Homemade Treats For Your Pets | BeChewy

These PB&J No-Bake Treats Are a Protein-Packed Snack for Pups (and Humans!)

Kristine Cannon — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 17:31:03 +0000

You can't go wrong with the classic peanut butter and jelly duo. They make for an easy-to-whip-up lunch or after-school snack. And while dogs can’t have jelly (it’s loaded with sugar and other harmful ingredients, after all), they can have blueberries. Blueberries are a healthful, hydrating treat high in fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K—and they’re one of the stars of this no-bake peanut butter and "jelly" dog treat.

Requiring just five ingredients, this homemade peanut butter dog treat is packed with protein and so easy to make. But what we love most about this recipe is it's safe for humans, too. That's right, they're just as tasty for doggie and dog mom to enjoy—and that's according to the recipe developer herself Brittany Mullins, creator of Eating Bird Food.

"They taste so good just as the recipe suggests making them, so no tweaks are needed,” Mullins says. “I also love that the recipe makes a large batch, so there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy!”

Gather your supplies (including dog paw and/or dog bone cookie cutters) and your fur babies (every chef needs a sous chef), and let's make dog treats!

As with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

No-Bake Peanut Butter and 'Jelly' Dog Treats

Yield:
approx. 16 treats

Serving size:
½-1 treat

Prep time:
15 minutes

Total time:
35 minutes

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups rolled oats

½ cup natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol, as it's toxic to dogs)

¼ cup honey

¼ cup dried blueberries

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Pinch of salt (omit if your peanut butter is salted)

Supplies

Large mixing bowl

Dog paw and/or dog bone cookie cutters

Parchment paper

Instructions

1

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir together well to combine.

Let dough sit out on the counter for about 20 minutes to let the oats absorb some of the moisture. This will make it easier to work with.

2

Pinch off a portion of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll into a flat disc. Or press the dough down on a parchment-lined surface and use a cookie cutter to get the desired shape.

Continue with this method until you use all the dough.

3

Place treats in an airtight container, using parchment paper between layers so the treats don’t stick together.

Serve these treats right away or store in the fridge.

Why can't I roll these treats into balls?

Treats for dogs should not be rolled into balls, as these can be choking hazards. Tablespoon-size flat rounds or shapes, like bones or paws, are preferable.

How Much to Serve Your Dog

As you would with any other treat, serve your pooch a small amount. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily dog food. We’re talking no more than 10 percent of your pet’s diet (and if your pet is overweight, even less than that).

For example, if your pet needs 600 calories per day, they should have no more than 60 calories from treats. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

That said, one no-bake treat (in a batch of 16) is approximately 100 calories.

Brittany Mullins and her dog, Olive

How to Safely Store These Dog Treats

To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate prepared cookies and consume within 3-4 days or transfer to a freeze-safe container and store for up to 1 month.

Store-bought Treats to Take on the Go

Between batches of these irresistible no-bake treats, make sure you have other protein-rich treats on hand for your pooch. Here are some popular options.

Meet Brittany Mullins of Eating Bird Food

Mullins is a holistic nutritionist—and no stranger to embracing real foods (those without labels) to whip up healthful meals. Many of her recipes are naturally vegan, gluten-free, paleo or low carb; and she makes meals for her entire family—including her 14-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Olive.

"Despite her age, she’s tiny and still pretty spunky, so people often think she’s a puppy," Mullins says of Olive. "Her favorite dog-friendly human food is peanut butter."

Olive also loves these no-bake bites.

"Oh my gosh, yes! She can’t get enough of them," Mullins says.

Check out Mullins’ new cookbook “Mostly Veggies.”

Want more homemade dog treat recipes? Oh, we’ve got plenty—from frozen dog treats, like pup-sicles, and pumpkin dog treats, like our pumpkin "pup cups," to mini hot dog treats and much more. Happy noshing to you and your furry friends!

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. In dogs with a history of pancreatitis or sensitive stomach, it is best to check with your vet to make sure that this is a safe treat for your dog. Any sudden changes to your pet’s diet can cause digestive upset.

The post These PB&J No-Bake Treats Are a Protein-Packed Snack for Pups (and Humans!) appeared first on BeChewy.

Make It the Best Birthday Ever With This Dog Birthday Cake Recipe

BeChewy Editors — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 17:40:00 +0000

A pup’s birthday wouldn’t be complete without their very own birthday cake—and this homemade dog treat will definitely get tails wagging.

Loaded with yummy, safe-for-them human foods, like peanut butter, applesauce, carrots and pumpkin puree, and slathered with a peanut butter and Greek yogurt frosting, this dog birthday cake takes less than 30 minutes to bake. You can make one small, 4- to 6-inch cake cake, or make a layer cake by stacking two cakes. And when it comes time for decorating, we highly recommend garnishing this very special treat with either low-calorie dog treats or fresh dog-friendly fruits, like blueberries—for the tastiest finishing touch.

