A low protein diet is recommended to help manage certain health conditions in dogs. You should NOT switch your pet to a low protein diet without consulting your veterinarian. There are commercial dog treats available at most pet stores, but if you're looking for a more affordable, healthier option, these homemade low protein dog treats may be the right option for your pooch.
Low protein diets for dogs are very tricky. There is a fine line between too much protein and not enough. A major diet change like this CANNOT be made without consulting your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist.
Treats come in very handy as a reward for good behavior or during training sessions. They also make our dogs very happy, which is a reward for us as pet parents! There's nothing better than seeing your dog's excitement when you open the treat container.
It can be difficult to find high quality commercial treats for your pet, especially treats that are low in protein. Making this homemade recipe allows you to control the amount of protein in your dog's snacks. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian so that you know exactly how much protein your dog will need each day.
Low Protein Dog Treats Recipe
Most dogs require a lot of protein, but some canines have to be switched to a low protein diet because of certain health issues, like kidney or liver disease. Protein places a lot of pressure on a dog's kidneys and liver to process it, so low protein food and treats will relieve some of the stress on those organs.
As I said, it's crucial that you discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian. You need to make sure that your dog is getting enough nutrients, without overloading his diet with the nutrients that must be limited. No matter what special dietary requirements your pet has, I would also highly recommend reaching out to a certified canine nutritionist to help with the process of creating homemade meals and treats.
PrintRecipe: Low Protein Dog Treats
These treats are made with some superfood ingredients, like flaxseed. They pack in a lot of nutrients, but offer a minimal amount of protein. Scroll to the bottom of the recipe to see the nutritional facts for these treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 72 treats 1x
- Category: Baked Treats
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 apple (shredded)
- 2 cups carrots (shredded)
- ¼ cup & 2 tbsp. molasses
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup flax seeds
- ¼ cup dry oats
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300°F. While it's preheating, whisk together the flaxseed, oats and whole wheat flour in a large bowl. Add the apple, carrots, molasses and water.
Knead the recipe until it forms a smooth ball of dough. As you will see in my video guide above, I place small balls of dough on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. You could also roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/4″ thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. If your dog has dental issues or he just prefers softer treats, take them out of the oven after only 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Fat: .5 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
- Fiber: .7 g
- Protein: .5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 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, and “How To Store” for tips on simple and easy homemade dog food storing in a fridge or a freezer.
