For those of us who enjoy cooking at home, preparing meals is how we show our love—especially during the holidays! While our spouses, children, and friends are usually the recipients of our efforts, there are safe and delicious recipes out there that are made especially for your dog.
Below, we've listed (and linked to) the 5 we love best. For more information about food that's healthy and safe for your dog to eat, check out our June blog here: "The 9 Best Human Foods to Feed Your Dog."
Homemade Chicken Jerky Dog Treats
With a nutty flavor (and a hint of soy sauce), chicken jerky is a great treat for dogs and their humans. The only ingredients you'll need are chicken breast, peanut butter, and a bit of soy sauce. The peanut butter and soy sauce create a light, canine-safe marinade for the chicken. If you make it in large batches, the chicken jerky is good for up to 30 days!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Freezer time: 1 hour
Cook time: 2 hours
Check out the recipe here!
Peanut Butter & Carrot Cake for Doggos
This recipe is one of the most highly-rated cake recipes on AllRecipes. Hundreds of people have given it a 5-star rating based on their dog's response to it—usually by devouring it quickly and messily. This cake makes use of plenty of peanut butter and carrots, both of which are delicious to a dog's palette (and nutritious for a dog's health). Remember to use unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter!
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Check out the recipe here!
Yogurt & Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
This recipe requires no actual cooking. The total ingredients are: yogurt, bananas, peanut butter, and honey. It's one of the simplest, best treats you can offer your pup—especially as it includes yogurt (which is great your dog's digestive health) and peanut butter (which offers your dog plenty of vitamins and healthy fats). Remember to use unsweetened, non-fat plain yogurt, preferably with live cultures.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Freezer time: 2 hours
Check out the recipe here!
Chicken Apple Popsicles
These one may sound weird, but dogs love it. Chicken and apples is a common pairing for sausages, but making it a popsicle allows your pup to savor it for longer (and stay cool on hot days). You'll need just 3 ingredients: unsalted chicken broth, an apple, and a pork rawhide stick. You'll also need paper cups to hold the popsicles while they freeze.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Freezer time: 3 hours
Check out the recipe here!
Peanut Butter Cupcakes
This recipe works for both humans and dogs, so if you want to enjoy one with your pup, go right ahead! The cupcakes can be whipped up and baked in less than an hour, making this one of the fastest baked treats you can pull together for your dog. Like the cake listed above, this recipe makes great use of peanut butter and carrots, as well as cooking oats!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Check out the recipe here!