As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry friends, and that includes providing them with tasty and nutritious treats. Homemade dog treats not only allow us to control the ingredients but also ensure that our canine companions get the healthiest options available. One such delectable treat that dogs absolutely adore is honey gummies. Packed with the natural sweetness of honey and other wholesome ingredients, these treats are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore three easy-to-make and pup-approved honey gummy recipes that will leave your dogs wagging their tails for more!
Why Homemade Honey Gummies for Dogs?
When it comes to our pets’ well-being, their diet plays a crucial role. Commercial dog treats often contain preservatives, artificial flavours, and other additives that might not be the best for our furry friends. However, with homemade honey gummies, we have complete control over the ingredients, making them a healthier alternative.
Healthier Ingredients:
The first advantage of making honey gummies at home is the ability to use natural and wholesome ingredients. We can select high-quality honey, organic fruits, and other nutritious components that will nourish our dogs from the inside out.
Allergen Control:
Many dogs suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, and it can be challenging to find commercial treats that suit their needs. By making treats at home, we can carefully choose ingredients that won’t trigger allergies, ensuring our dogs can enjoy their snacks without any worries.
Customization:
Every dog is unique, and their tastes and dietary requirements can vary. With homemade honey gummies, we have the freedom to customize the recipes to cater to our dogs’ preferences. Whether they love peanut butter, bananas, or apples, we can tailor the gummies to suit their taste buds.
Understanding Honey’s Benefits for Dogs:
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore the remarkable benefits of honey for our beloved canines.
- Nutritional Value: Honey is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support your dog’s overall health and well-being.
- Health Benefits: The natural sugars in honey provide a quick energy boost for active dogs, while its antibacterial properties can help soothe sore throats and minor wounds.
- Digestive Health: Honey contains enzymes that aid digestion, making it a beneficial ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Now, let’s get to the exciting part – the recipes!
Homemade Recipe 1: Blueberry & Honey Gummies Recipe
For this recipe, I used frozen blueberries and used the juice created when the blueberries were defrosted to make the gummies. The leftover blueberries will be used in another treat, like Homemade Blueberry Ginger Dog Treats: A Tasty and Healthy Option or Frozen Pumpkin Blueberry Dog Treats: A Cool Delight for Your Furry Friend.
Blueberries are not only a delicious treat for us, but they also offer several health benefits for our canine companions. Including blueberries in your dog’s diet, either as occasional treats or as part of their regular meals, can be a fantastic way to enhance their overall well-being. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, nutrient-rich and also low in sugar. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve cognitive health, cardiovascular health and also help with weight management.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3-4 hours
Yield: about 24 medium-sized
Ingredients
- About 1/2 cup of blueberries, fresh or frozen
- Water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 package of gelatin (2.5 tsp)
Steps
- In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, add 1/2 a cup of cold water and 1 package (2.5 tsp) of gelatin. Do not stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1/3 cup blueberry juice and 1 tbsp honey (if you do not have juice from defrosted blueberries, add water and fresh blueberries to the pot and allow to simmer to create colour and flavour)
- Allow the warm liquid to cool slightly, for 1-2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup of blueberry and honey mixture to the water and gelatin mixture. Stir well
- Place silicone molds on a firm movable surface like a small baking sheet, container lid or cutting board. Pour the gelatin mixture into molds. Optional – add bits of blueberry into the molds before filling with gelatin mixture.
- Carefully transfer to the fridge and allow to set for 3-4 hours before unmolding.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, however, treats must remain frozen. If defrosted, the gelatin will not hold.
Homemade Recipe 2: Beet & Honey Gummies Recipe
For this recipe, I cleaned and boiled the beets gently with the skin on. While beets are loaded with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, the skin contains pigments which have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The remaining beets and beet juice will be used in homemade dog food or in treats like Pyramid Pan Beet Turkey Dog Treats or How to Make Dehydrated Beet Treats for Dogs at Home.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3-4 hours
Yield: about 24 medium-sized
Ingredients
- 1 beet
- Water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 package of gelatin (2.5 tsp)
Steps
- In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, add 1/2 a cup of cold water and 1 package (2.5 tsp) of gelatin. Do not stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Wash beets well and chop roughly in halves or quarters, depending on the size of your beets.
- In a small saucepan, add water and beets, bringing to a gentle boil then turning down to simmer for several minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp honey during simmer and allow to dissolve.
- Allow the warm liquid to cool slightly, for 1-2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup of the beet and honey mixture to the water and gelatin mixture. Stir well.
- Place silicone molds on a firm movable surface like a small baking sheet, container lid or cutting board. Pour the gelatin mixture into molds
- Carefully transfer to the fridge and allow to set for 3-4 hours before unmolding
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, however, treats must remain frozen. If defrosted, the gelatin will not hold.
Homemade Recipe 3: Mint, Applesauce & Honey Gummies Recipe
Mint, a refreshing herb known for its delightful aroma and taste, can offer several health benefits for our canine companions. Not only is it rich in antioxidants, but it can also aid digestion, have a calming effect and even helps to freshen breath!
Including apples in your dog’s diet can be a great way to offer them a tasty reward while providing essential nutrients. Apples are full of healthy vitamins and fibre, are low in fat and calories and also help with freshening breath.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3-4 hours
Yield: about 24 medium-sized
Ingredients
- Mint, fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup water, cold
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 package of gelatin (2.5 tsp)
Steps
- In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, add 1/2 a cup of cold water and 1 package (2.5 tsp) of gelatin. Do not stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Wash and chop mint, if fresh
- In a small saucepan, add 1/4 cup of water, applesauce, mint and honey. Heat gently but do not boil.
- Allow the warm liquid to cool slightly, for 1-2 minutes. Add warm mixture to cold water and gelatin mixture. Stir well.
- Place silicone molds on a firm movable surface like a small baking sheet, container lid or cutting board. Pour the gelatin mixture into molds
- Carefully transfer to the fridge and allow to set for 3-4 hours before unmolding
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, however, treats must remain frozen. If defrosted, the gelatin will not hold.
Safety Tips for Making Honey Gummies for Dogs
- Always use raw honey or organic honey without added sugars or artificial additives.
- Avoid using ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
- If your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats.
- Moderation is key – even though these treats are healthy, too many can lead to excess calorie intake.
Conclusion
Making homemade honey gummies for dogs is a delightful way to treat our furry friends while ensuring they get the best nutrition possible. With these three delicious recipes, you can pamper your pups and show them how much you care. Always remember to use high-quality ingredients and consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet. Happy baking and enjoy the tail-wagging reactions as your dogs savor their tasty and nutritious honey gummies!
We hope your dogs enjoyed these fun treats! Try experimenting with the recipe and share your variations with us on Instagram @all_for_the_love_of_dogs.
Feeling adventurous? Try some of our other delicious recipes like Apple Tarts for Dogs, Dehydrated Apple Crisps or Liver and Beet Training Treats!
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Home made gummies with honey and healthy ingredients is great. I love blueberries too. Thank you for this recipe.
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