Homemade Zucchini Dog Treats! Zucchini season is just around the corner! This recipe is a fantastic way to use the “extra” zucchini and spoil your pup at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a bunch of zucchini growing in your own garden or your friends are giving you some for free, your pup will absolutely love these homemade zucchini dog treats! Plus, since these treats are made with zucchini, banana, and peanut butter they’re wholesome and less expensive than store-bought treats.
You’ll Love This Recipe and Here’s Why!
The biggest benefit of making these delicious homemade zucchini dog treats dog treats is that you know they are made with natural ingredients. There are no fake or dangerous additives in these crunchy biscuits. You don’t have to worry about unknowingly giving your precious pup something dangerous. Something that can make them sick or, worse, cause fatal harm to your fur baby!
Benefits of Zucchini for Dogs
Zucchini offers your pup lots of health benefits. It is a low fat, nutrient-filled vegetable that is a great snack for your dogs. If you don’t want your dog eating store-bought, boxed treats all the time, these homemade zucchini dog treats are a healthy alternative.
This easy recipe for homemade zucchini dog treats makes the best treats to give your pup as a reward! Or, make a big batch and give them as a gift for the guests at your pup’s birthday party.
Ingredients
Before sharing the full recipe for these yummy homemade zucchini dog treats, I want to share some information about the ingredients.
- Zucchini is the shining star of these yummy treats!
- Banana adds natural sweetness and fiber.
- Dogs love the taste of peanut butter, and it gives them healthy fats to help them grow strong.
- Eggs bind the dough and add extra protein.
- Oat Flour is easy for dogs to digest.
- Cinnamon provides flavor and in very small amounts it is safe for dogs.
Some Notes About the Ingredients and Possible Substitutions:
- Almond butter or SunButter (sunflower seed butter) are great substitues for the peanut butter. Just make sure it does not contain a “fake” surgar substitute that’s toxic to dogs.
- In lieu of a banana, use a ½ cup of pumpkin purée or cooked sweet potatoe.
- Make your own oat flour! Put dry oats into a food proceessor or blender and mix them until they look like flour.
- A 50-50 cobmination of all-purpose and whole wheat flours is a great substitute for the oat flour. Whole wheat flour is very dense, so it’s not a good substitute to use by itself.
Equipment Needed
You probably have all the kitchen items needed to make the treats with the exception of a bone or paw shaped dog treat cutter to make the doggie treats extra cute. You can find dog treat cutters in various shapes and sizes at a variety online sites. Or you can use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
How to Make Homemade Zucchini Dog Treats
- Grate a zucchini. You’ll need 1 cup.
- Mash a banana in a mixing bowl.
- Add the grated zucchini, 1 egg and 1/4 c creamy all natural peanut butter to the mashed banana.
- Stir throughly to combine the wet ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix 2 c oat flour and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon and using a spoon or whisk, stir them together.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
- Stir to combine all ingredients until a dough forms. If the dough is too wet to roll, add extra flour.
- Lightly sprinkly flour on the surface then roll out the dough using a rolling pin.
- Line a baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cut the dough with a dog-bone or paw shaped (or shape of your choice) cookie cutter and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the treats at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
- Before giving the treats to your fur baby, let them cool all the way on either a baking sheet or wire rack.
What is the Correct Serving Size?!
On a daily basis, how many homemade zucchini dog treats should you give your furry canine companion? It depends on a few things: how much food your dog east ona daily basis, how big is your dog, and how much they run an play each day.
Although these homemade zucchini dog treats are healthy, they are still just treats. Therefore, they should be included when you consider your dog’s total daily caloric intake. Make sure your dog doesn’t eat more calories than they should each day. This amount is different for each dog breed, size, and activity level. If you are unsure of the correct amount of calories for your dog, check with your vet.
Also, remember to start with small amounts when adding new foods to your dog’s diet. Thus, ensuring your pup has no allergic or adversre reactions.
How to Store the Treats and How Long do They Last?!
If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats will last up to 1 week.
Using a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag, you can store the treats for up to 3 months.
Are These Zucchini Dog Treats Safe for Humans to Eat?!
Yes! Every single ingredient in these homemade zucchini dog treats are safe for people to eat. Take a bite of one and see if you like it. To make the treats for your fur baby, use the dog-bone or paw-print cookie cutter shapes. Use your favorite cookie-cutter shape for the ones for you to eat.
Taking All of This Into Account
A fun and easy way to give your dog something yummy and healthy is making homemade zucchini dog treats at home. Unlike many store-bouight snacks, these treats don’t have any bad stuff. Zucchini is a healthy food that helps your pup stay strong and happy. Your dog will love the taste, and you’ll love knowing they’re eating something safe. Make some today—your dog will thank you with tail wags and doggie kisses!