a cleaning, there’s a simple solution. Just powder baking soda onto the bed and let it sit for a decent amount of time. Afterward, vacuum up the baking soda and your pet’s bed should be good as new. 

2. Carpet Refresher Solution

Sometimes, your carpet can house the worst pet odors. Especially if your new puppy made an accident, you’ll want to bring out the big guns. In this case, this carpet refresher solution is the way to go.

For this cleaning recipe you will need:

• 1 cup of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 shaker container – an empty and cleaned parmesan cheese container works great!

Mix your ingredients together in your shaker and you will have a powdery solution that can negate any annoying carpet smell.  Simply sprinkle your cleaning remedy onto the carpet, let it sit for about an hour, vacuum it up, and your carpet will smell like snickerdoodles — perfect for the holiday season.

3. Simmer Pot Air Freshener

After you’ve finished cleaning any smelly messes, an air freshener can be the perfect way to fill your home with new, pleasant aromas. Ditch the common plug-in fresheners and try this natural simmer pot recipe to push out old pet smells in no time at all. All you need for this recipe is:

• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves

Toss your ingredients into a pot on the stove, fill the pot about halfway with water, and heat the mixture on a low setting. Let your solution sit for the day and add more water as needed. As the ingredients cook, your house will be filled with a pleasant, seasonal aroma.

While our furry friends can bring unwanted smells into the house, there are natural solutions to deodorize your room. Using the above recipes, you can keep your house smelling good while keeping you and your pets safe from harmful chemicals found in traditional cleaners. For more natural deodorizing remedies, check out this infographic below.

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Packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, when used as a supplement to your dog’s diet, bone broth:
• promotes a healthy digestive system
• detoxifies the liver
• promotes healthy joint function, and
• encourages picky, sick, or elderly dogs to eat.

This homemade bone broth recipe is slow-cooked over low heat, increasing nutrient density and bioavailability.

You’ll need:

– Large Crockpot/Slow Cooker

– Bones – cooked or raw, organic & grass-fed whenever possible
 *Our favorite bones for broth include: marrow bones, joint bones (with cartilage), duck/turkey    
  necks, chicken frames, and even chicken feet – but ANY bones will do!

– Raw Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon per gallon

– Optional Add-Ins: Fresh herbs or veggies (kale, kelp, medicinal mushrooms, broccoli, parsley, oregano, turmeric, etc)

Instructions:

1. Fill large crockpot with bones.

2. Add water to pot until bones are completely covered, plus an additional 2-3 inches of water.

3. Add raw apple cider vinegar to the pot.

4. Turn crockpot on to HIGH for 1 hour, then reduce heat to LOW and let simmer for 24-hours.

5. Strain out all bones and meat, leaving only broth in the pot.

6. Add optional ingredients (herbs, vegetables, turmeric, etc) to the broth.

7. Turn off heat and let broth cool completely, then refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. After refrigeration, your bone broth may develop a thin layer of white fat on top. Just break the fat “crust” apart and discard. Bone broth below the fat layer will have a jelly-like consistency.

8. Spoon out and serve as needed.

Feel free to experiment with different types of bones – you can even toss in bones leftover from your own meals – and healthy, dog-safe herbs and vegetables each time you cook up a new batch.

This bone broth recipe can be kept in refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for several months.

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What is a barkuterie board?

If you’ve stumbled upon this article, chances are, you’re wondering what exactly a barkuterie board is. Well, it’s what it sounds like: a wordplay on charcuterie board, referring to the creation of an appetizer board for your favorite furry friend.  

Barkuterie boards are easy to prepare in your kitchen, but you can transport them, too. If you’re bringing the barkuterie board somewhere to share—like a dog park—make sure you adhere to dog park etiquette.  

Barkuterie-safe foods

When it comes to introducing your dogs to different foods, it’s important to be safe. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered in that department. It’s best to feed many of these treats to your furry friend in moderation, and introduce them to one new food at a time. Additionally, make sure you cut it into bite-sized pieces, so your dog doesn’t choke! With that being said, here are some great foods to add to your barkuterie board.

Vegetables

It’s best (and easiest!) to feed your dogs these vegetables raw, but if you do want to cook steam or boil them, make sure you don’t use any extra oil, butter or flavorings. 

