Easy Homemade Cranberry Dog Treats: A Simple & Cheap Recipe

Updated at: 27/01/2025

Spoil your furry friend with delicious and healthy homemade treats this season! Cranberries are not only a festive ingredient but also pack a punch of antioxidants and vitamins, making them a surprisingly beneficial addition to your dog's diet. Forget expensive store-bought options filled with questionable ingredients – this simple recipe uses just a few common household items to create irresistible cranberry dog treats that your dog will adore. These treats are perfect for training, rewarding good behavior, or simply showering your canine companion with some extra love. They’re also incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to create a large batch without breaking the bank.

This recipe is so easy, even beginner bakers will feel confident whipping up a batch in no time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these tasty treats come together, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. Ready to get started on creating a healthy and delicious snack for your beloved pet? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Mixer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your dog while they are eating treats. Choking hazards can occur with any treat, regardless of size or consistency.
  • Cranberries contain natural sugars. Feed these treats in moderation as excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and dental issues.
  • Introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions. If your dog shows signs of distress (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) after eating the treats, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients

    • 3.5 cups flour, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 cups rolled oats, and 7 oz canned cranberry sauce (or 0.5 cup fresh cranberries if in season).
    Combine ingredients: 3.5 cups flour, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 cups rolled oats, and 7 oz canned cranberry sauce (or 0.5 cup fresh cranberries if in season).
    Combine Ingredients

  2. Mix on Low Speed

    • Mix on low speed (speed 1) until ingredients combine.
    Mix on low speed (speed 1) until ingredients combine.
    Mix on Low Speed

  3. Mix on High Speed

    • Increase mixer speed to 2 and mix for about 3 minutes until a dough forms.
    Increase mixer speed to 2 and mix for about 3 minutes until a dough forms.
    Mix on High Speed

  4. Shape the Dough

    • Remove dough, roll in flour, and shape into desired sizes.
    Remove dough, roll in flour, and shape into desired sizes.
    Shape the Dough

  5. Bake the Treats

    • Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.
    Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.
    Bake the Treats

  6. Cool and Serve

    • Let treats cool completely before serving to your dog.
    Let treats cool completely before serving to your dog.
    Cool and Serve

Read more: Easy Baby Food Cookies: A Simple Recipe for Little Ones

Tips

  • If using fresh cranberries, use about half a cup.
  • You can make the treats small or large.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the dough

Reason: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy treats that are less palatable to dogs.
Solution: Mix the ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.

2. Using too much cranberry

Reason: An excessive amount of cranberries can make the treats too tart or acidic for your dog's sensitive stomach, potentially causing digestive upset.
Solution: Stick to the recipe's cranberry ratio or slightly reduce it if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

3. Baking at the incorrect temperature or for too long

Reason: Incorrect baking leads to either underbaked, gooey treats or burnt, hard biscuits that are unappetizing and potentially harmful.
Solution: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature and check for doneness frequently, using a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mixing them into the dough. You may need to slightly adjust the cooking time, as they might release more moisture.
My dog is allergic to certain ingredients. Can I adapt this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a good base. You can substitute the flour with a dog-friendly alternative like oat flour or sweet potato flour, depending on your dog's dietary needs. Always check with your vet before introducing new ingredients to your dog's diet.