DIY Easter Treats for Dogs!

DIY Easter Treats

This past Easter I wanted to go all out and make DIY Easter Treats for the dogs. In my husband?s family, between his mom, aunt, and two of his brothers, as well as us, there are seven dogs. We are also all the type of people that bring our dogs along on vacations and family dinners. These results in some seriously interesting family get togethers, full with all things dogs. Matt?s (my husband) eldest brother actually recently had the first grandchild in his family, so we know as we all start to have babies this will change. But for the time being, our focus is on our dogs and them getting the most out of their lives!

In saying that, I decided to make three different types of freezer treats and put them in little mason jars for our furry family members. All of these are super easy to make and just require chocolate or ice cube moulds. I purchased my Easter chocolate moulds from my local Michael?s Craft Store. They often have different kinds depending on the season and usually they go on sale closer to the holiday. I purchased mind for buy one get one 50% off. If you don?t have a local craft store that carries these, you can also purchase them from Bulk Barn or online from Amazon. I recommend purchasing the silicone moulds so that it is easy to pop to treats out once they are frozen.

The three different types of treats that I did were, coconut oil and blueberries, peanut butter and raspberry jam, as well as frozen strawberries and blueberries. All of the ingredients in the treats I had on hand at home and were very simple to make. Of course you can tailor the ingredients to your dogs likes. As I have mentioned in the past, I have a very picky dog so I am always trying new combinations and flavour to see what she likes and is worth making again.

So lets get into the DIYing!

Frozen Blueberry Coconut Oil Dog Treats

Frozen Blueberry and Coconut Oil Dog Treats

Ingredients

  • Coconut Oil
  • Blueberries (I used frozen)

DIY Easter Treats - The ingredients for Frozen Blueberry Coconut Oil Dog Treats

Method

  • Take your clean dry mould and place on a metal cookie sheet/tray.
  • Put 2-3 blueberries in each cavity of the mould. Since I used a cute bunny bum mould, I put the blueberries where the tail and the paws are.
  • Heat up your coconut oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it is a liquid.
  • Pour or spoon the coconut oil over the blueberries in the cavities, until almost full to the top.
  • Repeat with all of the cavities.
  • Take your cookie sheet/tray with the mould on top and pop it into the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour. This recipe will take the least amount of time to solidify since coconut oil is solid at room temperature.
  • Once the coconut oil has solidified all the way through take them out of the freezer.
  • Then take the mold and pop out the treats.
  • Store in a jar or container in the freezer. You can store these ones in the fridge as well, however if you have used frozen blueberries as I have, they made release some liquid.

 

Frozen Blueberry and Coconut Oil Dog Treats

So there you have the first DIY Easter Treats. These coconut oil and blueberry treats are a huge hit with Marlee and she is a picky eater.

These treats are also really healthy for dogs. Coconut oil is good for your dogs stinky breathe due to its antibacterial properties. It is also good for digestion and reduces allergic reactions. One of the benefits that I love is that it?s great for your dog?s coat. It aids in itchy dry skin and works from the inside out. If you?re new to giving your dog coconut oil, it is recommend that you give your dog 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds or 1 tablespoon for every 30 pounds. Start your dog off will a lower dosage to not throw off their system. If you plan on doing this recipe, I would work your dog up to being able to consume this much at once, or use a smaller mould with less coconut oil.

Frozen Blueberry and Coconut Oil Dog Treats

Blueberries are great for your dog just like they are great for humans. They contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants as well as fiber. Blueberries are said to help improve vision, protect the brain against stress, as well as protect against cancer in dogs. For more check out the article, Health Benefits of Blueberries.

The second DIY Easter Treat that I made was Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam. Who doesn?t love the classic of peanut butter and jam? I know I do so I figure that my four legged family members would as well. In the past I have mentioned that Marlee isn?t a huge fan of peanut butter. However, this is because she gets frustrated and doesn?t want to make the effort to eat it. These treats are a great solution to that problem since they are frozen. Your dog can take bites of the treats, eat it whole if they are a big enough dog, or lick it to savour the flavour.

