Homemade Dog Cookies With Zucchini & Parmesan

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.

It’s frustrating, right? You buy those store-bought treats, hoping your dog will love them, and instead they sniff and walk away.

Even worse, you flip over the bag and half the ingredients sound like a science experiment.

You want to spoil your dog, but who knows what’s really in those things?

Imagine just whipping up a batch of homemade dog cookies, ones your dog actually gets excited about, and you know every single ingredient.

Let’s do this.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog cookie recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake.
• It’s designed to be a tasty, healthy treat for your dog.
• The cookies are packed with fiber from zucchini and a boost of flavor from parmesan.
• This recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup whole wheat flour – Estimated cost: $0.30
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small zucchini) – Estimated cost: $0.50
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Estimated cost: $1.00
• 1 large egg – Estimated cost: $0.25
• 1/4 cup water – Estimated cost: $0.00
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Estimated cost: $0.15
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for fresh breath) – Estimated cost: $0.05

Total Estimated Cost: $2.25

Substitutions:

• Whole wheat flour: You can use oat flour or rice flour if your dog has a wheat sensitivity.
• Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option, or a little shredded cheddar cheese.
• Olive oil: Coconut oil or flaxseed oil are good alternatives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and olive oil until they are well combined.
• Add the grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley to the wet ingredients.
• Stir everything together until it’s mixed well.
• Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a dough forms.
• You might need to use your hands to bring the dough together.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog.

Feeding Guidelines

• These cookies are treats, not a meal replacement.
• 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.
• Adjust based on your dog’s activity level and overall diet.
• For puppies, offer smaller pieces and fewer cookies.
• Older dogs or those on restricted diets should have fewer treats.
• Always talk to your vet for personalized feeding advice, especially if your dog has health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Zucchini: This vegetable is low in calories and high in water content. It provides fiber, which helps with digestion, and also contains vitamins C and B6.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Offers complex carbohydrates for energy and additional dietary fiber.
• Parmesan Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein. The strong flavor is also very appealing to dogs.
• Egg: Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids. It also contains vitamins D and B12.
• Olive Oil: Supplies healthy fats, including Omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for skin and coat health.
• Parsley: A natural breath freshener and source of vitamins K and C.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these homemade cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen cookies in the refrigerator overnight or reheat briefly in the oven.
• Serve them at room temperature or slightly warmed for an extra treat.
• You can offer them as a stand-alone treat.
• They can also be crumbled over your dog’s regular kibble for added flavor.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I add other vegetables to these cookies?

Yes, you can. Shredded carrots or pumpkin puree are good additions. Just make sure any extra vegetables are safe for dogs and adjust the flour if the dough becomes too wet.

My dog has allergies. How can I make these safe for them?

If your dog has a wheat allergy, use oat flour or rice flour. For dairy allergies, skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.

How do I know if the cookies are cooked enough?

The cookies should be firm to the touch and have slightly golden edges. If they feel soft in the middle, bake them for a few more minutes. They will also firm up as they cool.

Wrapping Up

Making these homemade zucchini and parmesan dog cookies is a simple way to show your dog some love. They’re healthy, tasty, and you know exactly what’s inside. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!