20 Grain Free Dog Treat Recipes Your Dog Will Love | Pretty Fluffy (2024)

FAQs

What is the best grain free flour for dog treats? ›

In most cases, yes, grain-free food is bad for dogs. There is no medical basis for feeding your dog a grain-free diet. The only exception is if your dog has a specific condition and you are advised to do so by your vet. In short, no studies indicate that grain-free diets are better for dogs than diets with grain.

Simple treats such as baby carrots, seedless apple slices, rice cakes, air-popped popcorn, and bits of hardboiled eggs are delightful, tasty, and inexpensive. Dogs with a sweet tooth can be charmed with watermelon and berries.

Digestive health benefits of furry treats

The hair on the treats doesn't break down in your dog's stomach, so as it moves through their digestive system, it acts like a brush, collecting any built-up food and clearing it out. As the fur cleanses your dog's digestive tract, it allows for better nutrient absorption.

Coconut flour is an excellent choice for dogs, as it is very high in both plant proteins and fiber. It's free of gluten, which can be problematic for some dogs, and it contains significant amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium and potassium.

Although dog parents have good intentions when feeding their dogs a grain-free diet, it may actually be harmful. The FDA has alerted pet owners that there may be a link between grain-free diets and a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), says Emily Wilson, DVM, a veterinarian with Fuzzy, a pet telehealth company.

If you're considering oatmeal as an easily digestible option for a dog with an upset stomach, go for white or brown rice instead. “Those are much more tried-and-true and safe,” Watkins says. Oatmeal does, however, make a healthy addition to your dog's shampoo, Watkins says.

Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they'll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They're also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like B6, C, and A.

High-value treats tend to be moist or freeze-dried, extra smelly, and something your dog doesn't get very often (if at all) outside of training sessions. Think tiny pieces of chicken, liverwurst, tripe, or even peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free) smeared on a spoon.

What food do dogs absolutely love? ›

Hair is usually described as longer, finer, often wavy or curly, and has a longer growth cycle, while fur is described as shorter, denser, and has a shorter growth cycle, resulting in more frequent shedding.

Not only do treats help keep pups content in our absence, but they also offer extra stimulation throughout the day that helps dogs satisfy some of their innate instincts passed down from their wild ancestors – like chewing.

Oat flour is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for dogs with grain sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet. Oat flour is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels in dogs. Protein is essential for muscle development and repair.

A wheat and gluten free grain which dogs can easily digest. It has soothing stomach properties and can help to expel toxins. Rice is also known to calm the nervous system and may help fight depression (yes, our furry kids also can get the blues, especially when left alone too long).

Buckwheat can be added to your dog's regular meals or used as a base for homemade dog treats. Buckwheat is a gluten free source of fibre and helps maintain your pup's digestive tract health, especially dogs that have GI (gastrointestinal) issues.