Make these homemade GRR-nola bars! Here are two great dog treat recipes, one savory and one sweet, that are tasty and healthy for both you and your dog. Dogs don't require a lot of supplementation to their diets, so feed these in moderation. As with any food, check with your vet before making any dietary changes.
Both of these dog treat recipes were tested by our team members, both human and canine, and received two thumbs up (and two paws up)!
Cheesy Chicken Grr-nola Bars
These savory snacks are protein-packed and super tasty! Plus, they're full of great nutrition for your pup. Chicken is high in protein and low fat. Cheese is high protein and super tasty! Oats are found in many dog foods and are packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as a great source of dietary fiber. Spinach is high in fiber, vitamins A, C, B, & K, and calcium, iron, potassium, manganese and folate, all of which can boost the immune system and restore energy and vitality.
Cheesy Chicken Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 cup spinach, rinsed
1 cup cooked shredded chicked
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar*
Cheesy Chicken Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix the oats and the chicken broth and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Mix in the spinach, shredded chicken, and cheese.
Spread the oat mixture into an 8x8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper and press it down evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into squares or bars. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
*Note: some dogs are lactose intolerant; if your dog is, omit the cheese or use lactose-free cheese.
Blueberry Banana Grr-nola Bars
These sweet treats only taste unhealthy -- in fact, they're packed with nutritional goodness! Oats are high fiber and have lots of great vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter is full of protein, healthy fats, vitamins B & E, and niacin. Raw honey (in moderation) can help alleviate allergies (if you're using local raw honey) and it contains enzymes that can help your dog digest food better. Bananas are low in sodium & high in antioxidants, which can benefit your dog's skin and coat, and the vitamin C fortifies their immune system.
Blueberry Banana Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter*
1/3 cup raw honey*
1 ripe banana
1 cup blueberries, rinsed
Blueberry Banana Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a microwave-safe bowl, measure out your peanut butter and microwave it for 30 seconds. Mix the warm peanut butter with the oats.
Add the honey and mix. Mash the banana and mix with the oats. Add in the rinsed blueberries and mix gently but thoroughly.
Spread the oat mixture into an 8x8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper and press it down evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into squares or bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
*Notes: Make sure your peanut butter does not contain xylitol (a sugar substitute which can be deadly for dogs). Only give honey to adult dogs; it's dangerous for puppies because it might contain botulism spores, which can harm immature dogs whose immune systems aren't fully developed.
Now grab your dog and get out there! Happy tails, err, trails!