If you’re reading this, chances are you consider your pup more of a family member than “just a pet.” But did you know having a pet actually supports your well-being? It’s true! So, for all the value they provide in our lives, homemade treats can be a great way to show your love and appreciation.

In this month’s video, Sabrina Black, our Well-being Program Manager, shares five ways pets enhance our lives, plus a simple recipe for dog biscuit treats that’ll have your fur-baby’s tail wagging!

About the recipe: Can you buy a box of dog treats? Sure, but these homemade dog biscuits are made with love. They contain six healthy ingredients you probably already have on hand, and are a snap to make.

See full recipe and tips below.

Easy Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup natural, creamy peanut butter*
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 1 egg

*Avoid peanut butter with xylitol or erythritol, which are unsafe for dogs.

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and egg in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add the peanut butter, water, and honey, and mix until you have a stiff dough.
  4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface until the dough is about a half inch thick.
  5. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. The biscuits don’t spread or rise much, so feel free to try more creative shapes.
  6. Place dough cutouts on a parchment-paper-lined cookie sheet.
  7. Bake for 16–20 minutes, until golden.

Once they’ve cooled, store treats in an airtight container. They will last a few weeks stored this way, or for a few months in the freezer.

5 ways pets enhance our lives

  1. Having a pet can be good for your mental health, helping reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
  2. Pets can help you be more active. Exercise is important to physical health for both animals and humans. Walking or hiking with your animal is a great way to get moving and get some quality time with your pet.
  3. They can inspire play and joy in our lives. With their quirkiness and unique personalities, pets create opportunities for play and laughter every day.
  4. They’re great companions. Pets can reduce loneliness and isolation while also giving us a sense of purpose.
  5. Pets can help us create healthy routines. Our pets rely on us to support their daily needs, which requires consistent schedules. Routines can help us reduce stress and anxiety by providing structure in our day-to-day lives.

Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoy the recipe and tips!

Please share this recipe with a friend or family member. We’d also love your feedback. If you try this recipe, please use the comments section below to let us know what you thought and share any tips you have.