Low fat dog biscuit recipe

by | May 31, 2020 | 44 comments

Ideal for dogs suffering from pancreatitis or on a diet

By Bev Cobley for BDWS

A pancreatic diet is first and foremost very low fat but also with no added processed sugars, so as an example in this recipe the only fat is what is in banana and the only sugars are the natural simple ones already in the ingredients, hence no butter, no oil, no honey, no malt and no fats.

Inflammation of the pancreas is generally referred to as pancreatitis. It is very painful for dogs and humans. The pancreas is the organ that produces enzymes that assist with the processing of sugars in the body.

Feeding a dog that has been diagnosed with this is condition can be a bit mind-blowing …but…all is not lost and it doesn’t mean you cannot feed natural or give treats. I like homemade as I know 100% what’s in them.

It is scary, frightening even, when you see that huge pool of blood filled diarrhea and your heart sinks into your gut and your shaking from head to toe then yep, all sorts goes through the brain.

I have had clumber rescues over the years, generally old boys that have had this condition, and I have had to learn and manage food-wise.

But when my youngest girlie, that I have had from pup started, and when I was then feeding low fat but she still was getting outbreaks, I had to start the what causes? What works … without denying her the yummy stuff.

Please, do not self diagnose this possible condition, if you not sure and there is poo looking like unset blackcurrant jam or jelly, then vets asap.

For this recipe we are using Pinhead oats, but you can use rolled oats found everywhere.  Pinhead oats can be bought on Amazon here.  Also using bone-shaped biscuit cutters you can get here.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 medium ripe banana
  • 2 large carrots
  • 28ml/2 fl oz apple or cranberry or vegetable juice (no citrus juice) mixed with equal amount of water.
  • 340g/12 oz of polenta (or wholemeal flour or semolina)
  • 226g/8oz of rolled oats (I’m using pinhead oatmeal)

METHOD

dog biscuit ingredients

1. Our ingredients.

add banana to bowl

2. Add a medium sized banana to a large bowl.

mash banana

3. Mash

grate 2 large carrots

4. Grate two large carrots.

add carrots to bowl

5. Add carrots to bowl.

pinhead oats

6. Weigh out 226g (8oz) of rolled oats or pinhead oats.

add oats to mixing bowl

7. Add oats to bowl.

palenta on scale

8. Weigh out 340g (12oz) of polenta (you can use wholemeal flour or semolina instead).

polenta in mixing bowl

9. Add polenta to mixing bowl

apple juice in measuring cup

10. Add 56ml (2 fl oz) of apple juice to measuring jug ( or use cranberry or vegetable juice (but no citrus juice).

diluted apple juice

11. Add the same amount again of water.

adding liquid to mixing bowl

12. Add your liquid to the mixing bowl.

mix ingredients

13. Give the ingredients a mix.

dough

14. Now is the time to add more liquid if needed. This is dependant on your ingredients. Knead thoroughly. Really work it with your hands.  You want it to be just like a pastry or scone mix

rolled out dog biscuit dough

15. Roll out your dough to around 1/4 inch thick.

dog biscuit cutter

16. And cut into shapes.

raw dog biscuits on tray

17. Place biscuits on baking tray.

dog biscuits in oven

18. Place in oven at 200c (392F/Gas mark 6).

dog biscuits being pulled out oven

19. Cook for around 20-30 mins depending on thickness.

dog biscuits cooling

20. Leave to cool.

dog biscuits in jar

21. Place in dog jar.

dogs waiting for a biscuit

My dogs are trying to tell me something, but I don’t know what!

How to store

As a general guide if meat protein is present in recipe then it will last around 3 to 5 days stored in a cool place.  If it has second class protein in it eg. cheese, lentils, eggs, etc, then they will store for about 10 days in a cool place. You can use cake tins lined with baking paper – greaseproof. If there is no meat or second class proteins present then it will last around 3 weeks before they go soft like human biscuits.

Buy the book!

These dog treat recipes are now available to buy in book on Amazon.   An ideal gift!

dog treat recipe book

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By Jamie Shanks

BDWS is owned and run by me, Jamie Shanks. I’ve been a professional dog walker since 2010. When I’m not walking dogs, I’m usually at home entertaining my three dogs and attending to five hens and my vegetable garden. 

