Healthy Donut Recipes for Your Pets
We all love treating our pets. Their wagging tails and happy faces make it hard to resist slipping them a bite of our own delicious treats. But sugary donuts, while tempting, aren’t the healthiest choice for our furry companions.
The good news is, you can spoil your pet and keep them healthy with homemade donut alternatives! These fun treats are made with pet-safe ingredients and can be customized to their dietary needs.
Now keeping your pet’s health in mind, let’s address a few important points:
- Know Your Pet’s Needs: Every pet has unique dietary requirements. Consult your veterinarian before introducing any new foods, especially if your pet has allergies or health concerns.
- Portion Patrol: Treats should be given in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to keep treats to no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake.
- Ingredients to Avoid: Xylitol, a common sweetener in sugar-free products, can be toxic to dogs. Grapes and raisins can also be harmful to some pets.
- Alternative Flours: If your pet has a wheat sensitivity, consider using oat flour, chickpea flour, or other pet-safe alternatives.
Table Of Contents
Cranberry and Oat Crumble
This delightful crumble is a perfect treat for your feathered friends and small animals! It's packed with flavor and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and enjoyable snack for your tiny companions and providing them with essential fiber and a touch of sweetness.Important Note: Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods to small animals, especially those with specific dietary needs.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Spoon
- Parchment paper
- Food processor optional
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with
Parchment Paper - In a medium bowl, combine chopped dried cranberries and rolled oats. Mix well.
- Drizzle the honey over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the oats are golden brown and the cranberries are slightly softened.
- Let the crumble cool completely before offering it to your small pet.
Notes
- Make sure the crumble cools completely before serving it to your pet, as hot treats can burn their mouths.
- You can adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size of your cranberry pieces.
- Adjust the amount of honey depending on your pet's preference. For a drier crumble, use less honey.
- Consider crushing the crumble into smaller pieces for birds or other pets with very small mouths.
- You can store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Monitor your pet while they enjoy this treat, as small pieces can be a choking hazard.
- Consider using a food processor to pulse the dried cranberries for a finer consistency, making them easier for smaller birds and animals to eat.
Salmon and Sweet Potato Donuts
Treat your dog to a taste of the sea with these delicious and nutritious salmon and sweet potato donuts! Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, they're a healthy and satisfying treat your pup will love.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Donut Pan
- Piping bag fitted with donut tip optional
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked salmon flaked
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the flaked cooked salmon and mashed sweet potato. Mix well to combine.
- Add the chickpea flour and egg to the salmon and sweet potato mixture. Mix well until dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a donut tip (optional). Alternatively, you can spoon the dough into the greased donut pan.
- Pipe or spoon the dough into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let the donuts cool completely in the pan before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon and sweet potato are cool before adding them to the other ingredients.
- For a fun twist, sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley on top of the donuts before baking.
- You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover donuts for a longer shelf life. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Cheesy Broccoli Bites
Looking for a way to sneak in some extra veggies to your dog's diet? These cheesy broccoli bites are the perfect solution! They're packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a healthy and delicious treat your pup will love.
Equipment
- Food processor
- Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups
- Large pot
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese avoid cheese with chives or onions
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain well and let cool slightly.
- In a food processor or blender, puree the cooked broccoli florets until finely chopped. Alternatively, you can mash them with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine the puréed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, whole wheat flour, and egg. Mix well until a dough forms.
- Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten the balls slightly with a fork to create a bite-sized shape.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let the bites cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- Ensure the broccoli is cool before adding it to the other ingredients.
- For a fun twist, sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley on top of the bites before baking.
- You can store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover bites for a longer shelf life. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Plain Pumpkin and Yogurt Mini-Donuts
Spoil your feathered friend with these simple and nutritious mini-donuts! This recipe is perfect for birds and provides them with essential vitamins and minerals.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Mini Donut Pan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini donut pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree and plain yogurt. Mix well until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour the mixture into the greased mini donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the donuts are set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Let the donuts cool completely in the pan before serving them to your bird.
Notes
- Allow the donuts to cool completely before placing them in your bird's cage. Hot treats can burn their mouths.
- You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of birdseed on top of the donuts before baking for an extra textural element.
- Monitor your bird while they enjoy this treat, as small pieces can be a choking hazard.
Apple and Cinnamon Oat Bake
This delightful bake is the perfect healthy treat for your furry friends! It's ideal for small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, providing them with essential fiber and a touch of sweetness.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Small baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1/2 small apple diced
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dice the apple into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the diced apple, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the oats are golden brown and the apple pieces are softened.
- Let the bake cool completely before serving it to your small pet.
