I love my dogs and I try to give them the best and healthiest foods. Dog treats are no exception, so when I have time I make my own in my toaster oven. This way I know exactly what they contain and I don’t have to worry about dangerous additives and preservatives. They are cheaper than store bought, but easy to make. Here’s a simple, basic recipe, plus my two favorite dogs: bacon balls and peanut butter sticks.

I find the toaster oven provides an ideal baking environment for doggie treats. The proximity of the cooking elements helps them to dry perfectly without burning. However, you can make them in a normal oven if necessary. Just increase the temperature by 25 degrees F and keep a close eye on them.

Basic treats for dogs

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup low sodium chicken or beef broth

1 large chicken egg

Addresses

Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk in the egg and broth. Slowly mix in whole wheat flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Cut it to the desired shape with a pizza cutter (but do not separate).

Bake until lightly golden, about 25 to 35 minutes. After cooling, separate and store in an airtight container.

Bacon balls

Ingredients

3 strips of bacon, preferably nitrate free

3/4 cup whole milk

1 large chicken egg

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Addresses

Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Cut raw bacon into cubes and cook on the stove over medium heat until fully cooked. Let cool.

Beat the egg and milk in a large bowl. Add the bacon (including the fat). Mix well. Slowly mix in whole wheat flour. Use your hands to form a dozen round balls, each about 2 inches. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Any leftover bacon balls should be stored in the refrigerator.

Peanut butter bars

Ingredients

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1/2 cup whole milk

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Addresses

Heat your toaster oven to 350 degrees F. Place the peanut butter and milk in a large bowl and stir well. In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour and baking powder. Mix well. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix well.

Place the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to cut into a rectangular bar shape. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes.

Advice and suggestions

All these masses are thick and dry; if you have trouble spreading them, add a little water or low sodium broth.

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