If your pooch loves his canned dog food, but becomes a picky eater when it comes to treats, consider turning one of those cans of food into tasty treats. Alone or with a few added ingredients, canned dog food enables you to make quick and healthy treats.
Dog Food Only
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open up a can of loaf-style dog food with a can opener. Open the bottom of the can as well to allow you to push out the food in a solid log.
Step 2
Cut the loaf into 1/4-inch slices. Cut these slices into bite-sized pieces or use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. If you choose the cookie cutter option, combine remaining dog food and flatten to continue to cut more shapes. Place pieces onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Step 3
Place cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Store treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Mixed Dog Biscuits
Step 1
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Lightly grease the cookie sheet with olive oil.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine a 13.2-ounce can of dog food with 2 cups flour, an egg and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Add in 1 cup cooked and pureed vegetables or fruits, such as sweet potatoes, broccoli or green beans. Mix thoroughly. Using a spoon, scoop out dough to form 1-inch balls and place on the cookie sheet. Press down the balls with the fork.
Step 3
Bake in the oven for four hours. Turn off the oven and allow the biscuits to cool in the oven overnight. Remove from the cookie sheet and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- If your canned dog food is more of the meat and gravy variety, place the food into a food processor and blend. Use this pureed food in the biscuit recipe. You may need to add additional flour based on the food’s moisture content.
- Instead of the pureed vegetables, you can add 1 cup unsweetened applesauce. Because of its high moisture content, you may need to add a few tablespoons of flour to create a dough consistency.
- If your dog has wheat allergies, substitute rice flour for the all-purpose flour in the biscuit recipe.
Warnings
- Feed treats in moderation. Even though these use your dog’s regular food, treats still increase the calories he eats.
Writer Bio
Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.