It’s about time for a puppy update around here! Franklin and Piper are about four and a half months old now, and somehow just keep getting cuter. As a breed, Mini Aussies are incredibly smart and very active which can make for an overwhelming combination. Fortunately, we were well aware beforehand (my family had a total of four of them over my lifetime), so it has been nothing but a joy.

We’re intensely focused on training to a high level of obedience since we plan on toting them with us wherever we go. As intelligent dogs, they pick up training very quickly but without structure they’re prone to troublemaking. Franklin is highly food motivated no matter the treat, but Piper is a little indifferent about the vast majority of foods. So, I bought some darling bone cookie cutters, and took the kitchen to create my own tasty treats for them to enjoy. Let me tell you, they’re both obsessed.

Naturally, I treat these dogs as my own children so what they eat is equally important as what I eat. By now it’s fairly well known that dogs shouldn’t be eating foods full of fillers and added ingredients. Whether it’s their daily food (we feed them Pure Vita Grain-Free) or training treats, I make every effort to be conscious about what is going into their bodies. These sweet potato based treats are good for them and oh so delicious (they seriously go crazy for them).

Grain-Free Dog Treats

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups almond meal
1/2 cup coconut flour
2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
1/3 cup chicken broth (plus more, if needed)

Instructions

Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 225°F. Lightly grease two large cookie sheets or add a silicone liner.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients until combined. Add in the sweet potato and chicken broth, slowing adding more liquid if needed. The mixture should come together into a thick, dough-like consistency.

Divide the dough into two disks and, one at a time, roll out to approximately 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the treats into your desired shape and gently transfer to the prepared sheets. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until set.

Refine Baking Tips

The consistency of the dough may make it challenging to roll and cut, so alternatively, you could form into small balls or logs with your hands.
The treats should keep for one to two weeks, and are best stored in a glass container with no lid. An airtight container will soften them.