EDUCATION
8 minutes
Essential Takeaways
Manuka honey adds a unique, rich flavour and nutrient profile to dog treats, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary. It's important to buy Manuka honey from a reputable brand that harvests and processes its product in New Zealand, to guarantee that you’re getting a quality and pure honey.
The basic recipe includes wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, and Manuka honey. You can customise the treats with optional ingredients like peanut butter or banana to suit your dog's preferences.
Proper baking technique involves carefully measuring ingredients and baking until the treats are crisp. Store the treats in an airtight container for freshness. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your dog's diet.
Is your furry friend giving you those puppy eyes again? It might be time to whip up some homemade treats!
But not just any treats – we're talking about Manuka honey dog treats that will have your pup's tail wagging with delight.
Let's face it, our four-legged companions deserve the best. And what better way to show them some love than with treats made from natural, high-quality ingredients?
In this guide, we'll explore how to make delicious, healthy Manuka honey dog treats that your canine companion will be thrilled with. We'll cover everything from the benefits of Manuka honey for dogs to step-by-step instructions and creative variations.
So, grab your apron and let's get baking!
In this guide to Manuka honey dog treats:
Why Use Manuka Honey for Dog Treats?
You might be wondering, "Why use Manuka honey in dog treats?" Well, it turns out that Manuka honey isn't just a treat for us humans!
Manuka honey, sourced from the nectar of the mānuka tree in New Zealand, is known for its unique health properties, packed with natural goodness.
Here's why Manuka honey is a fantastic addition to your homemade dog treats:
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Natural sweetness: Manuka honey provides a delicious, natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
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Antibacterial properties: Thanks to its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), Manuka honey has potent antibacterial properties.
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Digestive health: Manuka honey can support your dog's digestive system, potentially helping with issues like upset stomachs.
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Skin health support: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey may contribute to overall skin health in dogs when used as part of a balanced diet.
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Help with mobility: Manuka honey is known to help with joint pain, arthritis and inflammation, potentially supporting mobility and easing discomfort in older dogs.
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Energy boost: The natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost for active dogs that move lots throughout the day.
Remember, while Manuka honey offers these benefits, it should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always speak with your vet first, before making significant changes to your dog's diet.
Read more: Manuka Honey for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know
The Importance of Buying Authentic Manuka Honey
When choosing Manuka honey for your dog treats, it's crucial to buy from a reputable brand that harvests and processes their product in New Zealand. This ensures you're getting a genuine, high-quality Manuka honey.
Why does this matter? Well, Manuka honey is one of the most counterfeited food products globally. New Zealand honey producers are held to very high standards to protect consumers and the integrity of the industry (and UMF™ certified brands like us are held to even stricter requirements).
By purchasing from trusted New Zealand sources, you're guaranteeing that your furry friend gets all the natural benefits that real Manuka honey has to offer without needing to worry about whether the product is raw and pure.
Read more: How to Avoid Buying 'Fake' Manuka Honey
Ingredients to Make Manuka Honey Dog Treats
Let's dive into the ingredients required for our Manuka honey dog treats recipe. You'll need:
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2 cups of whole wheat flour
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1 cup of rolled oats
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1/3 cup of Manuka honey (UMF™ 10+ or higher is ideal for health benefits; you can also try our MGO 50+ squeezy bottle for a lower priced option)
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1/2 cup of milk
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1/4 cup of vegetable oil
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Here’s why we use each of these ingredients:
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Whole wheat flour: A healthier, less-processed alternative to white flour, providing more fibre and nutrients.
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Rolled oats: Oats are a great source of fibre and can help with digestion. They also contain high levels of plant-based protein.
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Manuka honey: The star of our recipe! Manuka honey brings a wide range of health benefits, along with a delicious taste your canine friend will love.
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Milk: Adds moisture and calcium to the treats.
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Vegetable oil: Helps to bind the ingredients and adds healthy fats.
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Egg: Acts as a binder and provides protein.