Are you and your furry sous chef ready? Here’s how to make a dog birthday cake.

Before serving this treat to your dog, consult with your veterinarian beforehand.

Peanut Butter Dog Birthday Cake Recipe

Yield:
2 small cakes

Serving size:
Small slice*

Prep time:
15 minutes

Bake time:
25 minutes

Ingredients

Cake

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup natural peanut butter
(avoid peanut butter with xylitol, a sweetener that’s also called birch sugar, as it’s dangerous to dogs)

1/2 cup applesauce
(plain, unsweetened)

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
(use pure pumpkin, not canned pumpkin pie mix)

1 egg

Frosting

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup natural, xylitol-free peanut butter

Dog treats for garnish, optional

Supplies

(2) 4-inch to 6-inch heart-shaped cookie cutters
(or 4- to 6-inch round baking cake pans)

Mixing bowls

Spatula

Whisk

Instructions

1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flower and baking soda.

3In another bowl, mix together peanut butter (1/4 cup), applesauce, pumpkin puree and egg.

4Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients, and stir until combined.

5Using a spatula, gently fold the shredded carrots into the cake batter.

6Lightly grease the inside of your cookie cutters. Place cookie cutters onto a baking sheet, and pour batter into them. Let the mixture settle to ensure a nice, even cake shape.

If using 4-inch to 6-inch round baking pans, pour batter into your two baking tins, and let the mixture settle. You can also pour the batter into cupcake molds for birthday pup-cakes.

7Bake for 25 minutes.

8To make your icing, combine the plain Greek yogurt with the rest of your peanut butter (1 cup) in a bowl. Mix ingredients together until fully blended. Place icing in the refrigerator until your cake is finished baking.

9Remove cakes from the oven. Use a toothpick to test the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. Allow the cakes to cool. Once cool, spread a thin layer of frosting onto the cake. Decorate with dog treats, too, if you'd like!

Decorating Your Cake With Dog Treats

Want to recreate the cake we made? We used Bocce's Bakery's Crispies treats because we liked that they’re available in varying flavors (and colors!) and are just 3 calories per treat.

Of course, you can use any dog treat you want to garnish the cake. Just be mindful of how many calories each treat it. You don't want to give your dog a stomach ache on your furry friend’s big day. Blueberries and strawberries are healthy topping options, too. Just please skip the traditional sprinkles and sweet candies. They’re not safe for your dog to eat.

How Much Birthday Cake to Serve Your Dog

For example, if your pet needs 200 calories per day, they should have no more than 20 calories from treats. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

All that to say, a sliver or nibble of cake will suffice, especially when you factor in the icing and extra doggy treats you used to decorate the cake. Share the cake with the rest of your canine guests, too. This cake was meant for sharing, after all!

How to Safely Store the Dog Birthday Cake

To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate prepared cookies and consume within 3-4 days or transfer to a freeze-safe container and store for up to 1 month.

Shop Store-bought Dog Birthday Cakes

As the wise Ina Garten says, store-bought is just fine—and that includes birthday cakes for dogs. (Because if we're being honest, your dog won’t know the difference; they just want more treats!)

Here are a few of our favorite store-bought birthday cakes and cake mixes.

Wear the Perfect Birthday Outfit

Wait! Don’t light the candles and sing “Happy Birthday” just yet.

Make it a picture-perfect moment by dressing your pup in the right accessories on their special day. We’re talking a birthday hat, a birthday bandana and a birthday shirt. (Yes, all three!)

From all of us at Chewy, happy birthday to your little one! For more birthday celebration ideas, from party themes and birthday outfits to birthday gifts and even more dog-friendly recipes, visit our Ultimate Dog Birthday Guide.

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack.

*Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet.

The post Make It the Best Birthday Ever With This Dog Birthday Cake Recipe appeared first on BeChewy.

This Summer, Make These Mini Hot Dog Treats for Your Pup

Charlie Weintraub — Fri, 19 May 2023 23:00:00 +0000

What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with a backyard BBQ? And don’t forget about your furry friend! There’s no reason to keep your party pup away from the festivities, especially when they can have their very own on-theme DIY dog treats to chow down on.

To help celebrate Independence Day with your favorite “hot dog,” try your hand at this easy homemade dog treat recipe. These adorable hot dog dog biscuits are so good that they’ll have your patriotic pup parading around in glory like the star they are! And don’t be surprised if the other pups on the block come marching to your kitchen, declaring their own bark-worthy barbecue-themed dog treats.

If you’re ready for a cook-out that’ll have all the dogs standing at attention, pull out your baking supplies and get “grilling!”

