Homemade Dog Cookies With Cottage Cheese & Whole Wheat

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.

Wondering what’s actually in those treats you buy for your dog? A lot of them hide fillers, fake flavors, and preservatives, stuff that can mess with your dog’s stomach or even cause bigger problems down the road.

You want to give your pup something better, but finding treats that are healthy, safe, and delicious feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Here’s the good news: making your own treats is way simpler than you’d expect. I’ve got a super easy homemade dog cookies recipe, and trust me, your dog will go nuts for it.

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: Delicious, healthy, and easy-to-digest treats for your dog.
• Benefits: High in protein, calcium, and fiber; great for sensitive stomachs.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Serving size: Approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on cutter size

Ingredients List

• Whole Wheat Flour (organic preferred): 2 cups (estimated cost: $0.75)
• Plain Cottage Cheese (low-fat): 1 cup (estimated cost: $1.20)
• Large Egg: 1 (estimated cost: $0.25)
• Water: 1/4 cup (estimated cost: $0.00)
• Peanut Butter (xylitol-free, unsalted): 2 tablespoons (estimated cost: $0.30)
• Rolled Oats (not instant): 1/4 cup (estimated cost: $0.10)
• Total Estimated Cost: $2.60

Substitutions:

• Whole Wheat Flour: You can use oat flour or almond flour for grain-free options.
• Cottage Cheese: Plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
• Egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) can work, but egg provides more protein.
• Peanut Butter: Pure pumpkin puree or mashed banana can be used for different flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk the egg. And then add the cottage cheese, water, and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the whole wheat flour and rolled oats to the wet ingredients. Mix until a stiff dough forms.
• Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for a minute or two. You want it to be smooth and easy to handle.
• Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm.
• Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This makes them nice and crunchy.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 cookies per day.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 cookies per day.
• Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-4 cookies per day.

Activity Levels:

• Highly active dogs might have one extra cookie.
• Less active or senior dogs should have fewer to avoid weight gain.

Life Stages:

• Puppies: These cookies are fine for puppies over 4 months, but in smaller portions.
• Seniors: The soft texture can be good for older dogs with dental issues.
• Pregnant/Nursing Dogs: These can be a good source of extra protein and calcium.

Always talk to your vet about your dog’s specific dietary needs. This is just general advice.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Cottage Cheese: An excellent source of protein and calcium, good for strong bones and muscle health. The low-lactose content often makes it easier for dogs to digest than other dairy.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and fiber for digestive health. It’s a healthier choice than refined white flour.
• Egg: High in protein, essential amino acids, and healthy fats. It also contains vitamins like B12 and D.
• Peanut Butter: Offers healthy fats, protein, and vitamins B and E. Remember to always use xylitol-free peanut butter.
• Rolled Oats: A good source of soluble fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar and support a healthy digestive system. It’s also gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.
• Reheating: No reheating needed. Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• Serving Suggestions:
• Give them as a special reward for good behavior.
• Crumble a cookie over their regular kibble for an enticing meal topper.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make these grain-free?

Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with an equal amount of oat flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour. Just be aware the texture might be slightly different.

My dog has a dairy allergy; can I still make these?

If your dog has a severe dairy allergy, I would avoid the cottage cheese. Plain, unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana can be used as a binding agent, but the protein content will change. Talk to your vet first.

Why did my cookies turn out soft instead of crunchy?

This usually means they weren’t baked long enough or at a high enough temperature. Try baking them for an extra 5-10 minutes, or until they feel firm to the touch.

Wrapping Up

Making these homemade dog cookies is a simple way to show your furry friend how much you care, with treats that are both delicious and healthy. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!