DIY Dog Treats

Photography by Paul Lowe

Feverishly followed foodie, crafter and editor Paul Lowe bakes homemade treats for his French bulldog BFFs.

I have two French Bulldogs, Hugo and Lestat. They are my best friends and constant companions. My pups give so much love to me, I like to return the favor by making them homemade treats. These treats are fabulous because they contain only wholesome ingredients—no chemicals. Hugo and Lestat can be picky eaters, (they have a few allergies as well), so with these recipes, I’m always aware of exactly what they’re eating.

I’m not gonna lie, I’ve tried all of these. With a little extra seasoning, you can snack on them, too!

Kale Cookies

Kale is as healthy for our four-legged friends as it is for us. Mix it up with spinach, broccoli or parsley—a great antidote for doggie breath. Makes 50

1 cup chopped kale

½ cup chicken stock

1 egg

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

1. Add kale and chicken stock into a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. 2. Add egg, mix well. 3. Add flour. Mix ingredients to consistency of a dough.

4. Roll dough thinly and using a knife or cookie cutter, cut out shapes. Place dough cut-outs onto dehydrator sheets.

5. Stack sheets on top of dehydrator machine. Dry 10 to 12 hours until brittle. 6. Store in an airtight container.

Peanut and Wheat Germ Treats

My dogs’ favorites. Makes 50

½ cup unsweetened peanut butter

½ cup water

1 egg

1 cup wheat germ

1 cup whole wheat flour

1. Add peanut butter and water into a bowl and mix well.

2. Add egg, mix well.

3. Add wheat germ and flour. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Roll dough thinly and using a knife or cookie cutter, cut out bite-size shapes.

5. Onto dehydrator sheets place the dough cut-outs.

6. Stack sheets on top of dehydrator machine and dry 10 to 12 hours, until brittle.

7. Store in an airtight container.

Sweet Potato Treats

A great snack for your dog—I kind of like them too.

1 to 2 sweet potatoes

1. Slice sweet potatoes into medium-thick slices.

2. Arrange potato slices on a dehydrator sheet.

3. Place sheet on top of dehydrator machine and dry 5 to 6 hours.

4. Store in an airtight container.

Banana and Oat Break-off Sticks

These are great, as you simply break off custom-size pieces to give your dog. My dainty bulldogs take theirs pretty small. Makes about 10 sticks

1 ripe banana

1 egg

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup whole wheat flour water

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mash bananas and eggs in a bowl.

2. Add oats and flour. Mix well. If the dough is too dry, add a splash of water.

3. Dust a clean surface with flour. Roll dough thinly.

4. Cut dough into long strips.

5. Place strips onto a silicone baking tray.

6. Bake about 15 minutes, until crisp. Set on a wire rack to cool.

7. Store in an airtight container.