Top Football Party Snacks for Dogs
It’s not a tailgating party without snacks…and it’s definitely no fun without your furry best friend by your side! Celebrating the big game can present a challenge, however, when it comes to entertaining your pooch. It’s tempting to slip them a snack or two at half-time, but many party foods beloved by owners are potentially dangerous for dogs. That’s why we want to share some of our favorite dog treat recipes that are easy to make, inexpensive, and loved by dogs everywhere. Grab a handful and let your pup chow down; you’ll both think these healthy snacks are a real touchdown!
Jerky Turkey Dog TreatsIngredients:
- 1 lb. raw ground turkey (or chicken)
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 225 °F.
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree the mixture.
- Line a jellyroll pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (it makes clean-up easier) and pour the mixture into it.
- Spread evenly.
- Bake for two hours with the oven door slightly ajar to allow the moisture to escape.
- Remove from oven and, using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into individual portions.
- Flip the pieces over, place them back in the oven, and bake them an additional one to two hours or until the treats are dry and leathery.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.
Basic Gourmet Dog Snacks
Ingredients:
- 3/4 C. cornmeal
- 1/2 C. vegetable oil
- 3 C. whole wheat flour
- 1 C. water or chicken/beef broth (avoid bouillon with onion)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 °F.
- Mix all of the ingredients together.
- Gently roll the mixture out to ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutter.
- Bake 30-40 minutes.
- Allow to cool and store in a tightly sealed container.
Easy Microwave Doggie Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 C. whole wheat flour
- ½ C. plain flour
- ¼ C. cornmeal
- ¾ C. dry milk
- 1/3 C. shortening (5 1/3 Tbsp.)
- 1 Tbsp. chicken/beef bouillon granules (avoid onion flavored bouillon)*
- ½ C. quick-cooking oats
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- ½ C. hot water
Instructions:
- Combine flour, cornmeal, milk, oats, and sugar.
- Fold the shortening into the mixture.
- Add egg, bouillon, and hot water.
- Knead 5 minutes.
- Roll the mixture ½ inch thick and cut out with cookie cutters. (Smaller shapes work better and allow the cookie to cook more evenly. Bone shapes are a great option. If possible, avoid extra large cookie shapes for this recipe.)
- Microwave in a microwave-proof dish at 50% power for 5 to 10 minutes. (I’ve always needed close to 10 minutes – Dr. Debra).
- Allow to cool and remove from plate.
- Store in a tightly sealed container.
* If you don’t have the granules, use one bouillon cube in ½ cup of hot water, allowing the cube to dissolve.
Very Cool Dog Treats
These are a great and easy recipe for beginning chefs!
Ingredients:
- 1 C. unsalted peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
- 2 Tbsp. honey
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients and whisk thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze solid (at least two hours).
- Pop out one cube at a time and serve to your pup.
Pumpkin Cookie Dog Treat Recipe
This recipe was submitted by one of our Petplace.com dog lovers. Judy Russell wrote that it was one of her favorite dog treat recipes. Thanks, Judy!
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 C. whole wheat flour
- 1/2 C. pumpkin, canned
- 2 Tbs. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 4 Tbs. Crisco
- 1 egg
- 1/2 C. buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 475 °F.
- Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and cut in shortening.
- Beat the egg with milk and pumpkin and combine with flour, mixing well.
- Stir until soft dough forms.
- Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool and serve.
Doggy Cheese Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 C. flour
- 1 ¼ C. cheese
- 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 4 to 5 Tbsp. water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 °F.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Cool before serving or storing in a refrigerated, sealed container.
Pooch Lover’s Cheeseburger Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 C. oat flour
- 1 C. brown rice flour
- 1 C. pre cooked ground beef
- 1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 C. tomato paste
- 1 egg
- 1 C. water
Instructions:
- Mix everything together.
- Roll the mixture out with lots of flour; it will be sticky.
- Bake at 350 °F for about 20-25 minutes. (I put a little cheese on top while it baked to make it look more cheeseburger-y.)
- Cool before serving or storing in a refrigerated container.