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Pill Pockets for Dogs

Pills falling from top of page with white background

Getting your dog to take a pill can be a nightmare. Wrestling with your dog, having to force a pill in their mouth, only to have them spit it out and you have to start all over.

Pill pockets for dogs may be the answer to your pet medication woes. For most dog parents, one of the most difficult tasks is getting your dog to take a pill.

That’s why so many people swear by pill pockets.They are shaped to make it harder for your pup to spit that pill while chowing down on their treat.

But store bought pill pockets can be costly and full of ingredients that you aren’t always comfortable feeding to your pet. Luckily there are some great recipes for homemade pill pockets that won’t break the bank and you can make them with ingredients you feel safe using.

Just be sure that your peanut butter is xylitol free — xylitol is toxic to dogs.

How to make homemade pill pockets for dogs

These recipes are super simple with a low number of ingredients. The best part is they are actually a dough so there is no baking involved.

Homemade Dog Pill Pockets

9 Treat Balls on a marble counter

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. flour
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • 2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
  • Ground flax seed (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
  2. Depending on what kind of peanut butter and flour you used, you may need to add more or less flour. The consistency should be fairly dry, but able to mix together and hold a shape.
  3. Divide “dough” into balls, this batch makes about a dozen on average- depending on the size of your dog and the pills themselves, you can make them smaller or larger.
  4. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or chopstick to poke a hole in the center, rotate to enlarge hole.
  5. Shape around the end of the eraser to elongate the pockets and make them longer.
  6. Place them in a airtight container and store in refrigerator.

Check out the original post on Pet Coupon Savings for ideas on how to convert them to grain free, organic, or other substitutions.

Dog Pill Pocket

Dog blurred in background behind counter with open pill bottle and pill tucked into a treat

A big thanks for this variation of the pill pocket that comes from 365 Days of Baking & More.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the milk, peanut butter and flour.
  2. Mix until completely combined.
  3. After it comes together well, I found it best to knead it with my hands to complete the process.
  4. Divide the dough into 12 small balls.
  5. I found it easiest to use the tip of a meat thermometer to make the hole and wriggle that around to enlarge the opening.
  6. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
  7. They will keep until the expiration date of your milk.

Homemade Dog Pill Pockets without Peanut Butter

Shih-tzu standing on hind legs with human hand extended giving a small treat

Like humans, some dogs can be picky and not like peanut butter or have an allergy to it. Here is a simple pill pocket recipes that does not use peanut butter.

2 Ingredient Dog Pill Dough

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups oat flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (liquid)

Instructions:

  • In a small mixing bowl, pour the melted 1/2 cup of coconut oil into the 2 1/2 cups of oat flour.
  • Mix with a spoon until it clumps together.
  • Dump the mixed dough onto a non stick surface, such as wax paper or a cutting board.
  • Knead the dough a few times until all the flour has been worked in.
  • If the dough sticks easily to fingers (like the consistency of cookie dough), then add oat flour by the handful. And knead again to work in the flour. Repeat, if necessary, until the mixture is dough-like and does not easily stick to fingers.
  • Wrap the ball of dough in plastic wrap. This step is not necessary, but it is recommended! The plastic wrap seals out more air and moisture so it will stay fresh for a longer period of time.
  • Place the wrapped ball of dough in a microwave-safe container with a lid.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Without the use of preservatives the shelf life can vary due to fridge temp, moisture levels, air tightness of container, etc.

To Use:

  1. Take container out of fridge and microwave on high for 10 second intervals until the dough is mold-able.
  2. Pinch off the desired amount.
  3. Cover the pill with the dough.
  4. Give to your dog just like a treat!

Thank you to Instructables.com for this peanut butter free pill pocket recipe.

Best Foods to Hide Dog Pills in

3 plain hot dogs with no bun isolated on a white background with three slices of hot dog in the foreground

So you don’t have time to make a dough for pill pockets, you don’t have any pre- made pill pockets and it’s time for your dog’s medicine. It’s ok, we’ve got you covered.

Hot dog

Cut a hot dog into 1 inch pieces then use the knife or a chopstick to make a pocket in the center. Place the pill inside the pocket and give it to your dog.

Peanut Butter

Hide your dog’s pill in a spoon full of chunky peanut butter.

Soft Dog Treats

If your dog already eats a soft dog treat, try creating a pocket in it for the pill.

Pill Treats for Dogs

Hopeful these homemade pill pockets will take some of the stress out of medicine time for you and your dog. These pill pocket recipes are so simple and make a yummy treat for your pup.

You can also adjust the size of the treat if you have larger or smaller pills to hide.

For another great recipe, try Homemade Apple Crisp Cracker Dog Treats.

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