{"id":140331,"date":"2026-01-21T12:56:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T10:56:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=140331"},"modified":"2026-01-15T13:23:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T11:23:36","slug":"homemade-treats-5-healthy-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/homemade-treats-5-healthy-recipes","title":{"rendered":"Homemade Treats: 5 Healthy Recipes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone who shares their home with a four-legged friend knows <em>that<\/em> look. The one full of hope, love, and the silent question: &#8220;Can I have a bit?&#8221; We are used to spoiling our pets with bright packets of bones or pillows from the supermarket. But have you ever stopped to think about what is really hiding behind the pretty label? Sadly, industrial treats are often packed with preservatives, flavour enhancers, and ingridients of dubious quality that can trigger allergies or digestive issues. That is why conscious owners are increasingly choosing to whip up treats themselves. Learn more on <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\">Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Homemade Treats Are Better Than Shop-Bought: A Nutritional Perspective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"799\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kt9o.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-140246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kt9o.jpg 799w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kt9o-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kt9o-768x557.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before heading to the kitchen, it is worth understanding the feeding philosophy of predators. Although dogs and cats have lived side-by-side with us for millennia, physiologically they remain animals with digestive systems wired differently to humans. The main problem with most cheap (and sometimes pricey) shop-bought treats is the excess of carbohydrates and low-quality fillers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the key benefits of DIY pet food:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transparency of ingredients.<\/strong> You see the fillet, liver, or veg with your own eyes. No &#8220;meat by-products of undefined origin&#8221; or &#8220;animal meal&#8221;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No nasty chemicals.<\/strong> Propylene glycol, BHA\/BHT (preservatives), artificial colourings &#8211; these are commonplace in commercial products. At home, your preservative is the oven or the freezer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tailored approach.<\/strong> Is your dog on a diet? You can make low-cal veg crisps. Does your cat need more moisture? You make a jelly. This is flexibility no shop can match.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Stop List: Strictly Forbidden Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kitchen experiments are brilliant, but safety comes first. What is healthy for you could be poison for your pet. Before you start making DIY dog and cat treats, make sure you aren&#8217;t accidentally using ingredients from the &#8220;blacklist&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Product<\/th><th>Why it&#8217;s dangerous<\/th><th>Consequences<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Chocolate (Cocoa)<\/strong><\/td><td>Contains theobromine, which animals cannot metabolise.<\/td><td>Irregular heart rhythm, seizures, fatal outcome.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Xylitol (Sugar substitute)<\/strong><\/td><td>Causes a sharp spike in insulin.<\/td><td>Hypoglycaemia, liver failure, death.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Grapes and Raisins<\/strong><\/td><td>The exact toxin is unknown, but the effect is proven.<\/td><td>Acute kidney failure.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Onions and Garlic<\/strong><\/td><td>Contain thiosulphates that destroy red blood cells.<\/td><td>Anaemia, weakness, breathing difficulties.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Yeast Dough<\/strong><\/td><td>Fermentation in the stomach releases alcohol and gases.<\/td><td>Stomach rupture, alcohol intoxication.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, even a small dose of xylitol (often found in peanut butter for humans) can kill a medium-sized dog. Always read the labels of the base ingredients carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 Recipes for Healthy Treats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173pfvd800_500fit.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-140261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173pfvd800_500fit.jpg 800w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173pfvd800_500fit-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173pfvd800_500fit-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have picked recipes of varying difficulty and purpose: from meaty bombs for training to light veggie snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Liver Biscuits &#8220;Training Motivator&#8221; (For Dogs)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Liver is a proper superfood for predators. It is rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper. These biscuits have a strong smell that drives dogs mad, making them ideal for training when you need to reinforce a new command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Beef liver &#8211; 500g (it is less fatty than pork).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chicken egg &#8211; 1 pc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oat flakes (ground into flour) &#8211; about 1 cup. If the dog is allergic to grains, swap for rice flour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clear the liver of membranes and chop into chunks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blitz the liver in a blender until it&#8217;s a smooth puree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add the egg and gradually fold in the oat flour. The batter should be thick, like for pancakes, but not too stiff.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Line a baking tray with parchment and spread the mixture in an even layer (about 1cm thick).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake at a temprature of 180\u00b0C for 20-25 minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove, let cool slightly, and cut into small squares (thumbnail size for small breeds, or larger for big dogs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Top tip: to stop the pieces getting your pockets messy, you can dry them out in a switched-off warm oven for another 30 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> Liver contains a lot of vitamin A. An excess can be harmful, so these treats should be given in moderation, not as a main meal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Tuna Crunchies &#8220;Feline Joy&#8221; (For Cats)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cats are notorious for being fussy. It is hard to get them to eat something if the texture or smell isn&#8217;t right. This recipe uses tinned tuna, the aroma of which attracts even the most capricious felines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tinned tuna in spring water or brine (no oil or salt!) &#8211; 1 tin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Egg white &#8211; 1 pc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corn flour &#8211; 2-3 tbsp.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A pinch of catnip (optional).