Every dog owner knows the joy of seeing their furry friend’s tail wagging in excitement. One way to bring happiness to your canine companion is by indulging them with delicious and nutritious treats. If you’re looking to provide your pup with a wholesome and flavorful delight, why not try making DIY Cheese dog biscuits? Not only are these treats easy to create, but they also offer a range of benefits that store-bought options might not provide. In this article, we’ll explore the world of homemade Cheese Dog Biscuits, from selecting the perfect ingredients to baking them with love.

The Benefits of Homemade Dog Biscuits

There’s something special about creating treats from scratch, and when it comes to our four-legged friends, the benefits are numerous. Making your own dog biscuits allows you to have complete control over the ingredients that go into your furry friend’s snacks. This is particularly advantageous for dogs with dietary restrictions or allergies. By carefully selecting the ingredients, you can ensure that your pup receives a treat tailored to their needs, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.

We started baking treats when Sienna, our newly adopted Mexican rescue, start gaining a lot of weight post-surgery.  She was in a new country, very fearful, and being a lab mix, would eat anything and everything.  We needed a way to make sure she could have lots of healthy treats that we could control the size of and the ingredients. 

Selecting the Right Cheese

When it comes to the star ingredient of these delectable biscuits – cheese – there are a few things to consider. Opt for dog-safe cheese options that are low in sodium or even lactose-free. Popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, and cottage cheese. These varieties not only add a burst of flavour but also provide a good source of protein and calcium for your pup’s health.

As my dogs have no current restrictions or allergies, I took this opportunity to use up what I have in the fridge.  This meant a bit of gouda, some mozzarella and some cheddar went into the treats! 

Creating Your DIY Cheese Dog Biscuits: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gather Your Ingredients: For these cheese dog biscuits, you’ll need dog-safe flour, cheese, eggs, coconut oil and a touch of water. You can also add herbs for extra flavour.  I added a bit of parsley.  Remember, using fresh and high-quality ingredients will make a difference in the taste and nutritional value of the treats.

Mix the Dough: Start by combining the flour and cheese in a mixing bowl. Crack in the eggs and add a tablespoon of water. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s slightly sticky; you can always add a bit more flour.

Roll and Cut: Flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes that you will adore. Hearts, bones, and paw prints are popular choices.  Or, make it easy on yourself and use a knife or pizza wheel.  Your dog won’t care what shape the cookies come in!

Baking Time: Place the cut-out shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crisp.

Customization and Nutritional Value: The beauty of making your own dog biscuits lies in the ability to get creative. Consider adding some shredded carrots for extra crunch and a boost of vitamins. You can also experiment with herbs like parsley, which not only adds flavour but also promotes fresher breath. This customization ensures that your treats cater to your dog’s preferences while offering a wide array of nutritional benefits.

Cheese Dog Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 2 cups dog-safe flour, plus more for rolling
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp coconut oil, softened
• 1/2-3/4 cups water
• Optional: Herbs, fresh or dried

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C
2. In a medium bowl, add shredded cheese, flour, eggs, softened coconut oil and herbs, if using. 
3. Mix ingredients well.  Add water a little at a time until the dough is pliable but firm.  The amount of water required will depend on the type of flour and cheese used. 
4. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and kneed gently until dough comes together in a smooth ball
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8″ / 0.3cm
6. Use cookie cutters, a knife, a glass or a pizza cutter to cut into desired shapes
7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These cookies do not spread much and do not need much space in between cookies
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes for medium-sized biscuits (smaller treats may require less time while larger treats will require more time)
9. Remove from oven once treats are firm and dry and slightly golden around the edges
10. Optional: for dehydrated and shelf-stable treats, bake for an additional 30-60 minutes at 300°F / 150°C or turn off the oven and leave them in the oven as it cools

Storage

If fully dehydrated,  these biscuits will last in an airtight container on the counter for many, many weeks.

If not fully dehydrated, store in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.  Portion and freeze the remaining in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Conclusion

Crafting DIY cheese dog biscuits is a rewarding experience that goes beyond just baking. It’s a gesture of love that allows you to provide your canine companion with a treat that’s made with care and consideration. By using simple, dog-friendly ingredients and a touch of creativity, you’ll be serving up a wholesome and flavorful delight that’s bound to make tails wag and heart’s content. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delightful baking journey that will leave your dog begging for more.

Ready to create a batch of these scrumptious treats for your furry friend? Share your experience with us in the comments below and let us know your favourite cheese varieties and flavour combinations! For more pet-friendly recipes and tips, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. Your pup’s taste buds will thank you!

Did you enjoy these treats? Make sure to check out some of our other recipes like Minty Coconut Milk Dog Ice Cream: A Breath Freshening Tasty Treat, Homemade Blueberry Ginger Dog Treats: A Tasty and Healthy Option or How to Make Irresistible Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats at Home!

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