Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
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.
I think lots of people believe that a more expensive bag of treats is better without even knowing what is inside the bag.
However, what you will find if you remove the fancy packaging, is that most of the time you are paying the highest price for low quality fillers and stabilizers that do not do anything for your dog’s health.
The thing is, we all want the opposite to this consumers trap.
With just two ingredients and no time at all, you can make a homemade dog treat that is much better than any commercial snack in terms of purity, price, and taste, thus showing that the real luxury for your dog is actually simplicity.
Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.
Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.
*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.
Recipe Overview
- This homemade treat recipe makes wholesome, chewy bites for your dog.
- It uses just two ingredients.
- Prep time: 10 minutes.
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes.
- Serving size: Approximately 20-25 small treats.
[lasso ref=”fave” id=”19043″]
Ingredients List
- Lean Ground Beef (85/15 or leaner), 1 lb: ~$6.00-$8.00
- Fresh Beetroot, 1 large or 2 medium (about 1 cup grated): ~$1.00-$2.00
Total estimated cost: ~$7.00-$10.00
Substitutions:
- For lean ground beef, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken. Just make sure it’s lean.
- For beetroot, you could try grated carrot or cooked sweet potato, though the color and nutrient profile will change.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Next, wash the beetroot thoroughly. You don’t need to peel it, but if the skin looks tough, you can.
- Grate the beetroot using a box grater or a food processor. Aim for about 1 cup of grated beetroot.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated beetroot and the lean ground beef.
- Mix them together really well. Use your hands to make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Form small, bite-sized balls or flat patties with the mixture. Think about the size of a marble or a small coin, depending on your dog’s size.
- Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- The treats should be firm to the touch and slightly browned.
- Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will firm up more as they cool.
Look, prepping and cooking for your dog is great, but sometimes you might be too tired or maybe a tad lazy, or maybe you just want to give yourself a well deserved break.
In such times, you want something reliable and nutritious for your dog, and that’s where Ollie comes in. It’s my favorite dog food subscription ever.
Fresh human grade dog food sent to your doorstep, and there’s no lock in.
Give it a shot, will ya?
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.
- For puppies, use smaller pieces and monitor for easy chewing. Older dogs might prefer slightly softer treats, so you can bake them for a minute or two less.
- Active dogs might need a few more treats, while less active or overweight dogs should have fewer to help manage calorie intake.
- Always consider these as treats and not a meal replacement.
- It’s a good idea to chat with your vet about specific feeding amounts, especially if your dog has any health issues or dietary needs.
[lasso ref=”the-forever-dog-life-120-recipes-longevity-tips-and-new-science-for-better-bowls-and-healthier-homes” id=”18607″]
Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Lean ground beef is a fantastic source of high-quality protein. This is key for muscle development and repair. It also gives essential amino acids that dogs need.
- Beetroot provides a good amount of fiber. Fiber helps with healthy digestion. It also keeps your dog feeling full.
- Beetroot is packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese. These support overall immune health and bone strength.
- The natural sugars in beetroot can give a healthy energy boost without artificial additives.
- This recipe is naturally grain-free. It’s great for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- There are no added preservatives, artificial colors, or fillers. This means pure, wholesome goodness for your dog.
Storage and Serving Tips
- These treats will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- To freeze them, place the cooled treats in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To serve frozen treats, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Or you can microwave them for a few seconds until they are soft.
- You can serve them at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- They can be given as a standalone treat or broken into smaller pieces. This makes them good for training rewards.
- Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water, especially after eating chewier treats.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
How can I make these treats last longer?
For longer shelf life, you can dehydrate the treats in a dehydrator or oven on a very low setting after baking. This removes moisture, preventing spoilage. Also, freezing is a good option.
My dog is allergic to beef. What can I use instead?
Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent alternatives. Make sure they are lean to keep the fat content appropriate for treats.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute beetroot with other dog-safe vegetables like grated carrots, pumpkin puree, or cooked sweet potato. Just be sure to maintain the overall consistency for easy forming.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Yes, they are. For puppies, make the treats smaller and ensure they are soft enough for their developing teeth. Always introduce new foods slowly.
Why did my treats crumble?
If your treats crumbled, it might be due to too little moisture or being overcooked. Try adding a tiny bit more beet next time or reducing the baking time slightly. Also, make sure the beef is not too lean (e.g., 96/4), as a little fat helps bind.
📖 Don’t Miss This…
Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Making these 2-Ingredient Beef & Beetroot Bites is a simple way to show your dog some love. They’re healthy, easy, and you know exactly what your dog is eating. Your furry friend will adore them!
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
