Skip to Content

How do you use a dash dog treat maker?

What is a dash dog treat maker?

A dash dog treat maker is a kitchen appliance used to make homemade dog treats quickly and easily. It consists of a plastic cylinder with a plunger inside to push the treat mixture through small holes in a treat making plate attached to the bottom. Treat makers come in manual and electric versions. They allow you to create a variety of healthy and customized treats for your dog in fun shapes like bones, hearts, and stars.

Benefits of making your own dog treats

There are several advantages to making your own dog treats with a treat maker:

  • You can control the ingredients – Homemade treats allow you to avoid unhealthy preservatives, artificial colors and flavors found in many commercial treats.
  • Customize treats to your dog’s needs – Tailor recipes to accommodate allergies, sensitivities or health issues.
  • Save money – Homemade treats are cheaper per treat than high-quality store-bought treats.
  • Make fun shapes and sizes – Mold treats into unique shapes like bones, hearts, stars, etc. Adjust thickness to suit your dog’s preferences.
  • Bond with your dog – Dogs love homemade treats and the treat-making process can be a fun activity.

Choosing a dog treat recipe

When choosing a recipe to use with your dog treat maker, consider your dog’s dietary needs and preferences. Here are some recipe ideas to try:

  • Peanut butter recipes – Most dogs love peanut butter. Just be sure to choose an all-natural peanut butter without xylitol.
  • Pumpkin dog treats – Pumpkin is great for digestive health. Look for recipes made with canned pure pumpkin.
  • Frozen yogurt treats – For a healthier treat, try making treats with plain nonfat Greek yogurt.
  • Beef or liver treats – Some dogs enjoy treats made from beef, liver or other meat ingredients.
  • Grain-free recipes – Dogs with grain allergies can enjoy treats made with almond flour, coconut flour or oats.

When baking, aim for dog treat recipes without salt, spices or sweeteners. Check ingredients for anything potentially problematic for your dog.

How to use a manual dash dog treat maker

Making treats with a manual dash treat maker is simple:

  1. Prepare the treat mixture – Mix together recipe ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms. Add water or oil to adjust consistency if needed. The dough should be firm and moldable, not sticky.
  2. Assemble treat maker – Snap desired treat shaping plate into the base of the cylinder. Slide plunger into top of cylinder.
  3. Fill cylinder – Scoop small chunks of dough into top of cylinder, packing it down firmly as you add more. Fill to about 1 inch below top.
  4. Push plunger – Slowly push plunger down to force dough through holes in treat plate. Apply steady, even pressure.
  5. Eject treats – Once plunger is all the way down, remove treat plate to release treats.
  6. Repeat process – Refill cylinder and continue making treats until all dough is used up.

Be sure to push the plunger straight down to create evenly shaped treats. Refrigerating dough for 30 minutes before use makes it easier to work with.

Tips for manual treat makers

  • Use cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking
  • Chill dough before use for easiest pressing
  • Apply firm, even pressure on plunger
  • Avoid overfilling cylinder
  • Let treats fully harden before giving to dogs

How to use an electric dash treat maker

Electric dash treat makers take the effort out of pressing treats. Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare dough – Mix and chill treat dough as directed.
  2. Attach plate – Snap desired shaped treat plate into base of unit.
  3. Plug in – Connect electric treat maker to a power source.
  4. Fill cylinder – Scoop small chunks of dough into top, packing down every 1-2 inches.
  5. Turn on – Turn unit on and let it run, pushing dough through holes in plate.
  6. Stop as needed – When cylinder is empty, turn off. Refill with more dough to continue.
  7. Eject treats – Once dough is used up, remove treat plate to release treats.

Let electric maker run until cylinder is fully empty before adding more dough. Some models have adjustable speed settings.

Tips for electric treat makers

  • Prepare firm, non-sticky dough
  • Pack cylinder gradually while unit is on
  • Use slowest speed for sticky doughs
  • Stop to pack more dough every 1-2 inches
  • Watch closely to avoid overfilling

Troubleshooting dash treat makers

Issue Solution
Treats stick in plate Use cooking spray or flour treat plate. Chill dough before use.
Uneven treat shapes Apply steady, even pressure on manual plunger. Check electric maker speed setting.
Dough leaks around plunger Do not overfill cylinder. Pack dough down firmly when filling.
Dough gets stuck in cylinder Avoid sticky, loose doughs. Chill dough before use.
Manual plunger hard to push Ensure dough consistency is firm but moldable. Use cooking spray or flour in cylinder.
Electric maker motor strains Ensure dough is packed down. Use slower speed for stiff doughs.

Cleaning and storing a dash dog treat maker

To clean a dog treat maker:
– Disassemble all parts
– Hand wash with warm soapy water
– Rinse thoroughly and dry
– Do not submerge electric base in water

To store:
– Place plunger or motor base inside cylinder
– Keep various treat plates together
– Store maker upright in a dry spot
– Do not force plunger through empty unit

Avoid harsh cleaners. If needed, flour can be used to scrub off stuck-on dough inside cylinder. Proper cleaning after each use keeps all parts in good working order.

Fun homemade dog treat recipes to try

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Doggie Donuts

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons water

Mix ingredients, chill dough, and press through a donut-shaped treat plate. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Beefy Bacon Bites

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons bacon bits
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Brown beef, mix all ingredients, and press through a bone-shaped plate. Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.

Pumpkin Apple Cheese Bites

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 small apple, shredded
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour

Mix ingredients and press through a heart-shaped plate. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

Using a dash dog treat maker makes it easy to create healthy, homemade treats that your pup will love. Choose recipes suited for your dog’s dietary needs and preferences. Follow the proper steps to operate manual and electric treat makers. With some simple tricks and creative recipes, you can whip up batches of customized goodies your dog will enjoy tail-waggingly delicious!