A hug and a bundle of fur, your puppy is the little love of your life. Even if they don't know the significance of February 14th, include them in your annual celebration of love. What's the best way to win their affection? Through the stomach, of course. Whether you have a dog or a cat, pet gift baskets are a great way to collect your pet's favorite things. You'll love it! Make a Valentine's Day treat that will make your dog wag his tail and get excited. From delicious peanut butter snacks to breath-freshening snacks, here are our top picks for homemade Valentine's Day treats for dogs. (Also read: Valentine's Day 2024: 5 fun and festive activities to do with your pet on this special day )
Dr. Deepak Saraswat, chief veterinarian at Zigly, shared with HT Lifestyle 5 easy Valentine's Day pet treat recipes to gift to friends. These recipes use healthy ingredients and are made for dogs, cats, and small animals.
1. Stack dog treats
Bake some healthy and festive layered dog treats. First, in a bowl, mix together 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of smooth natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The peanut butter and applesauce make these treats chewy for your pup. Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough evenly to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or your dog's favorite shape to cut out treat shapes from the dough. Arrange the unbaked treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Finally, bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until the treats are lightly browned and set. Let it cool completely before giving it to your cute puppy.
2. Raspberry Kitty Heart
Surprise your cat Valentine with a Raspberry Kitty Heart. First, blend 3/4 cup fresh raspberries into a smooth puree. Next, mix the puree with 1 cup of coconut flour, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of honey for natural sweetness, and 2 teaspoons of Actinidia to tempt kittens. Scoop a spoonful of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and shape into a 1-inch heart shape. Bake at 300°F for 20 minutes until set. Let cool and harden before presenting to your kitty for a delicious, antioxidant-rich treat.
3. Sweet potato dog biscuits
Pamper your dog with these sweet potato dog biscuits made with vitamin-rich sweet potatoes. First, roast a whole sweet potato until soft. Next, mash the sweet potato flesh with 1/4 cup of oats, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of smooth peanut butter for flavor. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out the shapes from the dough using a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until set. Finally, let the treats cool before giving them to your dog.
4. Beat Cat Cookie
Bake nutritious beet cat cookies that are perfect for your cat's Valentine. First, steam 1 cup of chopped beets until completely soft. Puree the cooked beets in a blender or food processor until smooth. Next, mix the beet puree with 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tablespoon of omega-3-rich salmon oil, and 1 egg as a binder. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick and use a cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes and let cool before serving.
Finally, make some tuna-flavored cat treats for your kitty. First, combine 1 can (5 oz) of tuna and 1 cup of whole wheat flour in a food processor. Then add 1 egg and pulse to form a dough. Scoop a spoonful of the dough and shape it into a bite-sized heart shape. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until set and set. Let it cool completely before giving your tuna-loving kitty a tasty treat.
You're sure to feel special when you unwrap a thoughtful gift made just for your pet. Assemble your assortment to share the love with all your furry friends.
