No one knows your dog better than you do, so why buy treats that are made for the masses? These two recipes are easy to make, and include a gluten-free option in case your pup has a sensitivity to grains. We also like to make a few extra to use as hostess gifts for our friends’ pups. And the best part? These are so easy to make that even your human kids can help!

You could shape these treats as squares or rectangles, but check out these  bone-shaped cookie cutters  from Ann Clark. At $8.99, these tin-plated steel shapes will let Fido know just how special he is!

3-Ingredient Grain-Free Treats

1.5 cups chickpea flour

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or salt)

In a large glass bowl, combine all ingredients to form a dough ball. The dough should be smooth and not sticky. If it feels sticky, add an extra teaspoon of flour at a time until the texture is smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.  

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place an extra square of parchment paper on the counter, or use the plastic wrap you covered the dish with. Sprinkle a rolling pin and the plastic wrap or parchment paper with flour and roll until dough is a half-inch in thickness. Be sure to dust the cookie cutters with additional flour each time you cut a shape. If you’re not using cookie cutters, dust your knife with flour as you cut the dough into squares.

Place treats with about 1 inch of room between them and cook for 30 minutes, then leave in the oven for another 30 minutes with the oven turned off. Remove and allow to cool for about 4 to 5 hours.

Store in a container with the lid off for up to four weeks. Do not refrigerate.

Sweet Potato Jerky

These are terrific treats for your pup and are packed with fiber, vitamin C, potassium, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, manganese and magnesium. The best part? There’s just one ingredient: sweet potatoes!

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Wash and slice potatoes length-wise, about 1/4-inch thick. Either use non-stick spray or place on parchment paper. Cook for 1.5 hours, then turn the potatoes and cook for another 1.5 hours. After cooking, allow the potatoes to reach room temperature before storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. These will stay fresh for up to one week.

Baking treats for your dog is easy and fun, and the cost is significantly less than pre-packaged treats. Plus there are no added preservatives so they’re healthier than those mass-produced treats. At  Dog Day, Every Day! , our experienced staff will care your pup while you’re at work and love them almost as much as you do. Give us a call at 513-860-DOGS to learn more about our full or part-time doggie daycare and spa.