A chocolate sandwich cookie, whether it be an Oreo or any of the other similar brands, is a childhood favourite. However, there are many ingredients in cookies that are made for humans which are unsafe or even toxic to our beloved dogs. It may look complicated, but making your own Oreo-inspired, dog-safe carob sandwich cookie dog treats at home is easier than you would think!
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Why Choose Homemade Dog Treats?
Making treats for your dog at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they are wholesome and tailored to your pet’s dietary needs. Commercial treats often contain fillers and preservatives that may not be ideal for your dog’s health. By opting for homemade Oreo-inspired treats, you can use fresh, natural ingredients that you trust.
Ingredients for Oreo-Inspired Dog Treats
Let’s delve into the key ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful biscuits:
- Dog-safe Flour: Provides a nutritious base for the treats.
- Carob Powder: A safe alternative to chocolate, imparting that classic Oreo flavor and color.
- Eggs: Helps to bind the dough and keep it together
- Coconut Oil: Enhances the texture and provides additional health benefits.
- Water: Adds additional moisture needed to make the dough workable.
- Yogurt Chips: To create that delicious middle layer.
These ingredients come together to form a dough that is easy to work with and perfect for shaping into Oreo-like biscuits.
Variations and Substitutions
Filling Options
Let’s start by talking about filling options. This recipe contains a more classic firm filling, but it can be a bit tedious to do and there are many, many other options your dog would love. Think of spreading cream cheese as the filling, or a homemade jam or preservative, or even peanut butter! Or, if you want something a little different, consider options like pumpkin butter or almond or other nut butters.
When using an alternative filling, keep in mind that you may need to refrigerate or freeze your cookies to keep the filling from spoiling.
These treats are also delicious on their own, filling free! Or, for a slightly different carob treat try our Irresistible Carob Apple Dog Treat Recipe.
Egg Substitution
If your dog is allergic to eggs or if you want to make these treats vegan, you can substitute eggs for applesauce, chia seeds or flax seeds. For each egg, mix 3 tbsp of water with 1 tbsp of ground flax or chia seeds. Mix well and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes in order to gel before adding it to the recipe. Alternatively, you can substitute each egg with 3 tbsp of applesauce.
Carob Powder Substitution
Don’t have carob powder on hand? No, you cannot substitute it with cocoa powder as cocoa powder is not safe for dogs. However, you could omit the carob powder and replace it with something like beetroot powder (red sandwich cookies!) or even just a little more flour.
Make it an Ice Cream Sandwich
You can easily make these into an extra special treat by turning it into an ice cream sandwich! To do this, find a mold that is roughly the same size and shape as your cookie cutter and freeze yogurt or coconut milk or kefir in them. Feel free to add chopped or pureed fruit. Once frozen, simply remove them from the mold and sandwich them between two cookies! Remember that these treats will need to be kept frozen to maintain their yummy centers.
Getting the Classic Oreo Shape
If getting a true Oreo shape is important to you, you can check sites like Temu, Amazon or Etsy for an Oreo cookie mold. If you are using a mold, instead of rolling your dough, press it firmly into the molds and freeze it for about 10 minutes before removing from molds and placing the cookies onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. To maintain their design, the cookies need to be baked in this partially frozen state.
Alternatively, you can use a round or wavy-rounded cookie cutter. You could also stamp the word Oreo (or anything else you want!) into the cookie after cutting it out using a cookie stamp. If you use this method, freeze the cookies for about 10 minutes before going into the oven in order to maintain the stamp.
Recipe: Homemade Oreo Dog Treats
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: 20 minutes
Cookie Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups dog-safe flour
- 1/2 cup carob powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- About 1/4 cup water
Filling Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup yogurt chips
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
Cookie Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and carob powder.
- Add the eggs and coconut oil, mixing well.
- Gradually add the water until the dough comes together to a point where it or no longer crumbly and can be rolled. You may need more or less water depending on the flour you have chosen and any other substitutions you have made.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a small round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles.
- Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet. If you are using a stamp or adding words, stamp the cookie then freeze them for 10 minutes prior to baking in order to maintain the design.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly darker.
- Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any filling or serving to your pup.
Filling Steps:
- In a microwave safe container, add coconut oil and yogurt chips
- Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well, until fully melted
- At this stage you have 2 choices:
Option 1: pour the mixture into a rimmed dish (about 9×9 or larger) and allow the mixture to cool and harden slightly before cutting out with cookie cutters and sandwiching between 2 cookies.
Option 2: allow the mixture to cool and harden until it is spreadable, then spread onto half a cookie with a knife or spatula before adding the top cookie to complete the sandwich
Storage
If you have used the filling above or a shelf-stable filling like peanut butter, these treats can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 10 days.
If you have used a frozen or cold filling, these treats must be stored in the freezer or fridge respectively.
Benefits of Homemade Oreo Dog Treats
Homemade treats offer numerous benefits beyond just knowing the ingredients. They:
- Promote Bonding: Baking treats for your dog can be a fun activity that strengthens the bond between you and your pet.
- Healthier Options: You can avoid unnecessary additives and tailor the treats to your dog’s specific dietary needs, such as allergies or sensitivities.
- Cost-Effective: Making treats at home can be more economical in the long run compared to buying premium store-bought treats.
Safety Tips and Considerations
While these Oreo-inspired treats are safe for most dogs, it’s important to:
- Avoid using chocolate or cocoa, as they are toxic to dogs.
- Monitor your dog’s consumption of treats and adjust their daily food intake accordingly.
- Consult your veterinarian if your dog has specific dietary concerns or health conditions.
Oreo-Inspired Dog Treats
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dog-safe flour
- ½ cup carob powder
- 2 eggs beaten
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- ¼ cup water
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup yogurt chips
- ½ cup coconut oil
Instructions
Cookie Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and carob powder.
- Add the eggs and coconut oil, mixing well.
- Gradually add the water until the dough comes together to a point where it or no longer crumbly and can be rolled. Add more or less water depending on the flour you have chosen and any other substitutions you have made.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a small round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles.
- Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet. If you are using a stamp or adding words, stamp the cookie then freeze them for 10 minutes prior to baking in order to maintain the design.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly darker.
- Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before adding any filling or serving to your pup.
Filling Steps:
- In a microwave safe container, add coconut oil and yogurt chips
- Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well, until fully melted
- At this stage you have 2 choices:
- Option 1: pour the mixture into a rimmed dish (about 9×9 or larger) and allow the mixture to cool and harden slightly before cutting out with cookie cutters and sandwiching between 2 cookies.
- Option 2: allow the mixture to cool and harden until it is spreadable, then spread onto half a cookie with a knife or spatula before adding the top cookie to complete the sandwich
Notes
Conclusion
Creating delicious Oreo-inspired dog treats at home is not only a rewarding endeavor but also a loving gesture toward your furry friend. By using simple, wholesome ingredients and following a straightforward recipe, you can provide your dog with treats that are both tasty and nutritious. So, why not give it a try? Your dog will thank you with wagging tails and eager kisses!
Ready to spoil your dog with homemade goodness? Try our Oreo-inspired dog treat recipe today and share your baking adventures with us! Don’t forget to subscribe for more wholesome dog treat recipes and tips on caring for your beloved pet.
If you’re looking for more carob dog treats, check out some of our other great recipes:
- Pampered Paws: Easy Carob-Covered Strawberries
- Bark-Worthy Biscuits: Homemade Carob Biscotti for Your Dog
- Homemade Goodness: How to Bake Carob Chip Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs
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Seems to be a really nice dog treat. Carob replacing chocolate is certainly necessary. I know chocolate is dangerous to dogs. Thank you for the recipe and the info. I can add that once our big Leonberger ate a box with chocolate gnomes filled with various sort of liquor, whiskey, rum, gin and vodka. Luckily he was fine. He had a stomach of steel.