7 Nutritious Teff Flour Dog Treats for Allergy Relief

Recipe Overview

Let’s kick things off with a flavor combination that dogs universally go crazy for: peanut butter and banana. These bites are simple, packed with protein and potassium, and have a soft, chewy texture that’s perfect for dogs of all ages. The natural sweetness from the banana means you don’t need to add any other sweeteners, and the peanut butter provides healthy fats and a protein punch to keep your pup energized.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups teff flour
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup all-natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 2-3 tablespoons of water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed banana, peanut butter, and egg until well combined.
3. Gradually add the teff flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
4. Lightly flour a surface with teff flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before treating your pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is a guaranteed winner for almost any dog, especially picky eaters who are motivated by classic, rich flavors. They’re an excellent choice for an everyday treat or a training reward.

Recipe Overview

Is your dog’s stomach a little on the sensitive side? These Pumpkin & Ginger Tummy Tamers are here to help. Pumpkin is a superstar ingredient for digestive health, rich in fiber that can help with both constipation and diarrhea. We’ve added a dash of ginger, which is well-known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach and reduce nausea. These treats aren’t just tasty; they’re functional!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups teff flour
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup water or bone broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, and ground ginger.
3. Slowly stir in the teff flour until a cohesive dough forms. Add the water or bone broth as needed to get the right consistency.
4. Roll the dough out on a teff-floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut into small, round shapes (a bottle cap works great for this!).
6. Place the treats on your baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are firm and dry to the touch.
7. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

These treats are the perfect choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who are prone to digestive upset. They’re a healthy, soothing snack you can feel good about giving.

Recipe Overview

If your dog loves a good, satisfying crunch, this recipe is for them! The combination of apple and cinnamon is a classic autumnal flavor that’s both delicious and healthy. Apples provide fiber and vitamins A and C, while cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. These treats are baked a little longer to achieve a biscotti-like crunch that’s great for dental health.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups teff flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the applesauce, egg, and melted coconut oil.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the teff flour and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing to form a firm dough.
5. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. For extra crunch, you can roll the dough into thin logs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. For a really hard treat, turn off the oven and let the treats cool inside the oven for another hour.
7. Ensure they are completely cool and hard before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Perfect for dogs who love to chew and enjoy a satisfying crunch. These are a fantastic low-fat option for pups who might be watching their waistline but still deserve a delicious reward.

Recipe Overview

Give your dog a boost of wellness with these vibrant golden treats. Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which is great for vision health, while turmeric is a powerhouse anti-inflammatory spice. This makes the recipe particularly good for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues. A tiny pinch of black pepper is added to help increase the bioavailability of the curcumin in the turmeric, making it even more effective.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups teff flour
• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• A tiny pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots, egg, and olive oil.
3. Stir in the teff flour, turmeric, and black pepper. Mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Drop teaspoon-sized spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, or roll out the dough (it may be sticky, so use extra teff flour) and cut into bone shapes.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned.
6. Let them cool completely before sharing with your furry friend.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An ideal treat for senior dogs, active dogs, or any pup that could benefit from some natural joint support. They’re a truly ‘good-for-you’ biscuit that tastes great, too.

Recipe Overview

Bad doggy breath got you down? These treats can help! They combine the nutritional powerhouse of sweet potato—rich in vitamins A, C, and B6—with the breath-freshening magic of fresh parsley. This recipe creates a slightly softer, chewier treat that’s bursting with both flavor and health benefits. They’re a fantastic way to sneak some extra greens and vitamins into your dog’s diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups teff flour
• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, chopped parsley, and egg. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually incorporate the teff flour, stirring until you have a soft, pliable dough.
4. On a surface dusted with teff flour, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. These are nice as a thicker, chewier treat.
5. Use a paw-print cookie cutter for a fun shape and place the treats on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm to the touch.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack. These will have a softer texture than the other treats.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

These are the go-to treats for pet parents looking to combat doggy breath naturally. They’re also a wonderful, nutrient-dense option for any dog who enjoys a softer, chewier biscuit.

Recipe Overview

Boost your dog’s brain and skin health with these antioxidant-packed little dots. Blueberries are famous for their antioxidants, which fight free radicals, while coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that are great for skin, coat, and cognitive function. This is a simple, no-roll recipe—you just drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the baking sheet, making them super quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups teff flour
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, gently mash the blueberries with a fork, leaving some chunks.
3. Add the egg, melted coconut oil, and water to the blueberries and mix well.
4. Stir in the teff flour until just combined. The batter will be thick, like a drop-cookie dough.
5. Drop small teaspoon-sized ‘dots’ of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bottoms are golden.
7. Let them cool completely. They will be slightly soft on the inside.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An excellent choice for dogs of all ages, but especially beneficial for seniors needing a cognitive boost or any pup with dry, itchy skin. The simple preparation makes them perfect for busy pet parents.

