DIY Heart Shaped Dog Treats for your Furry Valentine

If you are looking for a fun Valentine’s recipe to make for your pup, these heart shaped dog treats are it! They are easy, only include 4-5 ingredients, and dogs love them.

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Ingredients and Supplies for the Heart Shaped Dog Treats

1 cup of coconut flour – a healthy and gluten-free alternative to wheat flour
1/4 cup of coconut oil – this oil is preferable for pets over common vegetable oils and adds a silky texture
2 eggs – they bind the ingredients together and contribute to a shiny coat for your dog
1/2 cup of strawberries – a safe and antioxidative fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color
Plain Greek yogurt – for a probiotic-rich drizzle on top of your treats

For the baking process, you’ll need:

A rolling pin to spread your dough
A heart-shaped cookie cutter to create that iconic Valentine’s shape
A cookie sheet, preferably lined with parchment for easy removal

Creating Your Heart Shaped Dough

This DIY recipe is designed to keep things simple while using whole-food ingredients that are good for your pup. Here’s how to make the perfect dough for your Valentine’s Day dog treat recipes:

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of coconut flour with 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Coconut oil is preferred for its beneficial fats and lack of artificial preservatives, making it a healthier option compared to canola oil.
Add 2 whole eggs to the mixture. These eggs will act as a binder and provide your dog with essential Vitamin D.
Add 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries and incorporate them into the bowl. The strawberries not only offer a fun Valentine-red color but also an extra Vitamin C boost without the need for artificial colors.
Mix all the ingredients evenly until you achieve a firm, pliable dough. If the dough is too dry or crumbly, you can add a teaspoon of water to correct the consistency.
Once your dough is ready, sprinkle some coconut flour onto your work surface to prevent sticking.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Then, take your heart-shaped cookie cutter and press out the treats, placing each one onto a cookie sheet.

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Baking to Perfection and Adding Finishing Touches

1. Slide the cookie sheet into the oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges are golden brown and the treats have a firm feel to them. The combination of coconut oil and eggs not only provides a source of healthy fats and Vitamin D, but also gives these treats a satisfying crunch that your small dogs or larger pups will love.

2. After removing them from the oven, let the treats cool completely on a cooling rack. This is a crucial step, as it ensures the texture and integrity of the treats are preserved, keeping them from becoming soggy or crumbly.

3. Once cool, it’s time to add the special touch. Drizzle each treat with plain Greek yogurt to create a visually appealing, and even more delicious, reward. The Greek yogurt offers a creamy finish that complements the natural sweetness of the strawberries and the taste of the coconut flour.

Tip- Use a Ziplock bag as a makeshift piping bag to drizzle your greek yogurt onto the treats.

Preserving your Homemade Dog Treats

Ensuring the freshness and safety of your homemade dog treats is important when it comes to storing. Without the use of citric acid or artificial preservatives found in many commercial pet food, you’ll want to focus on storage solutions that naturally prolong shelf life. Once the treats have thoroughly cooled, place them in an airtight container to keep out moisture.

If you used yogurt for a drizzle, your treats will need to be stored in the refrigerator. For an even longer shelf life, you can freeze the treats.

Frozen, these treats can last for months, and you can thaw them in the fridge overnight before giving them to your dog for a chewy texture.

Always watch for mold or an off smell, and discard any treats that don’t seem fresh.

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♥ Heart Shaped Dog Treats FAQs

Can I make these dog treats without using a heart-shaped cutter?

Yes, you can make these treats without a heart-shaped cutter. While the heart shape is perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can use any cookie cutter shape you have on hand. Your dog will love the treats just the same, and you can get creative with shapes that suit any occasion or no occasion at all.

Are there any alternative flours I can use if I don’t have coconut flour?

Certainly! If you don’t have coconut flour, you can use oat flour, which is another healthy option for dogs. For those who aren’t avoiding grains, whole wheat flour can be a suitable substitute, but it’s important to use it cautiously if your dog has a sensitive stomach or grain allergy.

What can I do if I want to make a larger batch for future use?

If you wish to make a larger batch of these treats, you can certainly do so. However, remember to decrease the quantity as needed for freshness, and store them in an airtight container to maintain their shelf life. Additionally, you can freeze extra treats to ensure you have a supply of fresh homemade treats ready when needed.