Use your toaster oven to make homemade dog treats
I love my dogs and try to give them the best and healthiest food. Dog treats are no exception, so when I have time I make my own in my toaster oven. This way, I know exactly what’s in them and I don’t have to worry about dangerous additives and preservatives. They are cheaper than store bought but easy to make. Below is a basic and simple recipe, plus my two favorite dogs: Bacon Balls and Peanut Butter Bars.
I find that the toaster oven provides an ideal baking environment for dog treats. The proximity of the cooking elements helps them dry perfectly without burning. However, you can make them in a regular oven if you need to. Simply increase the temperature by 25 degrees F and keep a close eye on them.
Basic treats for dogs
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
1 large chicken egg
Addresses
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the egg and broth. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Cut into desired shape with pizza cutter (but do not separate).
Bake until lightly golden, about 25 to 35 minutes. After cooling, separate and store in an airtight container.
Bacon Balls
Ingredients
3 strips of bacon, preferably nitrate free
3/4 cup whole milk
1 large chicken egg
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Addresses
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Dice the raw bacon and cook on the stove over medium heat until fully cooked. Set aside to cool.
Beat the egg and milk in a large mixing bowl. Add the bacon (including juices). Mix well. Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour. Use your hands to form a dozen round balls, each about 2 inches. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 45 minutes.
Any leftover bacon balls will need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Peanut butter bars
Ingredients
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Addresses
Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Place the peanut butter and milk in a large bowl and stir well. In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Mix well. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix well.
Place dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to cut into a rectangular loaf shape. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes.
Advice and suggestions
All these doughs are thick and dry; if you have trouble spreading them, add a little water or low-sodium broth.
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