Dog owners frequently ask: “What treats can I give my dog with food allergies?” Grain-free dog treats made with 100% natural ingredients are the most suitable choice for dogs with food allergies.
These dog treats are free from preservatives and additives, which can trigger food sensitivities.
The grain- and gluten-free dog treat recipes we share today are completely composed of simple ingredients and real meat. Not just any meat but turkey, which is a novel protein less likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs.
Grain-Free Dog Treats for Large Dogs
Turkey veggie rolls are some of the healthiest dog treats for large dogs with food allergies. They are made from fiber-rich vegetables and protein-dense cheese and turkey meat to keep dogs slim but full of energy.
What you need:
- ¼ cup chopped spinach
- ¼ cup grated carrots
- ¼ grated cucumber
- ¼ cup softened cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pitted and thinly sliced avocado
- 5 slices of lean turkey breast
How to make these grain-free dog treats:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Use a nonstick cooking spray to lightly grease a baking tray.
- Mix cream cheese and spinach in a medium bowl until both are thoroughly combined.
- Lay out a turkey breast on an evenly flat work surface.
- Smear an inch-wide cream cheese mixture on top of the meat.
- Spread the shredded mozzarella over the turkey meat. Start from the top, where the cream cheese mixture ends. Leave a 2-inch strip uncovered on the other end.
- Lay the carrots, cucumbers, and avocado on top of the mozzarella.
- Roll the turkey breast tightly, starting from the bottom. Once fully rolled, press it down firmly so that the cream cheese mixture seals the ends close.
- Secure each end of the turkey veggie roll with toothpicks.
- Repeat the same steps for the remaining turkey breast and veggies.
- Place them in the greased baking tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.
- Take out these grain-free treats for dogs out of the oven and allow them to cool.
- Use a sharp knife to slice them into smaller rolls. For large dogs, these homemade dog treats can be ½ inch thick. For small dogs, a ¼-inch thickness will do.
Notes for these grain-free dog treats:
- Avocados are commonly viewed as toxic fruits to dogs. However, flesh from fully matured avocados is safe to consume in small amounts. Avoid unripened avocadoes as they are highly concentrated with a toxin called persin.
- If you have extra shredded mozzarella, sprinkle it on top of the homemade dog treats after baking. Then bake them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Store leftover turkey and veggie rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Or it can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Turkey Bacon Grain-Free Dog Treats
Feeding your dog crunchy bacon-wrapped asparagus helps satiate his instinct to nip and chew and provides mental stimulation. It also promotes good dental health by scraping off plaque and tartar from his teeth.
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ pound asparagus spears
- 8 strips thick-cut turkey bacon
How to make these grain-free dog treats:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears as they are choking hazards.
- Slice each asparagus spear to 2 inches long.
- Place them in a medium bowl and pour the olive oil over them. Toss until all asparagus spears are well-coated.
- Slice all bacon strips in half lengthwise and crosswise.
- Group the trimmed veggies by 3 and wrap them tightly with a bacon strip.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and put a wire rack on top. Neatly arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus on it.
- Bake these grain-free dog treats for at least 5 minutes. Turn them over using a tong and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
- Set the oven to broil. Place them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes for more crispiness.
- Let these easy homemade grain-free dog treats cool down to room temperature before feeding them to your dog.
Note for these grain-free dog treats:
- Avoid storing any remaining turkey bacon dog treats in the freezer since it will make their texture odd. However, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
Turkey Loaf Muffin Grain-Free Dog Treats
Most muffins commonly use wheat flour when baking, which can trigger grain allergies. However, your dog does not need to swear off eating them entirely. You can make a grain-free version of these baked desserts.
What you need:
For the loaf muffins:
- ¼ cup cubed pumpkin
- ¼ cup all-natural, unsweetened peanut butter
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ diced red bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 eggs
For the frosting:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
How to make these grain-free dog treats:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use coconut oil to grease 2 mini muffin tins.
- In a large mixing bowl, properly combine all the ingredients for the loaf muffins using your hand.
- Scoop the mixture into the greased muffin tins with a fork.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wait for these grain-free dog treats to fully cool down. Then place a dollop of mashed potatoes on top.
For the frosting:
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then remove their skin.
- Poke several small holes in them with a fork.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes.
- Take them out of the oven. Microwave for 5 to 10 minutes or until they have a soft texture.
- Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or a whisk in a large bowl.
Notes for these grain-free dog treats:
- Most peanut butter products are gluten-free. However, some brands use ingredients containing gluten. Just to be sure check the peanut butter for a gluten-free
- The turkey loaf muffin mixture may overflow when baking. Avoid making a mess inside the oven by placing the muffin tins on a baking sheet.
- Leftovers placed in a tightly sealed container can last for around 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Turkey-Stuffed Mushroom Grain-Free Dog Treats
If your dog is a picky eater, adding these homemade dog treats to his food will help bring back his appetite without causing allergic reactions.
What you need:
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
- ½ pound lean ground turkey
- 12 whole fresh cremini mushrooms
How to make these grain-free dog treats:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a baking tray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Scrub the mushrooms clean and break off their stems.
- Discard the tough ends of the stem and slice the remaining parts into small pieces.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saute pan.
- Saute the mushroom stalks and cashews for 4 to 5 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Add the ground turkey and cook on medium-high heat until the meat turns brown and no moisture remains. Set aside to cool down.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the herbs and cheese.
- Add the sauteed ground turkey and mushroom stems. Continue combining the ingredients until everything is well-incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, toss the mushroom caps with olive oil.
- Fill them with the meat filling using a small spoon. Do not press down and flatten the filling so that it will puff out.
- Drizzle the mushroom caps with olive oil and arrange them on the greased baking tray.
- Bake these chewy dog treats for 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese lightly browns.
- Let the turkey-stuffed mushrooms cool down completely. You can feed them to your furry pal as is or mix them into his dog food.
Note for these grain-free dog treats:
- The turkey-stuffed mushrooms can last for up to 4 to 5 days if stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grain-Free Dog Treats
1. Are grain-free treats bad for dogs?
Not really. Grain-free diets were initially thought to contribute to the development of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, there is insufficient data to prove a definite link between grain-free foods and DCM.
Just keep in mind that some grain-free dog treats have high levels of carbohydrates. Avoid including them in your dog’s diet as they can quickly fatten him up. Stick to low-carbohydrate homemade treats, which we have in our recipes.
2. What grain-free flour is best for dogs?
Almond flour is one of the best grain-free flour for your dog. It is low in carbohydrates and rich in minerals including calcium, iron, and manganese.
If by chance your dog is allergic to almond flour, other alternatives you can try are teff flour, buckwheat flour, and arrowroot flour.
