They’re so crunchy and tasty that your furry friend won’t even know these Quinoa dog treats are good for them, too! They’re a creative way to give your dog more fiber and protein.
Try this simple recipe if you’re looking for some tasty treats to whip up for your canine companion. It uses just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
Why You and Your Dog Will Love These Treats
Does your pup love crunchy cookies and dog biscuits? Then they will love these quinoa dog treats, too. And you’ll love making them.
There’s so much nutrition packed into one little delicious treat. They’re slightly sweet, so they taste like a dessert, but they’re made without any added sugar.
The crunchy texture does double duty: It’s good for your dog’s teeth. As your dog munches on the cookie, the crispy bites will help scrape away plaque from its teeth.
Benefits of Quinoa for Dogs
One of the reasons these dog treats are so good for dogs is because they’re made with nutrient-rich quinoa. It’s full of protein, which dogs need to maintain and grow a strong and lean frame.
Quinoa is also full of fiber, which is good for your dog’s gut health. It also contains essential nutrients and minerals that support your dog’s overall well-being and help prevent disease.
Read more about quinoa and dogs.
Ingredients
To make this quinoa dog treat recipe, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a handy list with some info on each. The exact measurements and nutritional information are in the printable recipe card below.
- Cooked Quinoa: The star of the treats! It gives them a slightly nutty flavor.
- Quinoa Flour: Keeps the treats gluten-free while adding extra protein and a smooth texture to the dough.
- Oat Flour: Ground oats are gentle on a dog’s stomach and provide additional fiber for healthy digestion.
- Banana: Naturally sweet and full of potassium, bananas add moisture and a flavor dogs love. Plus, they’re rich in vitamins and great for energy.
- Egg: Eggs provide protein and help the treats hold their shape, while also contributing to a golden color when baked.
- Coconut Oil: This healthy fat helps give the treats a soft texture and is known for its skin and coat benefits for dogs.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You can substitute the banana with ½ cup of applesauce, pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix), or plain mashed sweet potatoes.
You can substitute either the quinoa flour or oat flour with brown rice flour, all-purpose flour, or a 50-50 combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Because whole wheat flour is denser, it’s not a good substitute to use by itself. Do not use coconut flour because it absorbs too much moisture and the treats won’t turn out right.
How to Make Oat Flour
Place uncooked old-fashioned oats in a blender or food processor and blend until it reaches flour consistency. 1 cup of oats makes about 3/4 cup of flour.
How to Make Quinoa Flour
Important Note: You need to use prewashed uncooked quinoa. 2 cups makes about 1½ cups of flour.
- Place quinoa in a dry large skillet. Toast the quinoa over medium heat until golden and popping, stirring frequently (about 5 minutes). Be careful not to burn the quinoa.
- Pour the quinoa on a baking sheet, spread it out in a single layer, and allow it to cool completely.
- Transfer the quinoa to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until it becomes a fine powder.
How to Make Quinoa Dog Treats
These are the recipe steps and some photos of making the treats. I hope they help you make them for your dog.
- Mash the banana in a medium bowl.
- Add the egg and melted coconut oil to the mashed banana and combine well.
- Place the quinoa flour, oat flour, and cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients mixture to the flour mixture and combine into a dough.
- Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4″ – 1/3″ thickness.
- Cut out treats using your favorite cookie cutter. Re-roll the dough and cut as necessary until the dough is used up.
- Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-17 minutes.
- Allow the treats to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Serving Size
How many homemade treats should you give your dog? That depends on the amount of food you gave your pet to eat that day and your dog’s size. Large dogs can consume more than smaller dogs.
Treats should be included when you consider your dog’s daily caloric intake. Make sure you don’t exceed the recommended amount for your dog. That amount changes for each dog breed, size, and activity level.
I suggest only giving your spoiled hound one treat per day. However, you can use your judgment or consult with your veterinarian regarding how many treats are right for your dog.
Also, when adding new foods to your dog’s diet, start with small amounts to ensure your dog has no allergic or adverse reactions.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 4 days. Refrigerating them will add a couple of days to the shelf life.
For longer storage, you can freeze the treats in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can people eat these dog treats?
Yep, they sure can. All of the ingredients are safe for human consumption. If you enjoy quinoa, give one a try and see what you think.
More Dog Treat Recipes
Do you want to make some more yummy treats for your dog? Try these recipes:
- Aniseed Dog Treats
- Chia Seed Dog Treats
- Cinnamon Roll Dog Treats
- Grain Free Dog Treats
- Low Calorie Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Seed Dog Treats
Find lots of easy recipes for dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Quinoa Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa flour
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mash the banana in a medium bowl. Add the egg and melted coconut oil to the mashed banana and combine well.
- Place the quinoa flour, oat flour, and cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture and combine into a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4″ – 1/3″ thickness. Cut out treats using your favorite cookie cutter. Re-roll the dough and cut as necessary until the dough is used up. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely on the baking sheet.
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