Remember, as with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

Fourth of July Pup-Friendly Hot Dog Minis

Photos: Chewy Studios

Yield:
6 dog treats

Serving size:
1 hot dog mini per pup

Prep time:
25 minutes

Cook time:
10 minutes

Ingredients

Blue Dog Bakery Beef Deli Sticks

Kong Stuff’n Easy Treat Bacon & Cheese Recipe

2 teaspoons powdered Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup of flour

1/4 cup of water

2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)

Supplies

Mixing bowl

Mixing spoon or spatula

Knife

Non-stick pan

Instructions

1Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2Mix 1/2 cup of flour and all of the Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.

3Add in peanut butter and water.

4Mix with a spoon until the mixture thickens. Once it becomes too thick to mix, massage the mixture with your hands until a consistent dough forms.

5Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of flour onto your workstation.

6Roll the dough until it makes a long, cylindrical shape about 1 inch thick.

7Cut the dough into 3-inch pieces.

8Take one of your 3-inch pieces and make a crease down the middle lengthwise (so it forms a hot dog bun shape).

9Repeat for the other five dough pieces.

10Place the “buns” on a non-stick sheet pan.

11Put the treats in the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until hard.

12While your treats are cooking, tear the Blue Dog link treats into 3-inch pieces.

13Once the treats have cooled off (about 10 minutes out of the oven), place the cut links into each “bun.”

14Spray the KONG treat in a squiggly line on top of each link.

15Give to your pup to enjoy!

Start by serving your dog small pieces at a time.

Have Leftovers?

Store these dog-friendly hot dog treats in an air-tight container in your fridge and consume within two to three days.

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack.

Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your pet's diet (and if your pet is overweight, it should be even less than that). For example, if your pet needs 200 calories per day, they should have no more than 20 calories from treats, with the rest of the calories from their usual dog food.

Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

If your pet has health issues (including sensitivities to fats or food allergies) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering any new treats.

The post This Summer, Make These Mini Hot Dog Treats for Your Pup appeared first on BeChewy.

‘Meowsicle’ Recipe: Cool Kitty Off With a Berry Cat Popsicle

BeChewy Editors — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 21:33:56 +0000

Nothing’s more refreshing on a hot summer day than an ice cold popsicle—so, why not let your cat in on the tasty fun, too?

A delicious DIY cat treat, cat popsicles (aka “catsicles” or “meowsicles”) are super easy to make. They require just a few simple ingredients, including strawberries and blueberries, both of which provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

You can make different kinds of popsicles, too, depending on what your cat likes to—and can—eat: from creamy "ice cream" catsicles made with unflavored, unsweetened and xylitol-free Greek yogurt (our recipe below); and hydrating cat popsicles made with cat-friendly bone broth for the lactose-intolerant kitties; to milky meowsicles made with cat milk; and popsicles made with a blend of wet cat food and water.

Of course, these cat-friendly popsicles are a summer treat that should only be served sparingly—because they’re just that, treats. And treats (whether store-bought or homemade cat treats) should make up no more than 10 percent of your cat's daily calorie intake, with the rest being their completed and balanced cat food.

Before serving this treat to your cat, consult with your veterinarian beforehand.

‘Meowsicles' Recipe: Very Berry Cat Popsicles

Yield:
4 popsicles

Serving size:
1/2—1 popsicle*

Prep time:
15 minutes

Freeze time:
6 hours—overnight

Ingredients

8 tbsp Greek yogurt** (unsweetened, unflavored, xylitol-free)

2 strawberries, chopped

4-8 blueberries, cut in half

Optional: 2 meat tender sticks (like Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks)

Supplies

Silicone popsicle mold

Cutting board

Knife

Blender

Instructions

1If putting the popsicles on tender sticks, cut the tender sticks in half long-ways and slide through the popsicle stick holes, before filling each mold.

If using vertical popsicle molds (like seen here), you'll insert the tender sticks after filling each mold. Cover each mold with aluminum foil and gently cut a small "X" into the middle using the knife.

2De-stem and chop strawberries into small, bize-size chunks. Add to blender with 4 tbsp Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth. Pour blended yogurt into two of the molds. (Ice cube trays work well, too!)

If using cat milk or bone broth instead of Greek yogurt, pour 1 tbsp of cat milk or broth into each popsicle mold, add diced strawberry, then add the rest of the milk or broth.

3Blend blueberries and the rest of the Greek yogurt until smooth. Pour blended yogurt into remaining two molds.

If using cat milk or bone broth instead of Greek yogurt, pour 1 tbsp of cat milk or broth into each popsicle mold, add cut blueberries, then add the rest of the milk or broth.

4Freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

5To serve, carefully remove the meowsicle from the mold.

How Much Popsicle Should I Serve My Cat?

Each popsicle ranges from 26.5 to 34 calories. (Strawberries have more calories than blueberries, and Greek yogurt has more calories than bone broth and cat milk).

Now, it's time to do a little math...

Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s diet (and if your cat is overweight, it should be even less than that). For example, if your cat needs 200 calories per day, they should have no more than 20 calories from treats. And when serving your cat a new treat, start with smaller servings.

