Homemade Dog Biscuits (Martha Stewart)

My old golden retriever, Buddy, had a sensitive stomach. Store-bought treats often led to, well, let’s just say less-than-pleasant consequences. That’s when I started making homemade dog biscuits. The first batch was a disaster – rock-hard and probably inedible. But I persevered, and eventually, I landed on a recipe that Buddy adored. The tail wags and happy yaps were the only validation I needed; every time he smelled them baking, it would set him off into a full-blown happy dance, a sight that always filled my heart.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Drying Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: About 5 dozen (depending on cookie cutter size)
• Dietary Type: Suitable for most dogs; consult your veterinarian for specific dietary needs

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup wheat germ
• ¼ cup brewer’s yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
• ½ cup low-sodium canned chicken stock, plus more for brushing
• Parchment paper, for lining baking sheets

Equipment Needed

• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Cookie cutters (bone-shaped recommended)
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Toothpick (optional, for writing names)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and salt. This ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set this mixture aside.

3. In a large bowl, add the canola oil. This will act as the fat component, providing some tenderness to the finished biscuit.

4. Now, the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Add the chicken stock and flour mixture to the large bowl in three alternating batches, starting and ending with the chicken stock. This method helps to prevent the dough from becoming overly dry or tough. Mix well after each addition, ensuring that the ingredients are fully incorporated.

5. Lightly flour a clean, flat surface (like a countertop or cutting board). This will prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out.

6. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3/8-inch. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to bake evenly.

7. Using your chosen cookie cutters (bone-shaped are classic!), cut out the biscuits. Gather the dough scraps, re-roll them, and continue cutting out biscuits until all the dough is used.

8. (Optional) If you’re feeling creative, you can use a wet toothpick to spell out your dog’s name on each biscuit.

9. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

10. Place the cut-out biscuits onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small space between each one.

11. Bake for 10 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the baking sheets from the oven and brush the top of each biscuit with a little chicken stock. This will help to create a golden-brown color and add a touch of savory flavor.

12. Rotate the baking sheets and bake for another 10 minutes. Rotating ensures even baking since ovens often have hot spots.

13. Now, turn off the oven. Leave the dog biscuits in the oven to dry completely. This process usually takes about 1 ½ hours. This drying time is crucial for creating hard, crunchy biscuits that will last longer and help clean your dog’s teeth.

14. Once the biscuits are completely dry and cool, store them in an airtight container.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter to the dough. Always check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• If your dog has allergies, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with oat flour or brown rice flour.
• The drying time in the oven is critical for the texture and shelf life of these biscuits. Don’t skip it!
• If you want to make the biscuits extra hard, you can reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) during the drying process and leave them in for a longer period (up to 3 hours).
• For a shinier finish, brush the biscuits with a beaten egg white instead of chicken stock before the second bake.
• If the dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Conversely, if the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of chicken stock at a time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These homemade dog biscuits are best served as a treat or reward for your furry friend. They can be given whole or broken into smaller pieces, depending on your dog’s size and preference.

Store the cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before serving.

Nutritional Information

Please note that this is an estimate, and actual nutritional content may vary based on ingredient brands and precise measurements.

Nutrient	Amount per Biscuit (Estimated)
Calories	~30 kcal
Protein	~1g
Total Fat	~1g
Saturated Fat	~0g
Carbohydrates	~5g
Fiber	~0.3g
Sugar	~0.1g
Sodium	~100mg

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking or use oat flour.
• Grain-Free: Use a blend of coconut flour and tapioca flour, but be mindful that these flours absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the amount of chicken stock.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, ensure that your chicken stock is vegetable stock. You could also use water as a substitute.
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a more aromatic treat.
• Sweet Potato Variation: Incorporate 1/4 cup of mashed cooked sweet potato into the dough for added nutrients and a slightly sweeter flavor. Remember to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of flour?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other flours like oat flour, brown rice flour, or even a gluten-free blend. Just be aware that the texture and consistency of the dough may change, and you might need to adjust the liquid accordingly.

Q: Is brewer’s yeast safe for dogs?
A: Yes, brewer’s yeast is generally considered safe and even beneficial for dogs. It’s a good source of B vitamins and can help with flea control. However, if your dog has a yeast allergy, avoid using it.

Q: My dog is allergic to chicken. What can I use instead of chicken stock?
A: You can use low-sodium beef or vegetable stock as a substitute. Alternatively, plain water works just as well, but the biscuits might be slightly less flavorful.

Q: How do I know when the biscuits are completely dry?
A: The biscuits should be firm and hard to the touch. When you tap them on a hard surface, they should sound hollow. If they still feel soft, they need more drying time in the oven.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
A: Absolutely! You can add ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol-free), shredded carrots, chopped parsley, or cooked sweet potato. Just be mindful of the quantities and adjust the liquid accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Homemade dog biscuits are a wonderful way to show your furry friend some love and ensure they’re getting healthy, wholesome treats. This Martha Stewart-inspired recipe is simple, adaptable, and yields delicious results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create the perfect biscuit for your canine companion. And remember, those happy tail wags are the ultimate reward! So, get baking, and share the joy (and the biscuits) with your beloved dog.