Easy Cheesy Dog Treat Recipe (2024)

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I’m 99% sure Kolchak is sick of my face. Yesterday, we were on the couch (I was working; he was napping) and I reach out to pet him, but as soon as my hand hit his fur, he heaved the H E A V I E S T sigh I have ever heard and moved to the other end of the couch where he glowered at me for a full 10 minutes. So it appears that, like many relationships, even in mine and Kol’s just a little absence might make the heart grow fonder.

Easy Cheesy Dog Treat Recipe (1)

Still, even when I’m on his very last nerve, there is one surefire way to my puggle’s heart: homemade dog treats

If you’ve never seen your dog’s face light up when you hand him a cookie, still warm from the oven, let me tell you, there’s nothing like it. And while I’m over here refusing to bake human treats because I live alone and if I make them, I’m the only person to eat them…and I will eat them, all of them, embarrassingly fast. I’m not looking to finally get the A-OK to return to my lovely life outside this apartment only to find none of my pants fit anymore. Leggings lie, guys. Do not forget this. There is no amount of walks in the world that can make up for eating entire batches of cupcakes alone – and if we’re being honest? Kol is also kind of sick of walks. He says 5 – 7 a day is “excessive” and “exhausting”. In my defense? I just wanna feel the sun on my face!

Easy Cheesy Dog Treat Recipe (2)

So, in an attempt to win back my annoyed puppy’s love and to bake something that I wouldn’t be tempted to snack on, we made one of our favourite easy cheesy dog treat recipes this week.

Easy Cheesy Dog Treat Recipe (3)

These DIY Dog treats are so freaking easy, you guys. Anyone can make them. I don’t care if you’re a kitchen disaster like Carol at Fidose of Reality or a modern cooking maven who lives to try new techniques, this recipe is almost impossible to mess up. And the best part? Even though it’s so simple to make, it’s one of Kolchak’s absolute favourite treats. No matter how many times I’ve baked them, he still stands at the oven, whining until I pop that first warm, fresh cheesy dog biscuit in his mouth. It’s both obnoxious and endearing.

Yield: 24 – 2 ½” dog treats

These cookies are made with just a few ingredients that I always have in my kitchen, they’re quick and easy to throw together and you don’t need any fancy tools or equipment to make it happen. Anyone – A N Y O N E – can execute these cheesy treats flawlessly. Trust me.

Prep Time15 minutes

Active Time20 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Materials

  • •2 large eggs
  • •3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • •2 tablespoons cold water
  • •1 onion & garlic-free chicken bouillon cube
  • •2 cups finely grated sharp cheddar or other strongly flavored cheese
  • •2 cups all-purpose flour

Tools

  • Medium bowl
  • Spoon
  • Cheese grater
  • Cookie cutter
  • Cookie sheet

Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 325F.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, olive oil, water, and the bouillon until the mixture is thick and frothy (approx. 1 – 2 minutes). Fold in the cheese.

    Add the flour, one tablespoon at a time, stirring to combine. When the dough becomes too stiff to stir, knead in the remaining flour. As the warmth from your hands works the dough, the cheese will melt and smooth out the dough.

    If the mixture remains slightly crumbly even after you have kneaded it for several minutes, rinse your hands with cold water, shake them off and work this small amount of water into the dough – that should be just enough to bring it together perfectly.

    Using a rolling pin, roll out your dough to ¼” thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into shapes.

    Place the dough on a cookie sheet; the dough will have very minimal spread, so the cookies do not need much extra spacing.

    Bake your dog treats for 17 – 20 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.

    Allow the dog treats to sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after you’ve taken them out of the oven, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

    For a crisper, crunchier treat, turn off the oven and allow the treats to cool inside overnight.

    Store in an airtight container for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

1 If you do not have olive oil, no problem! This can easily be substituted with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.

2 Try Go Bio, Massel or Fody brand bouillon as these brands declare on the labels that they are onion and garlic free. Onion and garlic can be toxic to dogs, so if you cannot find one of these brands, go ahead and leave this out! The treats won’t be quite as flavourful, but your dog will still love them.

3 If your dog has a wheat intolerance, you can substitute Red Mill gluten-free all-purpose baking mix or any gluten-free baking mix that substitutes at a 1:1 ratio.

4 The cutter I used is a part of a set of cookie stamps made by Chef’n

While I usually pull a few out to share with Kol while they’re still warm, he definitely loves these super crunchy, so we like to turn off the oven but leave the cookies inside to cool over night. That way they get a good SNAP! when he crunches into them – and drier treats can keep a bit longer.

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Have you been baking for your best doggo lately? We’d love to hear what you’re cooking up!

Easy Cheesy Dog Treat Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cheese for dog treats? ›

Mozzarella and cottage cheese are lower in fat than other types of cheeses, making them a good snack for dogs. Swiss cheese is low in lactose, which is easier on your pet's digestive system. Cheddar is a common household cheese and has a relatively low level of salt, so it is safe in small doses.

How to make a dog cheez its? ›

Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine flour and cheese. Stir in egg until combined. ...
  2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 8-10 times.
  3. Roll dough into a 12x9 in. rectangle; cut into 3x1-in. ...
  4. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown. ...
  5. Store in an airtight container.

Can I put cheese in homemade dog food? ›

Definitely! If you already know your dog is allergic to chicken or beef, cottage cheese is a great alternative protein that is easy to digest and low in fat.

What kind of cheese is good for dog training? ›

Cheese can also be offered as a high reward training treat.

Again, cheddar is the best option for this and will need to be cut up into small cubes. Cheese for dogs works particularly well when training more tricky commands, such as recall.

Which dogs can't eat cheese? ›

These dogs shouldn't eat cheese
  • Overweight dogs. Cheese is high in fat so should be kept away from dogs who need to lose a few (or more!) ...
  • Lactose intolerant dogs. Dogs that have an allergy or intolerance to dairy shouldn't eat cheese at all.
  • Dogs with upset tummies. ...
  • Dogs with kidney problems.
May 22, 2023

What is the easiest cheese for dogs to digest? ›

Therefore, it's better to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or a soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping reduce the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.

Can dogs have cheerios? ›

They won't harm your dog, but they don't provide much benefit either. Cheerios are made from mostly whole-grain oats, which provide no essential component of your pet's diet. As a result, mass-produced Cheerio treats function only as filler—they're just empty calories when dogs need a high-energy diet.

Can dogs eat peanut butter? ›

Whether speaking to new or seasoned pet parents, veterinarians are often asked 'can dogs eat peanut butter? ' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.

Can dogs eat marshmallows? ›

Marshmallows, regardless of their sweetener content, are loaded with sugar, which should never be given to your pet. Even if your dog consumes marshmallows without artificial sweeteners, you should still be cautious as the high sugar levels can lead to an upset stomach, pancreatitis, and vomiting.

What not to put in homemade dog food? ›

Notes: In general, look for a ratio of 50% protein, 25% veggies/greens, 25% grain. Feel free to mix and match veggies, but there are some things dogs should NEVER eat: NO xylitol, chocolate, avocado, cherries, grapes/raisins, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts.

Can you give dogs Cheez Whiz? ›

When cats or dogs come in feeling anxious, a line of Cheez Whiz provides an easy and tasty distraction from whatever procedure is going on. It even helps with simple nail clipping, which can cause anxiety in a lot of dogs and cats. "The thing with Cheez Whiz is it's a good mood changer for dogs and cats," Garrett said.

What can I mix with cottage cheese for my dog? ›

Mixed with other bland foods like white rice, cottage cheese makes an excellent recovery meal for upset stomachs or irregular digestion.

What is the best cheese treat for dogs? ›

Cheddar cheese is a typical cheese used in almost all recipes. It contains a little lactose, which is perfect as a treat for your dogs. Also, it can be a great source of calcium, protein, potassium, and zinc.

What is a dog's favorite cheese? ›

Pike recommends feeding your dog the following cheeses:
  • Mozzarella (string cheese is a good option for this)
  • Cream cheese.
  • Low-sodium cottage cheese.
  • Cheddar cheese, (be mindful if your dog is sensitive to fat)
May 22, 2024

What is the best smelly cheese for dogs? ›

String cheese is great because it's individually wrapped, easy to break into small pieces, and inexpensive. Stronger-smelling cheeses like Swiss are also a good choice.

Is it OK to give dogs cheese everyday? ›

According to the ASPCA, "because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset." The takeaway: Don't give your dog cheese as part of their regular meal plan or as a frequent treat.

Can you give dogs cheese as treats? ›

Don't worry—cheese is not toxic and is completely fine for most pups. However, some dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning their body does not react well to dairy products. But even if your dog isn't lactose intolerant, it's still a good idea to keep their cheese consumption to a minimum.

Can I treat my dog with cheese? ›

yes, dogs can eat cheese but only small pieces and in moderation as a special treat. Dogs love cheese so lots of dog trainers use it as a yummy treat to incentivise them, and it's also great for hiding pills or tablets.

Is peanut butter or cream cheese better for dogs? ›

For this reason, feeding your dog cheese or other dairy can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues. It should be avoided as a dog snack. Peanut Butter: This is a very popular treat for dogs, and in most cases will not be dangerous for your pet.

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