So, does your cat love it? It’s a tasty way to keep your cat cool in the summer, right? Treaty your kitty to more cat treat recipes.

*This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s diet (and if your cat is overweight, it should be even less than that). For example, if your cat needs 200 calories per day, they should have no more than 20 calories from treats. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If your pet has health issues (including sensitivities to fats) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.

**If your cat is lactose intolerant, swap the Greek yogurt with cat-friendly bone broth or cat milk that’s safe for both kittens and adult cats. Do not feed adult cats cat milk for kittens.

The post ‘Meowsicle’ Recipe: Cool Kitty Off With a Berry Cat Popsicle appeared first on BeChewy.

Chicken and Rice for Dogs Is the Ultimate Canine Comfort Food

Laura Willard — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Although it may not sound too exciting, boiled chicken and rice is the canine equivalent to the age-old, human remedy of chicken soup. This homemade dog food can serve as an excellent short-term alternative to their typical diet when your furry friend is feeling under the weather. It’s bland enough for most dogs with upset stomachs or temporary digestive issues, yet still enticing to picky eaters.

A sick dog is a sad dog, and that’s the last thing pet parents want. You can make this fast, simple chicken and rice for dogs recipe when your sidekick is experiencing diarrhea or tummy troubles and hopefully set them on their way to happier times.

Click to jump to each section:

Chicken and Rice Recipe

When to Choose Chicken and Rice

How Long to Serve

How Much to Serve

How to Transition Back

Dos and Don'ts

When to Choose Chicken and Rice for Dogs

Many human foods are off limits to our canine friends, but chicken and rice are both on the list of safe foods for pet parents to use. This basic recipe is easy on your dog’s digestive system and therefore a good option if they have diarrhea.

When your doggo is experiencing this less-than-pleasant aliment, they tend to do best with low-fat, easily digestible food. Plus, the basic combo is less likely to cause an upset stomach than their typical kibble or canned cuisine.

What makes chicken and rice ideal for dogs with an upset stomach?

Boiled chicken is low in fat and high in protein, says Dr. Stephanie Howe, DVM, a pet health representative at Chewy.
Rice is starchy and low in fiber, which creates a binding effect.

How Long Should You Keep Your Pup on a Chicken and Rice Diet?

Chicken and rice definitely isn’t meant to be given as an everyday dog food, nor is it suitable to be used in place of regular dog treats. It’s simply a short-term bland diet option intended for a sick dog.

A dog with diarrhea, for example, may be on the chicken and rice diet for up to one week, following a 12- to 24-hour fast (depending on your vet’s advice).

“With cases of diarrhea, we generally recommend continuing the boiled chicken and rice until the stools are back to normal,” Dr. Howe says.

Pet parents shouldn’t wait an entire week to call the vet, though, if there’s no early improvement in symptoms. Dr. Howe emphasizes the importance of making sure you're on the right track.

“If your pet’s diarrhea is not starting to resolve after a few days,” she explains, “then it is important to contact their veterinarian.”

The reason your dog shouldn’t eat chicken and rice long-term is because it isn’t a balanced diet.

“It’s short on several essential vitamins and nutrients such as calcium, and it doesn’t provide the well-rounded diet your pet’s typical food does,” Dr. Howe explains.

How Much Chicken and Rice Should I Give My Dog?

The general rule of thumb is to replace your dog’s normal food with an equal amount of the chicken and rice dog food recipe. For example, if your dog eats half of a cup of kibbles for breakfast and another half of a cup for dinner, you’d sub one full cup of chicken and rice portioned throughout the day.

Don’t go all in at once, though.

“If your pet has been vomiting, it is best to try out small portions at a time to make sure that they are holding it down,” Dr. Howe says. “Starting with a teaspoon for small dogs or a tablespoon for large dogs and giving that for the first hour to see if it holds would be best.”

If your pup is able to tolerate the initial amount, you can slowly increase the volume as the day wears on. “Small frequent meals [are] better than one or two large meals,” she says.

Note that it could take a day or two to get your dog back on their normal volume of food. In this case, however, it’s better to feed them a little less for a few days than to feed them too much, too fast.

How to Transition Your Dog Back to Their Typical Dog Food

Once your dog’s stomach is back on track and their digestive system has returned to normal, they should slowly return to their regular dog food. The key here is to take your time.

Spend about one week transitioning your dog back to their regular diet using the following formula:

Days 1 and 2: 1/4 regular food to 3/4 chicken and rice
Days 3 and 4: half regular food, half chicken and rice
Days 5 and 6: 3/4 regular food to 1/4 chicken and rice
Day 7 and beyond: 100 percent of their typical dog food!

