3-Ingredient DIY Cranberry Flaxseed Dog Treats for Urinary Health

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you’re anything like me, you want to give your furry best friend the absolute best, especially when it comes to their health. My golden retriever, Bailey, had a little scare last year with some urinary issues, and let me tell you, it was a wake-up call. That’s when I started digging into natural ways to support her, and that’s how I landed on these DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs. They are my go-to now, and I’m so excited to share the recipe with you. They’re super simple to whip up, and knowing exactly what’s going into your pup’s tummy is just the best feeling.

Why You’ll Love These DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs

Listen, I know how overwhelming it can be to find healthy treats that actually work for your pup. That’s why I’m obsessed with this recipe – it’s packed with good stuff and couldn’t be easier to make. Here’s why you’ll love it too:

• Natural ingredients only – No weird preservatives or mystery fillers, just simple, wholesome stuff you can feel good about.
• Supports urinary health – Cranberries are like magic for bladder health, and flaxseed adds that extra boost of omega-3s.
• Super easy to make – Seriously, if you can mix dough and press a cookie cutter, you’ve got this.
• Budget-friendly – Way cheaper than store-bought “health” treats, and you get way more bang for your buck.
• Dogs go crazy for them – My Bailey does a full happy dance when she smells these baking. That tail wag? Priceless.

Ingredients for DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – this is where the magic starts! You’ll need just a few simple things, and trust me, they’re easy to find. Here’s what you’ll grab:

• 1 cup dried cranberries (finely chopped) – Make sure they’re unsweetened! Sweetened ones are a no-go for pups.
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed – Not whole seeds, because we want the goodness to mix in smoothly.
• 1 cup whole wheat flour – This gives the treats that perfect texture. If your dog’s sensitive, you can swap for coconut flour (more on that later).
• 1/2 cup water – Just plain ol’ water to bring it all together.
• 1 egg – The binder that holds everything in place. Plus, it’s a little protein boost for your pup!

That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s get baking!

How to Make DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs

Alright, let’s get baking! This part is seriously foolproof – just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have happy-tail-worthy treats in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries

First things first: grab those dried cranberries and throw them in your food processor. Now, here’s my big tip – pulse them until they’re super fine, almost like coarse sand. You don’t want any big chunks lingering around that could be a choking hazard for your pup. I learned this the hard way when Bailey gave me the “mom, what is this?” side-eye with her first treat!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Okay, now take a big mixing bowl and dump in your finely chopped cranberries, ground flaxseed, whole wheat flour, water, and that trusty egg. Mix it all up with a sturdy spoon (or hey, get messy and use your hands – I won’t judge!).

What you’re aiming for is dough that holds together when you squeeze it but isn’t sticky. If it’s too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time. Too wet? Sprinkle in a bit more flour. Easy peasy!

Step 3: Cut and Bake

Flour your counter lightly and roll that dough out to about 1/4 inch thick – think the thickness of two stacked quarters. Then grab your favorite cookie cutter (bone-shaped is classic, but hearts and stars are fun too!).

Pop them on a parchment-lined baking sheet – they won’t spread much, so you can place them close together. Slide them into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven (or at least your dog thinks so!).

Let them cool completely before serving – trust me, waiting is the hardest part (for both you and your pup!).

Tips for Perfect DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs

Okay, let me spill my best tricks to make these treats foolproof – because even the simplest recipes can use a little insider knowledge!

• Check your flaxseed’s freshness – Give it a sniff! Rancid flaxseed smells bitter and off. Fresh stuff should have a mild, nutty aroma. I keep mine in the freezer to extend its shelf life.
• Roll dough between parchment – If your dough sticks while rolling, sandwich it between two sheets of floured parchment paper. No more frustrating dough-on-rolling-pin disasters!
• Go small for training treats – Use tiny cookie cutters (or a pizza cutter to make squares) for bite-sized rewards during training sessions. My secret? A mini heart cutter from the craft store!
• Test one treat first – Bake a single treat for 15 minutes to check your oven’s temperament. Some run hot and might need a lower temp or shorter bake time.

There you go – my tried-and-true tips from countless batches (and many, many happy tail wags). Now go make your pup’s day!

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Alright, let’s chat about swaps and must-know details! I get it – sometimes you’re halfway through baking and realize you’re out of something. Or maybe your pup has sensitivities. No worries! Here are my tested substitutions and key notes:

Flour Options

Whole wheat flour works best for texture, but if your dog needs grain-free:

• Coconut flour – Use 1/3 cup instead of 1 cup wheat flour (it’s super absorbent!). Add an extra egg white if the dough feels too crumbly.
• Oat flour – Grind rolled oats in your blender until powdery. Use equal amounts to wheat flour.

Cranberry Rules

Unsweetened dried cranberries are non-negotiable. Sweetened varieties contain xylitol or sugar – both dangerous for dogs. Can’t find unsweetened?

