Homemade Valentine’s dog treats

On a day revolving around chocolates and romantic dinners with our significant others, we sometimes forget to show our little furry family members how much we love them.

Related story This Treat-dispensing Security Camera Lets You Reward Your Dog for Being on His Best Behavior Even When You’re Away

Show your puppy how much you care this year by making him/her these delicious mini heart cakes and dog biscuits, made out of all-natural ingredients!

Making your own dog cakes and biscuits is not only easy, it’s also cheaper than buying them at a dog bakery or specialty pet store, where they range from $20 to $100. Since these cakes and cookies are made with real, natural ingredients, you know exactly what your pup is eating. Giving Fido one of these heart cakes and cookies is a sure way to get his tail wagging this Valentine’s Day!

Homemade mini heart dog cake recipe

Yields 10 mini cakes

Related story This Treat-dispensing Security Camera Lets You Reward Your Dog for Being on His Best Behavior Even When You’re Away

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup butter (or 1/4 cup vegetable oil)
• 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-natural honey
• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

For the frosting:

• 8 ounces of low-fat cream cheese
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a mini heart cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Mix the flour and baking soda. Add the peanut butter, vanilla, honey and oil/butter and stir. Add the buttermilk, 1/4 cup at a time. Stir in carrots.
3. Spoon the mixture into the mini heart cavities, filling each one three-quarters full. Bake for at least 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
4. While the cakes cook, prepare frosting by beating the cream cheese, vanilla and cinnamon together. Once the cakes have cooled, frost. Drizzle melted peanut butter on top or top with additional shredded carrots.

Homemade dog biscuits

Yields 5 dozen treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup yeast (brewer’s yeast works best)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, wheat germ and yeast; set it aside. In another bowl, add the oil. Add the flour and stock, alternating between each addition and mixing well. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough. Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut out shapes.
3. Transfer the cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes. Brush with additional broth and flip over, then bake for an additional 10 minutes. Turn oven off and let the dog biscuits dry for at least 40 minutes. Serve immediately or place in an airtight container or cookie jar for later.
4. For added fun, wrap the cookies in a heart-shaped candy box and have dogs open them!

Never buy another treat from the store again and just stick with these dog-approved homemade treats! If you have a cat, try these homemade kitty treats.

More DIY projects for pets

Knitted dog sweater
Handmade dog accessories
8 DIY doggie Halloween costumes