Ever wondered what to do with leftover spent grain after brewing a batch of your favorite beer? Look no further than your furry friend! Spent grain dog treats are a healthy, homemade treat option that your pup will love. Not only are they a great way to reduce waste, but spent grains are also a fantastic nutritional supplement for your canine companion. In this article from Canvas Personalized, we’ll provide you with easy-to-follow recipes and helpful tips to make these tasty treats in your kitchen.
Recipes for Dog Treats with Spent Grain
Well, I recently stumbled on this amazing ingredient! It turns out you can use spent grain to make fantastic, healthy treats for our furry friends. The best part? It’s super affordable and eco-friendly too! But before we get baking, there are crucial things to keep in mind:
- Ensure no hops are used in the spent grain dog treats recipe. Dogs should not swallow hops in any form, as they are harmful whether they have been used (spent) or not. For dogs, ingesting any hop could be fatal.
- The second thing to check is whether or not St. John’s Wort was utilized in the brewing process. St. John’s wort, often called Klamath weed, is frequently used as an herbal substitute for hops in brewing. However, it is harmful to dogs.
Alright! Now, let’s discover recipes for delicious dog treats with spent grain that I’ve gathered up:
1. Spent Grain Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups spent grain
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (optional, depending on dough consistency)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the spent grain and flour.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and egg. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add water one tablespoon at a time until it becomes manageable and forms a ball.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into desired shapes for biscuits.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for even baking.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
- Remove from the oven and let the treats cool completely on the baking sheet before storing.
>>> If your dog suffers specific health issues related to the kidney, check out these low-protein dog treats to promote their health.
2. Vegan Spent Grain Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 4 cups dried spent grain (or 4 cups rolled oats)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup mashed sweet potato
- 2 flax eggs (made by mixing 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for 15 minutes to thicken)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the flax eggs, applesauce, and mashed sweet potato in a large bowl. Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add flour and spent grain (or oats), then mix well to form a dough (add 1 tbsp of water at a time if dry).
- Roll dough (1/4-inch thick) on a floured surface and cut shapes.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until they begin to harden.
- Let the treats cool completely before storing them.
3. Spent Grain Dog Treats with Pumpkin
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen pumpkin puree (ensure it’s plain, unsweetened pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg in a large bowl. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats and flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable and forms a ball.
- Flour a work surface and roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
>>> Learn more about the healthy foods for dogs to maintain your pup’s health!
Tips For Making Dog Treats with Spent Grain
Now that you have a ‘pawsome’ recipe in mind, here are some handy tips to ensure your homemade treats turn out perfectly and safely for your dog.
- Use fresh spent grains: Make the treats on brewing day or shortly after for optimal results. If you wait a day or two, refrigeration is necessary.
- Combine with other ingredients: You can customize spent grain dog treats by adding other dog-safe ingredients such as mashed banana, shredded apples, or chopped herbs.
- Check for potential allergies: Even with dog-safe ingredients in the recipe, there’s always a chance your furry friend might have a sensitivity to something. If your dog has known allergies, double-check the recipe for any potential culprits. Common allergens in dog treats include peanut butter, wheat, and dairy.
FAQs about Spent Grain Dog Treats
What are spent grains?
Spent grain, also known as brewers’ spent grain (BSG) or draff, is a leftover byproduct from the brewing process of beer.
Are dog treats with spent grain good for dogs?
A dog’s health can greatly benefit from the high nutritional value of spent grain. It is a good source of fiber, which can aid digestion and promote gut health. It can also contain some protein and essential amino acids.
How long will spent grains keep?
To keep spent grain fresh, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for 2-3 months.
>>>Further reading:
- Best 31 Vet-Approved Dog Food For Skin Allergies You Should Know
- 14 Best Organic Dog Food To Keep Your Furry Friend Thriving
- 12 Best Freeze Dried Dog Food Your Furry Friend Will Adore
So, next time you’re brewing a batch of beer, don’t toss those leftover grains! Spent grain dog treats are a fantastic way to reduce waste, indulge your dog with a healthy snack, and create a special bonding experience. With a bit of creativity and these easy recipes from Canvas Personalized, you can easily transform spent grain into tasty and nutritious treats that your dog will drool over.