• Raw cucumbers
• Raw carrots
• Sweet potato and pumpkin
• Raw bell peppers
• Beans and peas
• Broccoli (in small amounts)
• Brussels sprouts and cabbage (in small amounts)
• Raw celery

Fruits

When preparing a barkuterie board, it’s important to keep in mind which fruits dogs can eat. 

• Berries (in moderation)
• Bananas
• Apples
• Watermelon or cantaloupe
• Mango
• Peaches (no pit)
• Pears
• Pineapple pieces

Other treats

The fruits and veggies will add a lot of color, but these extra treats will add a bit of flavor. Try adding some of them to the board to mix it up a little. 

• Cheese
• Kibble and dog treats
• Jerky or freeze dried meats
• Spreads (like peanut butter)
• Pup-sicles 
• Egg (cooked, to avoid salmonella)

If you’d like an easy way to decorate your board, we’ve included printable barkuterie tags that are available for download.

Barkuterie board inspiration

Now that you’re prepared with best safety practices and a barkuterie background, check out these boards for some barkuterie inspiration!

1. Time for a pupnic

If the weather allows, take your dog for a pupnic. It can be just the two of you, but if you decide to go on a picnic—maybe with some friends or family—include your dog by packing a barkuterie board for them!  

2. Enhance their experience

Barkuterie boards are a great way to stimulate your dog by introducing them to new things. This can help make your dog more cultured and give them a fun, different experience instead of their same-old routines.

3. Celebrate your dog

Maybe your furry friend has a birthday coming up, or maybe you just want to show them off. Spelling out their name (using a cookie cutter to cut pieces of cheese, treats, or fruit) is a cute way to do it. You can also experiment with different arrangements to make the barkuterie look as pretty as your pup!

Now that you’ve been fully informed, it’s time to create your barkuterie board. Be sure to take lots of pictures of your pup—happy snacking! 

Homemade Pupsicle Recipe Ideas

1. Whole-fruit Pupsicles. Begin by mixing 4 cups of water, 1 cup of chopped fresh fruit, and 1 tbsp. of molasses (dissolved in water) in a bowl. Just pick the fruit that your pooch loves the most (don’t forget to discard any of its pits or seeds!). Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.

2. Apple-Honey Pupsicles. Start by mixing 2 six-ounce containers of non-fat, plain yogurt, 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, 2 tbsp. of honey, and 1/3 cup of applesauce in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.

3. Chicken Pupsicles. Combine 1 cup of low-sodium chicken stock, ½ cup of water, and 1 ½ ounces of finely chopped chicken meat in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.

4. Bacon Pupsicles. Combine 1 cup of non-fat, plain yogurt, 1/3 cup of cinnamon applesauce, ¼ cup of milk, 3 ounce-bag of real bacon bits, and 3 tbsps. of maple syrup in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.

5. Banana-Peanut Butter Pup-cream. Prepare the following ingredients: 1 ripe banana, ½ cup of peanut butter, ¼ cup of wheat germ. Prepare by mashing the bananas and peanut butter together. Stir the mixture in wheat germ, and then pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.

For an added treat, use a carrot stick or your dog’s favorite healthy, long crunchy treat as the popsicle stick! When using a popsicle mold, allow the mixture to partially set and insert the “stick” into each popsicle, then allow it to freeze completely.

Do you have a favorite Pup-sicle recipe to share? We’d love to hear it in a comment below!

These 4 cool and refreshing treat recipes are easy to make, easy to serve, and can be customized for even the most discerning of dogs. Best of all, since you pick the ingredients, you’ll know exactly what your four-legged friends are eating and enjoying.

Peanut Butter & Banana Pupsicles

You’ll need:
32oz plain yogurt
1 banana
2 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter (Try Green Coast Pet’s Pawnut Butter!)
1 tbsp honey

Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until well blended and an even consistency. Pour or spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.

Feel free to get creative with this easy, inexpensive recipe! Add a burst of flavor by dropping a few fresh blueberries into each cube before freezing, or make these frozen treats extra drool-worthy by folding in crumbled bacon. Experiment with different sizes and shapes – like a bone shaped ice cube tray – to create a treat that’s perfectly sized for your unique pooch.