44 Comments

  1. My standard with pancreatitis LOVED these – thank you! Wasn’t sure I would ever be able to make them treats again since her diagnosis. Do you have any frozen treats that are good for the same diagnosis on hot summer days?

    Reply
  2. Do you think coconut flour would be ok instead? My house has to be gluten free and corn free.

    Reply
  3. My miniature Schnauzer has both chronic pancreatitis and is diabetic. He’s on medication daily to control his triglycerides and of course insulin for his diabetes. I’ve been looking for a recipe I could make so he can have a treat oce in a while. Would this one be okay for him?

    Reply
  4. Hi my mums little dog just been diagnosed with pancreatitis would this biscuit recipe be ok for her

    Reply
    • My dog is literally one fussy bitch. But with pancreatitis cutting out most of the treats she loved, finding replacements that are as enticing as them has been difficult. So many in the market say low fat and are actually over 10%! She’d be dead by now!! These are perfect. I already assumed she would hate them and give me “that” look, but was gladly mistaken!! Woofed them up and demanded the lot! I only give her one or two a day and actually keep them in the freezer and take out daily as needed. Thanks

  5. Hi was making these for my dog – German short hair/lab. Been diagnosed with pancreatitis. She is 12. Very good shape weight wise. I live in the US and maybe I messed up the measuring!!? But it is very moist and can not roll out. So I made dropped treats out of them. But would like to roll and make a shape. Any ideas why it would do this ?

    Thank you Elaine.

    Reply
    • Hi my little Chihuahua / terrier ( 5kg ) has just been diagnosed with pancreatitis, she’s 7yo on prescription diet from vet , but want some safe biscuits / treats to give her

    • Recipe say 28 ml = 2 fl oz , method says 56ml= 2fl oz. Then same of water…, i ended up using considerably more.

      Also its fats not sugars that cause the problem in pancreatitis.

      However my ill old dog and sons very healthy young labrador both love these snacks . I have made repeatedly.

    • My standard with pancreatitis LOVED these – thank you! Wasn’t sure I would ever be able to make them treats again since her diagnosis. Do you have any frozen treats that are good for the same diagnosis on hot summer days?

  6. hi my dog doesn’t like banana can i use sweet potato or apple instead.

    Reply
  7. Hi! My 10 year old snorkie was diagnosed with Cushings. On top of it, she is having a second pancreatitis attack. She has been on a prescription low fat diet for 5 years (when she had the first attack). Would these be ok for her to eat? I don’t trust anything from store’s. Thank you!

    Reply
  8. Hi. I’m making these for the first time ☺️
    Can I freeze the dough mixture until later ?
    Or do I have to cook them, then freeze ????
    Thank you ????

    Reply
    • Id cook then freeze

    • Haha they don’t last long enough for my two cavaliers 💗

  9. I made these a week ago and my dog loves them, but they have started to mold. Made with whole wheat flour and followed all directions. Any ideas why they might have molded – cooled and stored in air-tight container.

    Reply
    • Hmm, not sure, maybe it was warm. Put them in the freezer next time and take out one when you need it.

  10. My little toy poodle X Maltese has her second attack and now I’m cooking everything for her. I want to try this recipe but I’m confused about the juice. Ive been told no sugar…

    Reply
    • I am using vegetable stock

  11. Hi Jamie

    My Jack Russel has just been diagnosed with pancreatitis and I have been looking for a recipe to make home-made biscuits with which to feed her, since i cannot afford those sold by the vet. Would these suffice as main meal biscuits or are they simply treats? Please advise. many thanks . Kathy

    Reply
    • These are just treats!

