Plant-Based Snacks For Your Favorite Critter
Plant-based dieting is increasingly popular, and for good reason. So many sources of protein outside of animal sources have health-invigorating benefits—for you, the environment, and your dog.
You’re intentional about the plant-based goodness you put in your body, so why not extend that kind of thinking to your dog’s diet? Luckily, vegan treats that are canine-friendly are also incredibly easy to make. Read on for some plant-based delights that are sure to set some tails a-waggin’. Some you have to assemble, some you don’t, and all are certified pup-friendly (keep existing allergies in mind, and if you decide to venture into your own vegan pup treat territory, avoid onions, grapes and raisins). It may even inspire you to revamp your dog’s entire diet, full meals and all!
CARROT, DATE AND OATMEAL BISCUITS
Ingredients: 1.5 cups flour, 0.5 cup oatmeal, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 cup finely chopped raw carrots, 2 tbsp. pitted and finely chopped dates, 0.5 cup peanut butter and 0.5 cup filtered water
Instructions: Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine flour, oatmeal, and baking powder. Make a well in the center. Mix carrots, dates, peanut butter and water separately. Add carrot/date/peanut butter mix to the well in the flour mix and stir until combined. Flatten dough on lightly floured surface until it is approximately 1/4-inch thick. Cut with cookie butter or round glass, bake 14-16 minutes, cool for 30 minutes before watching Fido wag with delight over his homemade fiber-filled treat.
SWEET POTATO FRIES FOR PUPS
Ingredients: Sweet potato, coconut oil, turmeric, and cinnamon
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash and peel sweet potato. Cut sweet potato into fry-shaped pieces, then coat with oil and spices in a Ziploc bag. Bake for 15 minutes, let cool, then reward your four-legged friend with this lovely blend of iron, magnesium, potassium and anti-inflammatory power.
Other dog-approved whole vegan snacks (no assembly required):
Apple slices (also a great breath freshener)
Green beans
Pumpkin (mix in with dry food as an added treat)
Pineapple (chop, freeze and give them to Fido as a sweet cooldown summertime treat)
Rice (especially on days your pup is having tummy troubles)
Spinach (lightly sauteed in coconut oil, this green treat is packed with pup-friendly vitamins and minerals)
We’re so excited for your sweet furry friend to reap the healthy and delicious rewards of vegan snacking, we daresay he may love you even more than he already does.