Spook-tacular Halloween Recipes for Dogs
Halloween is not just for humans; our furry friends deserve some festive treats too! With these fun and healthy recipes, you can include your dog in the Halloween celebrations while keeping them safe and satisfied. These homemade snacks are crafted from dog-friendly ingredients, making them a perfect way to treat your pup this spooky season.
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Ghost Bites
Nothing screams Halloween like pumpkins, and the good news is that pumpkin is a nutritious treat for dogs. It’s rich in fibre and beta-carotene, which supports digestive health. Combine it with peanut butter for a tasty combo that dogs love.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free)
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Icing - 1/4 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is a good option as it's thicker)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- Water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls or use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Mix the yogurt and corn-starch together in a bowl until smooth. The corn-starch helps to thicken the mixture and gives it a firmer texture.
- Add honey if you’d like a little natural sweetness and mix thoroughly.
- Adjust the consistency by adding a few drops of water if the icing is too thick, or more cornstarch if it's too thin.
- Apply the icing to the cooled dog biscuits using a spoon, piping bag, or simply dip the biscuits. Allow the icing to set by letting the biscuits air-dry or refrigerating them for a firmer texture.
Witchy Green Smoothie Dog Treats
For a healthier option that gives off witchy vibes, these frozen smoothie bites are great. They’re made with dog-friendly green ingredients that provide a nutritious punch, like spinach and apples.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain yoghurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- A handful of spinach
- 1 teaspoon spirulina powder (optional, for extra green colour)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mould (Halloween-themed moulds add extra fun!).
- Freeze until solid, then pop out and let your dog enjoy a cold, green treat.
Mummy Meatballs
These spooky mummy meatballs are easy to make and perfect for dogs who love their meat. Wrap the meatballs with dog-safe dough to create a cute mummy effect.
Ingredients:
- 250g chicken or turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup of spinach
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- Dog-safe dough strips (use whole wheat or gluten-free flour to make a simple dough)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C.
- Mix the ground meat, egg, carrots, and flour together in a bowl.
- Form small meatballs and wrap thin strips of dough around them like mummy bandages.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Let cool and serve to your furry little mummy.
Pumpkin and Banana Pup-sicles
For a treat that dogs can enjoy throughout the Halloween season, these frozen pumpkin and banana pup-sicles are just the thing. They’re simple to make and full of vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup plain yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend the pumpkin, banana, yogurt, and honey until smooth.
- Pour into ice cube trays or silicone moulds.
- Freeze for several hours until solid.
- Serve as a refreshing treat after a fun day of Halloween activities.
Apple Carrot Bat Biscuits
These bat-shaped biscuits are crunchy and full of flavour from apples and carrots. Perfect for a Halloween-themed treat that's still healthy!
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, finely grated
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 175°C.
- Mix the apple, carrots, flour, egg, and water to form a dough.
- Roll out and use a bat-shaped cookie cutter to create biscuits.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool and give your dog a crunchy Halloween treat!
Tips for Safe Halloween Treats
- Avoid Toxic Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are dog-safe (e.g., avoid chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol).
- Check Portions: Keep treat sizes appropriate for your dog's size to avoid overfeeding.
- Monitor Reactions: Introduce new treats slowly and monitor for any digestive issues.
These spooky-themed recipes will not only make your dog's Halloween special but also ensure they're indulging in treats that are wholesome and safe. If you are looking for other ways to spend Halloween with your pets, we have plenty more ideas to share here!
Happy Howl-o-ween!