7 Liver-Supporting Milk Thistle Dog Biscuits You Can Bake Today

Let’s start with a timeless classic that’s sure to be a tail-wagging success. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of oats with a touch of sweet honey for a simple, crunchy biscuit. It’s an excellent introductory recipe for anyone new to baking for their dog, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or substitute with oat flour)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup milk thistle powder
• 1/3 cup warm water or bone broth
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and milk thistle powder.
3. In a separate, smaller bowl, mix the warm water, melted coconut oil, egg, and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or your hands until a stiff dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
5. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Use your favorite cookie cutters (bone shapes are always a hit!) to cut out the biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the biscuits are hard to the touch.
8. Turn off the oven and let the biscuits cool inside for another hour for extra crunchiness. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is perfect for the everyday dog who loves a good crunch. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to incorporate milk thistle into their diet. Ideal for pet parents who are just starting their homemade treat journey.

Pumpkin isn’t just for lattes! It’s a fantastic source of fiber for dogs, aiding in digestive health. Paired with the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric, this recipe is a triple-threat of goodness for your pup’s tummy and liver.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (100% pure, no added sugar or spices)
• 1/4 cup milk thistle powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 3 tablespoons of water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, milk thistle powder, ginger, and turmeric.
3. Add the pumpkin purée and eggs to the dry ingredients. Begin to mix. The dough will be crumbly.
4. Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, and knead with your hands until the dough comes together into a solid ball.
5. On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes and arrange them on your baking sheet.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the biscuits are firm and dry. For a crunchier treat, let them cool in the turned-off oven.
8. Allow to cool completely before offering one to your eager pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is a top-tier choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who could benefit from a little digestive support. The combination of liver-loving milk thistle and tummy-soothing pumpkin makes it a wonderfully holistic treat.

For our furry friends with grain sensitivities, this recipe is a game-changer. Coconut flour is a fantastic grain-free alternative, and when combined with the healthy fats of coconut oil and the power of turmeric, it creates a uniquely delicious and beneficial biscuit.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup milk thistle powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the coconut flour, milk thistle powder, and turmeric.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and eggs until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick, uniform dough forms. Coconut flour is very absorbent, so the dough will be dense.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet. Use a fork to flatten each ball in a crisscross pattern, like a peanut butter cookie.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned and the tops are firm.
7. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before storing.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate recipe for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. The unique flavor and texture profile, combined with powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, make it a fantastic choice for the health-conscious pet parent.

What dog can resist the allure of peanut butter? This recipe channels that obsession into a protein-packed treat perfect for active dogs. The addition of flaxseed provides a wonderful boost of omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and joints.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup milk thistle powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, ground flaxseed, and milk thistle powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter, eggs, and water until it’s as smooth as possible. Some lumps are okay.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. These are meant to be thicker, like little pucks.
6. Use a small round cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass to cut out circles. Place them on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This ensures they are dry and hard all the way through.
8. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for high-energy dogs, growing pups, or any canine who just loves peanut butter. The Power Pucks are a substantial, satisfying treat that supports their liver while fueling their adventures.

Sneak some extra vitamins and fiber into your dog’s diet with these delicious veggie-and-fruit-packed biscuits. The natural sweetness of apple and carrot makes these treats a healthy and tasty option that even picky eaters often enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup milk thistle powder
• 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons water, if needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, milk thistle powder, and cinnamon.
3. Add the grated carrot, applesauce, and egg. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Knead it a few times in the bowl.
5. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut into shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hard and lightly browned.
8. Cool completely before storing.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A fantastic choice for pet parents looking to add more whole-food nutrients to their dog’s diet. The Apple & Carrot Crunchers are a wholesome, flavorful treat that supports liver health while providing a boost of vitamins A and C.

Blueberries are little antioxidant powerhouses, fighting free radicals and supporting your dog’s overall immune system. This recipe is particularly great for senior dogs, combining the brain-boosting benefits of blueberries with liver-loving milk thistle.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (simply blend rolled oats in a blender)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup milk thistle powder
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor or by hand, gently mash the blueberries. You want them broken up, but not completely puréed.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, whole wheat flour, and milk thistle powder.
4. In another bowl, mix the mashed blueberries, Greek yogurt, egg, and coconut oil.
5. Pour the blueberry mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
6. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet, like drop cookies.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are firm.
8. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Due to the fruit and yogurt, these are best stored in the refrigerator.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for the golden oldies in your life. The combination of antioxidants, probiotics, and liver support makes it an incredibly beneficial treat for aging dogs or any pup needing an immune system boost.

