Guess what happened when I was making cheese crackers for my family last week?
My dog was giving me those eyes. You know the ones – that laser-focused stare that says “whatever you’re making better be for me too.”
So I thought… why not make a dog-friendly version?
Turns out, you only need two ingredients to whip up these adorable little goldfish treats that’ll have your pup doing backflips. And honestly? They’re so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought dog treats again.
The best part? They take less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and your kitchen will smell like a fancy cheese shop.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for these ridiculously simple treats:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better!)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon water (add more if needed)
That’s it. Seriously.
I use sharp cheddar because it packs more flavor punch, and trust me – your dog will notice. The almond flour gives these treats a nice crunch without any gluten, making them perfect for pups with sensitive tummies.
Pro Tips
After making these treats about a dozen times (my dog has become quite the quality control expert), here are my insider secrets:
Tip #1: Get the texture right. If your dough feels too crumbly, add water one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more almond flour. The perfect dough should hold together when you squeeze it but not stick to your fingers.
Tip #2: Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes before rolling. This makes it so much easier to work with and prevents the treats from falling apart during cutting. I learned this the hard way after my first batch looked more like cheese confetti than goldfish.
Tip #3: Roll thin for maximum crunch. About 1/4 inch thick is perfect. Any thicker and they’ll be chewy instead of crispy. Your dog might not care, but the satisfying crunch is half the fun.
Tip #4: Use parchment paper. These little guys can stick to baking sheets, and nobody wants to scrape cheese off a pan. Been there, done that.
Tip #5: Let them cool completely before serving. I know it’s tempting to give your pup a warm treat straight from the oven, but they need to crisp up as they cool. Plus, hot cheese can burn tongues – both human and canine.
Tools Required
- Food processor (or mixing bowl if you prefer mixing by hand)
- Rolling pin
- Fish-shaped cookie cutters (or any small cookie cutters you have)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
If you don’t have fish-shaped cutters, don’t stress. I’ve used bone shapes, hearts, and even just cut them into squares with a knife. Your dog cares about taste, not Instagram-worthy shapes.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheese Options:
- Mozzarella (lower fat option)
- Goat cheese (for dogs with cow milk sensitivities)
- Cottage cheese (blend well and add extra flour)
Flour Alternatives:
- Oat flour (1:1 substitution)
- Whole wheat flour (use 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup)
- Rice flour (1:1 substitution, good for dogs with grain allergies)
Fun Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley for fresh breath
- Mix in 1 tablespoon plain yogurt for extra probiotics
- Sprinkle in a pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits
Make Ahead Tips
These treats are actually better when made ahead! The flavors meld together, and they get extra crispy.
Make Ahead Options:
- Dough prep: Make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge
- Cut and freeze: Cut out shapes and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags (bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes)
- Full batch prep: Make double batches and freeze half for later
Instructions
Step 1: Prep your workspace Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me on the parchment paper – it’s a game changer.
Step 2: Mix the magic In your food processor, pulse the shredded cheddar and almond flour until they’re well combined. Add the water and pulse until the mixture forms a dough that holds together. If you’re mixing by hand, make sure your cheese is finely grated for the best results.
Step 3: Chill out Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This step makes rolling so much easier.
Step 4: Roll and cut On a lightly floured surface (use almond flour), roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out your shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each treat.
Step 5: Bake to perfection Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. They might look a bit soft when you first take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool completely Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before moving them. This prevents breakage and ensures maximum crunchiness.
Additional Details
Nutritional Breakdown (per treat, makes about 30 treats):
- Calories: ~25
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Calcium: 45mg
Diet-Specific Swaps:
- Grain-free: This recipe is already grain-free with almond flour
- Low-fat: Use part-skim mozzarella instead of cheddar
- Dairy-sensitive: Try nutritional yeast (start with 1/4 cup and adjust)
Meal Pairing Suggestions: These treats work perfectly as:
- Training rewards (break into smaller pieces)
- Post-walk snacks
- Special occasion treats
- Medication hiding helpers (they’re soft enough to mold around pills)
Cooking Time Efficiency Tips:
- Double the batch and freeze half – same prep time, twice the treats
- Make the dough while your dinner is in the oven
- Get the kids involved in cutting shapes (they love it!)
Leftovers and Storage
Short-term storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your house is particularly humid, keep them in the fridge to maintain crispiness.
Long-term storage: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe bags with the air pressed out. No need to thaw – just let them come to room temperature for a few minutes.
Pro storage tip: Throw a small piece of bread in the container for the first day to absorb any excess moisture, then remove it. Your treats will stay perfectly crispy.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese? A: Absolutely! Pre-shredded cheese works great and saves time. Just make sure it doesn’t have any additives that might upset your dog’s stomach.
Q: My dog is lactose intolerant. Can they still have these? A: Cheddar cheese is naturally lower in lactose than many other dairy products, but if your pup has severe lactose intolerance, try using nutritional yeast instead or stick to small portions and see how they react.
Q: How many treats can I give my dog? A: Treats should never account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For most dogs, 2-5 treats per day is plenty, depending on their size.
Q: Can humans eat these too? A: Yes! They’re basically cheese crackers. You might want to add a pinch of salt for your own taste, but they’re perfectly safe for the whole family.
Q: What if I don’t have a food processor? A: No problem! Just make sure to grate your cheese very finely and mix everything by hand. It takes a bit more elbow grease, but works just fine.
Q: My treats came out crumbly. What went wrong? A: This usually means the dough needed more moisture. Next time, add water more gradually until the dough holds together when squeezed.
Q: Are these safe for puppies? A: Puppies may be able to eat a little bit of cheese now and then, but you should keep it as a very rare snack since cheese is high in fat and salt. Always check with your vet first for puppies under 6 months.
Wrap Up
These two-ingredient cheddar goldfish treats prove that the best things in life really are simple.
Your dog gets a delicious, crunchy snack that’s way healthier than most store-bought options. You get the satisfaction of making something special with your own hands (and probably sneaking a few for yourself – I won’t tell).
The next time you’re in the kitchen and those sweet puppy eyes start working their magic, you know exactly what to do.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes! Drop a comment below with a photo of your goldfish army, or tell me about any fun variations you tried. Did your dog do a happy dance? Did they try to steal the whole batch? I want to hear all about it!
Quick question: What’s your dog’s current favorite treat? I’m always looking for new ideas to test in my kitchen laboratory (aka my very spoiled pup’s testing facility).