Chicken & Pumpkin Pops

You’ll need:
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (If you don’t have time to cook, canned chicken or tuna is an excellent, easy alternative!)
¾ cup plain yogurt
½ cup canned pumpkin (make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling which could contain dangerous ingredients)
3 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until well blended and an even consistency. Pour or spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.

For parents of little dogs (or even cats!) pour the mixture into a piping bag and pipe out mini droplet treats onto a parchment lined cookie sheet before freezing. These tiny treats will make excellent summertime training treats your dog will beg for!

Apple & Honey Pupsicles

You’ll need:
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter
2 tbsp honey
½ cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until well blended and an even consistency. Pour or spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. As an alternative, this recipe can be made into popsicles, too! Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and allow to partially freeze. Once the mixture is frozen to a semi-solid state, insert carrot sticks, bully sticks, or your dog’s favorite long, thin treat as the popsicle stick and then freeze completely.

Bonus! Dogs with pollen allergies can benefit from the use of locally made honey in this recipe as small amounts of honey, made by local bees using the very local pollens your dog may be sensitive to, can help the body build a natural tolerance.

Beggin’ Beef or Chicken Pops

You’ll need:
4 cups beef or chicken broth (low-sodium, without onions)
½ cup fresh or frozen veggies or fruit, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Pour dog-safe beef or chicken broth into ice cube trays, freeze, and serve as a deliciously cool summer treat. If desired, add chopped fresh or frozen veggies, like carrots, green beans, broccoli, or Fido-friendly fruits, like apples, blueberries, or mango for an added burst of flavor. Have fun with this one and your dog will, too!

These meaty popsicles are great as a treat alone, or can be dropped in your dog’s bowl at mealtimes to add fun and flavor to boring kibble on a warm summer day.

What are your favorite ways to treat your dog to something cool and refreshing when the weather heats up? Please, share your ideas in a comment below!

Standing in the pet food aisle of your local grocery store, staring down the endless array of treats, chews, and snacks for your dog can get overwhelming – especially if you start reading those long lists of un-pronounceable ingredients!

If your dog is a chewer, or if he prefers a crunch, this recipe from Dog Treat Kitchen is totally customizable – and totally delicious!

DIY: Sweet Potato Dog Chews

Since it’s one of the sweetest of all the vegetables, just like the name implies, you’ll have no trouble getting your dog to try this dog treat recipe.

Making your own all natural dog treat is an excellent alternative to rawhide.

Ingredients:

• 1 Large Sweet Potato, washed & dried

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250° F
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut off one side of the sweet potato lengthwise, as close to the edge as possible. Cutting the side of the potato first allows you to then turn the potato onto this flat surface that you have just created. Having a stable area to rest the potato will make it easier to cut the potato into slices. Don’t discard that first piece, it comes out just as yummy as the rest!
4. Cut the rest of the potato into 1/3″ slices, no smaller than 1/4″.
5. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 3 hours, turning half way through.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Storing – Although these treats are dried, you will want to keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. You can freeze them for up to 4 months.

Tips & Techniques

• Choosing a Sweet Potato – You want to find a potato that is as uniform in shape as possible. This will aid in the drying process as the pieces will be similar in shape and will cook through at the same time. Also, try to find one that has fewer blemishes or bruises. While you’re picking one to make a sweet potato dog chew, go ahead and pick some for the family, too!

• Knife Skills – If you are a pro with a knife, you may not need to cut off one side to stable your potato. If that’s the case, then by all means skip that step. However, for those of us who are more handy with a pastry bag, than a knife, having a stable surface makes all the difference.

• Cutting Even Pieces – One way to ensure your pieces are as even as possible, is to first rest your knife where you would like to cut. Then press down gently across the entire length of the knife. Make a slight cut, then press firmly on your knife from one end to the other, and cut all the way through.

• Degree of Chewiness – Baking for 3 hours results in a soft, but chewy dog treat. If your dog prefers more of a crunch, then bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. When you take the sweet potatoes out of the oven, they may at first appear to be too soft. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before you decide whether or not to bake them longer. This is because they will continue to dry or harden while cooling.