Do’s and Don’ts of Chicken and Rice for Dogs

Definitely don’t:

Use brown rice. While some vets recommend brown rice, it has extra fiber, which can make it harder to digest. “Long-grain white rice is best for soothing a grumpy tummy,” Dr. Howe says.
Overlook underlying health issues. Unless your vet recommends it, chicken and rice should not be used in place of your pet’s normal food if they have other health conditions. “Pets with underlying issues like food allergies, chronic diarrhea, pancreatitis, etc., should not be given chicken and rice meals unless directed to do so by their veterinarian,” Dr. Howe warns.
Add any seasonings or extras to the recipe. The point of the chicken and rice recipe is to soothe your dog’s stomach by using easily digestible, plain foods.

Consider doing:

Add chicken stock in place of water if you want to get a little fancy. Be certain to use homemade chicken broth and not store-bought chicken broth that may have added ingredients. The latter is generally composed of meats and veggies, which means it likely contains spices, like garlic and onion. “Those can both be unsafe for your dog to consume,” Dr. Howe notes.
Call your vet if you’re concerned, if your pet’s health seems to be worsening, or if your doggo is still experiencing diarrhea after a few days on the chicken and rice diet.

Now that you know the what, when, why and how of the temporary chicken and rice dog food diet, let's get cooking! Some homemade dog food recipes can be a little complicated, but this one couldn’t be any simpler.

Remember, if your dog has a history of dietary sensitivity, you may want to check with your veterinarian before deviating from his regular diet.

Comforting Chicken and Rice for Dogs

Photo: iStock.com/tycoon751

Ingredients

1 cup white rice, uncooked

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Water (or optional chicken broth)

Instructions

1Put the specified amounts of rice and water in a pot and allow to cook as recommended by the manufacturer.

2While the rice cooks, place chicken breasts in another pot and fill with enough water to submerge completely. Cover pot.

3Boil chicken on high heat for about 12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked all the way through. (If you’re using homemade broth, cook the chicken before the rice, making sure to skim any fat off the broth surface.)

4Remove chicken from water and use a fork to shred into bite-sized pieces.

5Mix chicken in uniformly with cooked rice. 6. Allow food to cool completely before serving; excess can be stored in the fridge or freezer.

This chicken and rice recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. If your pet has any health issues or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.

Hopefully, this chicken and rice recipe helped resolve your dog’s tummy troubles. Now might be a good time to consider putting your pup on probiotics to help restore balance in their gastrointestinal tract.

The post Chicken and Rice for Dogs Is the Ultimate Canine Comfort Food appeared first on BeChewy.

These Flower-Shaped Cranberry Cookies for Cats Are Perfect for Spring

Nicole Janiga — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This spring, flowers will be blooming in more than just your backyard garden. With this cat-friendly, flower-shaped cranberry cookie treat, they'll be "blooming" in your kitchen, too.

Requiring just four ingredients and silicone flower molds (along with a few other simple supplies), these cranberry cookies might just be too pretty to eat. (Ha! Not really.) So, don on your prettiest floral-print, pastel-hued apron, and let's get baking.

Cranberry Cookies for Cats

Yield:
6 treats, 12 servings

Serving size:
1/2 treat

Prep time:
25 minutes

Cook time:
60 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup dry cat food, finely ground (try American Journey Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food)

12 oz. American Journey Pate Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice

Supplies

Large mixing bowl

Small mixing bowl

Spoon

Measuring cup

Silicone flower molds

Instructions

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 In the large mixing bowl, combine the finely ground dry food with the wet food.

3 Gradually add unsweetened cranberry juice, and mix well.

4 Spoon and press the mixture into the silicone flower mold. (If you're using a deep mold, only fill each halfway.)

5 Bake for 60 minutes.

6Remove your homemade cat treats from oven and allow to cool.

8Decorate each cooled cookie with Greek yogurt.

9Serve to your purr-fect and playful kitty.

Treat your kitty to these yummy cranberry-flavored cookies. They're sure to make spring their favorite time of year (and yours, too!).

Looking for more springtime fun with your pet? We've got you covered with our calendar of fun and healthy activities for you and your furry friend.

To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 1 hour of preparation and consume within 2 days. This recipe was designed for cats and reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food (10 percent). Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If your pet has health issues (including food allergies) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.

The post These Flower-Shaped Cranberry Cookies for Cats Are Perfect for Spring appeared first on BeChewy.

Your Pup Will Love These Carob-Covered Raspberry Cookies—Scout’s Honor!

BeChewy Editors — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:13:15 +0000

It's officially cookie season! And to celebrate the release of the new Girl Scouts cookie, Raspberry Rally, we've developed a dog-friendly cookie that's also covered in carob (a dog-safe chocolate alternative because chocolate is poisonous to pets) and infused with raspberry flavor.

Created by cookbook authors and Trunk Pop Dinners co-founders Marge Perry and David Bonom, these raspberry cookies for dogs feature dog-safe ingredients, like the aforementioned carob and a sprinkling of dried or freeze-dried unsweetened raspberries that give the cookies a deliciously fruity punch.

