2-Ingredient Dog Treat Recipe: Zucchini & Flour Discs

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

You’re​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ making a fresh fruit breakfast for yourself when your dog puts his familiar weight on your foot and looks at you with eyes that say, “Me too?”.

You look at the bag of processed treats on the counter and then at the bright, real food in your hand. The difference hurts.

Why does my “healthy” snack look like it comes from nature, while his looks like a lab experiment?

The food gap isn’t your culinary skills or your time in the kitchen, but rather it’s simply two basic ingredients and five minutes of your time.

Suddenly, sharing a healthy moment isn’t a task—it’s probably the easiest thing you’ll do all ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌day.

Recipe Overview

• This simple homemade dog treat recipe uses just two ingredients.
• It’s perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those needing a low-calorie option.
• Prep time: 10 minutes.
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes.
• Serving size: Approximately 30-40 small treats.

Ingredients List

• 1 medium zucchini (about 1.5 cups shredded): Estimated cost $1.50 – $2.50
• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour: Estimated cost $0.50 – $1.00

Suitable Substitutions:

• For dogs with wheat allergies, you can use oat flour or rice flour instead of whole wheat flour.

Total Estimated Cost: $2.00 – $3.50

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Wash the zucchini thoroughly. You don’t need to peel it, as the skin contains extra nutrients.
• Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
• Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much excess water as you can. This is a key step to make sure your treats aren’t soggy.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini and whole wheat flour.
• Mix well until a firm dough forms. It might seem a bit sticky at first, but keep mixing.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour at a time until it’s workable.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a small cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut out disc shapes.
• Arrange the discs on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly golden.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog. They will harden more as they cool.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-4 treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 4-6 treats per day.
• These treats are intended as a supplement and not a complete meal. Adjust based on your dog’s overall diet and activity level.
• For puppies, treats should be given sparingly and broken into smaller pieces.
• Older dogs or those on weight management diets can benefit from these low-calorie treats.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Zucchini: This vegetable is low in calories and fat, making it excellent for weight management. It’s packed with vitamins like A, C, and K, and minerals such as potassium and manganese. It also provides dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It contains fiber for gut health and supports digestion. It also provides B vitamins and some minerals like iron and magnesium.
• Overall: These treats are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are naturally low in fat and free from artificial additives, making them a healthy alternative to many commercial treats.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If frozen, thaw treats in the refrigerator overnight or microwave them for a few seconds until warm (not hot).
• Serving: Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. You can break them into smaller pieces for training rewards or for smaller dogs.
• Mixing: These treats are great on their own, but you can also mix a crumbled one into your dog’s regular kibble for an extra flavor boost.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes, you can. You could add a tablespoon of peanut butter (xylitol-free) or a sprinkle of dried parsley for extra flavor, but remember that will increase the calorie count and ingredient list.

My dough is too crumbly, what went wrong?

This usually means you squeezed out too much moisture from the zucchini. You can add a very small amount of water, about a teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

Are these treats suitable for puppies?

Yes, these treats are generally safe for puppies. Just make sure to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking and offer them in moderation.

How can I make these treats crunchy?

For a crunchier texture, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes at a lower temperature (around 250°F/120°C) after the initial baking, until they are dried out and crisp. Let them cool completely to harden.

Wrapping Up

Making your dog these simple zucchini and flour discs is a small act of love that makes a big difference. It’s easy, healthy, and your dog will absolutely adore them.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!