Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef – The high-value, protein-rich base of the treats. Choose plain beef with no added salt or seasonings.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the mixture and adds extra protein.
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats – Adds fiber and helps create a firmer texture.
- ¼ cup plain pumpkin purée (100% pure pumpkin) – Supports digestion and adds moisture.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – Adds flavor and breath-freshening benefits.
Optional Add-Ins
Customize your training treats with any of these dog-safe extras:
- ¼ cup finely grated carrots – Adds crunch, fiber, and beta-carotene.
- 2 tbsp plain unsweetened Greek yogurt – Adds extra protein, calcium, and probiotics.
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed – A source of omega-3 fatty acids that may support skin and coat health.
- 2 tbsp mashed sweet potato – Adds natural sweetness and additional fiber.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped spinach – Adds extra vitamins and a boost of color.
Instructions
This recipe is simple to prepare and bakes up in well under an hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add the ground beef, egg, rolled oats, pumpkin purée, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.
Mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined into a cohesive mixture.
If you’re using any optional add-ins, such as grated carrots, Greek yogurt, flaxseed, mashed sweet potato, or chopped spinach, fold them into the mixture until well distributed.
Roll the mixture into small, pea-sized or marble-sized balls for easy training use, or press it into silicone bone-shaped molds for more uniform, decorative treats.
Arrange the shaped treats on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they bake evenly.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the treats are fully cooked through and lightly browned. Since these treats contain raw ground beef and egg before baking, it’s important to make sure they’re cooked all the way through for food safety.
Allow the treats to cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving or storing them.
Store the cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Serve as a high-value reward during training sessions.