This recipe is a twist on our other popular cookie recipe Carob-Mint Cookies, which is also inspired by one of our favorite guilty pleasure treats (Thin Mints!).

Remember, as with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

Carob-Covered Raspberry Cookie Recipe

Yield:
12-15 cookies

Serving size:
1 cookie

Prep time:
30 minutes

Total time:
90 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dried or freeze-dried unsweetened raspberries

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons whole wheat flour

1 large egg

¼ cup unsalted chicken or beef broth

6 drops natural red food dye

¼ cup carob chips

1 teaspoon canola oil

Supplies

Baking sheet

Parchment paper

Measuring cup + spoon

Mixing bowls

Sealable plastic bag

Rolling pin

Icing spatula or knife

1.5-inch round biscuit or cookie cutter

Instructions

1Preheat the oven to 350. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.

2Crush or chop the raspberries and combine with the all-purpose and whole wheat flours.

If using freeze-dried, place the raspberries in a zip-top plastic bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until they are pulverized into a fairly fine powder. If using dried, finely chop the raspberries.

3Beat the egg lightly with a fork and place 2 tablespoons in a bowl. Discard the rest.

4Add the broth and food dye and stir. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until a rough dough forms.

Wear gloves to avoid getting dye on your hands.

5Knead the dough in the bowl 5 to 6 times until it is smooth and fully combined. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/4-inch thickness.

6Use a cookie cutter to cut out the treats and transfer them to the lined sheet pan. Bake 25 minutes, or until firm. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

7Place the carob chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chips on medium power in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted. Stir the oil into the melted chips until incorporated and the carob is smooth and shiny.

8Spread the top of each cookie with a thin layer of the melted carob. Let stand 30 minutes to allow melted carob to set before serving.

How to store:To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate leftovers within one hour of preparation and consume within three to four days or transfer to a freeze-safe container and store for up to one month.

Carob-Mint Cookies

Keep the baking going by making our Carob-Mint Cookies, our dog-friendly twist on Thin Mints.

These cookies are just as crunchy, just as "chocolatey" and oh-so-minty. Your dog will love the taste, while you'll love that these cookies can even help freshen up their breath (thanks to the mint)!

Get the recipe.

Girl Scouts Dog Treats

Don't feel like baking? No problem! Girl Scouts also sell dog treats. So, go ahead—order a pouch or two for your pooch directly to your doorstep (and skip the cleaning!).

Of course, don't forget about stocking up on your own sweets. You can learn more about the new Raspberry Rally cookie on the Girl Scouts website, and order Raspberry Rally cookies online starting Feb. 27. (They're exclusively available online for shipment.)

So, how'd your dog like the Carob-Covered Raspberry Cookies? They loved it, right? Now, remember not to overfeed them these delicious treats. Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet; and if your dog is overweight, it should be even less than that. For example, if your dog needs 600 calories per day, they should have no more than 60 calories from treats. Here's more information about how to feed treats to dogs.

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If your pet has health issues (including sensitivities to fats) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.

The post Your Pup Will Love These Carob-Covered Raspberry Cookies—Scout’s Honor! appeared first on BeChewy.

Make These Valentine’s Day Cookie Grams for Your Pet and All Their Furry Friends

BeChewy Editors — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 23:57:44 +0000

Remember back in grade school when you would send candy grams to all your friends (and your crush)? And remember how excited you were to receive one (especially from a secret admirer)? Well, this Valentine's Day, we're going old-school and treating our pet—and all their furry friends—to a pet-friendly version of candy grams: cookie grams.

These Valentine's Day cookie grams for dogs and cats are so easy to put together, too. All you need are treat bags, ribbon, our printable Valentine's Day e-cards and a batch of fresh, homemade cookies (we've linked to our dog- and cat-friendly cookie recipes below). Or, you can fill the bags up with tasty store-bought treats. They'll love those, too.

Go on, get assembling—and share the love!

Supplies

Treat bags

Pictured: Spritz Valentine's Day Treat Bags ($3)

Ribbon

6-inch strip, one per bag

Valentine's Day cards

Download printables here.

Treats

Make homemade cookies:

Both recipes include instructions on how to make pet-safe frosting.

Don't forget the heart-shaped cookie cutters!

Make homemade cookies:

Both recipes include instructions on how to make pet-safe frosting.

Don't forget the heart-shaped cookie cutters!

Or buy treats:

Milk-Bone Sweetheart Snacks Mini’s Dog Treats ($7)
Bonne et Filou Strawberry Macaron Dog Treats ($20)
Pounce Crunchy Tuna Flavor Cat Treats ($3)
Rachael Ray Nutrish LoveBites Cat Treats ($2)
Shop all Valentine's Day treats here

Instructions

Fill the bags with treats.

If making cookies, be sure they're fully cooled and that the frosting's hardened before putting into the bags.

Hole-punch the printable cards and slide ribbon through.

Print the cards as small or as big as you'd like!

