Almond flour is a great ingredient to use when making homemade dog treats. It’s nutritious, gluten-free, and many dogs love the taste. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using almond flour for dog treats.
Is Almond Flour Safe for Dogs?
Almond flour is generally considered safe for dogs to eat in moderation. The main concern with almond flour is the cyanide found in raw almonds. However, commercially sold almond flour is made from blanched almonds which have had the outer hull removed. This significantly reduces the cyanide content making it safe for consumption.
Dogs can have minor gastrointestinal upset if they eat too many almonds or almond flour at once. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. To avoid issues, almond flour should be limited to occasional treats.
Nutritional Benefits of Almond Flour for Dogs
Almond flour provides many nutritional benefits for dogs:
- High in protein – Almond flour contains about 20-25% plant-based protein which helps maintain lean muscle mass.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals – Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and riboflavin.
- High in fiber – The fiber in almond flour can help regulate digestion.
- Low in carbohydrates – Almond flour has a low glycemic impact making it suitable for diabetic dogs.
- Gluten-free – Almond flour contains no gluten making it a good option for dogs with gluten sensitivities.
Tips for Making Dog Treats with Almond Flour
Here are some tips for baking healthy and tasty dog treats with almond flour:
- Use blanched almond flour – Unblanched almond flour retains more oils making treats greasy.
- Combine with other flours – Mixing almond flour with coconut, whole wheat, or oat flour can improve texture.
- Reduce oil and butter – Dogs don’t need added fats so use oil sparingly when binding ingredients.
- Avoid xylitol – Check all ingredients as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Watch moisture content – Add more almond flour if batter is too wet which can happen with fresh fruits or veggies.
- Adjust baking temperature – Almond flour treats often bake faster at a slightly lower temperature.
- Be careful with nuts – Some dogs do better with nut flours than whole nuts which may present a choking risk.
Recipe: Almond Flour Dog Treats
This simple recipe makes crunchy almond flour biscuits. The almond flour provides protein while the cinnamon gives them an enticing aroma.
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄4 cups almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄4 tsp baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the almond flour, egg, coconut oil, cinnamon, and baking soda.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms. If too dry, add 1 tbsp water.
- On a floured surface, roll dough to 1⁄4 inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Arrange biscuits on prepared baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cool completely before serving to your dog.
You can add extras like shredded cheese, pureed pumpkin, or mashed banana to customize treats for your pup. Refrigerate any uneaten biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
10 Other Types of Flour to Use in Dog Treats
While almond flour is a great choice, there are many other flours you can use to whip up homemade treats. Here are 10 more options:
| Flour | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat | High in fiber with more complex carbs than white flour |
| Oat | Rich in vitamin B1, manganese, and antioxidant avenanthramides |
| Coconut | Gluten-free withanti-inflammatory lauric acid |
| Quinoa | Packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants |
| Buckwheat | Provides protein, fiber, zinc, copper, and manganese |
| Rye | High fiber, protein, and micronutrients like selenium |
| Barley | Rich in B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium |
| Potato | Starch gives treats a light texture dogs love |
| Tapioca | Grain-free and perfect for binding treats |
| Chickpea | Gluten-free flour with veggie protein |
Storing Almond Flour for Dog Treats
Like other nut flours, almond flour contains oils that can go rancid if not stored properly. Here are some storage tips:
- Keep almond flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.
- Store almond flour in the refrigerator or freezer for maximum freshness. It will keep for up to a year frozen.
- If refrigerating, allow flour to come to room temperature before using in recipes.
- An opened bag of almond flour will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 months at room temperature.
- Check flour for freshness before use. Discard if it smells bitter or rancid.
- Consider buying almond flour in small quantities to use quickly.
Are There Any Risks of Feeding Dogs Almond Flour?
Almond flour is generally safe for healthy dogs but there are a few risks to be aware of:
- Cyanide poisoning – Only feed dogs treats made with blanched almond flour to avoid cyanide exposure.
- Allergies – Dogs with tree nut allergies may react to almond flour.
- Gastrointestinal upset – Eating too much may cause vomiting or diarrhea.
- Pancreatitis – High fat foods like almond flour can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
- Obesity – Almond flour treats should make up a small portion of a dog’s diet to prevent weight gain.
- Choking hazard – Make sure treats are an appropriate size and supervise your dog while eating.
Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about using almond flour for your dog’s treats. They can provide tips tailored to your dog’s health.
Conclusion
Almond flour can be a healthy and tasty ingredient for homemade dog treats. Look for blanched, finely ground almond flour and combine it with other nutritious ingredients. Store almond flour properly to prevent it from going rancid. Limit almond flour to occasional treats and supervise your dog while eating to prevent choking. With some care and supervision, treats made with almond flour can be a great snack to show your dog some love!