Dog Valentine’s Day treats

[UPDATED JANUARY 2024]

Nothing says, “I ruff you!” quite like a canine treat made with love. To help you show your pup some appreciation this Valentine’s Day, we’ve sourced three of our favourite dog-friendly recipes. Just remember, feed treats in moderation provided that your pup doesn’t have any allergies (or intolerances) to the ingredients. If you're not sure whether any are suitable for your dog, check with your vet! Enjoy…

Strawberry kisses

These heart-shaped treats not only look gorgeous, but they’re super easy to whip up, and make a healthy dog-friendly snack! Oh, and did we mention you only need two ingredients? You’re welcome!

You’ll need:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 4 strawberries (chopped into small pieces)
• Measuring jug
• Ice tray with heart-shaped moulds

Method:

1. Sprinkle your chopped strawberries evenly among your heart-shaped moulds
2. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave or gently on the hob
3. Transfer to the measuring jug and pour the coconut liquid over the strawberry pieces
4. Freeze until set

Chef’s tip! Because of the amount of fat and coconut in these, we’d recommend just one a day.

Peanut butter & bacon biscuits

This tasty batch recipe combines two flavours guaranteed to drive your pup wild.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free. Peanut butter with just a single ingredient – peanuts! – is best.)
• 3/4 cup of lactose-free milk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup oats
• 3 bacon rashers (cooked and diced)
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters in your dog’s favourite shapes, and at a suitable size for your dog

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 165 degrees Celsius
2. In a mixing bowl, crack the egg and then add the milk and peanut butter
3. Mix well, then add the flour and baking powder
4. Use your hands to knead the mixture
5. Add the oats and bacon and continue kneading
6. Use a rolling pin to roll out your dough on a clean surface
7. Cut the dough into shapes with your cookie cutters
8. Arrange your treats on a lined baking tray
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown
10. Ensure the biscuits are cool before giving them to your dog

Chef’s tip! You can store these in the fridge or freezer after cooling.

Doggie doughnuts

If you don’t have one already, you’ll need a doughnut pan or tray for this one. Consider it an investment in future treats!

You’ll need:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup oats
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free and ideally single ingredient)
• Natural lactose-free Greek yoghurt
• 2 rashers of bacon (cooked and diced)
• Mixing bowl
• Doughnut tray/pan

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 165 degrees Celsius
2. In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and mix in the flour, oats, peanut butter and coconut oil
3. Knead into a sticky, thick dough
4. Add the dough to your doughnut tray – use your hands to pack the mixture in tightly
5. Bake for around 15 minutes, until golden brown
6. Once cooled, add your yoghurt topping and sprinkle on the bacon

Chef tip! Place in the freezer to harden the topping before serving. Keep these in the fridge or freezer for an instant cooling treat.

And there you have it. Three yummy treats to show your dog they really mutt-er this Valentine’s Day.

As an extra way of saying “thank you fur everything” this February 14, why not give your dog YuMOVE Digestive Care? It supports digestive health, tops up good bacteria and helps block bad bacteria – making it ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies.