Homemade Superfood Treats

One of the questions we get asked the most is "What does Lovebug get to eat? and what is her favorite treats?"

Poodles are known to have sensitive stomachs and I quickly discovered that Lovebug was no different.

She doesn't have any food allergies, but because of her sensitive digestion, I like to only give her high quality foods and treats.

Several studies into dogs diets have concluded that the difference between cheap dog food and the best grade dog food can mean an added lifespan of up to 5 years on average. That's a huge difference for our furry friends and one of the reasons why we advocate healthy food for dogs and preferably human grade fresh food.

I quickly started cooking balanced homemade food for Lovebug and saw immediate results in her wellbeing and health. From there on, making our own superfood treats was the natural next step.

We love making our own healthy dog treats. With all the dog food recalls and food allergies, making our own dog treats not only gives us peace of mind, but also allows us to put some extra healthy ingredients in there.

Because, why give regular treats when you can give treats loaded with superfoods?

The Benefits of Flax Seed

Ground Flax Seed is an excellent superfood for dogs. They are rich in fiber and contain anti-inflammatory alpha-linoleic acid. Whereas whole flax seeds are difficult to digest, ground flax seeds allow the dogs to absorb the nutrients. It's known to help promote healthy hair and skin, as well as ease symptpoms of allergies and arthritis.

The Benefits of Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin (not raw pumpkin or the sugar filled pumpkin puree used in pies) are an amazing natural superfood for dogs. It's loaded with fiber and beta-carotene and is great for dogs digestion.

The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese and high in dietary fibers. Dogs generally love the slightly sweet taste and I love their natural superfood capabilities.

The Benefits of Spinach

Spinach contains vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K, Calcium, Iron and the list goes on. Although, dogs shouldn't eat too much spinach it's great to use in treats.

The Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is a powerhouse superfood for both humans and dogs. Just make sure it's good quality spirulina. It has a very high concentration of beta-carotene, trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B3, iron, healthy fatty acids and the rare essential fatty acid GLA.

Superfood treats with duck and pumpkin

Ingredients:

1 duck breast - cooked and chopped

1/3 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup sweet potatoes - cooked and chopped

3 tbsp ground flax seeds

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 cup oat flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Pour all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until everything is combined.

Pour the dough out onto a clean and floured surface and roll it out into ½ inch thickness.

Next, use a cookie cutter to cut each treat and place the treats carefully onto the baking sheet.

Cook in the oven for 15 minutes or until the treats turn golden on the top.

Once the treats are ready, take them out of the oven and leave them to cool.

Superfood chicken jerky treats

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast

1 tbsp Spirulina

½ cup spinach

2 tbsp olive oil

3-4 tbsp Ground Flax Seed

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 250F.

Line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Pour all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until everything is combined.

Spread the dough out onto a clean surface dusted with flour and use a cookie cutter to cut the shapes you want (alternatively, you can spread the mixture directly onto the baking parchment and bake as is, then cut the treats after cooking)

Place the jerky treats onto the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 4-6 hours, until they are dry.

Let the treats cool before storing them in a refrigerator.

Let me know how you like the treats and tag me on Instagram so I don't miss it :)