Recipe Overview

Ready to give your dog the shiniest coat in the neighborhood? This recipe is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to canned salmon and ground flaxseed. These essential fats are crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting joint health, and promoting healthy skin and a glossy coat. The savory, fishy flavor is also a high-value reward for many dogs, making these great for training.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups teff flour
• 1 (5 ounce) can of salmon, packed in water, drained
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, flake the drained salmon with a fork. Add the ground flaxseed, egg, and water. Mix thoroughly.
3. Stir in the teff flour until a thick dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly onto the prepared baking sheet to about 1/4-inch thickness. You can use a spatula or your hands.
5. Use a knife or pizza cutter to score the dough into small squares before baking.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until the edges are brown and the squares are firm.
7. Let the treats cool completely, then break them apart along the score lines.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

These are the ultimate treat for any dog needing extra support for their skin and coat. If your pup suffers from dryness, dandruff, or just has a dull coat, these Omega-packed squares can make a world of difference.

Feeling inspired to put on your baker’s hat? That’s fantastic! Making your own dog treats is incredibly rewarding. To ensure your teff creations are a huge success, here are a few key things to keep in mind when working with this wonderful flour and other allergy-friendly ingredients.

Choosing Your Teff Flour

When you head to the store, you might see two types of teff flour: ivory and brown. Functionally, they are very similar and can be used interchangeably in these recipes. Brown teff has a slightly richer, earthier, molasses-like flavor, while ivory teff is milder and more neutral. If your dog is new to the flavor, starting with ivory might be a good idea.

Picking Dog-Safe Binders and Fats

Every recipe needs something to hold it together (a binder) and often a fat for texture and flavor. Since we’re focusing on allergy relief, it’s important to choose wisely.

• Binders: Eggs are a common and effective binder. If your dog has an egg allergy, you can make a ‘flax egg’ by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes gelatinous.
• Fats: Healthy fats are great for your dog’s skin and energy levels. Coconut oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil are excellent choices. Always avoid butter (due to dairy) and vegetable shortening.

Selecting Your Mix-Ins

This is where you can get creative! Just be sure everything you add is 100% safe for dogs.

• Fruits: Berries, bananas, apples (no seeds or core), and pumpkin are fantastic. Avoid grapes, raisins, and cherries.
• Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and green beans are all great options. Avoid onions, garlic, and avocado.
• Protein: Always use xylitol-free peanut butter. Canned fish (in water), and cooked, unseasoned meats are also great additions.

Proper Storage for Homemade Treats

Because our homemade treats don’t have any preservatives, they won’t last as long as store-bought varieties. Storage is key to keeping them fresh.

• Crunchy Treats: For hard, crunchy treats (like the Apple & Cinnamon Crunchies), make sure they are completely dry and cool. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• Soft Treats: For softer, more moist treats (like the Sweet Potato Paws), it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will typically last for 5-7 days.
• Freezing: All of these treats freeze beautifully! Make a big batch and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. You can pull a few out to thaw as needed.

Is teff flour really safe for all dogs?

Yes, teff flour is considered safe for dogs. It is a naturally gluten-free whole grain that is easy to digest and has a low glycemic index, making it a great choice for most dogs, including those with diabetes or grain sensitivities. As with any new food, it’s always a good practice to introduce it into your dog’s diet slowly to ensure it agrees with their individual system.

How is teff flour better than wheat flour for dogs with allergies?

Wheat is one of the most common food allergens for dogs. It contains gluten, which can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive pups, leading to skin issues (like itching and hot spots) and gastrointestinal upset. Teff flour is completely gluten-free, which eliminates that risk. Furthermore, teff is higher in protein, calcium, and iron than whole wheat flour, so you’re not just avoiding an allergen—you’re adding superior nutrition.

How long do these homemade teff treats last?

The shelf life depends on the recipe’s moisture content. Drier, crunchier treats can last up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. Softer, chewier treats should be stored in the fridge and will last for about 5-7 days. For longer storage, all of these treats can be frozen for up to three months.

Can I substitute teff flour with another gluten-free flour?

You can, but you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe. Different gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently. Flours like oat, buckwheat, or chickpea flour can be good alternatives for dogs. However, coconut flour is extremely absorbent and would require a significant increase in wet ingredients, while almond flour is much higher in fat. If you’re new to gluten-free baking, it’s best to stick with the recipe as written before you start experimenting.