30-Minute Mint & Parsley Treats for Dogs: Healthy Homemade Joy

My dog Max turned up his nose at store-bought treats once too often, and I decided enough was enough. I started experimenting with homemade recipes, and let me tell you – these mint & parsley treats for dogs became his absolute favorite after the first batch! The fresh mint naturally freshens his breath (no more dreaded “doggy kisses” smell), while the parsley gives him a little antioxidant boost. What I love most? You probably have most ingredients in your kitchen already – just simple, wholesome stuff. In 30 minutes flat, you’ll have healthy treats your pup will go crazy for. Trust me, Max now does his “I smell cookies” dance the moment I pull out the mixing bowl!

Ingredients for Mint & Parsley Treats for Dogs

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these tail-wagging treats. I keep it simple because, let’s be honest, who has time for complicated recipes when your pup is giving you those “where’s my snack?” eyes?

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (pack them lightly when measuring)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (flat-leaf or curly both work)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (the chunky homemade kind makes Max extra happy)
• 1 large egg (room temperature blends better)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff you’d use for your own cooking)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No whole wheat flour? No problem! You can swap in coconut flour (use 1/3 cup since it’s more absorbent) or oat flour for grain-sensitive pups. Just avoid almond flour – some dogs don’t digest nuts well.

If you’re out of applesauce, mashed banana or pureed pumpkin work great too. The key is using unsweetened fruit purees – never anything with artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol which is toxic for dogs.

Fresh herbs make all the difference, but in a pinch, you can use 1 tablespoon dried mint and 1 tablespoon dried parsley. The flavor won’t be as bright, but your dog probably won’t complain!

Important safety note: Always double-check that your mint is regular garden mint (Mentha spicata) – avoid pennyroyal or other mint varieties that can upset your dog’s stomach.

How to Make Mint & Parsley Treats for Dogs

Okay, let’s get baking! This is the fun part where you’ll see how quickly these come together. I promise it’s easier than teaching your dog to “stay” – and way more rewarding when you see that happy tail wag!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – this gives your treats that perfect crisp texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, cleanup is a breeze this way).
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, chopped mint, and parsley in a big bowl. I like to really mix them so every treat gets that fresh herb flavor.
3. Mix the wet ingredients separately – applesauce, egg, and olive oil. Beat them until smooth – no eggy streaks!
4. Combine everything – slowly add the wet mix to the dry ingredients. Stir until a firm dough forms. It should hold together when pressed but not be sticky – if it’s too wet, add a sprinkle more flour.
5. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. No need to be perfect – dogs aren’t food critics!
6. Cut your shapes – small cookie cutters work great, or just slice into squares with a pizza cutter. I make bone-shaped ones because Max gets extra excited about them.
7. Bake for 20 minutes – they’re done when lightly golden and crisp to the touch. The smell in your kitchen will be amazing!
8. Cool completely before serving – this is the hardest part because your pup will be begging. But warm treats can upset their tummies.

Shaping and Baking Tips

Want to get creative? Use small cookie cutters in fun shapes – I’ve done bones, hearts, even tiny fire hydrants! Just keep pieces small (about 1-2 inches) so they’re easy for your pup to eat.

Watch the baking time carefully – all ovens are different. The treats should be firm when tapped but not dark brown. If they start getting too dark on the bottom, slide another baking sheet underneath.

Big no-no: Don’t be tempted to bake longer for extra crispness. They’ll harden more as they cool, and overbaked treats can be too tough for some dogs to enjoy.

Pro tip: If your dough gets sticky while rolling, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes – the herbs release moisture that can make it soft. Chilled dough is much easier to work with!

Why Your Dog Will Love These Mint & Parsley Treats

Trust me, your pup will go crazy for these treats – and you’ll feel good knowing they’re getting something wholesome and healthy. Here’s why these little bites are a total win for your furry friend:

• Freshens breath naturally: The mint works like a charm to combat that “doggy breath” – no more turning your head during cuddle time!
• Easy to digest: Simple, clean ingredients mean no upset tummies. Max gobbles these up without any digestive issues.
• No artificial junk: You know exactly what’s in them – no mystery ingredients or preservatives. Just real food your dog can enjoy.
• Perfect size for training: Small and bite-sized, they’re ideal for rewarding good behavior or just showing your pup some love.
• Herb-powered goodness: Parsley is packed with antioxidants, and mint can even help soothe an upset stomach. It’s like a little health boost in every treat!
• Irresistible flavor: The combination of mint, parsley, and applesauce makes these treats smell and taste amazing (to your dog, at least – I haven’t tried them myself!).

Once you see your dog’s tail wagging and their eyes lighting up, you’ll know these treats are a total hit. Plus, you’ll love how easy they are to make – it’s a win-win for both of you!

