Having a fluffy companion is great, right? Dogs are the best pets (sorry cat lovers!), and it’s always nice to spoil them occasionally. Splurging on treats at the pet store is one thing, but all dog owners know the look they give us when we're eating something they can’t, and it’s hard to resist those eyes.

What if there was a way we could create foods that dogs generally aren’t allowed to eat? Well, there is! Although there are some limitations like dog-friendly chocolate (something I’d advise we leave for the professionals), we can still create special treats like cookies and cakes at home that are completely dog-friendly.

Before we get into that, it’s important for all dog owners to know what dogs can and cannot eat. It’s also important that before you attempt to make any treat for your pooch you check that it's completely safe for them to eat. A lot of dog-friendly recipes don’t include too many ingredients so it’s advisable if you're unsure.

What can dogs NOT eat?

Chocolate

Anything containing the sweetener xylitol

Caffeine

Onions

Garlic

Chives

Raw meat, bones, and eggs

Grapes and raisins

Nuts

Salty snack foods (chips/crisps, pretzels)

Alcohol

Avocado

Fruit stones, pits, seeds

Mushrooms

What CAN dogs eat?

Carrots

Peanut butter

Eggs (cooked)

Salmon

Bananas

Cheese

Bread

Oatmeal

Pumpkin

Wheat flour (whole purpose, limitations)

Baking powder (limitations)

Honey

Without a doubt, it’s important to know what you're feeding your dogs, because if you feed them improper foods, it can lead to health issues. There's always that struggle of having to say no to sharing your food because you know they can’t have it. Try baking one of these recipes, whether it’s for a special occasion like doggy birthdays or even just to treat them!

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

With only four ingredients your dog can have their very own cookies!

Ingredients

2 cups of flour

½ cup peanut butter

2 eggs

¼ cup water

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350º F

Mix together flour, peanut butter, and eggs in a large bowl until slightly combined

Add in a little bit of water (approximately one tbsp) at a time until the mixture is wet enough to roll out as a dough

Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes with a cookie cutter (or roll into a classic cookie ball)

Place the cookies onto a baking sheet and cook in the preheated oven for 15 minutes

Banana and Peanut Butter "Pupcakes"

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas

⅔ cup peanut butter

2 eggs

⅓ cup honey

½ cup wholemeal flour

⅔ cup rolled oats

1 tsp baking powder (optional)

125 ml water

Instructions

Preheat your Oven to 350º F

Line 12 cases in a muffin or cupcake tray

Add your bananas to a bowl and mash them up

Add in the peanut butter, eggs, and honey and mix together

Add in the flour, oats, and baking powder and mix until fully combined

Add in the water a little bit at a time and mix

Place the mixture evenly in the cases

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes

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Pumpkin and Banana "Pupcakes"

A great recipe for making mini doggy cakes!

Ingredients

½ cup mashed bananas

½ cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

¾ cup whole wheat flour

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350º F and spray a muffin or cupcake pan with coconut oil

Whisk together mashed bananas, pumpkin, egg, and coconut oil in a large bowl

Stir in flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and baking powder until combined

Spilt the batter evenly into the prepared tray/pan

Bake for 12-14 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean

Allow cooling before feeding to your pups

No-Bake Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Balls

An easy and quick bake-free treat!

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree

½ cup peanut butter

2 ½ cup oats

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined

Take a small amount and roll it into a ball

Place them on a pan lined with baking paper and into the fridge for an hour

After chilling, they are ready for them to eat!

Pupsicles

Too hot? Does your dog need an icy treat to cool down?

Ingredients

½ cup chopped strawberries or blueberries (dogs can have these in small quantities!)

2.5 ounce containers of plain yogurt (use plain unsweetened yogurt that isn’t sweetened with xylitol)

Instructions

Place popsicle moulds on a flat surface (make sure they stay flat in the freezer)

Combine spoonfuls of berries and yogurt until moulds are filled

Freeze until solid (3 to 4 hours)

Remove treats from moulds and store in an air-tight freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Minty Breath Refresher Treats

A quick pop of minty goodness that your dog will love!

Ingredients:

1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (not containing xylitol)

1/4 cup mint

1/4 cup parsley

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup chopped small green apple

Instructions

Blend together the yogurt, mint, parsley, and coconut oil

Add in chopped apples

Pour mixture into a silicone mould

Freeze overnight or until completely frozen

Remove from moulds and store in an airtight container in the freezer

Whether your pooch is celebrating a birthday with a "pupcake" or needs a cool treat during the hot weather, all it takes is a few ingredients and some effort in the kitchen to keep your dog happy. Making your own treats is great because you know exactly what’s in them without extra additives and it gives you with a sense of pride when you see your dog munching down on something that you’ve made.