Coconut Peanut Butter & Berry Truffle Treats
The following information, recipe and photography was created in collaboration with Lauren Schulte. To see more of her bites and meals, visit her Instagram @TheBiteSizePantry.
These Coconut, Peanut Butter and Berry Truffle Treats are a healthy snack specially made for you and your pooch! Packed with Heinen’s freshly ground organic peanut butter, organic blueberries, strawberries, rolled oats and a coconut coating, these poppable bites will have you and your dog begging for more. Thankfully, this recipe makes a ton, so there will be enough to go around.
Our pets are always hanging out at our feet while we’re cooking. Sometimes a morsel or two drops to the floor and we rush to pick it up not knowing if it’s safe for them ingest. Now, it’s not uncommon to want to spoil our dogs with tasty kitchen scraps and they make great kitchen cleanup helpers. I always believed, if food is safe for us to eat, it must be good for our pets, right? Not necessarily! As a dog mom myself, I’m here to put your fears to rest and instruct you on good eats for your pets.
The Good Fruits
For years I thought that fruits were bad for our dogs. That’s simply not the case! In fact, most widely consumed fruits are ok for dogs to eat.
- Apples are an excellent source of vitamin A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs.
- Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and can also help fight off the onset of some cancers in dogs.
- Bananas are another great option as they are low in calories and high in potassium, vitamins and fiber. However, since they have a high sugar content, they should be given sparingly.
- Strawberries and Raspberries are also great for the pups. I recommend blending them with blueberries for a tasty truffle treat.
The Bad Fruits
Luckily, there are more good fruits than there are bad fruits. To keep your pup in peak health, never feed them grapes or raisins as they are highly toxic to our four-legged friends.
The Good Vegetables
Just like humans, dogs should be encouraged to “eat their veggies” too!
- Cucumbers are great for dogs that are overweight because they hold little-to-no carbohydrates, fats or oils. They can also boost energy levels.
- Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts are good in moderation. They are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, but can lead to bad gas.
- Carrots, Celery and Green Beans are a favorite of most dogs as well, especially raw or steamed.
The Bad Vegetables
Whether in the kitchen our outdoors, always steer your dog away from mushrooms. Mushrooms can be very toxic to your furry friend.
Onions are also a “no no” for dogs as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
So, while you’re cooking in your kitchen, let your pup snacks on the scraps as long as they are the “good” ingredients listed above. And of course, if you ever wonder if something is safe for your dog to eat, please consult your vet.
Interested in making this recipe? Order the ingredients online for Curbside Grocery Pickup or Delivery.
Coconut Peanut Butter & Berry Truffle Treats
Servings: 18
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups Heinen’s freshly ground peanut butter
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 Tbsp. Heinen’s clover honey
- 4 Tbsp. shaved coconut (optional, but safe for dogs to consume)
Instructions
- Add the blueberries, strawberries and honey to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the peanut butter and pulse until incorporated, then mix in your rolled oats.
- Using a tablespoon to measure, roll the mixture into bite-size balls and then roll in the coconut.
- Place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour or more.
- Eat right away or store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to a week.
