Christmas Gift Recipe: Healthy Dog Biscuits (2024)

By Sara McCleary Updated - This post may contain affiliate links

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Healthy dog biscuits packed with parsley, carrot, and bran. They have the added flavour punch of using bonito. They are the perfect treato for your doggo.

Home-made Christmas presents are always high on my Christmas cooking list. Something I enjoy doing for family and friends. There is one special member of our family that tends to come in front of all others in my desire to make something special for. The fur baby.

When I first posted this recipe many years ago the fur baby was our gorgeous Sally. Sally has now crossed the rainbow bridge, but lives on within the pages of Belly Rumbles. New fur baby Harley loves them just as much.

I am sure my fur babies are the only spoilt ones out there. Why not make Christmas (do we really need an occasion?) that little more special by making treats for them from your own kitchen. There are so many pet treat recipes out there, offering something a little more exciting than the run-of-the-mill store bought ones.

Home-made dog biscuits are really easy to bake and the appreciation from your four legged family member will just fill your heart with joy. Dogs are no different to humans, they like change, treats, and pleasant surprises. I don't care what anyone else says, they appreciate and enjoy good food too.

These biscuits won't make it under the tree for Sally this year. Instead, she has generously agreed to taste test them for those Belly Rumbles' readers with special dogs in their lives. What did she think? She isn't knocking them back and has no hesitation in scoffing one, two or even three down

Sara xxx

More Dog Treatos!

Peanut Butter and Carob Dog Treats - your dog will go crazy for these
Carob Rocky Road - why should humans have all the fun?
Pea and Rosemary Dog Treats - only 4 ingredients
Chicken Liver Cookies - crack for dogs

Printable Recipe

Christmas Gift Recipe: Healthy Dog Biscuits (5)

Healthy Dog Biscuits

Recipe Author: Sara McCleary

Home-made healthy treats for your favourite Fido.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of continental parsley finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot finely grated
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ¾ cups wholemeal flour
  • 2 Tablespoons bran
  • 1 Tablespoon dry bonito stock granules* optional
  • ½ - 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven 180 degrees C/160 degrees C fan forced or 350/325 degrees F.

  • Line two biscuit trays with baking paper.

  • Place parsley, carrot and olive oil in a large bowl, mix. Add the dry ingredients and mix well.

  • Mix in ½c water, gradually add more if needed. The mixture should be moist and come together but not wet. You want it to be a consistency that can be rolled.

  • Once desired consistency has been reached, knead mixture for one minute.

  • With a rolling pin roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1cm thickness. Use your desired cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place on baking trays.

  • Re-roll dough scraps and cut out more cookies, repeat until all of the dough has been used.

  • Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until biscuits have browned and hardened slightly.

Oven Temperatures

All oven temperatures are fan forced.

Measurement Notes

All measurements are Australian metric standard. All measures are level, and cups are lightly packed unless specified. 1 teaspoon = 5ml / 1 tablespoon = 20mls / 1 cup = 250ml /4 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.

Recipe Notes

*Bonito stock granules are optional. They are available at all Asian supermarkets in the Japanese food section.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

The recipe's nutritional information is an approximation based on an online calculator. It is meant solely for reference purposes. If you're looking for precise details, be sure to double-check with your own research.

Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 5gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 255IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.3mg

Did You Make This Recipe?I do a happy dance when people share how they went. Tag me on Instagram or Twitter @bellyrumbles & #bellyrumbles

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Amanda@ChewTown

    Honey and Macca would LOVE these! Sally looks like she loves them - what a happy pooch 🙂

    Reply

    • Sara

      Sally loves food period! But yes, she was very happy when these were made.

  2. Jacq

    naww sally looks happy with a biscuit in her mouth! I love making dog biscuits (even though I don't have a dog to call my own... yet) - it's just so adorable to see dogs enjoying the biscuits!

    Reply

    • Sara

      Sally is always happy with food in her mouth :p

  3. Renata

    How sweet of you to treat Sally with homemade biscuits. I don't have a dog (or any pet due to allergies) but I sure would love to do the same!

    Reply

    • Sara

      She gets spoilt, What a shame about your allergies 🙁

  4. Tina @ bitemeshowme

    Awww what a lovely idea! Pets are part of the family so I don't see why they don't deserve home baked goods either 🙂

    Reply

    • Sara

      She loves home baked goods. Also has a big love of Peking duck, BBQ chicken and prosciutto!

  5. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    Aww look at that face! who could resist it? 😀

    Reply

    • Sara

      It really is hard to resist her and she is a big softie of a dog.

  6. Helen (Grab Your Fork)

    Awww now that's love! Did you try any yourself? I would have! lol

    Reply

    • Sara

      Do love her very much 🙂 Yes I did try them. Mainly taste of carrot, but not too bad. She likes them, that's the main thing.

  7. Maureen | org*smic Chef

    Christmas Gift Recipe: Healthy Dog Biscuits (6)
    I bought the cookie cutter last year (or was it the year before?) but I haven't made Charlie one treat. I should be ashamed. I'm going to try these for Christmas.

    Reply

    • Sara

      Maureen, i have used the cookie cutter only twice since I purchased it. I really need to bake Sally more goodies!

