Grain-Free Homemade Dog Treats [Happy 2nd Birthday, Duke!]
Today is Duke’s 2nd birthday!! Can you believe it?! On one hand I can’t believe he’s already two, and on the other hand I can’t believe he’s ONLY two. I pretty much feel like he’s always been a part of our little family. He definitely has his own quirks and has totally debunked my previously held notion that all dogs of the same breed would behave pretty much the exact same day. Duke and Einstein could not be more different dogs; I guess that’s like a lot of siblings, right?! Duke is incredibly sweet and loves lots of affection; for his birthday, I naturally wanted to churn out some new homemade dog treats.
Can you believe this is what Duke looked like when we first brought him home??
When Einstein was a puppy, I spent a ton of time researching dog foods and eventually decided to feed him grain-free. It’s the only food he’s ever eaten, and he has done exceptionally well, so when we got Duke we started him on the same food. For whatever reason, it never occurred to me until now to make their homemade treats grain-free, as well. When I was thinking about what to make Duke for his birthday, it finally dawned on me that I should do something grain-free, since that’s what we feed them, after all!
Duke is saying, “Don’t even THINK about touching one of my birthday treats, Einstein!”
Einstein is all, “Who? ME?”
This is an easy recipe and very customizable (check out the source link at the bottom for more suggestions), and I’m happy to report that both Duke and Einstein absolutely loved them. I need to keep a batch on hand for when they’re especially good!
One year ago: Homemade Peanut Butter-Bacon Dog Treats
Five years ago: Monster Cookies
Grain-Free Homemade Dog Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup (117.5 ml) chicken broth
- ¼ cup (54.5 ml) coconut oil
- ¼ cup (61.25 g) canned pumpkin
- 1â…“ cups (160 g) tapioca flour
- â…“ cup (40 g) coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) sea salt
- 2 tablespoons brewers or nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the chicken broth and coconut oil to a boil. Remove from the heat and whisk in the pumpkin.
- In a large bowl, stir together the tapioca flour, coconut flour, sea salt, yeast, flaxseed and parsley. Pour the chicken broth mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until no traces of dry ingredients remain (the dough will become stiff).
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, leave the treats in the oven and crack the oven door until they are cooled completely (this will help them dry out a bit). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
Good morning! I wanted to say that I love your site and make many of your recipes and absolutely drool over so many others. I saw your post today and just wanted to put a bug in your ear . I’m a certified veterinary technician of 15 years and over the past 2-3 years there has been a lot of research and studies that have been going into the link between grain free diets and dilated cardio myopathy or an enlarged heart muscle. I see that you have 2 beautiful goldens who, unfortunately, are already predisposed to heat related issues. I’m hoping this information gives you the opportunity to learn about the connection and possibly seek out an alternate diet choice.
http://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
I just made for 1st time for our Aussie, Captain, who has many food sensitivities, gluten, grain, egg and the list goes on.  I’vetried a few others but they are socrumbly.  I love that this dough is easy to roll out.  I had to change chicken to beef broth and I didn’t have brewers yeast, but amazing.  Thank you so muchÂ
Going to try the grain free treat, must be good if Duke and Einstein liked them.Â
I enjoyed seeing both pets and was so sad when Einstein was no longer here.
Would it be possible to make this using all coconut flour?? I have everything but the tapioca flour on hand, and would totally make these tonite!!
Hi Meredith, Yes, I think you could do all coconut flour without an issue.
I was buying some flax seed oil for my dogs at Whole Foods, and the sales associate told me to make sure I purchased the one for dogs and not humans because it is hard on them because of the way it is processed. Is this also true for the seeds? I will have to look at Whole Foods and inquire. I ended out not getting because it scared me, and I was afraid to purchase any oil, but if the seeds are okay I may try it.
Thank you for this recipe. I’ve been trying to find good alternative dog snacks for my golden that have no grain in them since she is allergic to grains. So this is one recipe I will definitely give a try.
I missed saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DUKE! yesterday, darn it! I remember that little guy when you brought home – I know he’s been a joy for you all. Joseph is a lucky little boy to have those two wonderful dogs in his life!
What dog food do you feed your fur babies? I don’t have a dog right now, but will again in the future. My previous girl dog had severe allergies and I’d like to start our future family member on something different than what we fed her.
Hi Robin, We feed them Wellness Core Grain-Free… Good luck! :)
Such a beautiful dog! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUKE!
I’ll have to try this recipe. If your dogs like it, then my Dolly should too!
Bowwwrrr! rrrRuff! pant, pant, pant, pant……
(Translation from Ally my mini Schnauzer) – Dad PLEASE make these for me NOW!!!!
Thank you, Duke for making us all happy! :D :D :D
Happy birthday, Duke! Thanks for sharing this recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
Happy Birthday Duke!!! He is adorable.
I cannot wait to try the recipe.
Happy Birthday Duke! They are soo lucky to have you as their mommy Michelle.
You treat them so well :)
Awwww…his puppy picture is so cute. Happy birthday Duke! :-)