Okay, listen up, fellow dog parents! If you’re tired of buying pricey, questionable treats from the store, you HAVE to try making your own. Seriously, it’s so much easier than you think, and your furry best friend will absolutely adore you for it. My absolute favorite recipe to whip up? These super simple, incredibly tasty bacon and cheese dog treats.
My rescue, Gus, is usually pretty picky (don’t tell him I said that!), but the first time I made these, his tail didn’t stop wagging for like, an hour. The smell of them baking? Oh my goodness, even *I* want to sneak a bite! They’re packed with flavors dogs go absolutely bonkers for – hello, bacon and cheese! – and you know exactly what’s going into them. No weird fillers or mystery ingredients here. Just pure, tail-wagging goodness. Trust me, making these is a game-changer for treat time!
Why Your Dog Will Love These Bacon and Cheese Dog Treats
So, why are these specific bacon and cheese dog treats such a hit with the four-legged crowd? It’s pretty simple, really. They’re basically everything a dog dreams of in a crunchy little package. Here’s the lowdown:
- They taste AMAZING: I mean, bacon and cheese? Come on! These are like doggy crack. The savory bacon and the yummy cheese are a combo dogs just can’t resist.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You know exactly what’s in them. No weird stuff you can’t pronounce. Just good, basic food ingredients.
- Made with Love: There’s something special about getting a treat you know was made just for you, right? Your dog totally feels that! Homemade always wins.
- Happy Dog, Happy Life: Seeing that tail wagging like crazy when you pull out a batch? Pure joy. It’s the best feeling!
Honestly, they’re a surefire way to earn some serious bonus points with your pup!
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Bacon and Cheese Dog Treats
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of these bacon and cheese dog treats is how simple they are. You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already! We’re keeping it basic and wholesome for our furry friends. You’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (the old-fashioned kind are great!)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (use the good stuff!)
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (make sure it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it up!)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water
See? Nothing crazy! Just simple, tasty things your dog will adore.
Equipment You’ll Need for Bacon and Cheese Dog Treats
Good news! You don’t need any fancy gadgets for these bacon and cheese dog treats. You probably have everything you need right in your kitchen. Grab a baking sheet (or two!), some parchment paper to line it (trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze!), a couple of mixing bowls (one for the dry stuff, one for wet), and a cookie cutter if you want cute shapes. A knife works just fine too if you’re going for simple squares!
How to Prepare Bacon and Cheese Dog Treats Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get baking! Making these bacon and cheese dog treats is seriously straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of happy doggy snacks in no time. It’s almost as fun as watching your pup do zoomies!
First things first, preheat your oven. Crank it up to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While it’s heating up, grab that baking sheet we talked about and line it with parchment paper. This is a little trick that saves you from scrubbing later – you’ll thank me!
Next, in your big mixing bowl, toss in all those dry goodies: the flour, the rolled oats, the yummy shredded cheese, and that glorious crumbled bacon. Give it a good stir with a spoon or spatula just until everything looks nicely mixed together. You want those bacon and cheese bits spread throughout!
Now, in your smaller bowl, whisk up the wet stuff. Crack in the egg and add the water. Give it a quick whisk until it’s all combined. Easy peasy!
Here’s where the magic starts happening! Pour the wet ingredients right into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Now, mix it all together. It might look a little crumbly at first, but keep going! It’ll come together into a dough. Don’t overmix it, though, just get it combined.
Time to get your hands a little doughy! Lightly flour your counter or a cutting board. Plop the dough out and give it a gentle knead for just a couple of minutes. This helps bring it all together smoothly.
Roll out your dough! You want it to be about 1/4 inch thick. Not too thin, not too thick – just right for a good, sturdy treat. Now, grab your cookie cutter (or a knife!) and cut out your shapes. Get creative! Bones, hearts, squares – whatever makes you happy!
Carefully place your cut-out treats onto that prepared baking sheet.
Pop the sheet into the preheated oven. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn a lovely golden brown and feel nice and firm. Baking time can vary a bit depending on your oven and how thick you rolled them, so keep an eye on them!
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool COMPLETELY on the baking sheet or a wire rack. This is important! You want them to be cool and crunchy before your pup gets their paws on them.
And there you have it! Homemade bacon and cheese dog treats, ready to make your dog the happiest pup on the block!
Tips for Making the Best Bacon and Cheese Dog Treats
Making these bacon and cheese dog treats is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make them even better! First off, when you’re mixing the dough, try not to overwork it. Just mix until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the treats tough, and we want them nice and tender-crisp!
Also, make absolutely sure your bacon is fully cooked and cooled before you crumble it in. Raw or undercooked bacon isn’t good for dogs, and hot bacon will mess with your dough. And speaking of cooling, let those treats cool down completely! They firm up as they cool and get that perfect crunchy texture. Giving them to your dog while they’re still warm can make them a bit soft. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have perfectly baked, tail-wagging treats every time!
Storing Your Homemade Bacon and Cheese Dog Treats
Okay, you’ve got a fresh batch of these amazing bacon and cheese dog treats! Now, how to keep them fresh so your pup can enjoy them for a while? It’s super easy! Just pop them into an airtight container. A cookie jar, a plastic container with a tight lid, anything that seals well works great. You can keep them on the counter at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, tuck the container into the fridge – they’ll stay good for up to two weeks there. Easy peasy!
Common Questions About Bacon and Cheese Dog Treats
Got a few questions buzzing in your head about these bacon and cheese dog treats? Totally normal! Here are some common ones I get asked, and the answers to help you out:
Q: Can I use different kinds of cheese or meat?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar is a classic, but mild cheeses like mozzarella work too. Just avoid anything too strong or processed. For meat, cooked chicken or beef (plain, no seasonings!) crumbled up can be a fun swap for the bacon.
Q: How long do these homemade dog treats last?
A: If you store them properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you pop them in the fridge, they’ll last closer to two weeks. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing!
Q: Are these treats suitable for small dogs or puppies?
A: Yep! The recipe itself is fine, but you might want to adjust the size of the treats when you cut them out. Smaller shapes are easier for little mouths to handle. Always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying any treat!
Q: Can I add other things to the dough?
A: You can experiment a little, but keep it safe for dogs! A tiny bit of parsley for fresh breath, or some finely grated carrot for extra nutrients can be added. Just be sure to research anything new before adding it.
Making your own dog biscuits means you can tailor them a bit to your pup!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, a quick note about the nutrition stuff! While I’ve included some basic info, please remember that the exact nutritional values for these bacon and cheese dog treats can totally vary. It really depends on the specific flour, cheese, and bacon you use, plus how big you cut the treats! So, think of the provided info as a general estimate, not a strict breakdown. Always factor these into your dog’s overall diet!
Share Your Dog’s Reaction to These Tasty Treats
So, did you make these bacon and cheese dog treats for your furry friend? I really, really want to know how it went! Did they do a happy dance? Did their tail wag non-stop? Please, please leave a comment below and tell me all about your dog’s reaction! And if you snap a pic of your pup enjoying their homemade goodness, even better! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too – it helps other dog parents out!
Print
Simple bacon and cheese dog treats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 2 dozen treats 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Make delicious homemade dog treats with bacon and cheese. Your furry friend will love these simple, tasty bites.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, cheese, and bacon. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
- Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your dog.
Notes
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- You can substitute other types of cheese or cooked meat for variety.
- Ensure bacon is cooked and cooled before adding to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: Varies
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies