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Your dog will gobble these healthy homemade dog treats right up just like mine did. The three ingredients in this recipe are super healthy for my fur babies. Therefore, that fact alone keeps me from feeling less guilty when I want to give them extra.
However, they aren’t the only ones who enjoy this yummy treat. I do too! These healthy homemade dog treats are made with peanut butter, coconut oil, and cinnamon. The ingredient I want to talk about, in this post, is coconut oil.
Coconut Oil is Healthy for Dogs
I have discovered personally how coconut oil has done wonders on my skin and hair, so I was excited to learn that it could have the same benefits for my doggies. Coconut oil can be applied topically as a deep conditioner for a dog’s coat, as well as helping heal dry skin conditions.
If ingested, it is going to promote health from within. So, when you make these healthy homemade dog treats, your dog will ingest the coconut oil. Check out this YouTube video on using coconut oil for your pets.
Benefits for your dog…
- great for skin issues such as dry, flaky conditions or hot spots
- promotes a shiny coat
- conditions dry paw pads
- disinfects cuts and scrapes
- prevents and treats infection
- helps control yeast overgrowth
- reduces/eliminates bad breath
- improves digestion
- aids in arthritis and ligament issues
- increases energy
- helps eliminate fleas and ticks
- assists in weight loss and control
Warning in the Quantity of Coconut Oil Given
Although, the pros far outweigh the cons, I do want you to be aware of what those cons are. Nonetheless, you should always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.
First of all, the coconut fruit contains medium chain triglycerides and these elements are known to cause some digestion issues in dogs, such as a stomach ache and bloating.
Secondly, if a dog is not used to coconut oil in their diet, they could have issues with their stool after ingesting it. Therefore, it is important that you do not let your dog ingest large quantities of coconut oil or coconut flesh.
Thirdly, there is concern in the high fat content, so again, give in moderation. Lastly, there is concern of an allergic reaction. Allergies do not seem to be an issue in research. However, if your dog seems to be sensitive to it in some way, stop using it.
So, really the warning here is in the amount of coconut oil you give your dog. The half of a cup used in these healthy homemade dog treats is mixed into 22 small bites, therefore the amount your dog will ingest is minimal. Just don’t let your doggy eat the whole batch!
Peanut Butter Coconut Bites
Ingredients
- coconut oil
- organic peanut butter
- ceylon cinnamon
Be sure to pick up the right kind of cinnamon for your doggy. The one that’s safe for dogs is ceylon cinnamon, as it has low levels of coumarin. Coumarin is a natural organic chemical compound that can be found in many plants. On the other hand, cassia cinnamon has higher levels of coumarin, which may pose a potential health risk to your pooch.
Easy Steps to a Yummy Treat
- Add all of the ingredients in a pan on the stove. (If you are worried about a scalding taste, put the ingredients in a glass bowl, fill the bottom of the pan with water, and place the bowl in the pan to melt the ingredients.)
- Stir the ingredients until they are melted and combined.
- Pour the mixture into a spouted container for easy pouring.
- Pour the mixture into silicone baking trays and place in the freezer until set. (I used cute paws and gingerbread girls and boys I found at my local Michaels’ store.)
- After popping the treats out of the silicone trays, store them in an airtight container and keep refrigerated.
Above all, the best part of making dog treats is sharing with your fur babies.
If your dog enjoys these healthy homemade dog treats, then you might enjoy making Coconut Peanut Butter Easter Cookies. They include coconut oil, coconut flour, and coconut flakes.
If you want to save this recipe and post, you can pin it to your Pinterest account using one of the following images.
Peanut Butter Coconut Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a pan on the stove.
- Stir until melted and combined.
- Pour into a spouted container for easy pouring.
- Pour the mixture into silicone baking trays and place in the freezer until set.
- After popping them out of the silicone trays, store the treats in an airtight container and keep refrigerated.
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