You probably have friends or family members that have switched to grain- and/or gluten-free diet.
These types of diets are also becoming more popular in the canine world, but some veterinarians aren't convinced that they're a healthy option.
If you're looking to cut down on the grains in your pet's diet, try these pumpkin coconut dog treats.
Coconut flour is naturally grain- and gluten-free. It is also rich in dietary fiber and low in sugar and carbohydrates. Coconut flour is a great source of protein and healthy fats as well.
There is research to support both sides of the grain-free dog food diet, but ultimately the decision lies with you and your veterinarian.
The first thing to mention is that taking something that is good for people and applying the same concept to dogs isn't always the best approach.
Recently, the FDA has issued warnings about grain-free food causing heart problems in pets.
With the recent explosion of gluten- and grain-free diet fads for humans, the grain-free diet for dogs has successfully taken off as well.
Just be careful when choosing the right diet for your dog. Consult experts in canine nutrition to help you make the best decision for your pet.
You don't have to serve Fido a completely grain-free diet. Instead, try out these pumpkin coconut dog treats to add some healthy variety to your pup's diet.
Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Dog Treats
Coconut flour is a great choice for dogs treats for a number of reasons. Most of the fats in coconut flour are medium-chain triglycerides. MCTs are healthy saturated fats that naturally boost metabolism. They also kill bad bacteria in the digestive tract that can cause cavities in the teeth, stomach ulcers and lead to urinary tract infections.
PrintRecipe: Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Dog Treats
These homemade dog treats are made with coconut flour. They are naturally grain-and gluten-free. Coconut flour is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for dogs with digestive sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 60 cookies 1x
- Category: Biscuit Treats
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 15 oz. canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 and 2/3 cups coconut flour
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350˚ F.
Whisk the pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs and coconut oil together in a large bowl. Add the coconut flour, turmeric and cinnamon. Mix until thoroughly combined. Allow the dough to sit for 10 minutes to give the coconut flour time to soak up the moisture.
As you'll see in my video guide above, I use a well greased mini muffin tin to bake these treats. You could also drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a well greased baking sheet and press the cookies down with a fork. No matter what shape you make them, bake the treats for about 40-45 minutes or until they're brown on the top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 49
- Sugar: .5 g
- Sodium: 14 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.3 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg
How to store: Store leftover treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 12-14 days.
Remember that homemade treats do not have the preservatives that store-bought products do.
They will not last as long. If you'd like, you can freeze these treats in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
For More Information
We publish many homemade dog food and treat recipes every month.
For more recipes, pet food cooking tips, and advice, see our “Recipes” section.
If you're new to home-cooked dog food subject, I recommend you read more about “How Much To Feed” to understand serving sizes, “What Supplements To Use” to create well-balanced meals.
“How To Store” for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food stored in a fridge or a freezer.
