Finding the right treats for your dog who is sensitive to many foods and treats or has a sensitive digestive system can be a very difficult task. You need to find a treat that won’t add extra stress to your dog’s digestive system. Store-bought treats are often not suitable for these dogs. This is because most of those foods/treats contain fillers, artificial additives, etc. that are harmful to your dog.
What to do in this situation? The best option is Homemade Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs. Yes, you can make your dog’s treat at home. Cooking treats at home not only helps you control the ingredients, but also helps you to stick to a specific dog diet.
In this blog post, we’ll look at why homemade food is a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We’ll share some easy, nutritious recipes with meat-based alternatives that your dog can enjoy without any stomach issues, and we’ll also answer a few questions that are common concerns for pet owners.
Why Choose Homemade Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
For dogs whose stomachs are very sensitive, artificial flavors and preservatives are very harmful. These things are often found in commercial foods, so they should not be given to your dog. If you feed homemade treats to your dogs, you will have the following advantages:
Full Ingredient Control: You know your dog’s actual condition best, so you can prepare the right food for him by knowing what food he needs, what ingredients he needs, and eliminating those that are not beneficial.
- Freshness: If your dog has stomach problems, it is appropriate to feed him fresh cooked food. It is not possible in store-bought food, so homemade food is the only way to ensure these things.
- Customization: You can feed your dog a specifically formulated food based on his likes and dislikes, his physical needs, and his breed and weight.
- Cost-Effective: If you go to buy a treat for your dog, its cost is much higher, but if you go to make the same thing at home, (better make it on a little larger scale), then overall it will be a lot of money saving for you.
Key Ingredients for Sensitive Stomachs
For dogs who suffer from stomach problems, it is important to focus on easily digestible ingredients when preparing food. Here are some such dog-friendly options that you can easily serve to him or add to his food.
- Pumpkin Puree: A great source of fiber that aids digestion.
- Oats: Gentle on the stomach and packed with nutrients.
- Sweet Potatoes: Easy to digest and rich in vitamins.
- Chicken or Turkey: Lean proteins that are less likely to cause upset.
- Bananas: A natural source of potassium and gentle on the stomach.
- Coconut Oil: Supports digestion and adds a healthy fat boost.
Avoid ingredients like dairy, fatty meats, onions, garlic, and anything with artificial additives.
6 Easy Recipes of Homemade Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Here are some easy recipes that are vet-approved and perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They include meat-based options.
1. Pumpkin and Oat Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 2 cups oat flour (or blend oats into a fine powder)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Celsius.
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and knead until the dough is formed.
- Knead the dough and cut into small pieces as per your requirement using a cooking cutter.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for twenty to thirty minutes until light golden brown. Let it cool completely before serving.
2. Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients:
- 1-2 sweet potatoes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
3. Banana and Peanut Butter Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Mash the banana and mix with peanut butter and oat flour.
- Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then let cool.
4. Chicken and Rice Training Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Cut into small squares once cooled.
5. Coconut Oil and Blueberry Frozen Treats
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Instructions:
- Blend the coconut oil and blueberries in a blender.
- Pour into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze until solid.
6. Treats with Meat: Turkey and Veggie Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Let cool before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Introducing Homemade Treats for Dogs
- Start Small: When making treats for dogs with problematic stomachs, do so in small amounts and observe how the dog reacts.
- Portion Control: Keep giving your dog any food, even if it is healthy, in moderation for stomach problems.
- Consult Your Vet: If your dog has severe allergies or health problems, do not read the food label and change the food yourself. Only do so after talking to an expert.
- Store Properly:Homemade treats do not contain preservatives, so store it in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour in dog treat recipes?
Oatmeal is almost always a good choice for pooches with sensitive stomachs because it is easy to digest, but you can also use flour. If your dog tolerates wheat, you can use whole wheat flour, but wood flour may be a safer option for sensitive pups.
How long do homemade dog treats last?
If you make dog food at home, you can safely store it in the refrigerator for one to two weeks, and for longer storage, you can store it in the freezer for up to three months. However, always check to see if it has spoiled before feeding it to your dog.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another ingredient?
Yes, if your dog is allergic to peanuts or you are concerned about the team, you can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, sunflower seed butter, etc. as alternatives to cook dog treats.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Most of these recipes are safe for non-dog owners, but since every dog is different, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your puppy’s health. Because puppies’ nutritional needs can vary based on their physical and other factors.
What if my dog doesn’t like homemade treats?
Dogs are very picky eaters and they can eat it. Don’t be disappointed if your dog refuses to eat your treats at first. Experiment with different flavors and textures to see how you can make these treats more appealing. If necessary, you can use a small amount of shredded chicken or turkey. If you are picky, you can use cheese slices.
Final Thoughts
If your dog is into sensory art, the best way to keep him happy and healthy is to prepare treats for him at home. By using healthy ingredients while making treats at home, you are doing exactly what your pet needs. Not only that it is good for you, it is very much cost-saving. So going for homemade treats for dogs is good for both you and your beloved pet.
Just as your pet will benefit physically and mentally, you will also benefit mentally and financially. So instead of feeding store-bought treats to dogs with stomach problems, opt for homemade food. This approach is widely accepted and loved by pet-owners all over the world.
Have you tried any of the recipes mentioned above? Are your dogs loving any of these? Let us know. If you get good results please share the post with others.