  8. ChopinandMysaucepan

    Dear Sara,

    I wouldn't mind being Sally coz I've never read of a luckier dog being given home-made doggie biscuits. This post has given me an idea to bake similar shaped biscuits for my next home party 🙂

    Reply

    • Sara

      HAHA, I tried them and they tasted fine. Probably need a bit of extra spice for humans 🙂

Christmas Gift Recipe: Healthy Dog Biscuits (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest homemade treat for dogs? ›

Homemade Healthy Dog Treats for the Fall!
  • Peanut Butter Cookies. Dogs absolutely love peanut butter! ...
  • Sweet Potato Chews. Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta carotene. ...
  • Pumpkin Balls. ...
  • Carrot and Apple Dog Biscuits. ...
  • Frozen Berry Yogurt Treats. ...
  • Stay at Barkwells.

What is the healthiest flour for dog treats? ›

Whole wheat flour: is packed with fiber, and protein, and is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin E, copper, iron, manganese, and selenium. You could alternatively substitute this with oat flour or another dog-safe flour.

How healthy are dog biscuits? ›

However, many of the “old fashioned” dog biscuits, cookies and chews only provide your dog with a dose of artificial flavours and synthetic scents. And while dogs love these, they often mask subpar ingredients. The most common “unhealthy” ingredients are inexpensive fillers.

Are homemade dog biscuits safe? ›

Homemade dog treats have benefits beyond being budget-friendly. With DIY treats, you know exactly what foods your dog is eating. Along with being free from harmful ingredients, homemade dog snacks can make great training treats, especially when made in smaller sizes.

What not to put in homemade dog food? ›

What ingredients should you avoid in homemade dog food? There's a vast number of human foods which should never be fed to dogs. Here's a list of ingredients you should avoid in your homemade dog food recipe: Onions, garlics and chives: these can cause gastrointestinal problems and damage to red blood cells.

Can I use regular flour for dog treats? ›

In general, we recommend staying away from all purpose flour for your dog. It's not going to hurt them in small amounts, but it just doesn't have the nutritional value that you can get from other kinds of flour.

What flour can dogs not eat? ›

Flours to Avoid for Dogs
  • Soy.
  • Wheat.
  • Corn.

Is coconut flour or wheat flour better for dogs? ›

Coconut flour has a great many benefits for our canine companions. Not only is it a low glycemic alternative to traditional flour, it is also high in fiber and can help aid in digestion.

Is oatmeal good for dogs to eat? ›

Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs? Plain, cooked oatmeal can be a great addition to your dog's diet. This heart-healthy breakfast is rich in soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins that help support your dog's coat and skin. The high fiber content helps promote digestion and weight management.

Can I give my dog a biscuit everyday? ›

From a nutritional point of view Digestive biscuits aren't the best treats to give your dog, but in moderation they're unlikely to harm your dog. However, giving a small dog a Digestive biscuit can be up to 20% of their daily calorie intake.

Why should you put water in dog biscuits? ›

Aid in Digestion

Adding water to your dog's kibble can aid digestion in a couple of notable ways. Firstly, the moisture softens the food, making it easier to chew and swallow, especially for older dogs or those with dental problems. The result? A mealtime that's much more comfortable and enjoyable for your pet.

Which biscuit is better for dog? ›

Pedigree dog biscuits are made with high-quality components and fortified with essential nutrients. Available in various flavors and sizes, Pedigree dog biscuits are suitable for different breed sizes and preferences.

Are banana good for dogs? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Are blueberries good for dogs? ›

Yes, blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health. Adding blueberries to your dog's diet is a great way to help keep him happy and healthy.

How long do homemade dog biscuits last for? ›

Refrigerator. Most dog treats will keep for several weeks in the fridge. In an airtight container in the fridge, this 'shelf-life' can be extended to a couple of months or even longer.

What homemade food can dogs eat everyday? ›

7 Foods to Cook For Your Dog
  • Chicken. Cooked chicken is a good source of protein for dogs. ...
  • Lean Ground Turkey. Lean ground turkey is a safe food to cook for your dog. ...
  • Eggs. Cooked eggs are a safe, healthy food with lots of minerals and vitamins. ...
  • Raw or Steamed Vegetables. ...
  • Fresh Fruits. ...
  • Boiled Potatoes. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Yogurt.
Sep 12, 2023

What are the healthiest dog treats? ›

11 Healthy, Natural Treats for Dogs in Your Kitchen
  • Watermelon. ...
  • Cooked Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Cooked Squash. ...
  • Strawberries. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • You Should Know… When trying out new treats for your dog, it's always best to start with small portions and see how your dog's GI tract responds.

Are homemade dog treats healthier? ›

Homemade dog treats don't contain the same amount of preservatives, fats and chemicals that regular store-bought treats contain. This is simply because homemade dog treats don't have to sit in bags on store shelves for weeks at a time, so homemade treats can contain the freshest and most natural ingredients available.

What should be the main ingredient in homemade dog food? ›

WHAT IS THE RATIO FOR HOMEMADE DOG FOOD? Dogs are obligate carnivores, so their diet should mainly consist of meats and protein. A good recommendation is 80% meat, 10% vegetable, and 10% Know Better Pet Food Premix.

References

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