DIY Dog Treat: Low-Fat Green Machine Treats

Every dog deserves treats—that’s just a fact. But managing your pet’s health and their taste for not-so-nutritious biscuits and chews can be a difficult balancing act. A treat loaded with fat and tons of calories might make your pupper happy in the short term, but in the long run, dog obesity and other health issues could have them feeling sluggish or worse, with risks including the development or worsening of pancreatic, orthopedic, hepatic, urinary, pulmonary and skin diseases, as well as diabetes. So why not bake up a DIY dog treat that’s both delicious and good for your dog?

These “green machine” DIY dog treats have just 3 percent fat, thanks to lite ingredients like fat-free yogurt. Plus, these healthy dog treats are also packed with nutrient-rich veggies like asparagus, green beans and spinach. Added bonus: You can eat the leftover veggies yourself, using them in a salad or roasting them in the oven. Now both you and your dog are on your way to living your best lives thanks to these healthy dog treats!

What you'll need:

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Chewy Studios

Ingredients

  • 1 stalk of asparagus
  • 1 green bean
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 2 tablesoons fat-free yogurt, plain
  • 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour, plus 1/2 cup for rolling
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Supplies

  • Food processor
  • Large bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • 1-inch round cookie cutter (could also use a bottle cap)
  • Baking sheet
  • Spatula

Yield:
35 treats

Serving size:
One treat per pup

Prep time:
10 minutes

Bake time:
20 minutes

Calories per treat:
15. 4

Protein calories:
14%

Fat calories:
3%

Carbohydrate calories:
83%

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop asparagus and green beans into 1-inch pieces.

diy dog treat - low fat treat with veggies
diy dog treat - low fat treat with greens

2. Put asparagus, green beans and spinach into food processor.

diy dog treat - low fat treat with veggies
diy dog treat - low fat treat with veggies

3. Process until the mixture resembles small flakes.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

4. Transfer processed vegetables into a large bowl.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

5. Add yogurt and applesauce. Mix well.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies
diy dog treat - low fat with veggies
diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

6. Add flour, 1/4 cup at a time, to the mixture.

Mix well after each addition.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies
diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

7. Use your hands to knead the flour and wet mixture into a ball of dough.

Add flour if necessary.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

8. Spray your baking sheet with nonstick spray.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

9. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a sheet 1/2 inch thick.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies
diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

11. Place the rounds 1/2-inch apart on the baking sheet.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

12. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

13. Remove from oven and use spatula to transfer the treats to a plate. Let cool.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies
diy dog treat - low fat with veggies

14. Spoil your dog with the DIY dog treats!

These healthy homemade dog treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

diy dog treat - low fat with veggies
This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food, less than 10 percent. Feeding more than that can lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially for dogs undergoing active weight loss. If your pet has health issues or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.

Attributions


Ciara LaVelle

Ciara LaVelle

Ciara LaVelle is an award-winning writer who’s loved animals ever since her grade-school obsession with Jane Goodall. These days, she’s mama