Let?s get started to this twist on the classic PB and J

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Dog Treats

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Dog Treats

Ingredients

  • Peanut Butter
  • Raspberry Jam
  • Coconut Oil

DIY Easter Treats - The ingredients for Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Dog Treats

Method

  • Place clean dry mould onto a metal cookie sheet/tray.
  • Warm up a small amount of coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds or until in a liquid form.
  • Warm up your raspberry jam in the microwave to loosen it up. Don?t over heat and make hot.
  • Mix together a very small amount of the coconut oil into the loose raspberry jam. This will help keep the form of the treat when out of the freezer, since coconut oil is solid at room temperature.
  • Spoon raspberry jam and coconut oil mixture into mould cavity until halfway full.
  • Repeat with all of the cavities.
  • Place the tray in the freezer for 30-60 minutes until the raspberry jam has firmed up and is stiff enough that the jam and peanut butter won?t combine.
  • Warm up the peanut butter in the microwave to loosen it up until it is a little bit liquid-like consistency.
  • Take some of the liquid coconut oil and mix it with the warmed up peanut butter. Again, this helps to keep the peanut butter more solid while out of the freezer and helps to allow you to store them in the fridge.
  • Take your peanut butter ad coconut oil mixture and spoon it into the cavities the rest of the way to the top.
  • Repeat for all of the cavities.
  • Place cookie sheet/tray with the mould in the freezer and freeze for 3 hours or over night until treats are frozen all the way through.
  • Then take the mould and pop out the treats.
  • Store in a jar or container in the freezer.

Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Dog Treats

There you have it, the peanut butter and jam classic turned into your furry companions new favourite treat. This recipe is so simple and also has some health benefits for your doggie.

Many people know that peanut butter is a good source of protein. This is no different for dogs. Apart from peanut butter being as good source of protein it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, Niacin and vitamin E. However, it is always advised to give your dog a small amount as a treat and not over indulge them, even though it may be their favourite.

Raspberries also have some great health benefits for your furry best friend. They are antioxidants similar to blueberries, as well as an anti-inflammatory. This is great if your four-legged friend has arthritis. Raspberries also contain vitamin C, manganese and fiber. However, it is important to note that raspberries also contain a small amount of xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs. Due to this reason, make sure that you limit the amount of raspberries your dog consumes and do not give raspberries to them regularly. In this recipe I used raspberry jam, but you could also take frozen or fresh raspberries and blend them up in a blender or food processor. However, make sure you only give them this treat in small amounts and not regularly.

The last DIY Easter Treat that I made was strawberry-blueberry. When coming up with these recipes I wanted to use ingredients that most people already have in their fridge and freezer. Maybe it?s just me, but I always have a ton of frozen fruit on hand. It?s often cheaper than buying fresh fruit, lasts longer, and is so versatile. Apart from feeding it to the dog, I love whipping it up in smoothies, topping my cereal and yogurt with it or just eating it straight. But it does come in handy with Marlee as well. That is why I have used strawberries and blueberries in this last DIY Easter Treat. It?s healthy for dogs and they love these two fruits.

Frozen Strawberry-Blueberry Layered Dog Treats

Frozen Strawberry-Blueberry Layered Dog Treats

Ingredients

  • Frozen Strawberries
  • Frozen Blueberries
  • Coconut oil

DIY Easter Treats - The ingredients for Frozen Strawberry-Blueberry Layered Dog Treats

Method

  • Place your clean dry mould on a metal cookie sheet/tray.
  • Take your frozen strawberries and put them in a food processor or blender.
  • Blend until the strawberries are broken up in small enough pieces that it turns into a paste when mushed together.
  • Repeat the process above with your blueberries, making sure that they are small enough pieces that they combine into a paste.
  • Next melt a small amount (about 4 tablespoons) of coconut oil in the microwave.
  • Mix half of the coconut oil with the strawberries
  • Mix half of the coconut oil with the blueberries; you need to do this quickly so that the coconut oil doesn?t harden when you are combining it.
  • Take your strawberry paste and spoon it into the mould cavity until it is half full.
  • Repeat for all of the cavities.
  • Place in the freezer for 30-60 minutes, until the mixture is slightly firm.
  • Take your blueberry paste and spoon it into the cavities until it is completely full.
  • Repeat with all of the cavities.
  • Once finished, place the mould on the tray in the freezer for 3 hours or over night until treats are frozen all the way through.
  • Then take the mold and pop out the treats.
  • Store in a jar or container in the freezer.

Frozen Strawberry-Blueberry Layered Dog Treats

These DIY Easter Treats are fairly simple and are easy. I had frozen strawberries and frozen blueberries on hand so that was convenient. You can also use fresh, but I find that more expensive and it may take longer to freeze into a solid mould. Therefore, I recommend using frozen fruit.

Frozen Strawberry-Blueberry Layered Dog Treats

I already mentioned the many benefits of blueberries above for the Frozen Blueberry Coconut Oil Dog Treats. However, strawberries are also very beneficial for your four-legged friend. Similar to blueberries they also contain antioxidants. They are also full of fiber and contain vitamin C. Strawberries also have an enzyme that helps to whiten dog?s teeth, which is always great if your dog isn?t a fan of bones or teeth brushing.

