When making homemade dog treats, the type of flour you use is very important. The flour acts as the base and main binding ingredient in most dog treat recipes. Using the right flour can ensure the treats hold together properly, taste good, and are easy for your dog to digest. There are a few factors to consider when deciding which flour is best for making dog treats.
Digestibility
One of the most important factors when choosing a flour for dog treats is how easy it will be for your dog to digest. Some flours contain proteins and fibers that may be difficult for some dogs to break down. This could lead to gastrointestinal upset if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Typically, flours made from grains tend to be more easily digestible for dogs. Flours like white or wheat flour are good options. Stay away from flours with a lot of gluten, like rye or barley flour, as dogs have a harder time processing gluten.
You’ll also want to avoid flours made from nuts, like almond flour, as these are difficult for dogs to digest properly. Coconut flour is an exception since coconut products are usually gentle on dog’s stomachs.
Most Digestible Flours for Dog Treats
- White flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Rice flour
- Oat flour
- Coconut flour
Taste
Of course, you want your homemade treats to be tasty for your pup! Certain flours can help make treats more palatable and appealing to your dog.
Flours with natural flavors like peanut or coconut flour are good for enhancing taste. Whole wheat flour adds a pleasant nuttiness. Most dogs also seem to enjoy the sweetness of oat flour.
On the other hand, flours like rye and corn don’t have much flavor on their own. Consider pairing them with peanut butter, bananas, honey or other dog-safe mix-ins.
Most Flavorful Flours for Dog Treats
- Peanut flour
- Coconut flour
- Oat flour
- Whole wheat flour
Nutritional Value
While treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories, it’s still a bonus if they contain beneficial nutrients.
Some flours offer more nutritional value than others. For example, whole wheat flour contains fiber, manganese and selenium. Oat flour is high in protein, iron, and calcium. Coconut flour also supplies fiber and protein.
On the flip side, white flour has very minimal nutritional value. But you can make up for this by pairing it with nutritious mix-ins.
Most Nutritious Flours for Dog Treats
| Flour | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat | Fiber, Manganese, Selenium |
| Oat | Protein, Iron, Calcium |
| Coconut | Fiber, Protein |
Texture
The texture your dog treats end up with depends largely on the flour used. Some flours will result in treats that are crumbly or crunchy. Others make for more cake-like treats.
Rice flour, oat flour and coconut flour typically yield a drier, crumbly texture. Meanwhile, flours like white, whole wheat and peanut flour create treats with a soft, smooth texture.
You can also combine flours to achieve different textures. Such as using half peanut butter flour and half oat flour.
Think about your preference and your dog’s liking. Crunchy treats can help clean teeth while soft treats are easier for some dogs to chew and swallow.
Flours for Crunchy Dog Treats
- Rice flour
- Oat flour
- Coconut flour
Flours for Soft, Chewy Dog Treats
- White flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Peanut flour
Allergies
If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, you’ll want to avoid flours containing potential allergens. The most common food allergens for dogs include:
- Wheat – avoid wheat and whole wheat flour
- Corn – avoid corn flour
- Soy – avoid soy flour
- Dairy – avoid flours with milk powders
Good flour options for dogs with allergies are oat, rice, coconut, and peanut flours. Always read labels carefully to check for any problem ingredients.
Hypoallergenic Flours for Dog Treats
- Oat flour
- Rice flour
- Coconut flour
- Peanut flour
Availability
Consider how easy it is to find each type of flour when deciding which to use. Standard white and wheat flours are sold at all grocery stores.
Other flours like oat, coconut and rice flour can be found at most large grocers and health food stores. You may have to visit a specialty store for options like peanut flour.
Buying flour online is an convenient option. Just be mindful of any shipping costs.
Where to Buy Various Flours
| Flour | Where to Buy |
|---|---|
| White | Grocery stores |
| Wheat | Grocery stores |
| Oat | Grocery stores, health food stores |
| Coconut | Grocery stores, health food stores |
| Rice | Grocery stores, health food stores |
| Peanut | Specialty baking stores, online |
Cost
The price of each flour type can vary. Standard white flour tends to be the most budget friendly option. Meanwhile, flours like almond and coconut flour are on the pricier side.
Here is a general ranking of flours from least to most expensive:
- White flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Oat flour
- Rice flour
- Peanut flour
- Coconut flour
- Almond flour
Keep cost in mind if you plan on making dog treats regularly. But don’t let it be the deciding factor – pick a flour that works well for your pup!
Convenience
Opt for flours that require minimal preparation for easiest treat making. All-purpose flours like white, wheat and oat flour just need to be measured out.
Meanwhile, coconut flour should be sifted to remove larger pieces. And nut flours may require grinding or processing if bought whole.
Rice flour tends to clump and should be stirred before measuring. Look for brands that contain an anti-caking agent.
White and wheat flours are likely the most convenient options in terms of preparation and storage. But other flours aren’t difficult to use either.
Most Convenient Flours for Dog Treats
- White flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Oat flour
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best flour for making homemade dog treats, you can’t go wrong with whole wheat or oat flour. Both offer great digestibility, flavor, and nutrients. Whole wheat flour is accessible and budget-friendly, while oat flour provides extra protein.
Other good options are peanut, coconut, and rice flour. Take your dog’s health needs into account, and feel free to experiment with flour combinations to create treats with different textures.
Just be sure to always check labels for any additives or unhealthy ingredients. The simpler the flour, the better when cooking for your dog.
With the right flour as a base, you can whip up tasty and healthy homemade treats your pup will love. Just remember to keep portions small and treats limited to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.