Is being stuck at home starting to wear on you and your pets? Fear no more! We at GVA have put together a list of easy DIY dog treats to help break up the boredom! Add a few extra items to your shopping list next time you go to the store and embark on a journey of fun-filled family time and healthy snacks for your pet! 

Apple Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Apples are a healthy and sweet alternative to many other high-calorie dog treats and Pumpkins are a great treat that helps aid in digestive activity and regulates intestinal motility. Combing both into a healthy snack for your pup is a win-win in our books! 

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
    • 2 apples, chopped and finely diced
    • 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree (Not pumpkin pie mix! Pie mix includes other spices that can irritate your pet's stomach and cause GI issues.)
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 cup of water
  • Instructions:
    • Preheat over to 350 degrees.
    • In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and the mixture is dough-like. 
    • On a large surface, roll the dough out flat and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. 
    • Place the cut-outs on a greased baking sheet. 
    • Bake for 30 minutes. 
    • Remove from oven and leave to cool completely. 

Peanut Butter and Bacon

Who doesn't love bacon? And what dog doesn't love peanut butter? Combined it's probably your pet's favorite thing in the whole world! Besides you of course. 

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
    • 3/4 cup of milk
    • 1 egg
    • 2 cups whole wheat flour, plus more as needed
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1/3 cup of oats
    • 2 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
  • Instructions:
    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
    • Chop the cooked bacon strips.
    • In a medium bowl, mix the egg, peanut butter and milk.
    • Add in 2 cups flour and 1 tablespoon baking powder to make a dough.
    • Mix in the chopped bacon and oats.
    • Sprinkle a bit of flour on your working surface and flour the rolling pin.
    • Start rolling out your dough to ¼ inch thickness.
    • Use the cookie cutter to make as many treats as possible. You can even re-roll your leftover dough and use the cookie cutter again.
    • Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and line with the treats.
    • Cook 20 minutes. Flip treats and cook another 10 minutes.
    • Let treats cool before storing in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Blueberry Dog Treats

Both pumpkins and blueberries have a lot of great nutritional values to your pets, and fresh is even better! 

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups whole wheat flour
    • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1/2 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds (roughly chopped)
    • 1/3 cup fresh blueberries (roughly chopped)
    • 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
    • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
    • 1/3 cup chicken bone broth
  • Instructions:
    • Preheat oven to 350F
    • Line baking tray with silicone baking mat
    • Put flour, ground flax seed and nutritional yeast into large bowl and stir well to mix
    • Roughly chop pumpkin seeds
    • Roughly chop blueberries
    • Stir chopped pumpkin seeds into dry ingredients 
    • Mix pumpkin puree and chopped blueberries together in small bowl
    • Make well in center of dry ingredients and add pumpkin/blueberry mixture
    • Stir with wooden spoon until wet and dry ingredients are mixed together
    • Add bone broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency
    • Use your hands to form dough and knead until workable and all ingredients are well combined
    • Use lightly floured rolling pin to roll out dough to approx. 1/4" thickness
    • Cut dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters or sharp knife
    • Bake at 350F for 30 minutes (or until golden brown and firm to the touch)
    • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 - 7 days

Chicken & Parsley Jerky

Chicken is a great light meat for pet's that have stomach issues or may be not so keen on beef. 

  • Ingredients:
    • 1-2 Large Boneless Chicken Breasts
    • Parsley
    • Olive Oil
  • Instructions: 
    • To make chicken easier to slice, place in freezer until slightly firm. This will make your sharp knife slice right through it.
    • Preheat oven to 200° or the lowest temperature your oven allows for. 
    • Slice chicken into very thin strips, the thinner and the more even the better- this will help them cook faster and more evenly.
    • Toss chicken strips in a bowl with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of olive oil- just enough to lightly coat your chicken.
    • Place on baking sheet and bake in oven for 5-6 hours. Turn frequently, and cook until chewy and very little moisture remains.
    • Remove from oven, allow to cool completely.
    • Store in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.

Did you try out any of these easy recipes? Let us know on our Facebook!