Frozen Strawberry-Blueberry Layered Dog Treats

 

All there of these DIY Easter Treats are super easy to make and use so little ingredients that most people will have them on hand. Also, if you don?t want to include the coconut oil in the Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Dog Treats or the Frozen Strawberry-Blueberry Layered Dog Treats you don?t have to. But I recommend storing them in the freezer and giving them to your dog in their bowl or on a place mat. Otherwise they melt very quickly and can make a mess. The blueberries will stain so be careful where your doggie is enjoying their treats.

DIY Easter Dog Treats

DIY Easter Dog Treats

Mini Mason Jars and Easter Tags

Since these were gifts, I packaged them in the mini mason jars and cut out a name tag for the dog that was receiving it. To cut out the name tag I just used a bunny shaped cookie cutter, as well as an egg shaped cookie cutter. but you can free hand it. I then punched a hole in the tag and used some string to attach it to the mason jar. It was super easy and the mini mason jar is great for storing in the freezer.

DIY Easter Dog Treat Jars - Cookie Cutters

The best thing about these treats is that you can make them for any occasion. You can use generic dog moulds, or a mould for a different holiday and use the same recipes. You also don?t need an occasion to treat your dog. These are a great treat for the summer when it?s hot and your furry friend needs a little cooling down.

DIY Easter Dog Treats

Let us know if you out try these DIY Easter Treats or if you have other recipes your doggie companion loves in the comments below! Stay posted for our upcoming Doggie Easter Egg Hunt!

Wet Kisses and Tail Wags,
Karlee and Marlee

Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins for Dogs

This past week was our little Marlee’s 3rd birthday, and we celebrated by making her some wheat free peanut butter banana muffins. Marlee is an extremely picky dog and is not a huge eater. She often gets bored of the same food and treats quickly. So I am constantly looking for and creating new recipes for her to try out. We made mini muffins due to Marlee’s small size, but if you had a larger dog you definitely could make these in a regular sized muffin tray.

Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins for Dogs

You can also make the regular sized muffins and cut them in half or in quarters to suit your dogs size if you don’t have a mini muffin tray. In the past Marlee hasn’t been a fan of peanut butter. I know she’s weird, what dog doesn’t like peanut butter? But the truth is, I think she likes the taste, but finds eating straight peanut butter too frustrating since it is so thick and sticky.

Thankfully, Marlee loves these wheat free peanut butter banana muffins! She loves the taste and is put off by the texture like she often is by other doughy/biscuit treats. We did have to take the mini muffins and make them into smaller pieces for her, since she always has a hard time ripping apart her food, and we didn’t want to risk her choking on the muffin. As always when it comes to your furry friend and especially when feeding them, make sure they have fresh water accessible. This recipe turned out to be fairly moist but Marlee did drink quite a bit of water while eating. You can always make the recipes more moist with a little more banana and water.

Print Recipe
Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins for Dogs
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10-12 mins
Servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10-12 mins
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350?F.
    Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffin Ingredients
  2. Combine the egg, honey and mashed banana.
    Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
  3. Next mix in the smooth peanut butter.
    Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffin
  4. Add in the wheat free flour, rolled oats and baking powder.
  5. Lastly, add in the water and combine.
    Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
  6. Let mixture sit for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place mini muffin liners into the mini muffin tray.
    Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
  7. Scoop the dough into each mini muffin liner.
    Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
  8. Place mini muffin tray in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
    Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Well there you have it, wheat free peanut butter banana muffins. If your dog doesn’t have a wheat or grain allergy you can always use regular old flour. However, if your dog does have allergies, especially to wheat, gluten, or grain, this recipe is great. Most of the time, you can take a regular recipe that calls for flour and omit it for a grain free flour. Just make sure you always check the ingredients to make sure that they are safe for dogs. With a grain free flour, there will be a combination of ingredients to allow it to act the same as regular wheat flour.

Marlee waiting to eat her wheat free peanut butter banana mini muffin

Since it was Marlee’s birthday we let her have a couple mini muffins. We also got her a couple new birthday toys and some birthday cake bites from our local?PetSmart. These are great if you don’t have the time to make your furry companion homemade treats. However you can always make the peanut butter banana muffins in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. I made two dozen mini muffins, I put a dozen in the fridge and a dozen in the freezer. The best way to store them is lining a ziplock freezer bags with paper towel and laying the muffins flat. Then just let them thaw before feeding to your dog.

So does your four legged best friend have a birthday coming up? Or are you celebrating a special occasion and want to include your dog best friend? Make a dozen wheat free peanut butter muffins and let your doggie feel special. You can give any leftovers to your friends and families dogs, or freeze them for later.

Interested in more dog friendly recipes? Or does your dog have any allergies? Make sure to check back for future recipes and if you have any you and your furry friend love, share them in the comments below!?We hope your four legged best friend enjoys these Wheat Free Peanut Butter Banana Muffins.

Check out our latest post?here?for some great activities to do with your dog.

Wet Kisses and Tail Wags,
Karlee and Marlee