Finding the perfect dog treat recipe can be challenging, especially if you want to avoid common ingredients like flour.
Whether your dog has a sensitivity to grains or you’re looking for a healthier alternative, these flourless dog treat recipes offer a variety of options that are just as tasty and nutritious.
In this article, we’ll explore ten different recipes that don’t use flour but still provide delicious and satisfying snacks for your furry friend.
Benefits of Flourless Dog Treats
Opting for flourless dog treats can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Grain-Free Option: These treats are ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Nutrient-Rich: Without flour, these recipes rely on other nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes, oats, and peanut butter.
- Lower Carbohydrates: Flourless treats often contain fewer carbs, making them a good choice for dogs that need to watch their weight.
- Easier Digestion: For dogs with sensitive stomachs, flourless treats can be gentler on their digestive system.
10 Homemade Dog Treats Without Flour
1. Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato Chews
These chews are the perfect combo of creamy peanut butter and sweet, hearty sweet potatoes. They’re chewy, satisfying, and a big hit with the pups!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 1 egg (optional for binding)
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the peanut butter, mashed sweet potato, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
- Shape Chews: Roll the mixture into small logs or patties.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Cook the chews for 10-12 minutes until they’re firm and lightly browned. Cool before serving.
2. Pumpkin and Oat Balls
A super easy no-bake treat that’s packed with fiber and flavor! Pumpkin and oats make a great team for a healthy, quick snack your dog will love.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, oats, and peanut butter until well combined.
- Form Balls: Scoop small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Air Fryer Option:
- For a crunchier treat, preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the balls in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly firm. Let cool before serving.
3. Banana and Peanut Butter Bites
A sweet and simple snack that’s irresistible to dogs. The natural sweetness of bananas mixed with the creamy texture of peanut butter makes these bites a tail-wagger!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
Instructions:
- Mash and Mix: In a bowl, mash the bananas and mix in the peanut butter and ground flaxseed.
- Spoon Onto Sheet: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until slightly firm.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Spoon the mixture onto parchment paper in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. Cool before serving.
4. Tuna and Egg Patties
These protein-packed patties have a fishy flavor that dogs adore. Perfect for pups who love a savory snack with a twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 can of tuna in water, drained
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated carrots (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the tuna, egg, and grated carrots.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until firm.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the patties in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes until firm and lightly browned. Let cool before serving.
5. Chicken and Apple Bites
Combining the savory taste of chicken with the natural sweetness of apples, these bites are a wholesome, nutritious treat that brings a bit of joy to snack time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the shredded chicken, applesauce, and egg in a bowl.
- Shape Bites: Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until firm.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Cook the bites for 10-12 minutes until firm. Cool before serving.
6. Peanut Butter and Yogurt Drops
These frozen drops are a cool and creamy treat, ideal for hot days. The mix of peanut butter and yogurt is a refreshing way to keep your dog happy and hydrated.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the peanut butter and yogurt in a bowl until smooth.
- Drop and Freeze: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
7. Beef and Sweet Potato Balls
A savory treat that’s rich in protein and nutrients! These beef and sweet potato dog treats offer a hearty snack option for your four-legged friend.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the ground beef and mashed sweet potato in a bowl.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until firm.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Cook the balls for 10-12 minutes until firm and slightly browned. Cool before serving.
8. Salmon and Spinach Treats
Packed with omega-3s from salmon and the goodness of spinach, these treats are a delicious way to boost your dog’s diet with essential nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of salmon, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the salmon, spinach, and egg.
- Shape Treats: Form the mixture into small patties or balls.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until firm.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Cook the treats for 10-12 minutes until firm and slightly browned. Let cool before serving.
9. Peanut Butter and Blueberry Freezies
These cool treats are bursting with the goodness of blueberries and peanut butter. Perfect for cooling down your pup on a sunny day!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup blueberries
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: Blend the peanut butter and blueberries together until smooth.
- Freeze in Molds: Pour the mixture into silicone molds and freeze for at least 2 hours.
10. Turkey and Cranberry Bites
A festive treat that combines savory turkey with the tartness of cranberries. These bites are a fun way to give your dog a little holiday cheer all year round.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the turkey, cranberries, and egg in a bowl.
- Shape Bites: Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until firm.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Cook the bites for 10-12 minutes until firm and lightly browned. Cool before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store baked treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated treats fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze treats for up to three months for longer storage. Thaw before serving.
Tools to Use:
- Mixing Bowls: Ensure you have a set of sturdy mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
- Cookie Cutters: Use dog-themed cookie cutters for shaping treats.
- Silicone Molds: Perfect for freezing or baking treats in fun shapes.
- Air Fryer: A convenient appliance for quick and healthy treat preparation.