Making your own dog biscuits is a great way to provide your furry friend with a healthy, homemade treat. While most dog biscuit recipes call for wheat flour and other baking ingredients, you can actually create biscuits using canned dog food as the main ingredient. Canned dog food contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals that dogs need, so turning it into biscuit form makes for a nutritious snack. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make simple dog biscuits using canned dog food.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Biscuits
Here are some of the main benefits of making your own dog biscuits:
Control Ingredients
By making the biscuits yourself, you can control exactly what goes into them. Many commercial dog treats contain preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. Making them at home allows you to avoid these unnecessary additives.
Use Quality Ingredients
You can choose high-quality ingredients like canned dog food, whole wheat flour, eggs, and natural peanut butter. Store-bought biscuits often use inexpensive fillers like corn and soy.
Tailor to Your Dog’s Diet
If your dog requires a specialized diet for allergies, you can make treats that fit his needs. For example, you can make grain-free biscuits or use a canned dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs.
Save Money
Homemade treats are much cheaper than high-end commercial brands. Canned dog food and basic baking ingredients cost just a fraction of what you’d pay for store-bought biscuits.
Choosing a Canned Dog Food
The foundation of the biscuits is the canned dog food, so you want to choose a high-quality product. Here are some tips for selecting the best kind:
Get a Nutrient-Dense Formula
Look for foods labeled as having added vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, probiotics, etc. These will provide balanced nutrition.
Avoid Fillers
Many canned foods bulk up with plant-based ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy. Opt for a meat-focused food, ideally with a single animal protein as the first ingredient.
Choose an Appropriate Protein
Make sure to select a protein source suitable for your dog’s needs. For dogs with chicken allergies, use a fish- or beef-based formula.
Consider Your Dog’s Age
Canned puppy foods have nutrients needed for growth and development. Senior dog foods may contain joint supplements. For adult dogs, an “all life stages” formula works well.
Get Veterinarian Approval
Check with your vet on nutrition recommendations if your dog has any health conditions. They can suggest appropriate canned foods.
Ingredients Needed
In addition to canned dog food, you will need just a handful of standard baking staples:
Whole Wheat Flour
Use up to 2 cups of whole wheat flour to add dietary fiber and bind the biscuit dough.
Eggs
Eggs help hold the biscuits together once baked. One whole egg is sufficient.
Baking Powder
Just 1 teaspoon of baking powder makes the biscuits fluffy. Make sure it is fresh and hasn’t expired.
Water
Use cool water, adding gradually until the dough forms. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup is needed.
Rolled Oats (Optional)
Rolled oats add extra fiber and texture. Use up to 1 cup if desired.
Peanut Butter (Optional)
For added flavor and protein, stirred peanut butter can be used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for making canned dog food biscuits:
Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Open the Canned Dog Food
Start by opening the can of dog food. Transfer it to a mixing bowl, separating any chunks.
Add Dry Ingredients
Into the bowl, stir in the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and any optional oats.
Mix the Egg
Crack the egg into the bowl and mix it thoroughly into the canned dog food mixture.
Form a Dough
Gradually pour the water into the bowl, mixing slowly. Stop when a sticky dough forms.
Knead Briefly
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it briefly just to bring it together.
Roll Out the Dough
Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about 1/4″ thickness. Move carefully so it doesn’t stick.
Cut Out Biscuit Shapes
Use a round biscuit cutter to cut shapes from the rolled dough. Reroll scraps to use all the dough.
Arrange Biscuits on Baking Sheet
Place the shaped biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1″ apart.
Bake Biscuits
Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely on wire rack.
Store Properly
Once cooled, place biscuits in an airtight container. Store for up to 2 weeks in fridge or freezer.
Tips for Making Canned Dog Food Biscuits
Follow these handy tips for best results when making your own biscuits:
Avoid Overmixing Dough
Gently mix just until the dough comes together. Too much handling can make tough biscuits.
Chill the Dough
For easier rolling, refrigerate dough for 30 minutes. This prevents sticking to the work surface.
Adjust Flour as Needed
If dough seems too wet, add a bit more flour. For drier dough, spritz on water 1 teaspoon at a time.
Roll Evenly
Roll dough to an even thickness so biscuits bake evenly. Varying thicknesses lead to uneven cooking.
Cut Shapes Close Together
Minimize dough scraps by arranging cutter closely as you work. Rerolled scraps make tougher biscuits.
Bake at Right Temperature
Baking at the proper oven temperature ensures biscuits get fully cooked but not burnt.
Allow Proper Cooling
Let biscuits cool completely before storing. Warm biscuits will lead to moisture buildup in container.
Recipe Variations
Once you master basic canned dog food biscuits, get creative with fun variations:
| Variation | Ingredients to Add |
|---|---|
| Bacon and Cheese | Crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar |
| Peanut Butter | 1/4 cup natural peanut butter |
| Pumpkin | 1/4 cup canned pumpkin |
| Beef Stew | 1/4 cup miniature beef cubes, sliced carrots |
| Birthday Cake | 1 tablespoon honey, sprinkles |
Get creative with fun shapes using cookie cutters. Or make mini treats by cutting smaller.
Storing and Serving Dog Biscuits
Storage Tips:
– Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer
– Refrigerated biscuits last 2-3 weeks
– Frozen biscuits last 2-3 months
– Let come to room temperature before serving
Serving Tips:
– Give 1-3 biscuits per day for a small dog
– Medium dogs can have 4-6 biscuits per day
– For large dogs, 6-10 biscuits is an appropriate daily serving
– Crumble over food or use as training treats
– Adjust amounts based on your dog’s size and activity level
Nutritional Benefits of Canned Dog Food Biscuits
Making biscuits with canned dog food packs a nutritious punch for your pup. Here are some of the key benefits:
Protein for Muscles
Canned dog foods provide concentrated, bioavailable protein sources like meat, poultry, and fish. This nourishes muscles and satisfies hunger.
Vitamins for Health
Added vitamins like A, E, B12, and folate support immune function, organ function, metabolism, and nerve health.
Minerals for Bones
Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron promote bone strength, blood health, enzyme function, and energy production.
Healthy Fats for Skin
Omega fatty acids from fish promote healthy skin and coat. Some canned foods also provide DHA for brain development.
Hydration from Moisture
The moist texture of canned food provides hydration for dogs who don’t always drink enough water.
Fiber for Digestion
Added whole grains like oats give biscuits fiber to support regular digestion and stool quality.
Conclusion
Whipping up homemade dog biscuits using canned dog food is an easy and thrifty way to expand your dog treat repertoire. Making biscuits at home allows for total control over ingredients. Choose high-quality canned foods and supplemental ingredients tailored to your dog’s health needs. Follow the simple step-by-step instructions for preparing, baking, cooling, and storing. Get creative with fun recipe add-ins and shapes. These nutritious biscuits make the perfect training rewards or snacks between meals. Your best friend will go wild for these tasty, crunchy treats.