What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day? I feel like this can be a pretty polarizing holiday, and people either love it or hate it. I totally get the bad rep, but this celebration of romance and love does not have to be a commercialized wasteland, okay? Use it as an excuse to intentionally show love to those who mean the most to you, whether that’s a partner, best friend, yourself, or your dog. I mean, is there a better Valentine out there than a dog Valentine? I’ll wait.
Brady and I love celebrating Valentine’s Day in small, meaningful ways. It’s a great excuse for a little date night, and since February 3 is National Doggy Date Night, why not get your dog involved, too? A few years ago, I made these really cute Red Velvet pupcakes, which the dogs absolutely loved. This year, I wanted to try a different spin on a Valentine dog treat recipe: candy!
Nothing says Valentine’s day quite like candy, and, more specifically, chocolate. Of course, chocolate (and really any candy) is not safe for dogs to eat, so I had to think outside the box on this one. Enter these heart shaped, peanut butter and carob dog treats!
Valentine’s Day Dog Treats
These homemade dog treats are perfect for a Valentine’s day gift for your dog (or partner!). They use just three simple ingredients (peanut butter, carob powder, and coconut oil) and are quick and easy to make. In fact, there is no baking involved! You just need to melt the coconut oil, mix everything together, and let them set up a bit in the freezer in silicone molds to create a cute, heart shaped dog treat.
This is one of those homemade dog treat recipes that dogs AND people can enjoy. Personally, I like them without any added sweetener, but you can add a little bit of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter treat. Real maple syrup without any additives is safe for dogs to consume in small amounts and even offers nutritional value like manganese and zinc. However, added sugar (even natural sugar) means added calories, so keep that in mind when feeding to your dog.
Lastly, dog treat recipes can be tricky, because almost anything in excess can be problematic to dogs. These treats are completely nontoxic for dogs, but they are high in fat. If your dog suffers from digestive upset (like pancreatitis), this probably isn’t the right treat for them. Plus, feeding too much of this dog valentines day treat can cause loose stools in any dog, not to mention unwanted weight gain. Again, be mindful of how much you are feeding your dog and be sure to keep it within 10% of your dog’s daily caloric needs.
Dog Friendly Carob Peanut Butter Cups
Equipment
- SMALL silicone molds
- piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup (optional)
- 2 tbsp carob powder
Instructions
- Place your silicone molds on a baking tray. This will help when you transfer the treats to the freezer.
- Melt coconut oil in a small bowl. This can be done in the microwave by microwaving for 10 seconds at a time and stirring, OR on the stove top. Be careful not to boil it.
- Combine peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup (if using) and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in carob powder and mix until smooth.
- Use a spoon, piping bag, or squeeze bottles to fill molds. Place molds in the freezer for at least one hour to set. Once set, pop the treats out of the mold.
- NOTE: These treats can be enjoyed by dogs and humans alike! Be sure to serve in moderation, as these treats are calorically dense and high in fat, which can cause an upset tummy.
Notes
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3 Responses
This is a great recipe for Valentine’s Day dog treats! The combination of carob and peanut butter is a delicious treat that most dogs will love. I like that this recipe uses whole wheat flour and rolled oats as the base, making it a healthier option for my furry friend. Plus, the heart shape is perfect for the occasion! I can’t wait to make these for my pup. Thanks for sharing!