Tie the bags with ribbon.

And voila! They're ready to hand out.

Remember, treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your pet's diet (and if your pet is overweight, it should be even less than that). For example, if your pet needs 200 calories per day, they should have no more than 20 calories from treats. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If your pet has health issues (including sensitivities to fats) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering any new treats.

From all of us at BeChewy, Happy Valentine's Day to you, your pet and all their friends! For more fun activities this month, check out our February calendar.

The post Make These Valentine’s Day Cookie Grams for Your Pet and All Their Furry Friends appeared first on BeChewy.

7 Belly-Warming Comfort Food Recipes for Dogs We’re Making This Winter

Ashley Davidson — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:30:13 +0000

Comfort food dishes for dogs are not only warm, inviting and tasty (like those for humans), but they also feature ingredients that are good for them—like carrots and sweet potatoes. Plus, some pup-friendly comfort food recipes are so simple to make, they require just one ingredient.

From hamburger casserole to silky-smooth bone broth to a pet-safe play on hot chocolate, here are some of our favorite comfort food recipes for dogs, starting with the easiest.

Remember, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

Steamed Smashed Carrots

Photo: iStock.com/Lena_Zajchikova

Packed with vitamin A and soluble and insoluble fibers—which help support vision, heart health and digestion, respectively—this simple carrot recipe makes a delicious and nutritious dog treat or food topper.

Place a handful of sliced carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and in eight to 10 minutes mash 'em up. Done and done!

Get the recipe.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Photo: iStock.com/DronG

Fiber-rich and high in beta-carotene, sweet potatoes support good digestion and boost your pup’s immune system. They also make for a tasty winter treat.

Simply boil the sweet potatoes, mash them, and serve! If you want some for yourself, add butter, brown sugar and salt to taste.

Get the recipe.

Hamburger Bake Casserole

Photo: iStock.com/LightFieldStudios

Yep, your dog can have their own casserole, too.

This six-ingredient casserole is layered with unseasoned, cooked hamburger (a healthy source of protein) and veggies, including cucumbers (a hydrating low-calorie treat).

Once assembled, just pop the dish in the oven, cool off, and serve—don’t let them eat the whole thing in one sitting.

Get the recipe.

"Hot Chocolate"

Photo: iStock.com/istetiana

Kevyn Matthews, The Dog Chef, created a safe hot chocolate alternative for dogs with just four ingredients that you can whip up in minutes.

While chocolate is toxic to dogs, carob powder is a safe alternative for your pup—and makes a tasty “hot chocolate” dogs (and you!) are sure to love.

Get the recipe.

Comforting Chicken and Rice

Photo: iStock.com/VeselovaElena

Sure, pet parents may serve their pup chicken and rice when they have an upset stomach. But this easy-to-make dish is worth serving as a warm, comforting treat, too.

Make the rice according to the package instructions, boil the plain chicken until it’s cooked through, and—to amp up the flavor—why not also add a splash of homemade bone broth?

Get the recipe.

Veggie-Studded Beef Stew

Photo: Chewy Studios

This dog-friendly Instant Pot stew is jam-packed with extra-lean, protein-rich beef and a variety of nutritious veggies, including golden potatoes, carrots, celery and peas.

This set-it-and-forget-it recipe only takes 30 minutes to make. But the best part? You can also pour yourself a bowl of this stew—just add seasoning.

Get the recipe.

Chicken Bone Broth

Photo: Lynn Karlin

Nutrient-rich, immune system-boosting, hydrating bone broth is a lovely, belly-warming treat for dogs. And it's not as difficult to make as you might think (really!).

Cook bone-in chicken with some carrots, celery and thyme; and after letting it cool, scoop off the fat that formed on top, and serve. Your pup won’t resist lapping up the warm treat.

Get the recipe.

The post 7 Belly-Warming Comfort Food Recipes for Dogs We’re Making This Winter appeared first on BeChewy.

This Homemade Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs and Cats Is Certified Slurp-Worthy

Kat Lapelosa — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:30:14 +0000

If your pet has ever sat salivating next to you as you slurp up some silky-smooth homemade broth, good news for them: Bone broth is an amazing, nutrient-rich treat dogs and cats can enjoy, too. And the best part? It’s super easy to make at home. All you need is a handful of simple, pet-safe ingredients; an Instant Pot, slow cooker or stock pot; and a few other supplies you likely already have in your kitchen.

This dog- and cat-friendly recipe was created by Marge Perry and David Bonom, cookbook authors and Trunk Pop Dinners co-founders—and it might just be the tastiest way to get warm and cozy with our furry friends this winter.

