Ok, so I just need to say this real quick…
You’re kind of an amazing pet parent. I mean, if you’re here looking for healthy homemade snacks for your dog, that’s kind of elite-level love. ❤️🐾
Because let’s be honest. Most of us love our pets deeply, but when it comes to snacks… the bag of mystery-shaped store-bought treats wins. Not because we want to, but because life is busy and homemade feels like a whole thing.
But here’s the secret…
It really doesn’t have to be. These beet and flaxseed dog treats are ridiculously easy to make, super healthy, and kind of fun to whip up (especially if your dog watches you in the kitchen like it’s Netflix).
So let’s dive into how you can make these crunchy little love bombs for your pup.
Why These Treats Are Actually a Big Deal
Flaxseeds and beets may sound like something you’d find in a juice cleanse, but they’re surprisingly good for your dog too.
And no, I’m not telling you to make your dog a beet smoothie. 😂
Flaxseed is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It’s great for digestion, skin, and coat health. Meanwhile, beets are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help support immune function and give your pup a little energy boost.
Plus, your kitchen is going to smell weirdly good while these bake.
What You’ll Need
This is what you’ll be tossing into your mixing bowl:
- 1 cup pureed beets (cooked or canned works)
- 1 tsp crushed flaxseed
- 3 fresh basil leaves, chopped nice and fine
- 1 cup brown rice flour
And yep, that’s really it.
If you’re using canned beets, make sure they’re unsalted and not pickled. Unless your dog is into surprises, in which case… still don’t. Please. 😅
Tools You’ll Need (aka not much)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Rolling pin (or a bottle of wine, if you’re crafty like that)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie cutter (bone-shaped is cute but optional)
That’s it! No food processor, no fancy tools. You could honestly make this in a dorm room kitchen. (Not saying you should. But you could.)
The Step-by-Step (No Fancy Talk, Just Do This)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that going first so you’re not awkwardly waiting at the end with a tray of treats and a cold oven.
- Mix it all together. Grab a big bowl and combine the beet puree, crushed flaxseed, and chopped basil. Then slowly add the brown rice flour until it turns into a dough.
- Knead it like you mean it. If the dough’s a little sticky, sprinkle in some more flour. If it’s dry and crumbly, add a tiny splash of water. You’re looking for a firm but pliable texture.
- Roll it out. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Nothing too precise here—just not paper-thin or biscuit-thick.
- Cut into shapes. Use cookie cutters or slice it into squares with a knife. Your dog isn’t judging the shape. Just the flavor.
- Line your tray and bake. Place treats on your parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until they’re firm and just slightly golden on the edges.
- Cool completely. Let them cool before handing them to your dog. I know they’re excited. You might even be excited. But wait. No one wants a burnt tongue.
Pro Tips That’ll Save You Time and Effort
- Use silicone baking mats for easier cleanup. Seriously. Just rinse and roll it up. Done.
- Double the batch and freeze the extra dough. Roll it into a log, wrap in cling wrap, and slice it like cookie dough when you’re ready to bake again.
- Store treats in the fridge. Since they don’t have preservatives, they’re best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Dogs can tell. Ok maybe not always, but it smells way better and adds a bit of flair.
- Sneak in other dog-safe add-ins like parsley or a spoonful of plain pumpkin if you want to change it up.
Substitutions and Variations (aka It’s OK to Improvise)
Don’t have everything listed above? Here’s what you can use instead:
- Flour: Oat flour or whole wheat flour can work, but keep in mind some dogs have sensitivities. Brown rice flour is gluten-free and tends to be gentler.
- Beets: Fresh, roasted, or steamed beets are perfect. Just puree them well.
- Herbs: Try parsley, mint, or a bit of rosemary if basil isn’t your thing.
- Flaxseed: Ground chia seeds work in a pinch, but stick with flax if you can—it’s a powerhouse.
You can even add a spoonful of plain peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!) for extra flavor and healthy fat.
Can You Make This Ahead?
Totally.
The dough can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just pull it out when you’re ready, let it soften for about 15 minutes, then roll and bake like usual.
You can also freeze baked treats for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before handing them to your pup.
What About Nutrition?
While this isn’t a human snack (though I can’t promise you won’t be tempted to try a bite), it’s loaded with nutrients that are actually great for dogs.
- Flaxseed: Great for skin, coat, joints, and digestion.
- Beets: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Also good for heart health and inflammation.
- Brown rice flour: Gentle on the tummy and naturally gluten-free.
- Basil: Helps freshen breath and may have mild anti-inflammatory properties.
All of this in one crunchy little biscuit? Yes, please.
What to Do With Leftovers
First, let your dog take the victory lap.
Then, pop any leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge. These should last up to a week chilled, or up to 3 months in the freezer. If freezing, write the date on the container. Because you’ll forget. We all forget.
If the treats get soft in the fridge, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I give these to puppies? Yep! Just break them into smaller pieces. Always introduce new treats slowly and watch for any signs of tummy trouble.
Can I eat them? You could. Everything in there is technically human-safe. Just don’t expect a flavor explosion. 😬
What if I don’t have cookie cutters? Use a knife and slice into squares or strips. Your dog won’t mind. Fancy shapes are for us humans.
How often can I give these to my dog? These should be considered treats, not meals. One or two a day is a nice balance, depending on your dog’s size and daily diet.
Are these crunchy or soft? These are more on the crunchy side once they cool. If your dog prefers softer treats, bake them a minute or two less.
Wrap Up
Making your own dog treats isn’t just healthy—it’s seriously satisfying. There’s just something awesome about baking something from scratch and seeing your dog go absolutely wild for it.
These beet and flaxseed dog biscuits are easy, wholesome, and way better than the mystery meat sticks you find at the store. And the best part? You know exactly what’s in them.
So if you try these, I’d love to hear how it went! Drop a comment, share your dog’s reaction, or tell me if you made any fun tweaks.
Because baking is more fun when we’re doing it together. 💛🐶