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mash the tuna with a fork along with the liquid from the tin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whisk the egg white until foamy and gently fold into the fish mixture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add the flour to make the mix pliable. The main thing is not to overdo the flour, so the fish flavour remains dominant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Form small balls (pea-sized) or roll out the dough and cut with a knife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake for 15 minutes at 170\u00b0C. The biscuits should be crispy on the outside but soft inside.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, home cooking is wonderful, but the staple diet for most animals is still ready-made food. And here lies a serious danger. The market is flooded with counterfeits of famous brands. How can you avoid harming your pet when buying food in the shop? We have prepared a detailed guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/warning-counterfeit-how-to-distinguish-original-premium-pet-food-from-fake-products\">how to distinguish original premium pet food from fake products<\/a>. Make sure to read it, as the quality of their main diet is more important than any treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Pumpkin and Apple Chews (Dietary)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This option is perfect for dogs prone to weight gain, or senior animals who need fibre to improve gut motility. Pumpkin is basically a godsend for animal digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pumpkin puree (roast the pumpkin and blend) &#8211; 1\/2 cup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apple (grated finely, no skin or seeds) &#8211; 1 pc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Egg &#8211; 1 pc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oat flour &#8211; as much as the dough takes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mix all ingredients into a firm dough. Roll out a sheet 0.5cm thick and cut out shapes with biscuit cutters. Bake until golden (about 25 mins). These treats turn out quite hard, which helps mechanically clean tooth plaque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Meat Jerky &#8220;Long-Lasting&#8221; (Hypoallergenic)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the simplest, but perhaps most expensive recipe in terms of cost. Jerky is just dried meat. Such a treat is ideal for allergic dogs, as there is only one ingredient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take lean beef, turkey, or rabbit. It is crucial to remove all visible fat, as fat spoils quickly and can cause pancreatitis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freeze the meat slightly to make it easier to slice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cut the meat into long strips 3-4mm thick (along the grain if you want the dog to chew longer, or across for brittleness).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place on the rack of a dehydrator or oven.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry at 60-70\u00b0C for 4-6 hours. The meat should become dark and completely dry, but flexible &#8211; it shouldn&#8217;t snap like glass.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Summer Dessert: Yoghurt and Berry Ice Cream<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On hot days, animals suffer from overheating too. This dessert will not only cool them down but also provide extra moisture. Suitable for both dogs and cats (if they enjoy dairy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Natural yoghurt without additives or sugar (Greek is best) or kefir.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blueberries or strawberries (in small amounts).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can add a bit of mashed banana.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simply blitz everything with a blender, pour into silicone ice moulds, and freeze. Give one cube on a hot day. Blueberries are a powerful antioxidant, and the probiotics in yoghurt are good for gut flora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storing Homemade Treats: Don&#8217;t Let Your Hard Work Go to Waste<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kmba.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-140276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kmba.jpg 798w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kmba-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/173kmba-768x479.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since we don&#8217;t use preservatives, the shelf life of our creations is significantly shorter than shop-bought alternatives. That is the price for naturalness. Incorrect storage can lead to mould, which releases dangerous mycotoxins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the basic storage rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Biscuits (well-dried):<\/strong> In an airtight container at room temperature &#8211; up to 5-7 days. In the fridge &#8211; up to 2 weeks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Soft biscuits (with a moist centre):<\/strong> Only in the fridge &#8211; up to 3-4 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jerky (dried meat):<\/strong> In a glass jar in a dark place &#8211; up to 2-3 weeks. In the fridge &#8211; up to 2 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Life hack:<\/strong> Any homemade treats can be frozen! They sit happily in the freezer for 3-6 months. Just take out the required portion 15 minutes before your walk or training session.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Psychology of Treating: Don&#8217;t Turn Love into Obesity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treats are a tool for communication. When you give a dog a piece of dried liver, you are saying: &#8220;Well done, I&#8217;m pleased with your behaviour&#8221;. When you treat a cat to a tuna biscuit, you strengthen the social bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, there is a golden rule in veterinary dietetics: <strong>treats should not make up more than 10% of the daily calorie intake<\/strong>. If you have been training the dog actively today and fed a lot of liver, reduce the portion of their main dinner. Obesity is one of the most common problems in pets, leading to diabetes, joint issues, and heart trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cook with love, feed with sense, and may your tails always be healthy and happy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Anyone who shares their home with a four-legged friend knows that look. The one full of hope, love, and the silent question: &#8220;Can I have a bit?&#8221; We are\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":140295,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4429,4425,4463,4438],"tags":[],"moimportance":[],"class_list":["post-140331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cats-food-en","category-cats-guides-en","category-dogs-food-en","category-dogs-guides-en"],"views":19,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140331","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=140331"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140331\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":143638,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140331\/revisions\/143638"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/140295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=140331"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=140331"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=140331"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=140331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}