Dogs are family and we treat them as such, always trying new ways to keep them happy and healthy. The biggest key, of course, is to provide them with a well-rounded, nutritious diet that’s optimized to fit their species’ specific needs. But besides their everyday meals, what should you give them when using food as a training incentive or when you just want to brighten their day?
At Pawfectly Raw, we don’t believe that dog treats deserve their bad rap. While many pet owners associate them with empty calories and weight gain, the truth is, not all treats are unhealthy! You can, in fact, indulge your pup while still looking out for their health.
If you’re short on time or don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, we have plenty of [dog treats] available for sale on our online store. But if you’re interested in making an incursion into doggy gastronomy, then these dog treat recipes can provide a fun, cost-effective way to add a little healthy variety to your fur baby’s diet.
Raw meat jerky
Chewy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients and protein, raw meat jerky is a dog treat that your pup is sure to love. You’ll love making it, too, since it requires only a few steps and can be whipped up with just about any kind of raw meat you happen to have in the fridge. Some people like to make it with beef, pork, chicken… even fish! The possibilities are endless.
All you have to do is grab your raw meat, make sure it’s fresh and cut it into thin slices (about a quarter inch thick). While beef jerky made for humans is usually marinated in a spice mix or at least some Worcestershire sauce, we find that most dogs can’t get enough of the natural meat flavor. Lay the meat slices on your dehydrator trays and let them dry for 4-6 hours. And voilà!
Pupsicles
Here’s another dog treat recipe (or really, a formula) that’s a lifesaver when you want to give your fur baby a homemade snack without having to make a run to the store. These treats are colorful, fun and perfect for hot summer days. Since they’re frozen, they even provide your pup with a little hydration boost.
To make pupsicles, all you need are some canine-friendly ingredients that you can chop finely and a dog-safe liquid such as water or bone broth. To make rainbow treats, select at least one ingredient from each of the main color groups. For example, raw red meat could go with spinach and blueberries. Just pour the chopped ingredients and liquid into a mold and freeze!
Of course, it’s very important to make sure all ingredients are safe for dogs before adding them to these frozen dog treats. Refer to a trusted site run by vets (or, even better, ask your vet directly) if you’re unsure about a certain ingredient.
Kong treats
If you have a dog or puppy that wants to chew on everything, a Kong (or another brand of the same kind of toy) is a great way you can allow them to express their instinct without tearing up the house. These toys are especially stimulating for any pup who’s highly motivated by food. Luckily, there are a lot of healthy ingredients that can be easily stuffed into a Kong.
Maybe it’s no surprise that, here at Pawfectly Raw, some of our favorite Kong stuffings consist of raw meat. A slice can be cut off a piece of beef or another kind of meat and put into any size Kong (remember you want it to be challenging, but not impossible, for your pup to access the treat). Other options to fill a Kong dog treat include mashed banana and canned pumpkin.
Bonus: Raw meaty bones
Ok, so this isn’t exactly something that you “make” at home, but it’s such a healthy dog treat that we just had to include it. Raw meaty bones provide calcium and phosphorus, and having your dog chew on something hard is beneficial for their dental health (yes, that includes their doggy breath).
Bones are affordable, easy to come by, and they can even be frozen for a few hours if you want them to last a bit longer. Having some at hand at all times is recommended, so when your pup has been good but you’re not in the mood to get out the cutting board, there’s always a nutritious dog treat standing by.
Check out our selection of [raw meaty bones] here, or if you’re in the market for pre-made dog treats, you can find ours on [this page].
To get to know our company, we invite you to take a look at [our standards] of quality. For any unanswered questions, you can always [reach out to us] and we’ll be happy to assist you.