- Break the bake into small enough pieces to safely feed to your small pet.
Notes
- Make sure the apple pieces are small enough for your pet to easily chew and swallow.
- You can adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size of your apple pieces.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to make a larger batch for multiple pets.
- Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frozen Yogurt and Blueberry Donuts
Looking for a way to cool down your pup on a hot day? These refreshing frozen yogurt and blueberry donuts are the perfect solution!
Equipment
- Blender
- Food processor optional
- Donut mold
- Ice cube tray optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup mashed blueberries
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the plain yogurt and mashed blueberries until well blended.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into a donut mold or ice cube tray.
- Freeze for several hours, or until solid.
- Remove the frozen donuts from the mold and serve them to your dog immediately.
Notes
- For a more intense blueberry flavor, use fresh blueberries instead of frozen.
- You can also use other dog-safe fruits like mashed banana or mango in place of the blueberries.
- Freeze the yogurt mixture in fun shapes using silicone molds for added variety.
- It's important to supervise your dog while they enjoy this treat, as frozen treats can be a choking hazard.
Carob Chip and Peanut Butter Donuts
Indulge your pup's sweet tooth with this healthier take on a classic treat. These carob chip and peanut butter donuts are sure to be a hit!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Measuring cup
- Rolling Pin
- Donut Cutter optional
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- Splash of water optional
- 1/2 cup carob chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and whole wheat flour. Mix until crumbly.
- Add the egg and mix well to form a dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a splash of water at a time until it reaches a kneadable consistency.
- Gently fold in the carob chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes. Alternatively, shape the dough into balls and press a hole in the center to form donuts.
- Place the donuts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for spreading.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let the donuts cool completely on the baking sheet before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- For a fun presentation, drizzle the cooled donuts with melted carob chips (made with xylitol-free carob).
- You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover donuts for a longer shelf life. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Apple and Carrot with Coconut Flour
This recipe is perfect for dogs with wheat sensitivities as it uses coconut flour instead of wheat flour. It's a delicious and healthy treat packed with fiber and vitamins.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Donut Pan
- Grater
- Food Processor (optional)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Piping bag with donut tip (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 small apple grated
- 1 carrot grated
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- Grate the apple and carrot using a grater or food processor.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated apple, grated carrot, coconut flour, egg, and melted coconut oil. Mix well until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a donut tip (optional). Alternatively, you can spoon the dough into the greased donut pan.
- Pipe or spoon the dough into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let the donuts cool completely in the pan before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a mashed banana to the mix.
- You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover donuts for a longer shelf life. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Donuts with Yogurt Drizzle
These vibrant donuts are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delightful treat for your dog.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Mini Donut Pan
- Spatula optional
- Piping bag fitted with a donut tip optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mashed Sweet Potato
- 1/2 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 Egg
- Plain Yogurt for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, canned pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, and egg. Mix well until dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a donut tip (optional). Alternatively, you can spoon the dough into the greased donut pan.
- Pipe or spoon the dough into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let the donuts cool completely in the pan before serving them to your dog.
- Once cool, drizzle a dollop of plain yogurt on top of each donut for a refreshing finish.
Notes
- For an extra boost of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top of the donuts before baking.
- You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover donuts for a longer shelf life. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Banana and Oat Doggy Donuts
These donuts are packed with fiber and potassium, making them a healthy and delicious treat for your canine companion.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Mini Donut Pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Piping bag fitted with a donut tip (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 Ripe Banana mashed
- 1 cup Oats rolled
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- Splash of water optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the banana with a fork or spatula until smooth.
- Add the rolled oats and honey to the mashed banana and mix well to combine.
- If the dough seems too dry and difficult to work with, add a splash of water at a time until it reaches a pipeable consistency.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a donut tip (optional). Alternatively, you can spoon the dough into the greased donut pan.
- Pipe or spoon the dough into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let the donuts cool completely in the pan before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- For a fun twist, sprinkle a few rolled oats on top of the donuts before baking.
- You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover donuts for a longer shelf life. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving
Peanut Butter and Banana Mini Muffins
Give your pup a taste of a classic combination with a healthy twist! These peanut butter and banana mini muffins are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a delicious and satisfying treat for your furry friend.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Mini muffin pan
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- 1/4 cup XYLITOL-FREE peanut butter
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the banana with a fork until smooth.
- Add the xylitol-free peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and egg to the mashed banana. Mix well until a batter forms.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the greased mini muffin cups, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool completely in the pan before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- For a fun twist, sprinkle a few rolled oats on top of the muffins before baking.
- You can store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover muffins for a longer shelf life. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.