Remember, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

Click on a button to jump to that section:

Ingredients and Supplies

Belly-Warming Bone Broth Recipe

Yield:
About 6 cups

Serving size:
2 tbsp per 20 pounds of body weight

Prep time:
30 minutes (includes straining and skimming the fat)

Cook time:
2 to 8 hours, with an additional 30 minutes for cooling

Ingredients

4-4 1/2 pounds chicken backs, wings, drumsticks or thighs

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 sprigs fresh thyme

Water to cover, about 1 1/2 quarts

Supplies

Instant Pot, slow cooker or stock pot

Knife, Chopping board

Peeler, Strainer

Cheesecloth (optional)

Ice cube tray (optional)

Mason jars (optional)

Instructions

1Add the chicken, carrots, celery and thyme to the Instant Pot. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, about 1 1/2 quarts.

2For the Instant Pot:Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Allow the Instant Pot to depressurize with a natural release. Once the Instant Pot is safe to open, remove the lid and let it cool for 30 minutes.

For the stock pot:Cook uncovered over low heat for 4 hours.

For the slow cooker:Cook covered on low heat for 8 hours.

3Set a strainer over a large bowl and pour the chicken bone broth through. For clearer broth, line the strainer with cheesecloth. Discard the solids, especially the animal bones, remaining in the strainer.

4Cool to room temperature, then chill for 3 to 4 hours or until any fat that is on the surface has solidified. Scoop off the fat and discard it. Divide the broth into desired portion size and store in an airtight container (ice cube trays make handy portions in smaller batches for smaller pets!) and freeze until ready to use.

How to Serve Bone Broth

Bone broth can be served in a few ways...

As a food topper:

This cat and dog bone broth serves as a great, hydrating food topper for picky eaters to entice them to, well, eat. You can also drizzle some of this broth on your pet’s dry kibble to moisten it up. Allow the broth to cool before serving.

As a frozen treat:

We love pouring broth into ice cube trays (like this cute paw print tray!) because, once frozen, they make for easy-to-serve tasty treats. Limit servings to one cube a day.

As a nutritious drink:

Once the broth has cooled, pour into a bowl or cup, and let your pet lap it up—but don’t go overboard! Serve about 1 ounce (or 2 tablespoons) per 20 pounds once a day.

While your dog or cat may want this homemade bone broth all the time, don’t forget: This recipe is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding.

“It’s important to note that bone broth does not provide many calories, so it should be served as part of a well-balanced or veterinarian-recommended diet,” says Dr. Stephanie Howe, DVM, a pet health representative at Chewy.

How to Store Bone Broth

As for storing, you can refrigerate it, store in Mason jars and/or pour into ice cube trays.

Mason jars:

Once your broth is cooled completely (to room temperature), simply pour the broth into each jar, leaving at least 1-inch of space from the top of the jar to allow the liquid to expand as it freezes.
Screw on the lid, but don’t seal it all the way; this helps the glass from breaking.
Label the jar with the date you cooked it and freeze upright.
Once the broth is completely frozen (usually after 24 hours), screw on the lid entirely.
Store for no more than three months, per the USDA. And when you’re ready to use, put the jar in the fridge to defrost overnight.

Ice cube trays:

Once your broth is cooled to room temperature, pour the bone broth into the trays, filling each section 3/4 full.
Place trays in the freezer.
Store for no more than three months.

Refrigerator:

If you plan to refrigerate your leftovers, do so within one hour of preparation and consume the broth within three to four days.
If your pet cannot consume within that time frame, freeze the broth.

Benefits of Bone Broth for Pets

For starters, “bone broth is a tasty source of hydration,” Dr. Howe says. It’s a great way for picky eaters or pets dealing with mild digestive upset to increase their water intake.

Bone broth also...

Improves skin and coat health
Promotes joint health
Supports liver and lung health
Improves gut health

Learn more about the health benefits of bone broth.

Dangers of Homemade Bone Broth for Pets

While some veggies, like carrots and sweet potatoes, are OK to add while cooking, certain human-grade soup ingredients are not safe for pets.

Salt, onion and garlic can be toxic to pets and should not be included in your bone broth. (We didn’t include these ingredients in our recipe for a reason!) “Large amounts of salt can be toxic to pets and cause brain swelling and damage,” Dr. Howe explains. Garlic and onions and other plants in the Allium family (leeks, chives, scallions, etc.) contain disulfides and thiosulfates, “which can severely damage a pet’s red blood cells and can cause the red blood cells to die,” she adds.
Cooked bones can be very harmful if swallowed by a pet. So, make sure you remove any cooked bones or solid bone splinters before serving it to your pet, Dr. Howe advises.

Homemade bone broth is a nutritious supplement to dog food or cat food. Adding some as a meal topper to your cat or dog’s diet will provide numerous health benefits, ensuring a healthy immune system for your pet. So, save this bone broth recipe and pour it over some kibble for enhanced flavor that is full of natural collagen, amino acids and more!

This recipe was designed for both cats and dogs and reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat, snack or food topper. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If your pet has health issues (including food allergies or sensitivities to fats) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.

The post This Homemade Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs and Cats Is Certified Slurp-Worthy appeared first on BeChewy.