Many pet parents are considering making homemade dog food to gain more control over the ingredients, and homemade dog treats are no exception. Cooking and baking dog treats is a terrific way to save money while also spending quality time with your best buddy. They are simple to create, enabling you to tailor your pup’s diet to their specific requirements, and eliminate filler items and dangerous preservatives.
The ideal method is to cook a large amount and then store it for later use. With appropriate care and preparation, your handcrafted goodies can last for a long time. Try these long-lasting dog treat recipes.
What factors affect the shelf life of dog treats?
When you employ fresh and natural ingredients, the shelf life of your goodies decreases substantially. The advantage of complete nutrition without additives comes at the cost of a shorter shelf life. When properly kept and refrigerated, most recipes can last up to a week. If you freeze a batch immediately after cooking, you can extend its shelf life for several weeks.
Natural preservatives such as vitamin C and mould inhibitors can keep baked sweets fresh for up to six months if stored properly. Heat, ventilation, cooking method, ingredient list, and storage are the most critical aspects determining how long your homemade goodies last.
Most popular homemade treats for your dog
Some popular dog-treat recipes are simple to prepare and will leave your four-legged pet begging for more. We’ve compiled a list of a few to get you started.
Leftover trail mix: Combine your week’s leftovers to make a tasty mix to take on a walk or as a snack in the park.
- Pieces of meat with all the spice removed, clean potatoes, bland veggies, and fruits are also excellent components. Avoid eating onions, grapes, and raisins.
- Combine all of the chopped ingredients and distribute them in a skillet. Spray with cooking spray.
- Keep in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit to dry. For even better results, consider using a food dehydrator.
- You can freeze the entire batch straight away and thaw it overnight for daily usage.
Basic Dog Biscuits: These traditional delights will never go out of style. They are simple to build, but take some time to get them properly. Here’s what you need.
- 2 1/2 cup whole wheat flour.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1 egg
- One tablespoon of beef bouillon
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken stock
- 1/2 cup hot water.
Include one or more of the following: eggs, oats, liver powder, and wheat germ.
Once you have all of the materials, simply follow this step-by-step approach to make nutritious, delectable treats that your animal buddy will enjoy:
Step 1: First preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Heat the water and broth, and dissolve the bouillon.
Step 3: Chop any meat, eggs, or other solid components and combine with the mixture.
Step 4: Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, without boiling.
Step 5: Add the other ingredients one by one, ending with the flour.
Step 6: Stir, combine evenly, and allow it to cool. Place in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Step 7: Knead the dough thoroughly until it forms a smooth ball.
Step 8: Roll dough out on a sheet to about 1/2 inch thickness across.
Step 9: Use a cookie cutter to cut out bone shapes.
Step 10: Place the treats on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Step 11: Keep in the oven and cook for another 30 minutes.
Step 12: Once completed, allow them to rest before dividing them into parts for later use.
What are some natural preservatives for homemade dog treats?
A few spices, vitamins, and honey can help keep treats safe and appetising for an extended period of time. You can experiment by adding vitamins C and E, as well as citric acid. Replacing sugar or any sweetener with honey also works great, but don’t go overboard on the candy for your taste buds.
Finally, a few items in your spice cabinet will work without hurting your dog’s stomach. These include rosemary, sage, and cloves (cinnamon is also effective, but it can be too spicy for dogs with delicate stomachs). Try out a couple approaches to discover what Fido like and what lasts the longest.
How to properly keep your treats?
Once dried, these treats will last around 15 days in the pantry, three to four weeks in the refrigerator, and up to six months if frozen immediately. However, there are a few ways to extend the life of your baked delights simply by changing your storing procedures. Follow these practices, and your dog will love the rewards for longer.
Step 1: Let the goodies cool fully before storing. Any remaining heat from your baked items can cause condensation within a storage container. This makes the ideal environment for bacteria and mould to grow. It will also remove the crunch from your snacks, reducing their usable shelf life.
Step 2: Store dry foods in an airtight container. After cooling, keep your dry baked food crispy and moisture-free for up to ten days. Most likely, your dog will eat them all long before then.
Step 3: Nothing beats the refrigerator. Whether it’s discarded meat, homemade soft snacks for a walk or a large batch of biscuits, keeping the food cold will alleviate a lot of concerns and significantly extend the period before your treats are no longer edible.
Step 4: Monitor local weather. Depending on where you reside, weather and temperature may be important considerations for storing your snacks. If you have a good air conditioning system and your home’s temperature remains stable throughout the year, you’re set to go. For individuals who experience harsh weather, adapt your procedures to account for particularly hot days, which may limit the life of your treats.
Give your pets some love in the form of tasty handmade goodies that will last for weeks. They will not only adore you more, but you will ensure that they get all of the nutrients while avoiding the bad stuff. Being a good dog parent requires time and patience, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.