Maybe you’re feeling crafty. Maybe your best friend had a rough week at the park and you want to cheer him up. Or maybe you’re getting nervous about all those multisyllabic chemicals you found on the ingredient list for Rover’s biscuits. Whatever your reason, you feel like making homemade dog treats! Luckily, there’s a dog treat recipe for every kind of dog. Read on to find the one that’s right for your pet. (These recipes are also all safe for humans to eat, just in case you get jealous.)

For Dog-ovan Bailey: Power Bars

These natural bars are great for athletic dogs. If you take your dog jogging, give him one of these afterwards to help him power up for that after-run nap on your best sofa..

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 egg white
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/8 cup milled flax seed
• 1 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup assorted nuts, seeds, and fruits. Try pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, coconut, mango, and banana chips. Remember to avoid chocolate, raisins, and macadamia nuts as these aren’t good for dogs.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Shape with your hands into flat, round 1-2 inch cookies. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven on a greased cookie sheet for 8 minutes. Store in refrigerator for 2 weeks or freezer for up to 4 months.

Recipe via Pawcurious

For the dog who loves rawhides: Sweet Potato Chews

Many dogs love rawhides, but these can be difficult to digest. If your dog has digestion problems try this recipe instead. We can’t wait to try these at home!

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Peel 2-4 sweet potatoes and cut into 1/4 inch slices. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 3 hours. Flip halfway. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

For the dog who needs distraction: Kong PB&J

If you have a Kong and need to keep your dog entertained in the car or while you have a dinner party, try making a doggie PB and J. Mash a ripe banana with a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter. Stuff in a kong and freeze for at least 1 hour. This will keep your dog entertained!

For the dog who loves jerky: Natural chicken strips

Most dogs love jerky, but in recent years there have been increasing reports of illnesses in dogs caused by jerky pet treats. The best way to find jerky that’s safe for your pet is to make it yourself – and luckily, it’s very easy!

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, frozen and then sliced into strips about ¼ to 1/8 inch thick
• ½ cup organic vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Dog-friendly seasonings, such as parsley, rosemary, and sage

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (or use a food dehydrator at 140°F).

2. Rinse off the chicken breast and remove any fat. Slice the chicken with the grain. Next, coat the chicken slices with your dog-friendly seasonings.

3. Place the chicken breast strips in an even layer across the entire tray, leaving an equal amount of space between pieces and making sure that they do not touch each other. This is so air can flow between them while they are drying out, which helps dehydrate them.

4. Bake in the oven for about 2 hours. Strips are done when they are the same colour throughout and show no signs of moisture.

5. Store in a sealed container or in the refrigerator.

Recipe via Organic Gardening 

BONE appétit!

image: “A Dog Goes into a Bar” by Amy/CC-BY-2.0