Homemade Treats

[Gingi]

I am wanting to make some homemade treats. I have found bunches of recipes easily on the internet. Actually, being a stay at home Mommy with my 4 year old Ashlyn, I am looking to do something for some fun money and thought that might make a cute little business to try out of my home. We live in a small town and to my knowledge, there isn't anyone doing that. Anyway, I am trying to make sure I use the best ingredients for the dogs in the recipes and since I haven't done this before, I am hoping you guys can help.

From what I gather, canola oil may be the best type of oil to use instead of vegetable oil for their coats. Any input? There are several recipes using garlic powder, but after looking at some other threads tonight, I saw garlic powder, although used in quantity, is not good for dogs. Do you think I should stay away from those recipes or would they be ok since they only use a tiny bit?

The biggest question I have is what kind of peanut butter should I use? Is just store bought brands like JIF or whatever ok or should I get all natural from the health food store. I want, of course, what is best for the dogs, and I assume most dog owners would as well, but I'm sure that would have to make them retail a little more, too.

Any input on these questions or of any kind would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!! Like I said, this is something I thought would be kind of neat and I could do out of my home for some extra spending money for Ash and me to play, and of course to buy Molly some stuff, too. I'm sure she would enjoy being my official taste tester as well, but only tiny, tiny bites....we can't have her blowing up like a ballon over this!!!

[Itspuppyluv]

Hmm, the store bought peanut butter would be fine with me (I let my kids eat it). Or you could start with both types of pb and see which sells better - less expensive or all natural. Not much help, I know, but I wanted to wish you good luck, I hope it's a big success.

[Marie]

Im not good help either but wanted to wish you luck and success. I guess if some ingrediesnts can be bad for some dogs I will avoid those. I dont give Gucci peanut butter but I guess store brand is ok.

[chattiesmom]

Even though treats are normally given in small quantities, I completely avoid sugar, salt, corn, wheat, and dairy products. Garlic and onions are toxic to dogs so I also completely and entirely avoid them as well. I use very little oil but because I haven't found a fat that is better for the dog that will not get rancid, I use canola and/or olive oil. All ingredients I use are safe for human consumption.

If you are interested in the most healthy treat product possible, I would invest in a high quality pb with the least amount of sodium and sugar. I don't worry about spending extra for high quality ingredients. The treats I make store well and have a long shelf life.

[suzysmitt]

Canola oil is the best and the only thing we use. Stay away from the garlic and any store brand peanut butter would be safe. Gwen & Skippy are waiting to try your snacks.

[Gingi]

Thank you all for your help and good wishes. I am looking forward to getting started. I'm waiting to make my first batches as I am still researching products and recipes. I can't believe I am finding so many recipes with garlic poweder, although it doesn't use a whole lot, when it isn't good for them. I am going to choose to stay away from them. Although they may would make good sellers for those who aren't aware of that fact, I am and I'm not interested in endagering their babies for a buck!! Of course, I can't understand why they put things like that in dog food and stuff, either but that is a subject for a whole other day!!

Please keep your suggestions coming. I am a total beginner and if any of you know of things that would make treats better for the dogs or ESPECIALLY things I should stay away from PLEASE let me know. I don't get to participate in YT like I used to so please feel free to PM me as well.

Thanks again.

[swtnutns]

Just a caution....Please read my post about Pancreatitus...I would never ever again give my dogs peanut butter or any people food unless it was white rice or boiled chicken. I learned the hard way and am just trying to keep someone else from going through the same kind of tradegy!

[Gingi]

Oh swtnutns, I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your Precious. Thank goodness your other baby was able to pull through. I have grieved over the loss of dear pets as well and it is never easy. Thank you for sharing that with me.

I have never fed Molly any "human food". I have tried to use Cheerios but she doesn't seem to like them. My vet gave her a Pounce cat treat once because their dog treats were too big and she loved them. I bought some for her but don't use them anymore because someone told me the reason she liked them so much is because they are so high in fat.

I don't know what to do. Treats are supposed to be used as just that, "treats". If used as such in a very sparing manor is it such a bad thing? Now I don't know if my idea is a bad one or not. I don't want to be a facillitator of anything that would harm a precious animal. Of course, I have found several recipes that I "think" should be pretty safe like carrob cookies and apple something or another, things with veggies or just "stuff" that don't have pb or honey or things like that but whew, my mind is boggled.

Help me, people!! I need some more opinions on this!!