Storing and Serving Mint & Parsley Treats for Dogs

Okay, let’s talk about keeping these treats fresh and how to serve them without turning your pup into a treat monster (though Max definitely tries to convince me he deserves the whole batch at once!). Here’s what I’ve learned after making dozens of batches:

Storage is super simple: Just pop the cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature. I use a cookie jar with a tight lid – keeps them crisp for up to a week. If you want them to last longer (let’s be real, they probably won’t!), you can store them in the fridge for 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months. Thaw frozen treats at room temperature before serving.

Serving size matters: As much as your dog might beg, these are treats, not meals! Here’s my rule of thumb based on Max’s vet recommendations:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats per day
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): 3-4 treats per day

I break the treats in half for training sessions – makes the bag last longer and keeps calories in check. And always, always have fresh water available when serving treats!

Pro tip: If your house is humid, toss a silica packet (the kind that comes with store-bought treats) in your storage container. It helps prevent the treats from getting soft. Just make sure it’s the non-toxic kind!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about these mint & parsley treats whenever I make them for Max’s furry friends! Here are the most common ones – with answers straight from my experience and our vet’s advice:

Can puppies eat these mint & parsley treats?
Absolutely! These treats are puppy-approved, but wait until they’re at least 3 months old and eating solid food regularly. Just make the pieces extra small for those tiny puppy teeth. Max’s little cousin Milo gobbles them up!

How often can I give these to my dog?
Moderation is key – even with healthy treats. I stick to the serving sizes I mentioned earlier (1-4 treats per day depending on size). Too many can upset their tummy or add extra calories they don’t need. Save them for special rewards!

My dog has food allergies – are these safe?
They’re pretty allergy-friendly since they use simple ingredients, but always check with your vet first if your pup has sensitivities. You can easily swap the wheat flour for oat or coconut flour if needed. Just avoid any known allergens!

Why use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Fresh mint and parsley give the treats a brighter flavor and more nutrients – plus, Max seems to prefer them! But in a pinch, dried works too (use 1 tablespoon each instead of 1/4 cup fresh). The treats just won’t have quite the same “zing.”

Can I make these treats bigger for larger dogs?
Of course! For big pups, you can cut them into larger pieces (up to 3 inches). Just adjust baking time – they might need an extra 5 minutes to get crisp all the way through. Our neighbor’s Great Dane loves his “jumbo size” mint treats!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers – because even though these mint & parsley treats for dogs are healthy, it’s good to know what your pup is getting in every bite. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients and sizes I use for Max’s treats. Every batch might vary slightly, so always consult your vet for your dog’s specific dietary needs.

Here’s the breakdown per treat (assuming you make 24 treats from one batch):

• Calories: 25
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Sodium: 5mg

Important note: These treats are meant to supplement your dog’s diet, not replace their regular meals. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Always check with your vet to make sure these fit into your dog’s nutritional plan, especially if they’re on a special diet or have health concerns.

For Max, these treats are just a little extra something to brighten his day – and I love that they’re low in calories but still packed with flavor and goodness. Just remember, every dog is different, so when in doubt, your vet knows best!

Share Your Experience

Nothing makes me happier than hearing about other pups enjoying these mint & parsley treats as much as Max does! Over the years, I’ve gotten the sweetest photos from friends whose dogs have tried this recipe – from tiny Chihuahuas delicately nibbling to big goofy Labs wolfing them down in one bite.

One of my favorite memories was when my neighbor sent me a picture of her elderly golden retriever perking right up when he smelled these treats baking. She said it was the first thing he’d shown real excitement for in weeks. That’s the magic of homemade goodies!

If you make these for your furry friend, I’d love to hear how it goes. Did your pup do the “happy dance” when they tasted them? Did you try any fun shape variations? Maybe your dog has a special way of begging for just one more treat (Max has perfected the “starving puppy” look).

Every dog has their own unique way of enjoying these simple treats, and each story warms my heart. Whether it’s your first time baking for your pup or you’re a seasoned dog treat chef, these little minty bites seem to bring out the joy in every furry face.

Safety Tips for Homemade Dog Treats

Listen, I know how exciting it is to see your pup enjoy homemade treats, but let’s chat safety first. After years of baking for Max and his furry friends, I’ve learned some important dos and don’ts that’ll keep tails wagging safely:

• Always check with your vet before introducing new treats, especially if your dog has health issues or allergies. Our vet helped adjust Max’s portions when he needed to lose a few pounds!
• Watch for toxic ingredients – never use xylitol (found in some peanut butters), chocolate, raisins, onions, or garlic. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
• Introduce new treats slowly – give just one small piece at first and wait 24 hours to check for any digestive upset or allergic reactions.
• Supervise chewing, especially for small dogs or aggressive chewers. Break treats into appropriate sizes for your pup’s mouth.
• Store properly – spoiled homemade treats can make dogs sick just like people food. When in doubt, throw it out!

The safest treats are made with simple, fresh ingredients you’d feel good about eating yourself (well, except maybe the liver treats!). When you’re baking these mint & parsley treats for dogs, just keep these basics in mind and you’ll be golden.

Print