Air-Fryer Dog Treats: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Recipe

Homemade dog treats are a great way to pamper your pooch without breaking the bank. Making your own dog treats is easy, and you can be sure that your furry friend is getting safe, nutritious, and delicious snacks. You can make your own dog treats in an air fryer, and the process is simple. All you need are a few simple, dog-friendly ingredients, and you can whip up a batch of soft or crunchy treats that your dog will love.

Choosing the right ingredients

Flour:

When selecting flour, it's best to opt for whole wheat flour as it offers more nutritional benefits to dogs than white or bleached flour. Whole wheat flour is rich in fibre and essential nutrients, making it a healthier option for your pup. However, if your dog has wheat allergies, you can use alternative flours like oats or coconut flour.

Peanut Butter:

The type of peanut butter you choose is extremely important. Always select natural, unsalted, and unsweetened peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, added sugars, salt, artificial sweeteners, or added oils. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues, so it's crucial to avoid it. Natural peanut butter is typically made from 100% peanuts and is the safest option for your furry friend.

Pumpkin Puree:

When adding pumpkin to your dog treats, be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix, which contains spices and added sugar. Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals that support your dog's overall health and is excellent for their digestive system. If you don't have pumpkin puree, you can also use sweet potato puree.

Eggs:

Eggs are a great source of protein and other essential nutrients for dogs. When adding eggs to your dog treat recipe, opt for large eggs to ensure your treats have a good binding agent and a nutritious boost.

Other Ingredients:

You can also add a few other ingredients to enhance the flavour and nutritional profile of your dog treats. A small amount of honey can be included, although it's optional. Additionally, if you want to add a bit of cheese, opt for finely shredded old cheddar.

Remember, it's important to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about specific ingredients or your dog's dietary needs.

How to make the dough

To make the dough for your dog treats, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups of flour or whole wheat flour (or alternative flour like oats or coconut flour for dogs with wheat allergies)
• 1/3 cup of natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 2 eggs

First, add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs to a large mixing bowl and mix until fully combined. Then, add in 1 cup of flour and mix until combined. Next, add in another cup of flour and mix until a doughy mixture forms.

At this point, you may need to add more flour. Knead the dough by hand and incorporate additional flour as needed, until the dough reaches a soft, but not sticky or crumbly, consistency. You may not need to use all of the flour, or you may need to add a little extra, depending on the consistency of your dough.

Now your dough is ready to roll out and cut into shapes!

Cutting out the treats

Once you've prepared your dough, it's time to cut out your dog treats.

First, lay out a large piece of parchment paper and sprinkle it lightly with flour. Place your dough on the parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin until it is about 1/4-inch thick.

Now, it's time to cut out your treats. You can use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes, such as a bone shape, or simply use a knife to cut the dough into equal-sized pieces. If you're feeling creative, you can even use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into cute little squares. Place the cut-out treats on a cookie sheet or a similar dish and set them aside.

Remember to use a cookie cutter or knife that you don't mind getting some wear and tear, as the dough may stick to it. You can also lightly flour the cutter or knife to prevent sticking.

If you have any leftover dough scraps, you can gather them and roll them out again to cut out more treats. Repeat this process until you've used up all your dough.

Now that your treats are cut out, you're one step closer to having delicious, homemade dog treats that your furry friend will surely love!

Cooking the treats

Now it's time to cook the treats! If you're making chicken jerky, preheat your air fryer to 280°F and cook the chicken for 9 minutes. Then, set the temperature to 170°F and cook for 1 ½–2 hours. For all other treats, preheat your air fryer to 370°F. If your air fryer doesn't go to 370°F, use 365°F instead. Place the treats in the air fryer, making sure they're not overlapping or touching. Cook for 4–7 minutes, or until the treats are golden or lightly browned. You may need to cook the treats in batches, depending on how many your air fryer can fit.

Once the treats are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before feeding them to your dog. You can store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months or freeze them for up to 6 months.

Storing the treats

Once your dog treats have cooled, it's time to store them away, ready for your pup's next snack time.

Firstly, it's important to note that you should always store your homemade dog treats in an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh and stop them from going soft. You should also store them away from moisture and heat.

Room temperature storage

If you're planning on your dog gobbling up their treats within a few weeks, you can store the airtight container at room temperature, in a cool, dry place.

Refrigerator storage

For longer-term storage, you can keep your dog treats in the refrigerator. This will help to extend their 'shelf-life' to a couple of months or more.

Freezer storage

If you want to keep your dog treats for even longer, you can freeze them. Place the treats in a thick, airtight freezer bag or container, and they should stay fresh for up to six months.

Thawing frozen treats

When you're ready to treat your dog to one of the frozen treats, simply take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge to thaw. It will be ready to eat in around a day.

Remember, it's always best to play it safe and refrigerate your homemade dog treats. This will help to ensure they stay fresh and safe for your furry friend to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions