4 homemade treats your dogs will wiggle waggle for

While the doggos in Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly on CBS Reality, DStv channel 132, need a bit of training before getting special treats, we’re sure your best friend is fully deserving of delights like peanut butter biscuits and carrot cake made especially for dogs!

PB Bikkies

DIY peanut butter biscuits always go down a treat. Plus peanut butter provides nutrients, fibre, protein and healthy fats all in one tasty bite, making it a nutritionally well-rounded dog treat! These bikkies are super easy to make – you can mix up the flavourings as you wish because the recipe is super forgiving – pumpkin puree, sweet potato mash, grated carrots and bone marrow all make great additions even the fussiest pooch will adore. You just need to make sure the consistency of the dough is one which you can easily shape.

You can never go wrong with a bone-shaped cookie cutter and 1 cup flour (preferably stone-ground whole wheat flour or brown rice flour), ½ cup peanut butter (unsweetened), mashed ripe banana (or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce) and about 1 tbsp bone broth. Mix everything together, making sure the dough is not too sticky nor too crumbly. Roll the dough out, cut out each cookie, and then bake at 180°C until crispy and golden – this should take 15–20 minutes. They keep for up to five days in an airtight container or store in the fridge for go-to snacks. They really are the perfect bite-sized training treat your dogs have been begging for!

Kimmie’s carrot cake

A real must-try recipe: protein-packed and loaded with healthy oils from a pantry staple, tinned sardines, this carrot cake will have your pet’s coat suitably shiny. Sardines help develop muscles and other connective tissue, boost the immune system, increase dental health, and protect against kidney disease. If you’re not sold on adding a few sardines to their diet yet, take note that sardines will also keep your pampered pooch looking as dapper as ever because omega-3s help the fur stay lush and soft!

Frozen bombs

Hot summer days call for frozen treats – all the equipment you’ll need is an ice tray and you’re sure to be the best pet owner yet! These yoghurt bombs are so delicious, you might even pop yourself a few, which is encouraged as long as you share. Yoghurt is also a good source of protein, calcium and probiotics, which are perfect for boosting a dog’s immune system, especially if they are recovering from an upset stomach. Dollop a small amount of plain Greek-style yoghurt into each compartment of the ice try, top with a small dollop of unsweetened peanut butter and 2–3 blueberries. Freeze until needed. Nothing screams “good doggo” like a yoghurt bomb treat!

Ultimate cheat treat

Plain and simple – a whole large carrot. While this treat isn’t for all dogs (some prefer their carrots in cake form – see above recipe), most dogs wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to devour a whole carrot! Carrots are rich in vitamin A and support eye health, a thriving immune system, and a healthy coat and skin.

If your favourite pet is one that is behaving badly, be sure to gain tips and tricks from master dog trainer Graeme Hall, who you can catch weekdays at 18:50 in Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly on CBS Reality, DStv channel 132. And then be sure to reward them with these treats!