Dog treats are an essential part of positive reinforcement training. It helps your dog to understand that by doing good behaviors, he will be rewarded.
Thus, increasing the likelihood of repeating that action until it turns to a habit.
There are some problems with store-bought treats though. First, almost all are made for small dog breeds like Shih Tzu or Pomeranian.
Second, it can be quite expensive especially if you will need a great quantity for training. Lastly, it is full of additives and preservatives.
All fur parents want the best for their pooch. So, why not make your own DIY Dog Training Mini Treats? It is a quick and easy recipe, plus you can control the sizes and ingredients based on your dog’s need.
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How to make DIY Dog Training Mini Treats?
This homemade mini treats only need three simple ingredients. All are available at the local grocery store.
DIY Dog Training Mini Treats Ingredients:
- 1 pc Medium Ripe Banana
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 3/4 Cup Xylitol-free Peanut Butter
Dog Training Mini Treats Instructions:
- Combine all three ingredients in a small bowl, and mash with a fork. Mix thoroughly.
- Once blended well, knead the dough using your hands.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough ball on a smooth, floured surface until the dough is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Using your desired 3/4 inch cookie cutter, cut out as many pieces as you can.
- Put the cut-out treats on a cookie sheet and covered it with a parchment paper
- Set the oven to 50° Fahrenheit, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until solid.
- Let it cool down until room temperature before serving to your dogs
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Yes, but only in moderation because while bananas are full of potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese, they also have high sugar content.
That’s the reason why bananas are only served as treats and are the perfect alternative to salty store-bought treats.
What peanut butter is safe for dogs?
Dogs love peanut butter. But before sharing a spoonful with your dog, make sure to check its label first. Dog-safe peanut butter should not contain any xylitol.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute often used in gums, and sometimes peanut butter.
It is extremely toxic to dogs that even small amounts could lead to liver damage or worse, death.
Use all-natural organic peanut butter. They’re unsweetened, low in cholesterol, and safe for dogs.
Avoid peanut butter brands like Go Nuts, Nuts ‘N More, and P28 Foods because they contain xylitol.
Is Whole-wheat Flour Good for Dogs?
It depends. Whole-wheat flour is the best choice for making dog treats because it contains all the original nutrients, and is a good source of energy and protein compared to highly-processed white flour that has zero nutritional value.
However, one downside of whole-wheat flour is it contains gluten, which could trigger extreme allergies in dogs and humans.
So, if your dog has wheat-intolerance, opt for gluten-free flour instead like organic coconut flour.
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