Chickpea Flour (aka Garbanzo Bean Flour)
Chickpea flour is made from dried, ground chickpeas (roasted or raw). Varieties made from roasted chickpeas have a stronger flavor, while those made from raw chickpeas can be a little bitter. You can pretty much use either in your recipes without any noticeable difference.
Its one of the most nutrient-dense gluten free flours and is high in plant-based protein (contains double the amount of protein as whole wheat flour) and fiber, while low in carbohydrates.
Packed full of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B6, B9 (folate), iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc.
The most even substitution with another gluten free flour is to use coconut flour. Its pretty much a 1:1 exchange. Or you can use a blend of both when creating dog treats or cakes.
Coconut flour is made from ground coconut meat (thats the white part of the coconut). Its a minimally processed low carb, gluten-free flour which is high in plant-based protein and even higher in fiber. Depending on the composition of any particular flour, the fiber content of coconut flour can be between 35% and 60%. Fiber slows sugar absorption and coconut flour can lower blood sugar levels, for at least a few hours after eating it.
Coconut flour may, or may not, have a slight coconut flavor. Pure, organic coconut flour is the most likely variety to be flavorless in this respect.
Coconut flour contains a range of vitamins and minerals including vitamin B6, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin C, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, manganese and selenium. Its also a rich source of amino acids.
Coconut flour is VERY absorbent (absorbing up to four times its own weight in fluid) and if youre using coconut flour instead of whole-wheat in your dog treat recipes then youll need to increase eggs and/or oil, and other liquids to get the dough to the right consistency. If your dog isnt gluten-intolerant try mixing coconut flour with whole-wheat in a 2:1 ratio to compensate for its absorbency.
As many coconut flours do have a slight coconut-y taste, its a good choice for sweeter dog treats, especially those using fruit.
Oat flour is simply finely ground oats and is a nutritious, gluten-free, high carbohydrate, low sugar flour that is easy on most dogs digestive systems.
Oat flour is an excellent source of a range of essential antioxidants (some that are unique to oats), vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B1, B6, Copper, Folate, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Selenium and Zinc.
Oat flour retains moisture more than whole-wheat flour and treats may come out more moist because of that. Its also a good choice to lighten up the recipes which contain other gluten-free flours by replacing 1/4 of the flour called for with oat flour.
Oat flour will stay fresh in a cool, dry cabinet or larder for around three months if its in an airtight container. For longer storage put it in the refrigerator (will stay fresh for up to about four months), or wrap tightly and pop it in the freezer where it will be fine for six months, or longer.
Quinoa flour is, in my opinion, a debatable choice for dog treat recipes, or dog food in general. Its a gluten-free, grain free flour made from finely ground quinoa seeds.
Quinoa flour is a good source of a range of minerals including Copper, Folate, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorous and Zinc. It also contains all nine essential amino acids which are important for health.
This flour has a strong, earthy taste and would be most suitable for savory dog treat recipes.
The quinoa plant naturally produces a chemical called Saponin (to protect itself from insects and fungal growth) and some of this compound remains present in quinoa flour. Some experts believe this can cause irritation and inflammation of the gut in certain people, and dogs. Others dont agree, and evidence either way is scarce. Quinoa and quinoa flour can also be a little difficult for some dogs to digest.
As there are many great gluten-free flour options for baking, I personally choose not to use quinoa flour until the research is definitive, one way or the other. But do your own research and make a decision based on that, there are plenty of dog owners who are very happy to use quinoa flour in their recipes both for themselves and their dogs, its a personal choice.
Sorghum flour is made from finely ground whole grain sorghum, its naturally gluten free and is considered an ancient grain.
Its a good source of plant-based protein, rich in antioxidants and also contains a range of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, niacin, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous and Potassium.
If your dog has generalized grain sensitivities then sorghum flour isnt for him. If its just gluten he has issues with then it might be, but make sure that the flour you buy has been processed in a gluten-free facility.
You can substitute sorghum flour for whole-wheat flour in your recipes at a 1:1 ratio, BUT as this is a grain free flour you need something extra to help bind the other ingredients. Egg whites or corn starch make good binder. Or, mix sorghum flour with wholewheat flour if your dog isnt gluten intolerant.
I was just wondering. I made it with whole wheat flour, but does it come out the same as with all purpose flour?Chefs Answer ~ Yes, the recipe will work with all purpose flour. We typically list whole wheat flour in our recipes due to the fact that it has a little more nutritional value, but, the recipe will turn out just fine.
Is peanut butter good for dogs?
Yes, most peanut butter is safe for dogs. As long as it doesn’t contain the ingredient xylitol, it should be fine for your furry friend. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s toxic for dogs, often used in gum and candy. Using natural peanut butter is a great way to get some good fats into the belly of your four-legged friend!
Peanut butter is a good source of protein, and it also has vitamins B and E in it. However, peanut butter should be served in moderation to keep your canine a healthy weight. Give them no more than a teaspoon per day for small dogs or two teaspoons for medium to large dogs.
While it’s not included in this recipe, oatmeal is generally good for dogs. It’s a common ingredient for homemade dog treats. Oatmeal is considered an excellent alternative for dogs who are allergic to grain and wheat. It has vitamin B and omega fatty acids, which will help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
However, like any ingredients, oatmeal is best if served in moderation. Every day, your dog should have no more than one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of their body weight. If your dog needs to lose weight, serve them even less than that since it’s high in calories.
Can dogs eat flour? | Flours which are not recommended for dogs |
Can you use regular flour for dog treats? You can. While this recipe uses wheat flour, it can be made using all-purpose flour as well. It really shouldn’t alter the overall appearance or outcome of these DIY dog treats.