• Freeze-dried cranberries – Crush them finely before using.
• Fresh cranberries – Use 1.5 cups fresh (chopped) instead of dried. They’re tarter, so some pups might turn up their noses!

Flaxseed Fine Print

Ground flaxseed is key here – whole seeds won’t break down in your dog’s digestive system. Out of flaxseed?

• Chia seeds – Use 1/3 cup soaked in 1/2 cup water for 15 minutes first (they’ll form a gel).
• Pumpkin puree – Adds fiber but skip the omega-3s. Use 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp extra flour.

One last pro tip: always introduce new ingredients slowly to check for allergies. My neighbor’s beagle once broke out in hives from chia – we learned the hard way!

Storing and Serving DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs

Okay, let’s talk about keeping these treats fresh and how to serve them up safely! Because let’s be real – nothing’s worse than putting in all that effort only to have your hard work go stale (or worse, moldy). Here’s exactly what I do to make sure every treat stays as good as the day I baked it.

Storage Tips

Airtight is everything! I stash mine in a glass jar with a tight lid or a resealable plastic bag with all the air squeezed out. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks – but in my house, they never last that long!

For longer storage, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep for a month. Just be sure to let them come to room temp before serving – cold treats can be tough on sensitive doggy teeth.

Freezing for the Win

Here’s my secret weapon: freeze half the batch! These treats freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I portion them into weekly servings in small bags so I can thaw just what I need. Pro tip: write the date on the bag with a Sharpie – freezer amnesia is real!

Serving Suggestions

Now for the fun part – watching your pup enjoy them! I stick to 1-2 small treats per day for my 60-pound golden. Smaller dogs? Half that amount. Remember, even healthy treats should only make up 10% of their daily calories.

I love using these as:

• Training rewards (break them into tiny pieces!)
• Post-walk snacks
• Special “good dog” moments (like when they ignore the squirrel temptation!)

One last thing – always store them where your dog can’t reach! My Bailey once “helped herself” to a whole batch I’d left cooling on the counter. Let’s just say her tummy wasn’t happy with her life choices that day!

Nutritional Info for DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs

Okay, let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, I’ll keep this simple! These values are estimates based on my ingredients, so yours might vary slightly depending on the brands you use. (Pro tip: Always check your specific package labels if your pup has strict dietary needs!)

Per 1 treat (about 1-inch size):

• Calories: ~30 kcal (perfect for small rewards!)
• Fiber: 1g (thanks to that flaxseed and whole wheat flour)
• Protein: 1g (little boost from the egg)
• Sugar: 2g (natural from cranberries only – no added sugars!)
• Fat: 1g (healthy omega-3s from flaxseed)

Now, here’s my golden rule: Treats should never be more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For Bailey (60 lbs), that’s about 2-3 of these per day max. Smaller pups? Maybe just half or one. When in doubt, ask your vet – especially if your dog’s watching their weight or has health concerns.

Fun fact: Those cranberries aren’t just tasty – they contain compounds that may help prevent UTIs by stopping bacteria from sticking to bladder walls. And flaxseed? Packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3s. So every treat is doing double duty as a tiny health boost!

FAQs About DIY Cranberry & Flaxseed Urinary Health Treats for Dogs

I get questions all the time about these treats – and trust me, I had the same ones when I first started making them! Here are the answers I’ve learned from trial, error, and lots of happy taste-testers (aka my dog and all her furry friends).

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

You can, but there’s a catch! Fresh cranberries are much tarter, so some pups might turn up their noses at the stronger flavor. If you want to try them, use 1.5 cups chopped fresh cranberries instead of dried. Just know they might bake up slightly wetter – I usually add an extra tablespoon of flour to balance it out.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

This depends on your dog’s size and diet! As a general rule, treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calories. For my 60-pound golden retriever, that’s 2-3 small treats max. Smaller dogs? Stick to half or one. When in doubt, ask your vet – especially if your pup’s watching their weight!

My dog has wheat allergies – what’s the best flour substitute?

Coconut flour works great! Use 1/3 cup coconut flour instead of 1 cup wheat flour (it’s super absorbent!). You might need to add an extra egg white if the dough feels crumbly. Oat flour (just blended oats) is another winner – use equal amounts to wheat flour.

Do these treats really help with urinary health?

While they’re not medicine, cranberries contain compounds that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder walls! Combined with flaxseed’s anti-inflammatory omega-3s, they’re a tasty way to support overall urinary health. For pups with recurrent UTIs though, always check with your vet first.

Can I freeze the dough for later baking?

Absolutely! Roll it into logs wrapped in plastic, then slice and bake as needed. Frozen dough keeps for 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Bonus: your house will smell amazing whenever you bake a fresh batch!

There you have it – everything you need to whip up these wholesome treats that’ll have your pup begging for more! Now I’d love to hear from you: Did your dog do the happy dance like Bailey does? Snap a pic and share your pup’s reaction in the comments below!

For more dog treat inspiration, check out these dog treat recipes!

Print