Homemade Dog Treats

When I set out to update a homemade dog treat recipe from the Epi archives, I was floored by the most popular entry. Since removed from the site, it was made with many ingredients we now know aren’t so great for a pup’s digestion. Still, I used that archive Gourmet recipe as an inspiration for the ratio of ingredients in my update dog cookies, swapping in things that I knew my pup would like—and I’m hoping yours will too.

The crunchy treats start with whole wheat flour, which is full of nutrients that can benefit a dog’s diet. However, not all dogs tolerate wheat; consult your veterinarian. If your fur baby is averse, use an equal measure of oat flour. Brown rice flour adds calcium, folate, and zinc, helping the treats retain their dry, cracker-like texture so you can store them for several weeks.

Next, I added old-fashioned oats, a great source of fiber. Oats can also promote a healthy skin and coat thanks to B vitamins and essential fatty acids. You could use quick oats in a pinch (not flavored!), but the rolled variety gives the treats more texture, which means more chewing (i.e., good for digestion). As for the wet ingredients, applesauce is a fiber-and-vitamin-rich option—make sure to use 100% fruit with no added sugars, artificial or otherwise. (Some artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, can be life-threatening to dogs.) And an egg adds protein and cohesion.

I like using Gouda for its aroma—it drives my dog into a frenzy, but any semi-firm cheese, like cheddar or Swiss, will work. Parsley and mint freshen your dog’s breath and are high in antioxidants, possibly helping with seasonal allergies. Use curly parsley, a good source of potassium and vitamin C, as flat-leaf or Italian parsley can be mildly toxic to dogs. The secret ingredient is anise seed. Like catnip, anise is a natural stimulant for some canines and is used to train scent dogs. (Add it next time you make chicken broth, and watch your pup go wild.) Fennel seed is a substitute, but anise is more pack-pleasing.

The treats bake up a bit ashen. If you prefer a shinier finish, stir together 2 Tbsp. applesauce and 1 Tbsp. water (adding more as needed, depending on the thickness of your sauce). Brush each cut-out doggie treat with the applesauce wash just before baking.