Tired of sweet treats? Let’s switch it up with a savory, fishy delight! Sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for skin, coat, and joint health. Parsley helps freshen that fishy breath, making this a win-win for you and your pup.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines packed in water, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal for crunch
• 1/4 cup milk thistle powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mash the sardines with a fork, including all the water from the can.
3. Add the egg and chopped parsley to the sardines and mix well.
4. In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and milk thistle powder.
5. Pour the sardine mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a cohesive dough forms. It will be thick.
6. Press the dough directly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Use a pizza cutter or knife to score the dough into small, bite-sized squares.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the squares are dry and hard.
9. Once cooled, break the squares apart along the score lines.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the pup with a more refined, savory palate, these Sardine & Parsley Squares are a dream come true. They are a fantastic, high-value training treat that also provides major health benefits for their coat, joints, and liver.

Baking for your dog is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to choose the right ingredients to maximize the health benefits. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re stocking your pantry for these liver-supporting treats.

Choosing Your Milk Thistle

You’ll typically find milk thistle for pets in powder, seed, or liquid tincture form. For baking, powdered milk thistle is by far the easiest to use. It mixes evenly into the dough and is simple to measure. Look for a product specifically formulated for pets, as this ensures it’s free from harmful additives like alcohol, which can be found in some human tinctures. Always choose a product from a reputable brand that provides clear information about its sourcing and purity.

A Note on Dosing

The amount of milk thistle your dog needs can vary based on their weight, age, and specific health status. The recipes above use a general amount suitable for incorporating into treats, but they are not a substitute for therapeutic dosing. It is absolutely crucial to talk to your veterinarian before starting any new supplement. Your vet can recommend a safe and effective daily dosage for your individual dog. You can then adjust the amount of milk thistle powder in these recipes or determine how many treats your dog can safely have per day.

Flour Power: Which One to Choose?

• Whole Wheat Flour: A great, fiber-rich choice for most dogs, as long as they don’t have a wheat sensitivity.
• Oat Flour: A good gluten-free option that you can easily make by blending rolled oats. It’s gentle on the stomach.
• Coconut Flour: A popular grain-free choice, but it’s very absorbent and requires more liquid in recipes. It’s high in fiber and healthy fats.
• Other Grain-Free Flours: Chickpea, almond, or buckwheat flours can also be used, but they have distinct flavors and baking properties, so you may need to experiment.

Dog-Safe Binders and Add-ins

Always double-check that your ingredients are safe for canine consumption. When it comes to things like peanut butter, always choose a natural brand that contains NO XYLITOL, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. For fruits and veggies, stick to known safe options like pumpkin, carrots, apples, and blueberries. When in doubt, a quick search or a call to your vet is the best course of action.

How much milk thistle is safe for my dog?

This is the most important question, and the answer is: it depends! The correct dosage is based on your dog’s weight and health condition. While milk thistle is generally very safe, you must consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount for your specific pet. They can give you a daily target in milligrams, which you can then use to calculate how many of your homemade treats are suitable per day.

Can I give these milk thistle treats to my puppy?

Generally, it’s best to wait until a puppy is fully grown before introducing herbal supplements unless specifically recommended by a vet. A puppy’s system is still developing, and their nutritional needs are very specific. If you’re concerned about your puppy’s liver health, a veterinary consultation is the safest first step. For a healthy puppy, plain, wholesome treats without added supplements are usually the best choice.

How should I store these homemade biscuits?

Storage depends on the recipe’s moisture content. For the very crunchy, dry recipes (like the Classic Oat or Peanut Butter Pucks), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For recipes with more moisture from fruit, veggies, or yogurt (like the Blueberry Antioxidant Biscuits), it’s safest to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, all of these biscuits freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Are there any side effects of milk thistle for dogs?

Milk thistle is known for its high safety profile, and side effects are rare. When they do occur, they are typically mild and gastrointestinal in nature, such as an upset stomach or looser stools. This is more common when first introducing the supplement or if the dose is too high. Starting with a small amount and gradually increasing to the vet-recommended dose can help mitigate any potential issues.