As the weather turns colder, it’s important to make sure your furry friend stays warm and comfortable all winter long. What better way to warm your pup up than with some special tasty treats?
Read on for our top 5 picks for warming treats to keep your dog happy even when it’s freezing outside.
1. Slow-Cooker Chicken Stew Dog Treats
Whip up a batch of heartwarming homemade chicken stew, perfect for filling your home with cozy aromas on cold winter days. Then turn leftovers into tasty spoonful treats your dog will love.
Simply take any remaining chicken stew from your slow-cooker and let it cool before freezing into bite-sized portions. Store in bags or containers for whenever your pup needs a comforting winter warmer. Just reheat and serve! Packed with protein-rich chicken, vitamin-packed veggies, and starchy potatoes, this stew will fill their bellies and fuel their play.
The rich, savory flavors make an irresistible tasty reward for when your dog comes inside from bad weather. These soupy mushy morsels will warm them up nicely. Customize your chicken stew to suit your dog’s preferences or food sensitivities. What better way to show your dog some cozy care this chilly season!
2. Bacon and Cheese Baked Dog Biscuits
What’s better on a cold day than piping hot bacon or melty cheese? Put them together for a drool-worthy dog treat! These savory baked biscuits take just minutes to prepare. Your pup will go crazy for the irresistible bacon and cheddar flavor combination.
Simply mix flour, baking powder, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, egg, and broth together. Knead lightly before rolling the dough and cutting into bone shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes and let cool completely before serving. We recommend storing in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks. Offer your dog a few bacon and cheese biscuits when they come in from winter romps to warm up their bellies and put a smile on their face!
3. Apple Cinnamon Baked Dog Treats
Whip up a batch of these apple cinnamon baked treats to get your house smelling cozy and seasonal. Apples are a superfood packed with vitamin C and fiber. Along with protein-rich Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, eggs, and peanut butter, these chewy treats will have tails wagging happily.
Start by grating an apple before mixing everything in a big bowl. Form into a dough you can slice or cut with cookie cutters and place the treats on a greased baking sheet. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. Let cool before giving your dog this healthy energy-boosting winter snack after play sessions in the snow. We recommend storing in an airtight container for up to a week.
4. Sweet Potato Chews
Vitamin-rich sweet potatoes make one of the best healthy winter treats to keep your dog warm and nourished. You can find dehydrated sweet potato chews at many pet stores – some even shaped like cute bones or twists. The natural sugars will keep your pup satisfied for hours.
For a homemade touch, try baking some sliced sweet potatoes on low heat (around 225 F) for several hours until dried out. You want them pliable enough to chew but crunchy, not brittle. These natural energy-packed chews promote oral health and digest slowly keeping your dog fuller longer. Sweet potato snacks couldn’t be simpler to make. Just cut into strips and let your oven do the rest of the work!
5. Peanut Butter Hot Dog Treats
Is anything better than hot dogs fresh off the grill on a cold day? Now your furbaby can enjoy this warming taste too by turning hot dogs into a crispy peanut butter stuffed treat.
Start by slicing lengthwise into your hot dogs being careful not to cut all the way through. Spread peanut butter into the cut before wrapping each loaded dog in crescent roll dough. Seal them up tight and bake until golden brown. These savory soft treats make perfect high-value rewards for when training your pooch to wear those silly winter boots or come inside from the snow. The peanut butter and hot dog flavor will drive them wild!
Banish the Winter Chill
Wintertime can be ruff on your furry friends. Keep your pup warm inside and out by treating them to some special warming snacks. We picked our top 5 treats, but get creative with fresh fruits and vegetables, baked kibble mixes, stuffed Kong toys, or invent your own tasty creations to beat the winter chill. Just be sure to check ingredients are all pet-safe before serving.
With a steady diet of delicious winter warming treats, your dog will stay energized and their tail will stay wagging no matter how cold it gets! Snuggle up inside with your four-legged friend and enjoy the season together with extra treats all around!