Organic Dog Treats: Recipes And Buying Guide

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Organic treats have higher nutritional value than most mass-produced, store-bought treats. In addition to being made from natural ingredients, using organic means there are no pesticides or fertilizers used to grow the produce, which makes the treats even safer and more nutritious for your pup. Organic can mean a higher expense, but you could whip up a batch of your own organic treats from your kitchen and save some money in the long run for the overall health and well-being of your pet.

Making homemade healthy carrot dog treats. Dough with cookie cutters

What Are Organic Dog Treats?

Organic canine treats are made using certified organic ingredients. Organic ingredients are produced without using modern synthetics like pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Irradiation, chemical food additives, and industrial solvents are also avoided. In the United States, organic gardening is strictly regulated, and food producers have to obtain special certifications to assert that their products are organic.

Organic foods in the U.S. are managed by the Organic Foods Production Act from 1990 and regulations outlined in Title 7, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Organic foods in the U.S. must:

  • Contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients
  • Not genetically modified
  • Livestock must be raised without growth hormones or the application of antibiotics and should have access to pastures regularly

Why Should You Consider Organic Treats?

  • Reduced Chemical Exposure – Products that use organic ingredients do not use ingredients that have been exposed to chemicals that can build up in your dog’s system. No one can really know what long-term effects the chemicals used in pesticides and fertilizers can have on our pets but better safe than sorry.
  • Reduced Allergen Exposure – Many common allergens are left out of organic treats making them a good option for dogs that have various sensitivities. Common allergens that are left out of organic treats include corn, wheat, and chicken.
  • Reduced Calorie Content – Companies that produce organic treats are often much more conscious of the overall impact of the product on the dog, and this includes calorie count. By focusing on organic ingredients such as fruits and vegetables, treats tend to have lower grain content, fewer additives, and, consequently, lower calorie counts.

Easy Homemade Organic Dog Treat Recipes By Category

Be sure to pay attention to the ingredients you use. Always ensure the ingredients you purchase are certified as organic and that you avoid ingredients your dog shows sensitivities to.

You have the option to choose the size and shape of the treats. You can use traditional cookie cutters or other fun shapes like dogs or bones to create your dog treats. Or simply roll small balls of the “dough” by hand. If you prefer all the treats to be the same size, try using a melon baller or ice cream scoop. You can also use a cup to create circle-shaped treats.

Easy Baked Dog Treat Recipe

Two Ingredient Baby Food Dog Treats
Photo Credit: The Midnight Baker

This recipe is super easy and only takes 30 minutes to make a batch.

Two Ingredient Baby Food Dog Treats

  • 2, 4 oz jars of organic baby food (meat or vegetable, or a mix of both, like Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food.)
  • 2 cups of organic flower, spelt, wheat germ, or rolled oats (or a combination of all)

Yield: Approximately 15 medium-sized treats

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the ingredients to form a dough in a mixing bowl. On a lightly floured countertop or surface, roll the mixture into 1/4 inch thick dough and cut out into shapes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until slightly golden brown. Turn off the oven and let the biscuits rest until the oven is completely cool (to help dehydrate the treats).

Source: The Midnight Baker

Easy No Bake Dog Treat Recipes

Peanut Butter And Yogurt Frozen Dog Treats

This recipe is also extremely easy and although it takes longer to freeze (vs bake) the preparation time is still relatively quick. We made these for a dog meet up and all the pups loved them (see photo). Pet parents should note that they are a bit messy for them to consume (especially in hot weather when they’ll melt fast).

Peanut Butter And Yogurt Frozen Dog Treats

Yield: Approximately 1-2 dozen medium-sized treats

Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor (or use a mixing bowl) and stir until smooth and creamy consistency. Fill a silicone mold or ice cube tray with a mixture. (We tried adding little blueberries into the tops of each cube for an extra special surprise for the pups). Freeze for at least two hours until hard. Pop out of the molds and serve. Find more frozen dog goodies.

Source: Cooking With Janica

Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes

Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Photo Credit: Platings and Pairings

These super simple treats are a sweet and chewy way to reward your pup without the fear of calories or chemicals.

Sweet Potato Dog Chews

  • 3 organic sweet potatoes

Yield: Approximately 5 cups

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and trim the ends off each of the sweet potatoes. Slice into approximately 1/3 inch pieces length-wise. You can also cut the potatoes into disc shapes. Arrange your chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or use a dehydrator. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, flipping once halfway through. Once completely brown, turn off the oven and let the potatoes cool off which will help dehydrate them further.

Source: Platings and Pairings

Where To Buy Organic Dog Treats

There are many commercially available organic treat options produced by a variety of companies. Here are our top picks if you choose to buy instead of making your own.

Wet Noses All Natural Dog Treats

Wet Noses All Natural Dog Treats

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Founded in 1998, Wet Noses Original Organic Treats are certified organic using non-GMO, human-grade ingredients, so you can trust they are healthy and yummy. They contain no grain, corn, wheat, soy, or dairy, so they’re ideal for pups with any type of allergies. They come with a 100% money-back guarantee, so you don’t have to worry whether your dog will gobble them down or not. With a cookie-like texture, your pup might never know you didn’t make them yourself.

Ingredients

They come in a variety of flavors including apple and carrots, grain-free berry, hemp seed and banana, sweet potato pie, and peanut butter and molasses. All ingredients are 100% sourced and made in the U.S. with no additives or preservatives.

Price: $12.35 ($0.88 / Ounce)

Whole Life Pet Freeze Dried Chicken

Whole Life Pet Freeze Dried Chicken

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Founded in 1998, Wet Noses Original Organic Treats are certified organic using non-GMO, human-grade ingredients, so you can trust they are healthy and yummy. They contain no grain, corn, wheat, soy, or dairy, so they’re ideal for pups with any type of allergies. They come with a 100% money-back guarantee, so you don’t have to worry whether your dog will gobble them down or not. With a cookie-like texture, your pup might never know you didn’t make them yourself.

Ingredients

They come in a variety of flavors including apple and carrots, grain-free berry, hemp seed and banana, sweet potato pie, and peanut butter and molasses. All ingredients are 100% sourced and made in the U.S. with no additives or preservatives.

Price: $33.14 ($3.31 / oz)

Always Use Caution When Making Dog Treats At Home

Keep in mind the quality of your ingredients should always be organic and fresh to ensure the highest quality canine treats. Most importantly be aware of which ingredients you should never use when baking for your dog. There are many “people foods” that can be harmful to dogs. Refresh yourself with what foods are toxic for dogs, so you are keeping your dog safe.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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