Jolly Eats: Valentine's Day Peanut Butter Dog Cookies

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show you care to the ones you hold dear – including your four-legged best friend. Our dogs have a special place in our hearts, and just like we enjoy showering our beloved humans with special treats, it's important to treat our pups to something just as sweet – but safe and delicious for them! What better way to celebrate than with homemade Valentine’s Day peanut butter cookies? These tasty treats are easy to make, and your pup is sure to love them.

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Simple to Make with Simple Ingredients

When it comes to homemade dog treats, you want to ensure the ingredients are healthy, safe, and free from any harmful additives. This peanut butter cookie recipe for dogs is crafted with that in mind. The ingredients are simple and dog-friendly, plus they're easy to make festive for Valentine's Day with a small, heart-shaped cookie cutter!

1. Gluten-Free Oats

Oats are an excellent source of fiber, which can help with digestion, making them a great base for dog treats. You can purchase oat flour that is ready-made or blend your own oats in a blender.

2. Peanut Butter (without Xylitol)

Natural peanut butter that is low in sodium and sugar can be a good source of protein for your dog when given in moderation. However, it's crucial to choose peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Always read the label to ensure the peanut butter is safe for canine consumption. A little bit of peanut butter goes a long way in terms of flavor, so these cookies will be a treat your dog can’t resist.

3. Beet Juice

Beet juice not only adds a beautiful pop of color (perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat!), but it’s also packed with vitamins and can help keep your dog's coat shiny and healthy. Be sure to avoid beet juice from a can that is high in sodium and sugar, though. To be safe, we'd recommend boiling beets in a small saucepan with water, then straining out the beets to keep the color.

4. Egg

Eggs are a great source of protein and essential fatty acids, which are important for your dog’s coat, skin, and overall health. Including an egg in this recipe helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring that the dough holds its shape during baking.

Valentine’s Day Peanut Butter Cookies for Dogs

Making these peanut butter cookies for your dog is easy, and they don’t require any fancy ingredients or equipment. Just a few simple steps and your dog will be ready to enjoy their tasty Valentine’s treat. Here's how you can make these adorable cookies at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oats (you'll blend or grind them into flour)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it contains no xylitol)
• 1/4 cup beet juice (ensure it's from a can with no salt or sugar added or make your own by boiling beets in water and straining it)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
2. Make Oat Flour: Take the 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free oats and blend or process them into a fine flour using a blender or food processor. You can also buy ready-made oat flour.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, peanut butter, beet juice, and egg. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated. You might need to add a little more oat flour if the dough feels too sticky. The goal is to achieve a dough that's firm enough to roll out but not so dry that it crumbles.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. If your dough is too sticky, you can dust it lightly with some extra oat flour.
5. Cut into Shapes: Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into cute heart shapes. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can always use a regular round cutter or even shape the cookies by hand.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving them to your dog. 

How to Serve These Valentine’s Day Cookies to Your Dog

Once your cookies are baked and cooled, you’re ready to share the love with your dog! Offer your dog one or two cookies as a special treat. Remember, these cookies are rich in healthy ingredients, but like all treats, they should be given in moderation. A couple of these cookies are plenty for your pup to enjoy without overindulging. If your dog is on a special diet or has any food sensitivities or allergies, be sure to consult your veterinarian before offering any new treats.

Additional Tips and Notes

• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. You can also freeze them for up to a few months, which makes it easy to prepare treats in advance.
• Customization: You can get creative with your dog’s Valentine’s Day cookies! For a different flavor, try adding a small amount of mashed sweet potato, pumpkin puree or other dog-safe ingredients to the dough.
• Consult Your Vet: As with any homemade dog treat, it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian to make sure the ingredients are appropriate for your pup, especially if they have allergies or are on a special diet.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the store-bought treats and make your dog some special homemade cookies. These cookies are easy to make, safe for dogs, and fun to share on a day dedicated to love. By using wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oats, natural peanut butter, beet juice, and eggs, you’re ensuring that your dog enjoys a healthier and tasty snack.