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Vanilla extract: While this ingredient is optional, it can add a lovely aroma to the treats.
Optional Extras
Want to jazz up your dog treats with honey? Here are some dog-friendly ingredients you can add:
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1/4 cup of peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
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1 mashed banana
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1/4 cup of grated carrot
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1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed
Remember, when it comes to dog treats, simpler is often better. Always check with your vet if you're unsure about an ingredient before going ahead and using it.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps to create delicious Manuka honey dog treats:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and rolled oats.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the Manuka honey, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract (if using).
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
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If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it's too dry, add a splash of milk.
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness.
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Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Bone shapes are classic, but feel free to get creative!
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Place the cut-out treats on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the treats are golden brown and crisp.
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Allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your pup.
Tips for success:
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If you’re in a cold room, you may need to gently warm the Manuka honey before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.
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Don't overbake the treats – they should be crisp but not rock-hard.
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For softer treats, reduce the baking time slightly.
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If you're adding peanut butter or mashed banana, mix them in with the wet ingredients.
Variations and Add-ins
While our basic Manuka honey dog treat recipe is delicious on its own, why not get creative? Here are some variations to keep your pup's treat time exciting:
Dog treats with peanut butter and honey
Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter to the wet ingredients. Your dog will love this classic flavour combination! Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats for your pup.
Banana and Manuka honey dog treats
Mash one ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients. Bananas are a great source of potassium and vitamin C, supporting your dog's overall health.
Carrot and Manuka honey dog treats
Add 1/4 cup of finely grated carrot to the dough. Carrots are crunchy and full of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which is great for your dog's eye health.
Pumpkin and Manuka honey dog treats
Replace the milk with 1/2 cup of pureed, roasted pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling). Pumpkin is great for digestion and can help with both diarrhoea and constipation in dogs.
Remember, when introducing new ingredients, start with small amounts and watch for any adverse reactions. Every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Now that you've baked a batch of delicious Manuka honey dog treats, you might wonder how to store them and when the best time is to serve them.
Storage:
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Allow the treats to cool completely before storing.
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Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving:
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These treats are meant to be just that – treats! They should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake.
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Break larger treats into smaller pieces for smaller dogs or for training purposes.
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Always supervise your dog when giving them a new treat to ensure they don’t have a bad reaction.
Tip: These treats make great gifts for dog-loving friends! Package them in a cute tin or jar with a homemade label for a thoughtful, personalised present.
Tips for Making the Best Manuka Honey Dog Treats
Want to ensure your homemade treats are the best they can be? Here are some pro tips:
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Measure accurately: Baking is just as much a science as an art, so precise measurements are key to getting the right texture.
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Know your dog: If your pup has any allergies or sensitivities, adjust the recipe accordingly.
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Experiment with different shapes: Use different cookie cutters to make treats in fun shapes your dog will love.
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Watch the baking time: Oven temperatures can vary between different models, so keep an eye on your treats to prevent them from burning.
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Rotate flavours: Try changing up the flavours and testing different additional ingredients to keep your dog excited about treat time!
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Adjust thickness: For crunchier treats, roll the dough thinner. For chewier treats, keep it thicker.
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Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything to mix together more easily.
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Clean up promptly: Wash your baking tools soon after use to prevent the dough from hardening and making cleanup difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is honey safe for all dogs?
While honey is generally safe for most dogs, it should be given in moderation. Dogs with diabetes or weight issues should avoid honey. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods, especially if your dog has existing health conditions.
How often can I give my dog these treats?
Treats shouldn’t make up any more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. How often you should give your dog treats depends on its size and activity level.
Can I use regular honey instead of Manuka honey?
Where to Buy Genuine Manuka Honey For Your Homemade Dog Treats
Do you know where you can get top-quality, pure, raw, high-grade Manuka honey?
You guessed it - from us at New Zealand Honey Co.
We go to significant lengths to ensure that what you're buying is authentic, trustworthy and certified to be effective.
Learn about our accreditations and credentials here.
Buy your raw Manuka honey here.
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