  12. Hi
    Well sweetie how long is a piece of string bless ???? as he a lab he could probably vacuum up a tray full ????…I need much more info on his current diet to be accurate and if you are
    using treats as a training reward.
    Is he on a weight loss diet? He sounds rather over weight which in itself will cause / aggravate pancreatic problems and these biscuits are not ideal in your circumstances…Ask Jamie for my email and send me some pics and I will advise you gladly.
    Bev

    Reply
  13. Hi
    Am sorry to hear this ..hugs
    My generic answer would be yes but in all honestly I need much more information to give you a specific answer.
    Please ask Jamie for my email so we can discuss further and I will help you ( free of charge )
    Bev xx on nose to the wee one

    Reply
  14. Hi, my. Border Terrier potentially had Gallbladder Mucolele, he’s currently on a low fat diet and early indications show this is having a positive effect.
    However, I’m now terrified of giving him anything that may jeopardise this! Do you think these biscuits would be suitable for him?

    Reply
  15. Hi Jamie!
    My Dog is a Lab 3 years old & 100 pounds!
    2 months ago he had his first Pancreatic attack!!

    How many treats can I give him a day????

    Reply
  16. Hi Lesley
    That fat content in bananas is actually very low but they are high in fibre and an excellent source of antioxidants.
    Pancreatic attacks are helped by upping fibre and the gut flora needs help getting back to normality. As bananas are a good pre biotic, especially when combined with oats, they are an ideal food to add to a diet for dogs with liver and pancreatic problems.
    After an attack I always give banana with low fat yogurt and a sprinkling of raw oats; followed by 3 or 4 days of a detox diet of good quality protein and mashed sweet potato.
    I don’t know what your daughter is feeding the wee whiskery one, but good diets are pricey so if you both need any help in putting to a natural diet let me know.
    Kisses on nose xx Bev

    Reply
    • Hi there,
      What a wonderful forum – thanks for doing this.

      I have a dog that has acute pancreatitis and on top of that Addison’s Disease so I have to watch her intake of everything!!!

      I see this has banana in this (high in potassium) would this be ok for a dog with double trouble of pancreatitis and Addison’s Disease?

      Please let me know
      Many thanks in advance
      Mel

  17. My daughter has a 3 year old mini schnauzer and has been diagnosed with pancreatitis and has
    Flair ups I am making these biscuits for her instead of veg oil can I use olive oil also wouldn’t
    The banana cause it to flair up as it is fat.?Thank you.

    EDIT: Sorry didn’t read properly its veg juice instead oil, but still like to know about the banana.

    Reply
  18. why does my biscuits go soft even when kept in a sealed container

    Reply
    • How long does it take to go soft? You could freeze for longer life.

  19. Can I use apple sauce instead of a banana?

    Reply
    • Yip!

  20. Can they be frozen?

    Reply
    • Yes

  21. Hi I made a batch of your recipe for biscuits for pancreatitis, they turned out fine except my dog don’t seem to like the tast.I wondered if you know if it would be ok to mix in half of a bovril cube next time for flavour. Thankyou Alec Reed.

    Reply
    • Hi, no cubes are too high in salt and dogs don’t do salt well. I’ll ask my dietitian and get back to you…

    • Hi Alec
      I agree with Jamie re the stock cube. This condition puts a strain on the kidneys and there is too much salt in them for dogs in general so definitely no for a dog with pancreatic problems.
      I suggest you replace the banana and fruit juice with a skinless and fatless small chicken breast poached in water
      While it is still warm liquidise to a puree …including the cooking water. The shelf life will only be 3 days but you can freeze them.
      If you wish to contact me about your dog, I happy to provide more recipes and advice…please email Jamie giving me details of current health and the diet you are feeding him/her
      at the moment.
      Wishing your furry friend well
      Bev

    • Hi from America. The Bovril cube has a high amount of salt and should be avoided. Too much salt has horrible side effects that include vomiting, seizures and can lead to death. I’m enclosing a couple link for you and others. It is from WEBMD.

      https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

    • You could buy special doggie broth/broth powder and use that.

  22. Hi I’ve made these a few times but are always very hard on top & brittle /rough on top as well , inside is perfect 🙂 please help as really want to master them for my little woofer 🙂

    Reply
    • Sounds like they are a little thick, try rolling them a bit thinner or cooking at a lower heat.

  23. How many does it make?

    Reply
    • I think I got about 40 or so.

    • Mine isn’t a dough. It’s shredded carrots with stuff in it that just falls apart. But it’s very moist. Idk what I did wrong or how to fix it

    • add a pic to the comments. maybe not enough liquid or… I’d have to see.

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