• Parental Supervision – This is not a dog treat recipe that we recommend for the kids. Please use caution while using a sharp knife, whether you are young or young at heart.

Whether your dog has a need to chew or not, she’ll love this all natural sweet potato dog chew. In fact, it’s such an easy dog treat recipe, I bet you’ll be making several batches at a time for your dog and all of his all natural dog treat loving friends!

Find more great do-it-yourself recipes for your dog here. Have you ever tried making your own sweet potato dog chews? Did your dog love them as much as mine does? Tell us about it, and your favorite other recipes in the comments below!

Luckily, although these recipes contain just a few simple, safe, and healthy ingredients (most of which you’ll already have in the pantry), they’re really big on taste!

First, You’ll Need These Basic Supplies:
Though these easy-peasy recipes only contain 4 ingredients each, you’ll still need a few basic supplies. They are:

Measuring Cup
Mixer or Spoon & Mixing Bowl
Parchment Paper
Rolling Pin
Cookie Cutters (Think of fun shapes your dog will enjoy!)
Cookie Sheet

Pumpkin Crunch Cookies

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber for dogs! In fact, many dog owners include pumpkin as a part of their dog’s daily diet to keep the digestive system healthy. These drool-worthy Pumpkin Crunch Cookies bake up crisp and crunchy, just how dogs love them. To top it off, they’re a breeze to make!

You’ll need:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat or all purpose flour
1 cup 100% pure pumpkin, canned
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg

Important: When buying canned pumpkin, check the label carefully to make sure ONLY 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which could contain nutmeg, a toxin for dogs.

If you prefer a grain-free treat, this recipe can be made using an alternative flour, like coconut flour. However, grain-free flour alternatives will typically change the outcome of the cookie. Coconut flour, for example, will require additional moisture while chia flour will result in a cookie that may not crisp up, but will remain softer after baking. Have fun playing with alternative flours and please, share your favorite grain-free baking tips in a comment below!

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Combine pumpkin, cinnamon and egg in a bowl. Mix until well blended.
3. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time into the mixture until a stiff dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shape and size treats. Line treats 1/2 inch apart on a non-greased cookie sheet. Because these treats don’t expand during cooking, they’ll hold their shape well and can be baked fairly close together.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until treats are golden brown.
6. Turn the oven off, but leave the cookie sheet of treats inside for about 1-2 hours to allow them to become crunchy.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

These crunchy cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to a month, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Biscuits

Have you ever met a dog that didn’t simply beg for peanut butter? These easy-peasy peanut butter and oatmeal biscuits bake up to a perfect crunch and, since you’re selecting the ingredients yourself, you’ll know they’re healthy and safe.

You’ll need:
2 cups whole wheat flour (or an alternative as mentioned above)
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup natural peanut butter, chunky or smooth
1 1/4 cups hot water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Mix together flour and rolled oats.
3. Gradually mix in peanut butter and hot water until dough forms. If you find that the dough is too sticky to knead, add flour as needed.
4. Knead the dough well.
5. Roll out dough into ¼ inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
6. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 40 minutes.
7. Turn the oven off, but leave the cookie sheet of treats inside overnight to allow them to completely cool and become crunchy. (Although, if you simply can’t wait to give your dog a taste, pull a couple out of the oven and allow them to cool before serving. They’ll taste great, but won’t have the biscuit texture just yet.)

These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week, in the refrigerator for 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Carrot & Apple Cookies

Both carrots and apples are the perfect low-calorie, healthy, fiber-rich snack, but some dogs are bored by fresh produce and would rather nibble on a cookie instead. (Some humans are the same way!) These super easy, super healthy, drool-worthy cookies will definitely quench your dog’s cookie craving.

You’ll need:
1 cup of whole wheat flour (or an alternative flour as mentioned above)
1 cup of grated carrots
1 egg
1/2 cup natural, unsweetened applesauce

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Combine ingredients in bowl and mix together until dough forms.
3. By hand, roll dough into small balls and arrange 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Flatten dough balls so that the cookies are about about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until treats are golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. You may speed up the process by moving the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

These Carrot & Apple Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week, in the refrigerator for 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

And, the most important step in all 3 recipes above…. Enjoy!