Okay, so, you know how much we love our doggos, right? They’re practically family! And what better way to show them some love than with a delicious, tail-wagging treat? Forget those store-bought, mystery-ingredient snacks! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite recipe: the super cute and healthy Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter! It’s homemade, it’s fun to make, and it’s something your furry best friend will absolutely adore.
I started making treats for my pup, Max, a few years ago. Honestly, looking at the ingredient list on some of those store-bought ones scared me! Plus, I wanted something wholesome and special. So, I started experimenting in the kitchen, and, trust me, this recipe is a total winner. Homemade treats give you total control over what your dog eats. You know *exactly* what’s going in them, avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives. Plus, who doesn’t love knowing they’re giving their pup the very best?
Why Make a Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter?
Okay, so why bother with making these adorable Hearts and Bones treats at home? Well, let me tell you, the benefits are HUGE! It’s like a big, warm hug for your pup, straight from the oven.
- You’re in total control of what goes in. No mystery ingredients or scary chemicals!
- You can avoid all those nasty preservatives and additives that are often in store-bought treats.
- You’re showing your doggo some serious love! I mean, who can resist a homemade treat?
- It’s actually a lot of fun to make! Get the kids involved, and make it a family activity.
Honestly? It’s just so satisfying to know you’re giving your best friend something healthy and delicious.
Ingredients for the Perfect Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter
Alright, so to make these super-cute and healthy Hearts and Bones treats, you’ll need the following, and *listen up* because the quality of these ingredients makes a HUGE difference! Don’t skimp!
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour – Yep, whole wheat! Don’t even think about all-purpose!
- 1 cup of rolled oats – Gotta add some good fiber in there!
- 1/2 cup of plain pumpkin puree – Make sure it’s just pumpkin, no spices added!
- 1/4 cup of peanut butter (xylitol-free) – This is SO important! Xylitol is a killer for dogs!
- 1 large egg – Gets it all to stick together nicely.
- Water, as needed – Just enough to get that dough to come together perfectly.
See? Simple ingredients, but the result is pure doggy deliciousness!
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients, now let’s get ready to rumble… I mean, bake! You won’t need a fancy kitchen, I promise! Just a few basics will do the trick for your Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter.
You’ll definitely need mixing bowls of various sizes, some measuring cups and spoons (precision is key!), a baking sheet (or two, if you’re making a big batch!), and, of course, your oven! And probably the best part? Those adorable heart and bone-shaped cookie cutters! They’re SO cute, you’ll wanna make treats for *everyone*!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter
Okay, baking time! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think, even if you’re, you know, a bit of a kitchen klutz like me sometimes. We’re making this Hearts and Bones platter a breeze.
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Seriously, get that oven nice and warm so those treats bake up beautifully! Don’t skip this!
Next up, let’s get that dough mixed. Throw your flour and oats into a big ol’ bowl. Mix it all up with a spoon (or your clean hands, I won’t judge!). Now add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg. Give it a good mix-a-roo!
Now, here’s the *magic* part: slowly add a little water at a time while mixing. You want a nice, firm dough that isn’t too sticky but holds together well. Careful, don’t add too much water at once, or your treats will be doomed!
Once you’ve got your dough, lightly flour your surface (I always use extra flour here – trust me!). Roll that dough out until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Now comes the FUN part: grab those heart and bone-shaped cookie cutters, and get to cuttin’! Try to get as many treats from each roll as possible.
Place those cute little hearts and bones on a baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them golden brown, but not burnt. Pull ‘em when they’re nicely colored, and not a moment sooner!
Finally, and this is crucial: let those treats cool COMPLETELY before giving them to your pup. Patience, my friend! It’s the hardest part, but *SO* worth it! Seriously, let them cool entirely.
Tips for Success with Your Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter
Alright, so you’ve got your dough, you’ve got your cookie cutters, and you’re ready to make some magic! But, like any good baking adventure, there are a few little tricks to ensuring those Hearts and Bones turn out *perfect* every single time. Here are a couple things I’ve learned from my (many!) baking sessions.
First off: Don’t overmix that dough! Mix until it *just* comes together. Overmixing can make the treats tough. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!
Next: Lightly flour that surface! Nothing is worse than spending ages rolling and cutting, just for everything to stick. Trust me on this one! And don’t be afraid to add more flour as needed – just dust the surface. It will save you a world of trouble.
And then there’s the cooling step. Let those treats cool *completely* before your pup gets to enjoy them. Seriously! If they’re still warm, you run the risk of them crumbling, or even worse… burning your dog’s mouth!
Follow these, and your dog will be drooling in anticipation!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Hearts and Bones Treats
Okay, so, let’s chat about this recipe’s superstars, and maybe a few little workarounds! First up, that peanut butter. Listen to me, people: *xylitol-free* is non-negotiable! That stuff is super toxic to dogs, so please, PLEASE read those labels! Don’t take chances!
And what if you don’t have whole wheat flour? No worries! You can totally swap it out for oat flour. The treats might come out a little different, maybe a bit softer, but they’ll still be super yummy! Also, if you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can try mashed sweet potato or unsweetened applesauce. Just make sure the texture isn’t too wet!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for the Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter
So, you’ve baked a batch of these adorable Hearts and Bones treats, and now you’re wondering how to keep ’em fresh and yummy? Don’t worry, it’s super easy!
Just pop those treats into an airtight container. A Ziploc bag works great too! You can keep them at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week, but honestly, they’ll probably disappear way faster than that! Reheating? Totally not necessary. Your pup will love them straight from the container!
Nutritional Information for Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter
Okay, so, here’s a little heads-up: the nutritional info below is just an *estimate*. It can vary a bit depending on what peanut butter brand you use, or how fluffy your oats are. But it gives you a good idea!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platters
I know, I know, questions are bound to pop up! You want to know if you can get even *more* creative with these little Hearts and Bones treats, right? Well, let’s get those questions answered so you can start baking!
Can I use different cookie cutters for the treats?
Absolutely! Get creative and use any cookie cutters that make you and your pup happy! Squares, stars, even little paw prints – go wild! The whole idea is to make these treats fun. You can totally make seasonal shapes too. Think Christmas trees, pumpkins… the possibilities are endless for creating a fun, and healthy snack.
How long do these treats last?
If you store your Hearts and Bones treats in an airtight container at room temperature, they should last for about a week. But honestly, my pups usually gobble them up way faster than that! These homemade dog treats are so good, they rarely stick around long enough to go stale, haha!
Can I add other ingredients?
You sure can! Feel free to add some chopped carrots, sweet potato, or even a sprinkle of flaxseed for an extra nutritional boost! Just remember to keep things safe for your pup. Also, smaller add-ins will make for a more consistent batch. These yummy Hearts and Bones are just a starting point, so feel free to experiment!
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Hearts and Bones Dog Treat Platter
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 20 treats
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A platter of homemade dog treats in heart and bone shapes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and oats.
- Add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg. Mix well.
- Add water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough and use heart and bone-shaped cookie cutters.
- Place the treats on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Store treats in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
